(Fairfax, VA) –NAILBA 30, the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies’ (NAILBA) 30^th Annual Meeting, was hailed as a success by exhibitors and attendees alike.

Held November 17-19, 2011, in Phoenix, Arizona the event attracted 1,348 attendees, which reflects an increase over last year’s registrations. NAILBA 30 also welcomed 97 exhibiting companies in 120 booths. The independent wholesale insurance brokerage industry’s premier event, NAILBA 30 featured education and networking opportunities for this specialized community.

“One of NAILBA’s great strengths is relationships,” noted NAILBA Chairman Christi Daughenbaugh. She continued, “This meeting, as always, has enabled attendees to continue the 30-year tradition of learning, networking and doing business together.”

In her address at the Opening General Session on Thursday, Daughenbaugh shared the association’s newly adopted statement of purpose, which is to “serve as the national association of life, health and annuity insurance distributors.”  

Also new this year, the Agency Successor Networking Group (ASNG), featuring 30 members, was launched -  enjoying both a reception and workshop as their inaugural activities. This group, developed by the NAILBA Professional Development Committee, will continue as a self-led study and networking group for incoming agency principals.  

In addition to the ASNG, NAILBA 30 featured workshops covering a wide range of topics including a state of the industry panel, business continuity planning, agency roundtables, social media, and more. Specialized content was also developed and provided by Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), ACORD and the Risk Appraisal Forum.  Keynote addresses from nationally-recognized presenters—author and management educator Jim Collins, Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh, and former Senator Christopher Dodd—offered management and leadership insights, as well as a political perspective from one of the sponsors of the Dodd-Frank bill.

Coupled with outstanding education and exhibiting, the event featured many scheduled and informal opportunities for social interaction between exhibitors and their customers and prospects. Exhibitor feedback was extremely positive.

“I love the passion and energy in all who attend NAILBA. These are people who care about making a difference in people’s lives,” said Debbie Feldick, Director of Meeting Management for Prudential, an exhibitor and sponsor.  

Colleen Horner, VP of National Accounts for exhibitor and sponsor Nationwide Financial, agreed.  “What’s important is not what we do, but why we do it. NAILBA’s Annual Meeting is our opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, customers and friends who are committed to the same goals.”

NAILBA 31 will be held November 15-17, 2012 in Orlando, Florida at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes. For more information, visit www.nailba.org.            

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The National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) is the premiere insurance industry organization promoting financial security and consumer choice through the use of independent brokerage distribution.  NAILBA member agencies represent 250,000 producers who deliver more than four billion dollars in first year life insurance premiums annually. For more information visit www.nailba.org.