The RISE Awards 2023: From Start to Finish

It's been a little over a week since the #RISEAwards2023 and we are still buzzing from all the energy and excitement! Thank you to all of our attendees, speakers, mentors, sponsors & award winners for making this another incredible Leadership Summit & Awards Gala! We wanted to take a moment to recap the incredible highlights from the event, whether you attended and want to relive the experience or missed out and want to catch a glimpse of this remarkable event.

DAY 1

We started off an incredible first day by welcoming our awesome RISE members. The room was filled with contagious smiles as familiar faces reunited, online connections became real-life encounters, and conversations sparked between individuals who had previously connected through our event app.

We dove straight into our first sessions of the day: committee meetings. Each committee brought a unique agenda to the table, including engaging panel discussions, interactive networking activities, exciting RISE swag giveaways, and much more. Attendees were encouraged to participate and join a committee; it really is the best way to actively engage with RISE. Plus, it was a great way for attendees to forge connections early on! Not apart of a committee yet? Learn more here: https://riseprofessionals.com/committees/

Next up on our agenda were a series of engaging workshops. Attendees in all career stages eagerly rolled up their sleeves and got to work in hands-on sessions that offered practical strategies and skills for success. From effective communication to building your personal brand, we delved into actionable tools to elevate our personal & professional development. This year, we introduced an exciting addition: the option for attendees to choose a track that aligns with their interests and goals. Participants had the opportunity to opt for either the Management Track or the Personal Development Track, each offering a focus on relevant sessions and workshops.

One of the absolute highlights of the event is the Speed Mentoring session! Speed Mentoring is like a whirlwind of connections, where you can meet a bunch of senior leaders in an hour. Attendees had the chance to fire away their burning questions about the insurance industry, career tips, and leadership advice. We want to give a big shout-out and a huge thank you to our incredible mentors for keeping it real and generously sharing their priceless wisdom with everyone. Your authentic guidance truly made a lasting impact!

Wrapping up the exhilarating first day of sessions was a truly impactful keynote delivered by Susan Rivera, CEO of Tokio Marine HCC. Susan's message emphasized expertise, hard work, passion, and inclusivity as key factors for long-term success. Invest in mastery, go above and beyond, find your passion, and embrace your authentic self to create an inclusive environment.

The Future Success Panel was an absolute highlight, featuring past RISE Award winners who generously shared their invaluable insights. We had the privilege of hearing from inspiring leaders such as Nicole Velino from Falvey Insurance Group, Tandeka Nomvete from Spencer Educational Foundation, Faith Mason from Arch Insurance Group, and Eric Afre from Allianz. They shared their experiences, discussing how the industry has evolved since their award victories and offering their vision for the future of insurance.

Without missing a beat, we rolled right into the Welcome Reception. As attendees mingled, laughter and conversations filled the air, creating the perfect backdrop for networking and forming new connections. The selfie stations were a hit too, with groups striking fun pses and capturing the awesome memories we made together.

DAY 2

Attendees kicked off the day with an invigorating start, joining us for a morning of beach yoga before the Leadership Summit. It was a beautiful sight to see like-minded professionals coming together, embracing the serenity of the beach, and engaging in mindfulness practices. The session not only provided physical rejuvenation but also set the tone for the day, leaving participants feeling refreshed, centered, and ready to tackle the exciting challenges ahead.

Dave Gordon kicked things off with his electrifying keynote, "Rock Your Role." He reminded us that our work should have a meaningful soundtrack—a purpose that drives us every day. It's not just about going through the motions; it's about inspiring others and making a real difference. "Rock Your Role" was an interactive and inspiring keynote that left us ready to embrace our leadership roles with confidence. Some attendees even left with a signed copy of his book, TIP: A Simple Strategy to Inspire High Performance and Lasting Success!

Day Two was packed with a full day of captivating TED talk-style snippets and immersive workshops led by industry thought leaders. These industry thought leaders, who kept it real and relatable, shared their stories and wisdom with passion and authenticity. Their insights and knowledge kept us captivated, engaged, and left us feeling inspired to take our careers to new heights. We were fortunate to learn from the best and glean valuable lessons that will undoubtedly shape our professional journeys moving forward.

After a jam-packed day of immersive leadership training, we dressed to the nines and started the celebration with the VIP Reception and Awards Gala. It was a night dedicated to celebrating the incredible young professionals, future leaders of the insurance industry, and those making a difference. Excitement filled the air as we came together to honor achievements and form lasting connections. The evening was an absolute blast, filled with joy, celebration, and an overwhelming sense of pride for our vibrant community of rising stars.

Lisa Corless, President & CEO of AF Group, gave the keynote at our Awards gala and left us inspired. Her message centered around passion, purpose, and the power of people. We learned that following our passion leads to a fulfilling life, and our industry offers a platform to make a difference. Discovering our purpose requires perseverance and taking leaps of faith. Embracing diverse perspectives and fostering genuine connections propels us forward. Lisa emphasized the importance of serving others authentically, supporting one another, and making a meaningful impact.

We had the privilege and honor of recognizing and awarding Quynh Nguyen and Jonas Asplund, two exceptional recipients of our #DEIontheRISE scholarships. It was a truly unforgettable moment as we celebrated the bright futures they are carving in the insurance industry. These scholarships not only provide financial support for their education but also offer invaluable mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to the insurance community. Learn more or make a donation at InsuranceCares.org

Nic Gaither of Amerisure Insurance was honored with the inaugural LEAD (Leadership in Equity and Diversity) Award for his exceptional contributions in inspiring a more diverse and inclusive culture within the Insurance Industry. Nic's authentic and passionate approach to fostering equity and inclusion has made a lasting impact, serving as a role model for others aspiring to make a difference. His dedication and genuine care for creating a safe and inclusive space have shaped a more inclusive future for the industry. Congratulations to Nic and all of the finalists for inspiring a more diverse and inclusive culture.

We were also delighted to announce Awais Farooq, CPCU, M.S of Crawford & Company as the Mentor of the Year. This award acknowledges Awais's outstanding commitment to mentoring the RISE community, positively impacting the lives of numerous mentees. Awais's genuine care, investment in his team, and lasting connections demonstrate his exceptional character and work ethic. His dedication and support have been instrumental in shaping the future leaders of our community and creating a positive ripple effect. Thank you to Awais, and all of the finalists, for investing in the future of our industry.

Last, but certainly not least, was the celebration of our "35 Under 35". These outstanding young professionals have truly showcased their exceptional talents, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the insurance industry. They are the rising stars who are shaping the future of our field, and we couldn't be prouder to celebrate their achievements. Their hard work, determination, and commitment to continuous growth are paving the way for a bright future. The RISE team extends a heartfelt congratulations to you, and we can't wait to see what you accomplish next.

The night came to a memorable close with a magical mermaid show that filled the atmosphere with enchantment. We cherished the company of friends, creating unforgettable moments. It was a truly amazing way to conclude the event, leaving us with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who helped to make this event a huge success!

We will see you next year back in Fort Lauderdale at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort on June 4-5, 2024! Save the date!

Cheers,

The RISE Team ??