Hello!
Thanks for all the great feedback and e-mails supporting our choice of location for the 2010 PICA workshop!
We have some phenomenal speakers, including Steve Crescenzo of Crescenzo Communications, Michael Wilder of UNLV, Sharon Exharos of Realty Executives and Marko Sackren of Red Rock Media Group, Inc. A fantastic group of speakers to re-energize your communication talents.
So, if you've got colleagues who have never attended one of our workshops, why not get them to come on out and give PICA a try? With topics ranging from social media to going green to publication perfection, there is something at PICA's 2010 workshop for every insurance communicator. Any minute now, the official agenda and registration sheets will be posted on our static site. (I'm too impatient to wait...so excited about this workshop that I had to put something up now!)
Plus, let's face it...it's a bargain. I mean really. You want more knowledge and your company wants to be frugal with all expenses - including education. I challenge you to find a better, more informative, fun, well-rounded conference in a great location for less than our tuition! Not possible!
I'm looking forward to seeing you in Las Vegas. If you haven't asked about working this in to your 2010 budget, now is a great time... If you have asked, register early for more savings!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The Look of 2010...
Save the Date! May 23 - 26, 2010
A big thanks to Patrick for another crisp, clean, exciting, dynamic workshop logo!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
PICA 2010 - Las Vegas!
Finally! We can share the GREAT NEWS with everyone!
PICA, Inc. will meet in Las Vegas at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino, May 23-26, 2010, for our annual workshop.
We're working on the details - such as speakers, costs, and more - so that you can share everything with your employers and gain early approval to attend.
Stay tuned and we'll be updating VERY soon!
p.s. Please note: when you make your reservations, you'll need to make it by phone and identify yourself as a PICA attendee both to get the discounted rate of $89 and to make sure your room counts toward our room block requirement. You may not use additional discounts with this reservation.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Question - Social Networking and Insurance...Do They Mix?
Hello, PICA Members and Friends!
One of your colleagues wants to know:
"How does your company feel about allowing agents to use Facebook as a marketing tool? Do you have guidelines to offer if they choose to do this?"
And
"Does your company have a Facebook page? Do you have guidelines you can share?"
If you have thoughts on this, please leave them in the comments section...
Thanks!
-Kirsten
One of your colleagues wants to know:
"How does your company feel about allowing agents to use Facebook as a marketing tool? Do you have guidelines to offer if they choose to do this?"
And
"Does your company have a Facebook page? Do you have guidelines you can share?"
If you have thoughts on this, please leave them in the comments section...
Thanks!
-Kirsten
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Almost...
Are you on pins and needles, waiting anxiously to know where and when PICA will meet in 2010?
Stay tuned, my friends...we're already in negotiations on an amazing property in a place we are positive you'll enjoy.
How do we know you'll like it? Because every year, many of you put this city on your suggested locations list, even though we've been to this city once before...
That's the only hint you're getting!
So, sit tight...we'll have a "save the date" communication coming to you soon!
-Kirsten
Stay tuned, my friends...we're already in negotiations on an amazing property in a place we are positive you'll enjoy.
How do we know you'll like it? Because every year, many of you put this city on your suggested locations list, even though we've been to this city once before...
That's the only hint you're getting!
So, sit tight...we'll have a "save the date" communication coming to you soon!
-Kirsten
Monday, May 18, 2009
We're Thinking of You!
Hello! Your Advisory Committee has PICA on the brain- we can't stop thinking about the next workshop! And of course, that makes us think about each of you...
We're thinking about what you might like, where you'd like to go, what you like to do and see while you're there...we have your best interests in mind. Whether it's figuring out how far the hotel is from the airport, or counting the number of activities within walking distance of the hotel, we've got you covered. We know you'll be pleased with what we come up with.
We hope to have a location to share with you soon. Until then, be well and stay tuned for more PICA news!
-Kirsten
We're thinking about what you might like, where you'd like to go, what you like to do and see while you're there...we have your best interests in mind. Whether it's figuring out how far the hotel is from the airport, or counting the number of activities within walking distance of the hotel, we've got you covered. We know you'll be pleased with what we come up with.
We hope to have a location to share with you soon. Until then, be well and stay tuned for more PICA news!
-Kirsten
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Images of Austin
While there was plenty of learning going on at the PICA 2009 Workshop, we did manage to get out there and have a little fun, too! Here are some photos of our adventures...thanks to Sam for contributing some of these fine photographs.
Our Knowledgable and Witty Duck Tour Guide
Scenes from Austin
The Duck Tour
Our Knowledgable and Witty Duck Tour GuideDinner at a Local Favorite, Stubbs
Scenes from Austin Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Day Three - Open Forum
On the last day of our workshop, we meet to "talk shop." This year, our member-generated topics included how to get our co-workers to contribute articles to our publications, how to best reach our agents through e-mail and other media, how to get good ideas for stories, and who within our companies are responsible for maintaining company manuals.
Here is a perspective on the benefits of our Open Forum, shared by PICA treasurer, Julie:
One of my traditionally favorite segments of the PICA Workshop each year is the Open Forum. This is the time we set aside for all attendees to bring their questions and concerns to the group for discussion. It is the final segment of the workshop before everyone goes back to their companies with fresh new ideas and answers to any questions that might have.
It gives attendees the chance to bounce their ideas off other members and, in many cases, get new ideas from attendees that have already done “something similar.”
It has also shown me over the years where I needed to focus my efforts to remain in step with my fellow communicators in the industry. Every year there is a wide range of topics discussed and a great sharing of ideas. I’ve learned so much during my time spent at the Open Forum.
- Julie
Thanks, Julie! And remember, you can use THIS SITE as an open forum anytime you like. Is there a topic or question you want to bounce off other PICA members? Just e-mail Kirsten - (you've got my e-mail address...For SPAM's sake, I'm not posting it here!) - and I'll post it here on our blog and I'll notify our members that it's out here. We can reply to your question in the comments section. It's your way to keep the Open Forum open all year long!
- Kirsten
Here is a perspective on the benefits of our Open Forum, shared by PICA treasurer, Julie:
One of my traditionally favorite segments of the PICA Workshop each year is the Open Forum. This is the time we set aside for all attendees to bring their questions and concerns to the group for discussion. It is the final segment of the workshop before everyone goes back to their companies with fresh new ideas and answers to any questions that might have.
It gives attendees the chance to bounce their ideas off other members and, in many cases, get new ideas from attendees that have already done “something similar.”
It has also shown me over the years where I needed to focus my efforts to remain in step with my fellow communicators in the industry. Every year there is a wide range of topics discussed and a great sharing of ideas. I’ve learned so much during my time spent at the Open Forum.
- Julie
Thanks, Julie! And remember, you can use THIS SITE as an open forum anytime you like. Is there a topic or question you want to bounce off other PICA members? Just e-mail Kirsten - (you've got my e-mail address...For SPAM's sake, I'm not posting it here!) - and I'll post it here on our blog and I'll notify our members that it's out here. We can reply to your question in the comments section. It's your way to keep the Open Forum open all year long!
- Kirsten
Day Two - Make a Plan to Impress
Here is a summary of our marketing and event planning session, as described by PICA's secretary, Becky:
Event planning and marketing of special events are key components to many of our job responsibilities as insurance communicators. We plan golf tournaments, agent incentive trips, networking events...whatever the event, our goal is to make it a success!
Stacey Rodrigues of C3 Presents was PICA’s final presenter during PICA’s Annual Workshop held in Austin, Texas last month. Stacey brought to the table a template for event planning success. Whether planning a small informal gathering or a huge 3-day festival with thousands of spectators, this template can be used from the initial planning stages to the final execution of the event.
During her presentation, Stacey discussed elements including: researching the logistics of an event, brainstorming ideas with a group, budgeting for small and large items and promoting the event to the right audiences. Finally we talked about the importance of gathering feedback after the event to gain insight on improvements for the next gig.
For me, the best part about being a part of the PICA group is when a workshop speaker opens up the floor for some great discussion! Stacey fielded tons of questions from our group and, in turn, gave us some great suggestions:
Event planning and marketing of special events are key components to many of our job responsibilities as insurance communicators. We plan golf tournaments, agent incentive trips, networking events...whatever the event, our goal is to make it a success!
Stacey Rodrigues of C3 Presents was PICA’s final presenter during PICA’s Annual Workshop held in Austin, Texas last month. Stacey brought to the table a template for event planning success. Whether planning a small informal gathering or a huge 3-day festival with thousands of spectators, this template can be used from the initial planning stages to the final execution of the event.
During her presentation, Stacey discussed elements including: researching the logistics of an event, brainstorming ideas with a group, budgeting for small and large items and promoting the event to the right audiences. Finally we talked about the importance of gathering feedback after the event to gain insight on improvements for the next gig.
For me, the best part about being a part of the PICA group is when a workshop speaker opens up the floor for some great discussion! Stacey fielded tons of questions from our group and, in turn, gave us some great suggestions:
- Think about using Facebook and Twitter as platforms to connect with your audience and promote your event.
- Look to your local community for speaker resources to help curb expenses and stay within your budget.
- When unveiling a new building location, consider a scavenger hunt for guests to participate in to familiarize themselves with the new building layout.
I definitely know I was able to take back a lot of fantastic ideas to my home office in Maryland. I look forward to experimenting with some of these suggestions in my next event – I hope you do, too!
- Becky
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