2011 PICA Workshop in New Orleans is Almost Here!

Hi Everyone –

After months of planning by your Administrative Committee, it’s hard to believe that the 2011 PICA Workshop is finally almost here!

I’m very excited about the program the team has put together and, once again, we’ve taken advantage of our location to get some new and interesting perspectives on the cornerstones of our name – “Insurance” and “Communications.”

On the Insurance side, we’re grateful that Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is able to join us to kick things off and provide his view of the industry’s challenges and opportunities. As a communicator employed by an insurance company, I’m keen on learning from our agent panel about what types of company communications work – and what doesn’t. I think everyone will also be ready to hear something good about the industry when we hear from another area agent, Angelyn Treutel, who will present some real world examples of the difference insurance can make with our customers.

On the Communications side, we’ll also learn about the latest in social media and do some exercises on how to best utilize these ever-evolving tools. Professor Ashley Nelson from Tulane University will concentrate on writing for social media, while PICA favorite Cindy Crescenzo steps up as lead presenter to provide insight on how to make social media work for your organization.

We’re also honored to have Kay Wilkins, CEO of the Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross, on hand to talk about the importance of disaster preparedness and how we can share this information with our policyholders. We’ll also have the traditional open forum as we discuss our own specific challenges while also looking for ways to make PICA a more effective organization.

One program change note: On your original program, we were going to do some volunteer work with a local agency on Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately, and despite some extensive research and investigation by one of our committee members, the original plan fell through and new logistics for this activity could not be arranged. Therefore, you will have some extra time that afternoon to explore more of what New Orleans offers, whether it’s the Audubon Zoo, the new “Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond” exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum, the World War II Museum or a trip to one of the many interesting neighborhoods outside the French Quarter.

In the meantime, I hope you’re excited about this year’s Workshop – and we haven’t even talked about the special charms of New Orleans! Bring your appetites, as the Crescent City was named “The Most Affordable Dining City in the Country” by Zagat in November. We’re not just talking Krystal, either, with some of the finest restaurateurs in the country setting up shop. Of course, the city is also known for its live music, so whether you like blues, jazz, folk, country or rock – there will be something for you to enjoy. Finally, New Orleans was named one of the “Coolest Cities in America” by the search engine Bing – which we already knew.

See you there and laissez les bons temps rouler!


Patrick Faherty
Public Relations Manager - Grange Insurance
Chairman - PICA, Inc.

Headin' to New Orleans in 2011!

Hello, PICA People!

Great news - we've got location, dates and the beginnings of a fantastic agenda for you. Here's a message from our Chairman, Patrick Faherty, (who also made the awesome logo for the conference...thanks, Patrick!)

Dear PICA Members and Friends:

Make plans now to join PICA May 16-18, 2011, for our Annual Workshop in New Orleans!

More details will follow, but for those working on budgets for next year:
• We’ll stay at the Royal Bourbon Hotel, located at 800 Iberville Street in the heart of the French Quarter. We’ve secured a room rate of $139, including for those who would like to check in up to two days early or stay an additional two days. Click here for more information about this property.
• Workshop rates remain flat, with Early Bird Registration set at just $400 for PICA members and $550 for non-members. We will keep Early Bird rates available until mid-March for those of you who need to pay out of your 2011 budget.
• One-way transportation costs from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport (MSY) are $15 on the shuttle and $29 by taxi.

Thanks to the surveys from our 2010 conference, we’ve picked some great topics for the 2011 workshop. We’re still developing a firm agenda that we’re confident you’ll enjoy, including opportunities to:
• Dig into a half-day session about how to really use social media to benefit your company and establish a credible online presence
• Hear from independent agents about their communication wish lists from insurance carriers
• Learn about how New Orleans triumphed over catastrophe and what role insurance played as the city bounced back.

This promises to be a most interesting workshop in a very interesting location. For more information, be sure to bookmark the PICA website and we look forward to seeing you in the Big Easy next May!

Thanks,
Patrick

Workshop Update

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!