Posted: 9/16/2008

NAMIC Leadership Forum | May 21-23, 2013 | Madison, Wis.

general information
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agenda
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Event Contact

	Amanda Byrd Meeting Planner & PFMM Administrator 317.876.4282
	Kristen Spriggs Vice President - Member Development 317.876.4234

General Information

The Leadership Forum is designed for managers and leaders of farm mutual insurance companies. The PFMM courses provide education and information on vital issues that will benefit both new and experienced farm mutual managers in the areas of strategic business management, financial management, underwriting, and claims as part of the Professional Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) designation program.

The Financial Management module will be featured this year.

Advanced PFMM classes and Roundtable Discussions will also be offered.

"Great seminar, very nice blend of networking sessions, and additional activities."

-Justin Lear
CEO
Farmers Mutual Insurance Company - Kansas

This event is intended for:

Managers of Farm Mutual Insurance Companies
Leaders of Farm Mutual Insurance Companies
Board Members

Leadership Development Planning Committee

Chairman Susan Taggart, PFMM Company Manager Remington Farmers Mutual Insurance Company	Vice Chairman Bob Abens, PFMM Assistant Secretary/Treasurer Humboldt Mutual Insurance Association	Immediate Past Chairman Larry Bray, CPCU, PFMM Vice President of Reinsurance Wisconsin Reinsurance Corporation
Amy Johnson, PFMM Manager Steele Traill County Mutual Insurance Company	Tom Cannon, PFMM President/General Manager Danish Mutual Insurance Association	Patrick Clark Second Vice President Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company
Daniel Fenske President Mt. Morris Mutual Insurance Company	Jared Carlson Vice President Heartland Mutual Insurance Association	John Dunn Director of Business Development Priority Data
Rick Moss, PFMM Secretary/Manager Mid-State Farmers Mutual Insurance Company	Rob Martin Reinsurance Underwriter Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance Company	Vicki Hongerholt, PFMM Assistant Manager Mound Prairie Mutual Insurance Company
Randy Druvenga, PFMM President First Maxfield Mutual Insurance Association	FMC Board Liaison Rich Schumacher, PFMM President/Treasurer/CEO Century Mutual Insurance Association	Staff Liason Amanda Byrd Meeting Planner & PFMM Administrator NAMIC
Staff Liason Kristen L. Spriggs Vice President – Member Development NAMIC

Forum Registration Fees

Registrations recieved on or before Friday, April 19, 2013 are applicable to receive the early bird discount.

	On or before April 19	April 20 and later
PFMM*	$396	$476
Member*	$495	$595
Nonmember*	$695	$795
FMDC @ Leadership Forum**	$125	$125
Guest***	$100	$100
Optional Activity	$75	$75

*PFMM, Member, and Nonmember registration includes: session materials, all meals listed on the agenda, and food and beverages during breaks.

**FMDC @ Leadership Forum registration includes: session materials, lunch on Wednesday, May 22 and food and beverages during breaks.

***Guest registration includes: Reception on Tuesday, May 21 and breakfast on Wednesday, May 22.

First Time Attendees

We want to know if this is your first time to participate in the NAMIC Leadership Forum. We would like to get to know you and provide you with some insights to maximize your experience. Don't be shy, please indicate on your registration form if you are a first-time attendee. We are excited to meet you!

Accommodations

In accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we invite all registrants to advise us of any disability and any requests for accommodation to that disability. Please submit your request as far as possible in advance of the program.

Registration Cancellations

All registration cancellations and transfers MUST be made in writing. Cancellations received on or before April 21, 2013 are 100 percent refundable. After April 21, 2013, a $25 processing fee will be deducted. Refunds will be issued within 15 business days after receipt of the cancellation notice. No refunds are available after May 6, 2013, so please plan accordingly. You may substitute a participant at no additional charge. Please forward all requests to registrar@namic.org or fax (317) 876-6213. Cancelling a seminar registration with NAMIC does not cancel a hotel reservation.

Registration Confirmation

You will receive a detailed e-mail confirmation upon successful completion of the registration process for this event; please make sure to enter a valid e-mail address on the registration form. If you have any questions regarding your registration, please e-mail registrar@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642.

Questions?

If you have any questions regarding your registration, e-mail registrar@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642. If you have any questions regarding the seminar, e-mail abyrd@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642 ext. 1082.

What to Wear

The suggested attire for this meeting is business casual.

Agenda

The Leadership Forum features courses from the Professional Farm Mutual Manager and the Farm Mutual Director Certification curriculum. This year the PFMM Financial Management module will be featured.

Roundtable Discussions and Advanced PFMM courses will also be offered.

"I always learn something new and am appreciative of that. Any current issues and topics are of interest to all of us no matter the size. We seem to have common concerns."

-Sheila Sjulin
Manager/Secretary/Treasurer
Peru Waltham Mutual Insurance Company

Subject to change without notice.

Tuesday, May 21

9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.	Registration
10:45 - 11:45 a.m.	LDP Committee Meeting/Working Lunch
11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.	Sponsor Showcase Open throughout the seminar to provide convenient access to service providers and industry solutions experts.
12:00 - 12:15 p.m.	Welcome and Introductions Kristen L. Spriggs Vice President – Member Development NAMIC Indianapolis, Ind. Susan Taggart, PFMM Company Manager Remington Farmers Mutual Insurance Company Remington, Ind.
12:15 – 1:15 p.m.	Opening General Session: Farm Mutual Reinsurance Drawing on more than thirty years of experience, our presenter will describe the changes he has observed in the global reinsurance market and draw parallels to changes in the farm mutual reinsurance market. Also to be discussed are reasons underwriters suggest for limiting their involvement in this space and ways companies can overcome some of those challenges. The market factors that impact the price of reinsurance will be explored as well. Tim Hein Senior Vice President Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance Schaumburg, Ill.
1:15 – 1:35 p.m.	Break
1:35 – 2:35 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions PFMM: Financial Management This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. This session is designed to review the basic understanding of the financial issues a farm mutual manager will face. These include insurance accounting, managing the growth of premium, and the importance of rate adequacy. Other issues of importance that will be discussed during this presentation include the understanding of: the importance of adequate surplus and reserves, the effect of unearned premium as a liability, and how to develop a budget and establish benchmarks to monitor success. Mark J. Ellsworth, CPA Director of Growth & Profit Solutions Cain Ellsworth & Co., LLP Sheldon, Iowa PFMM Advanced: Financial Management of a Mutual: Rate + Scale = Profit? (Part 1) As expense ratios among small companies have risen, the costs of replacing property has risen, and investment income is down, it is important to be sure that the rates are sound and will allow for underwriting profits to ensure the sustainability of the company. This session is catered to companies without an in house actuary. Leon Rives, CPA Founding Partner Rives & Associates, LLP Lexington, N.C. Roundtable: Legislative Update Hear NAMIC's position and responses to the issues facing NAMIC member companies at both the state and federal level. This is also a time to ask questions and learn how you can be more involved. Discussion Leader: Irica Solomon Political Director NAMIC Washington, D.C.
2:35 - 2:55 p.m.	Break
2:55 – 3:55 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions PFMM: Financial Management (continued) This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. PFMM Advanced: Financial Management of a Mutual: Rate + Scale = Profit? (continued) Roundtable: Staff Development Learn how to keep your staff actively engaged and ways to further their professional development, even when there are budget limitations. Discussion Leader: Randy Druvenga, PFMM President First Maxfield Mutual Insurance Association Denver, Iowa
3:55 - 4:15 p.m.	Break
4:15 – 5:15 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions PFMM: Financial Management (continued) This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. PFMM Advanced: Mergers & Acquisitions in a Mutual Insurance Company Attendees of this session will take away specific nuts and bolts of potential merger and acquisition strategies, as well as how pros and cons of merging with another mutual. The session will focus on the financial implications of a merger and include case studies. Leon Rives, CPA Founding Partner Rives & Associates, LLP Lexington, N.C Roundtable: Book Discussion on Small Town Rules Participate in a discussion on Barry Moltz's book Small Town Rules. It is recommended, but not necessary, that the book be read in advance of the discussion. You can purchase Small Town Rules at amazon.com Participants of this session will be entered to win a Kindle Fire from Steele Traill Mutual. Seating is limited. Discussion Leader: Amy Johnson, PFMM, AFIS Manager Steele Traill Mutual Insurance Company Finley, N.D
5:45 - 8:00 p.m.	Welcome Dinner Enjoy a picnic-style dinner at the headquarters of Wisconsin Reinsurance Corporation. Roundtrip bus transportation will be available from the hotel. There is no additional cost to participate in this dinner. Please let a NAMIC staff member know if you do not plan to participate. The first buses will depart the hotel at 5:45 p.m. with a second departure time of 6:00. There will be a bus shuttling attendees between the dinner location and hotel with the final bus departing the dinner at 8:00 p.m. Please let a NAMIC staff member know if you do not plan to participate.

Wednesday, May 22

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.	Breakfast
7:30 a.m. - 3:20 p.m.	Sponsor Showcase Open throughout the seminar to provide convenient access to service providers and industry solutions experts.
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions PFMM: Reinsurance This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. This session will be an unbiased discussion of reinsurance from the manager's perspective. Topics to be covered include the relationship between the mutual company and reinsurance company, how to determine the need and type of reinsurance to purchase, understanding the language of reinsurance contracts, and more. Larry A. Bray, CPCU, PFMM Vice President of Client Support Wisconsin Reinsurance Corporation Madison, Wis. PFMM Advanced: Changing Times, Changing Risk – Coverage for Today's Policyholder This session will discuss product development thinking and process for existing and emerging risk, including building consensus, generating ideas, creating focused teams, product research, and product launch/communication considerations. Kevin M. Monahan Senior Vice President – Personal Lines Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company Hartford, Conn. Roundtable: Mutual Branding In this session, we will discuss how mutual insurance companies are different, the appeal that mutuals have in today's marketplace, and the value of promoting the mutual aspect of your company to existing and prospective policyholders. We will also cover the fundamentals of advertising and how to use it efficiently and effectively in promoting your mutual brand. Discussion Leader: Brent Bahler Vice President – Public Affairs NAMIC Indianapolis, Ind.
9:00 – 9:20 a.m.	Break
9:20 – 10:20 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions PFMM: Reinsurance (continued) This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. PFMM Advanced: Managing Coverage Change – A 360° View This session will examine competitors expanding product lines and market trends. Hear from a panel representing various viewpoints such as a company manager, agent, and technology provider. Moderator: Patrick Clark Second Vice President Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company Sparta, N.J. John Dunn Director of Business Development Priority Data Omaha, Neb. Dennis Lendosky, C.I.C. Owner Brechler-Lendosky Group, LLC Fenimore, Wis. Kevin M. Monahan Senior Vice President – Personal Lines Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company Hartford, Conn. Paul Stueven, PFMM Manager/Treasurer Fairmont Farmers Mutual Insurance Company Fairmont, Minn. Roundtable: Features of NAMIC's Web Services This discussion will be centered on the features of NAMIC's Web Services and how they can offer solutions to some of your web-based needs. Examples of past NWS customers and their successes will also be shared. Discussion Leader: James W. Northard Director of Web Services NAMIC Web Services Indianapolis, Ind.
10:20 – 10:40 a.m.	Break
10:40 – 11:40 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions PFMM: Reinsurance (continued) This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. PFMM Advanced: Leading for Results Improve your business results by learning to more effectively lead yourself, your employees and your peers, and positively influence your board members. The presenter's insights about communication, team building, and leadership will lead to breakthroughs in management and employee relations and produce more motivated employees and a more effective work team. Karl J. Newman President NW Insurance Council Tacoma, Wash. Roundtable: Investment Resources Learn about the new resources available to NAMIC members. Also to be discussed are insurance investment trends and developments. Discussion Leader: Tom Karol Federal Affairs Counsel NAMIC Washington, D.C.
11:40 a.m. – 12:40 p.m.	Lunch All FMDC and Leadership Forum attendees are invited to a buffet lunch during this time. All Leadership Forum sessions, including FMDC courses, will resume at 12:40 p.m.
12:40 – 1:40 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions PFMM: Corporate Governance This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. This session will be a review of definitions and developments on the governance structure of mutual companies including policyholders, board members, and officers. It will also explain the various roles and functions of the board of directors and their key duties including the importance of good faith and the relevance of "best practices." The significance of independent directors and conflicts of interest, board meeting practices and issues, officer liability, and the role of the audit function in governance will also be discussed PFMM Advanced: Disaster Recovery Planning Policyholders look to their insurers for help when disasters hit. What can insurers do to ensure they remain able to keep their promises when disasters strike the insurer? To be discussed in this session is how to go about building an incident response and disaster recovery team for an insurance company. Paul T. Martin State Affairs Manager, Southwest Region NAMIC Austin, Texas *FMDC Course: Marketing** (Operations & Insurance Module) In this session, attendees will learn what makes up a marketing plan, the essentials of licensing and advertising, and how to work with marketing representatives. Agent relations and agent appointments will also be discussed. There will be reserved seating for those registered for FMDC @ Leadership Forum. Leadership Forum attendees may attend on a space available basis. Bruce Lidstrom, CPCU* Department Manager, Auto Underwriting North Star Mutual Insurance Company Cottonwood, Minn.
1:40 – 2:00 p.m.	Break
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions PFMM: Corporate Governance (continued) This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. PFMM Advanced: Preparing for Technology Investment Items to be discussed in the session include: what to consider, writing the RFP, interviewing the possible partners, establishing and evaluating key benchmarks for success, presenting to your board for support of the investment, preparing for implementation, and getting your staff on board. Justin Lear, PFMM CEO Farmers Mutual Insurance Company Ellinwood, Kan. *FMDC Course: Insurance Accounting** (Finance & Accounting Module) Grow your insurance accounting knowledge by attending this session, where you'll learn about premium accounting, payment options, cancellation, earned/unearned premium, reserves, financial statements, policyholder surplus, reserve adequacy, and ways to track performance and profitability. There will be reserved seating for those registered for FMDC @ Leadership Forum. Leadership Forum attendees may attend on a space available basis. Jim Halvorsen, CPA* Senior Manager CliftonLarsonAllen LLP Marshfield, Wis.
3:00 - 3:20 p.m.	Break
3:20 – 4:20 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions PFMM: Corporate Governance (continued) This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. PFMM Advanced: Ideas Gathered at Leadership Forum Participate in roundtable discussions with fellow farm mutual leaders for an opportunity to discuss observations from sessions heard earlier in the week. This is also a time to share ideas. *FMDC Course: Corporate Governance** (Management Module) This course will touch on mutual company differences, the policy holder as a customer vs. shareholder, rules under which companies operate, and the importance of committee structure. It will also include a discussion on conflict of interest, D&O and E&O exposure, and financial liabilities issues that may arise from board responsibilities. There will be reserved seating for those registered for FMDC @ Leadership Forum. Leadership Forum attendees may attend on a space available basis. Gregg Dykstra* COO & General Counsel NAMIC Indianapolis, Ind.
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.	*FMDC Course: Role of the Board** (Management Module) This session will examine the role that the board plays in a mutual company as well as the role of the individual directors on the board. You will learn how to define and develop best practices for approaching governance. The role of management vs. the role of the director will be analyzed in addition to learning how to effectively evaluate the CEO. Gregg Dykstra COO & General Counsel NAMIC Indianapolis, Ind.
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.	Optional NAMIC PAC Activity: Micro-Brewery Tour, Tasting, and Dinner* Enjoy an evening at two local breweries with a tour, souvenir, and dinner with beer pairings. The requested contribution is $75 per person. Please contact Irica Solomon at isolomon@namic.org if you would like to participate. *This activity is now sold out. Feel free to check for any cancellations at the registration desk after arriving at the Leadership Forum.

Thursday, May 23

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.	Breakfast
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.	General Session: Past Present, & Future of the Farm Mutual This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. In this session we will review the history and current conditions for farm mutuals. Looking forward we will address some the challenges facing small companies and what modernization might be needed. Chuck Chamness Chuck Chamness NAMIC Indianapolis, Ind.
9:00 – 9:20 a.m.	Break
9:20 – 10:20 a.m.	General Session: Past, Present, & Future of the Farm Mutual (continued) This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. In this session we will share the highlights of the mutual branding study and review the resources for small companies to market and brand for a new generation and growth. Brent Bahler Vice President - Public Affairs NAMIC Indianapolis, Ind.
10:20 – 10:40 a.m.	Break
10:40 – 11:40 a.m.	Closing Power Session: Power of Positive Thinking This session is required for those working to earn their PFMM designation. Tough times have been the norm in recent years. Learn key ways to stay positive and make progress toward your goals in the face of adversity. Understand how to make positive changes and gain new insights into how to approach challenges with an attitude that allows you to take what you've learned and make good things happen. Karl J. Newman President NW Insurance Council Tacoma, Wash.
11:40 a.m.	Meeting Adjourns

Session Proposals

Interested in speaking at this seminar? Submit your session proposal to Amanda Byrd.

Where to Stay

Housing Alert :

The Leadership Forum room cut-off date has passed. At this point, there are limited-to-no rooms available at the Madison Concourse Hotel. The following hotels are located within .4 miles and currently have rooms available. NAMIC has not contracted a block of rooms at these hotels and attendees would be responsible for the prevailing rate.

Hyatt Place
333 West Washington Avenue Madison, WI 53703
(608) 257-2700
Estimated Room Rate: $152 per night

Best Western Inn on the Park
22 South Carroll Street Madison, WI 53703
(800) 279-8811
Estimated Room Rate: $149 per night

If you would like to be placed on a wait list for a room at the Madison Concourse Hotel, please contact Julie Motyka, registration & housing coordinator, at jmotyka@namic.org. There is no guarantee that a room will become available at the seminar hotel.

The Madison Concourse Hotel
1 West Dayton Street
Madison, WI 53703
(800) 356-8293

Hotel Overview

The Madison Concourse Hotel is located adjacent to the Wisconsin State Capital which is not only deeply rooted in state history but a mecca for local flair. Visitors can find unique restaurants featuring locally grown ingredients. Also during the summer months locals and visitors alike enjoy the farmer's market just steps from the Capital. For even more local flair visitors can also visit State Street, a seven block pedestrian thoroughfare located just two blocks from the hotel's front door, featuring international cuisine, coffee shops, and specialty stores.

With a location right in the heart of Madison, near the State Capitol, State Street, Overture Center, lakes, University of Wisconsin campus and Monona Terrace Convention Center, it's easy to see why this is Madison's hotel. With long-standing dedication to being downtown Madison's premier hotel and one of the nation's most successful independent hotels, guests feel right at home. Guests receive a special Madison experience through the distinctive customer focus and perfect location that cannot be found at a chain hotel.

Event Hotel Rate and Cut Off Date

Rate: Each room is $139 per night single/double occupancy.

Leadership Forum attendees are responsible for making their own travel and hotel arrangements. NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at the Madison Concourse Hotel. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until April 30, 2013 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. While NAMIC works hard to secure a sufficient number of rooms, we cannot guarantee rooms will be available. Please plan ahead and secure your reservation as soon as possible to receive the group rate.

Hotel Reservations

To make a reservation, call the hotel directly at (800) 356-8293 and be sure to mention you are attending the NAMIC 2013 Leadership Forum when making your reservation.

Please contact Amanda Byrd if you encounter any problems with making hotel reservations.

Travel Information

Getting to the Madison Concourse Hotel

Located in the heart of Madison, the Madison Concourse Hotel is conveniently located for all travelers. For customized driving directions, please visit their website or your preferred mapping website.

View Larger Map

Airport Information

The Madison Concourse Hotel is located 5 miles, or 16 minutes, from Dane County Regional Airport. The estimated cost for a taxi between the airport and hotel is $15 each way. The Madison Concourse Hotel does have a complimentary shuttle that is available to transport guests to and from the airport.

Airlines serving Dane County Regional Airport

American Eagle
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
United Airlines

Complimentary Shuttle

A complimentary airport shuttle is available to and from Dane County Regional Airport to all hotel guests 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. daily. Please use the courtesy phone in the baggage claim area to let them know that you have arrived. The shuttle pick-up area is located outside baggage claim, Door 5. Please make a reservation at the Front Desk for your return trip to the airport.

Parking

Self-park is available at a reduced rate of $5 per day for Leadership Forum attendees.

Taxi

The estimated cost for a taxi between the airport and hotel is $15 each way.

Driving Directions

From the Dane County Regional Airport
Turn left onto Packers Ave.
Continue onto Pennsylvania Ave.
Continue onto E. Johnson St.
Continue onto E. Gorham St.
Turn left onto Wisconsin Ave.
Turn right onto W. Dayton St.

From the South
Take I-39 North to exit 138B to merge onto WI-30 West toward Madison
Take the US 151 South exit toward State Street
Turn right onto US-151 South/E. Washington Ave.
Turn right onto N. Webster St.
Make a slight left onto E. Dayton St.

From the West
Take I-90 East
Merge onto I-94 East
Take exit 132 to merge onto US 51 South
Turn right E. Washington Ave.
Turn right onto N. Webster St.
Make a slight left onto E. Dayton St.

Area Attractions

For a small city, Madison has a lot of flair. Credit the presence of 41,000 university students, or perhaps the city's designation as Wisconsin's state capitol, or maybe its location between two scenic lakes. Whatever the reason, Madison boasts inexpensive entertainment, city parks, and streets enlivened by bookstores, cafes, and funky boutiques.

Outdoor Activities

Olbrich Botanical Gardens : Stroll 16 acres of outdoor gardens featuring stunning landscapes and Midwest-hardy plants. Visit the tropics in the Bolz Conservatory, filled with exotic plants, flowers, orchids, birds, and a waterfall. Outdoor Gardens are free and open daily. Conservatory admission is $2 and free on Wednesday and Saturday, 10 am to noon.
Henry Vilas Zoo : Truly a wild place to hang out, this free zoo, located inside Vilas Park, features animals from around the world including African lions, South American alpacas and tortoises from the Galapagos Islands.
University of Wisconsin – Madison Arboretum : Since 1934 the Arboretum has been dedicated to restoring the land, advancing the science and practice of ecological restoration, and fostering Aldo Leopold's land ethic. Dedicated staff, students, faculty and volunteers have created a rich landscape, renowned for its prairies, savannas, forests and wetlands -- and for the beauty of its gardens in spring with lilacs, magnolias and crabapples.
Tenney Park : With its friendly atmosphere and impressive display of storybook scenery Tenney Park serves as a place to socialize, a peaceful recluse, and a place to just be. It's an excellent place to watch boats launch, seagulls flock, let the children play at the park, or just catch up on some reading. Under the narrative trees share a picnic on the plush, green grass while enjoying the seemingly endless horizon of Lake Mendota. Tenney Park is also a fantastic place to toss out a line for fishing, swim at the beach, or play a game of one of your favorite sports such as soccer, softball, or volleyball. Take stroll down the winding paths by foot, by bicycle, or rollerblades.
Ice Age National Scenic Trail : This hiking trail passes some fascinating geological formations formed by the recession of giant glaciers during the Ice Age, between 70,000 to 10,000 years ago.

Museums

Madison's Children's Museum : The new Madison Children's Museum is an award-winning destination for fun family activities and hands-on learning! Visit the inventive city of Possible-opolis for ages 6 and up, and the four-season Rooftop Ramble, with animals and gardens. Kids under 5 have a place of their own in the Wildernest, a global village made with natural, local materials. There's always something new to do at Madison Children's Museum, where their mission is to connect children with their family, their community, and the world beyond through discovery learning and creative play.
Chazen Museum of Art: One of the largest urban parks in the United States. At 1,371 acres, it is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York City. In 1904, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the greatest of the World's Fairs, drew more than 19 million visitors from around the world. Home to the Art Museum, Science Center, Zoo, Jewel Box greenhouse, History Museum, The Muny theatre, 7.5-mile biking, jogging and skating path, skating rink and lakes. FREE.

Shopping

State Street: This seven-block bustling thoroughfare, which runs between Capitol Square and the University of Wisconsin, buzzes with activity day and night, offering a diverse array of coffeehouses, ethnic restaurants, bookstores, art galleries and specialty shops.

For more information on things to do while in Madison, please visit the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau at http://www.visitmadison.com/.

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Leadership Forum is the executive event for leaders and upper level staff within the farm mutual insurance industry. An entire module of the PFMM curriculum is featured along with advanced topics, roundtable discussions, and FMDC courses for board members.

Our most popular sponsorships for this event include:

Refreshment Breaks: Starting at $1,000
Badge Agenda: Starting at $2,000
Breakfast: Starting at $2,000
Audiovisual: Starting at $2,500
Luncheon: Starting at $3,000
Floor Cling Signage: Starting at $3,500
Sponsorship Showcase Tables: $1,000 with any sponsorship. This event will feature a sponsor showcase for 2013. The showcase tables are located in the event foyer space and allow sponsors to network with the attendees during breaks and other times when educational sessions are not being held.

Please note this is not a complete menu of options and some opportunities may have been reserved. We will be happy to help you select a successful alternative or develop a custom option for your company.

For more information, contact Amy Thornburg, advertising, sponsorship and exhibit hall manager at (800) 336-2642, ext. 1026 or at athornburg@namic.org If you would like to learn more about NAMIC's sponsorship and advertising program, please click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the suggested attire for business and social gatherings?
Conference Sessions – Business casual
Social Gatherings – Business casual

Do I have to be a Profession Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) to attend this seminar?
You do not have to be a PFMM to attend this seminar. However a majority of attendees have either earned their PFMM or are working towards earning their PFMM. If you are interested in the topics that are being presented at this seminar and have not enrolled to be a PFMM, you can download the application here, or you can fill out an application onsite in Madison. There is a one-time $50 administrative fee associated with the application. Please click here to learn more about the PFMM designation or you may email pfmm@namic.org with questions.

What is the difference between the PFMM Courses and the PFMM Advanced Courses?
The PFMM Courses are designed for those attendees who are working toward earning their PFMM designation. This year the Financial Management module will be offered. To receive credit for completion of this module, you must attend all PFMM Courses and all General Sessions.

The PFMM Advanced Courses are designed for those who have already earned their PFMM and are working to maintain their designation or those not interested in the PFMM designation. The topics covered during the advanced sessions are designed to provide attendees with more in-depth insight and discussion of issues facing farm mutual managers.

Do I have to attend the same type of session during every time slot?
No you do not. The only sessions that are required are the PFMM courses for those who are working towards their PFMM designation. Other attendees may attend either PFMM advanced sessions or roundtables. There does not have to be consistency in the types of sessions you choose to attend. For example, if the first session you attend on Wednesday is a PFMM advanced course, you are free to attend either a PFMM advanced course or roundtable next. We encourage you to attend courses that you will find most beneficial.

What registration payment options are available?
The online registration system accepts credit card payments, check payments and multiple registrations under the same payment method.

When and how is registration confirmation sent?
Confirmation is sent via email so please enter a valid email address. If registering more than one person at a time you will need to forward the confirmation email to each delegate. You will receive your confirmation the quickest if you are paying online. Confirmation will be sent immediately after you submit your credit card information.

Does my registration include a hotel reservation?
No, you will need to contact the Madison Concourse Hotel to make a room reservation. NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at the Madison Concourse Hotel. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until April 30, 2013 or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. While AMIC studies past attendance trends and the needs of our members, we cannot guarantee rooms will be available. Please plan ahead and secure your reservation as soon as possible to receive the group rate. Refer to the NAMIC 2013 Leadership Forum group rate when making your reservation at the hotel.

What is the weather like this time of the year in Madison?
In May, the average daytime high is 69 F with average evening lows of 46 F.