PIA of Florida's Conference & Trade Show - The Next Wave

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Designed to Move You Forward!

Join us in sunny St. Pete Beach, Florida, for a refreshing and inspiring retreat from your everyday routine. This is your chance to recharge, learn, and connect with fellow insurance professionals who share your drive for growth and innovation.

PIA of Florida is proud to present The Next Wave: Profitability & Possibilities — a boutique-style event that blends education, collaboration, and a little Florida fun.

Over two days, you’ll gain actionable insights, explore the latest market trends, experience live technology demos, and network with agency leaders, carriers, and industry partners — all against the backdrop of Florida’s breathtaking Gulf Coast.

Set your sights on the horizon. The future is bright — and it starts at The Next Wave.



Ways to get Involved:

 

 

ATTEND

ATTEND - 

We can't wait for you to join us at the beach for an exciting 2 days packed with Networking, Continuing Education, Industry Insights/Updates & Demos. Click here to Register now!

EXHIBIT

EXHIBIT

The Trade Show will have a total of 45 exhibitor spaces available, with limited spaces for each vendor type. 

Review the Brochure here and join us in February as an exhibitor! Email sdeboer@pianational.org to secure your exhibitor table and demo time.

SPONSOR

SPONSOR -

Help PIA of Florida champion independent insurance agents and shape what’s next. Sponsor a session, demo, networking event, or on-site feature at The Next Wave: Profitability & Possibilities and put your brand in front of agency owners, independent agents, industry advocates, and solution partners—all in a high-engagement, boutique setting.

View our Sponsorship/Exhibitor Brochure HereEmail sdeboer@pianational.org to secure your exhibitor table and demo time.

 

 

Agenda:

 

 

February 23, 2026

8:30 am - 4:30 pm 

 

CPIA 1 (Position for Success); TBD (7 CE)

10:00 am - 12:00 pm

 

 

Flood Risk Uncovered: Modern Tools, Coverage Solutions & Client Communication - Nick Lamparelli, Insurance Nerds (2 CE)

Sponsored by Hartford Flood

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

 

Lunch  

Sponsored by Florida Surplus Lines Service Office

1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

 

Law & Ethics 4 HR Update; Instructor: Tony Becerra, Hilda Tucker Insurance School (4 CE)

3:30 PM

 

Exhibitor Move-in

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

 

Welcome Reception; TradeWinds South Lawn

7:00 PM

 

Networking Dinner (Optional)/Dinner on your own

 

 

February 24, 2026

8:00 am - 8:50 am

 

Breakfast

9:00 am - 10:15 am 

 

How to Grow Your Book in 2026; Kelly Donahue-Piro, Agency Performance Partners

10:15 am-11:15 am

 

Trade Show Open; Demos

11:15 am -12:30 pm 

 

Agency Panel; Moderator - Keith Savino; Participants - Billy Wagner, Chris Paradiso & David Carothers

12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

 

Lunch and Trade Show Open; Demos

12:45 pm - 1:15 pm

 

Advocacy Update; Lisa Miller, Lisa Miller & Associates

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

 

Member Annual Meeting

2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

 

AI Readiness & Risks Workshop: Secure Adoption for the Modern Agency; Moderator: Mitch Gibson; Participants - Vic Yeh, Daniel Metcalf, Peter Macdonald, & more to be announced

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

 

Trade Show and Cocktail Hour

 

Demo Schedule

 

Tuesday, February 24 
10:15 AMTBD
10:45 AMTBD
1:00 PMTBD
1:30 PMTBD
3:30 PMTBD
4:00 PMTBD
4:30 PMTBD

 

 

Gain invaluable knowledge and discover fresh perspectives to elevate your career. 

The PIA of Florida Conference & Trade Show not only offers exceptional learning opportunities but also unparalleled networking with industry partners. Connect with like-minded professionals, share ideas, and form strategic alliances to drive your business forward. Our dedicated networking sessions provide the perfect setting to forge meaningful connections, equipping you and your agency with the skills and knowledge to tackle future challenges.

 

Our Exhibitors

 

Join us in February, to explore our highly anticipated Trade Show and visit your favorite company's booth or find just what your Agency has been looking for with one of our 45 exhibitors...

 

 

 

 

Our Instructors

 

 

CPIA Instructor - Coming soon!

Coming Soon...

 

 

Nick Lamparelli

Nick Lamparelli is a 20+ year veteran of the insurance wars. He has a unique vantage point on the insurance industry. From selling home & auto insurance, helping companies with commercial insurance, to being an underwriter with an excess & surplus lines wholesaler, to catastrophe modeling, Nick has vast experience in the industry. Over past 10 years, Nick has been focused on the insurance analytics of natural catastrophes and big data. Nick serves as the Chief Evangelist of The Insurance Nerds.

Tony Becerra
Anthony "Tony" Becerra, a native Floridian, boasts a diverse professional journey encompassing the automotive and insurance industries. Starting in the car business, he transitioned to insurance in 1998. initially with New York Life then Aflac, and finally he opened an independent agency. In 2007, he embraced the opportunity to work with the Hilda Tucker Insurance School in Orlando, specializing in pre-licensing and continuing education classes. Anthony's engaging teaching style has empowered countless individuals to obtain and maintain their Florida insurance licenses. His passion for teaching dates back to the 90s, discovered during his early career in the car business. Beyond education, Anthony co-owns and manages two insurance agencies with his wife and sister, primarily focusing on health insurance. This dual commitment showcases Anthony's multifaceted expertise and dedication to positively impacting both professional and personal spheres.

 

Our Speakers

Kelly Donahue-Piro

As Founder and President of insurance consulting and training firm Agency Performance Partners, for more than a decade Kelly Donahue-Piro has been inspiring clients and conference attendees alike to be “Ridiculously Amazing.” An empathetic visionary, Kelly sees herself and her team not just as expert advisors but as a “BFF” to agency owners, coming alongside with an arm around the shoulder when times are tough and a round of high-fives when success rolls in.

kelly donahue-piro headshot

Lisa Miller

As a former deputy insurance commissioner, Lisa represents and advises property insurance companies representing 25% of Florida’s six million personal and commercial residential policies.  She served as lead advisor to Florida’s Property and Casualty Insurance Fraud Task Force and serves as regulatory consultant to investors who are entering Florida’s insurance market.  Lisa served for 10 years as the exclusive insurance lobbyist and technical consultant for the Florida Realtors association with 140,000 members in all Florida counties.

Lisa Miller

 

 

Agency Panel - Panelists

Keith Savino - Moderator

Keith Savino is the Managing Partner of Broadfield Insurance Group and a nationally recognized leader in the insurance industry with more than 35 years of experience. Known for his deep expertise in insurance operations, technology, and agency growth, Keith has played a pivotal role in helping agencies modernize, strengthen profitability, and navigate an evolving market. He is a past national president of the PIA, a long-time advocate for independent agents, and an influential voice in advancing cyber, data, and insurtech initiatives across the industry. With a passion for empowering agencies through innovation and strategic insight, Keith continues to shape the future of independent insurance distribution.

Chris Paradiso

Chris Paradiso is the founder of Paradiso Insurance and one of the most influential voices in the independent agency channel. A passionate advocate for digital marketing, culture-driven leadership, and customer experience, Chris has built one of the most recognized and fast-growing independent agencies in the country. He is also the creator of Paradiso Presents, where he trains and inspires agents nationwide to grow through branding, technology, and community-focused service. Known for his authenticity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the insurance industry, Chris continues to empower agencies to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing marketplace.


 

David Carothers

David R. Carothers, CIC, CRM, is the Principal of Florida Risk Partners and a nationally recognized leader in insurance sales, marketing, and agency development. He is the founder of Killing Commercial Insurance Training, host of The Power Producers Podcast, creator and producer of The Protégé, and the author of the international best-seller The Extra 2 Minutes as well as The Dirty 130. David also leads several businesses within the Game Changers portfolio, supporting marketing, funding solutions, and content distribution across the industry. With nearly two decades of experience in risk management and a track record of building high-performance commercial agencies, David is a sought-after keynote speaker and educator known for his direct, practical, and highly effective approach to sales and leadership.

Billy Wagner

Billy Wagner is a franchise pioneer with Brightway Insurance, where he has built one of the organization’s top-performing agencies and earned national recognition for his leadership and operational excellence. As a coach, speaker, and author of Business Masterclass, Billy is committed to helping entrepreneurs and agency owners elevate their performance, culture, and customer experience. He leads The Business Mastermind Group, where he mentors business leaders on accountability, structure, and long-term success. Known for his disciplined approach, community focus, and passion for personal growth, Billy continues to inspire and influence professionals across the independent agency channel.

AI Workshop

Mitch Gibson - Moderator

Mitch Gibson is a dedicated insurance professional, speaker, and host of the popular MVP Podcast, where he highlights the stories, strategies, and journeys of top performers inside and outside the insurance industry. After launching his career with Gibson Insurance Group, Mitch has become known for his authenticity, energetic approach, and passion for helping agents elevate their mindsets, processes, and performance. He brings a unique blend of personal experience, marketing insight, and a deep commitment to professional growth, inspiring audiences to pursue excellence and lead with purpose.

Vic Yeh

Vic Yeh is a technologist, entrepreneur, and the Co-Founder and CEO of Cara, an AI-powered platform transforming how insurance agencies manage workflows, communication, and productivity. With a background spanning software engineering, product development, and AI innovation, Vic is dedicated to helping agencies streamline operations and adopt technology that creates real, measurable impact. He is known for his practical, human-centered approach to AI adoption and his commitment to building tools that empower agents to do more of what matters. Through Cara, Vic continues to redefine how modern agencies leverage technology to scale, serve clients, and compete in a rapidly evolving industry.

Daniel Metcalf
Daniel Metcalf is a cybersecurity expert, AI evangelist, and serial entrepreneur who’s spent the last 15 years helping small and mid-sized businesses stay secure and grow with confidence.
He is also the Co-founder and CEO of CyberFin, delivering Fortune 100-level AI adoption and cybersecurity solutions to Trust Driven Main Street businesses.Known for his high-energy, no-nonsense style, Daniel makes complex topics like cybersecurity and AI simple, practical, and even fun.When he’s not helping businesses outsmart cybercriminals or automate with AI, you can probably find him on the curling rink.

 

Peter Macdonald

Peter MacDonald is the Co-Founder and CEO of Wunderite, a software platform transforming how independent insurance agencies gather data, complete applications, and collaborate with clients. A former commercial insurance producer and third-generation agency owner, Peter combines deep industry experience with a passion for streamlining and modernizing agency workflows. His work focuses on helping agents eliminate friction, reduce back-and-forth, and close business faster through intuitive, digital experiences. Known for his thoughtful leadership and commitment to simplifying insurance, Peter continues to drive innovation that empowers agencies and improves the customer journey.

 

Tickets and Pricing:

Preconference

 

Member Price

Non-Member Price

CPIA

$150.00

$179.00

Flood CE

$15.00

$25.00

4 HR Law & Ethics CE

$25.00

$45.00

 

Conference and Trade Show

 

Early Bird Price

(until Jan 2)

Regular Price (until Feb 20)

Onsite Price

Member Price

$99.00

$149.99

$249.99

Additional Staff Member

$99.00

$130.00

$160.00

Non-member Price

$149.99

$199.99

$299.99

Additional Staff Non-member

$130.00

$175.00

$250.00

 

REGISTER NOW!

(Click above to register for the the Conference & Pre-Conference events)

Where to Stay

We are excited to host the 2026 PIA of Florida Annual Meeting & Trade Show – The Next Wave: Profitability & Possibilities at the beautiful TradeWinds Resort – RumFish Beach on St. Pete Beach, FL.

TradeWinds Island Resorts – RumFish Beach
📍 6000 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706, United States
📞 +1 (800) 249-1667

A special PIA of Florida room block is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We encourage you to book early to secure your stay steps away from all conference activities.


Room Rates

Standard Room Rate: $184.00/night
(Rooms based on single or double occupancy)

  • Children under 18 stay complimentary when sharing a room.

  • Additional guests aged 18+ will incur a $15.00 per person, per night fee.

Room Block Closes: January 23, 2026

Reserve your room:
👉 Phone: 1-800-808-9833
👉 Online: https://book.passkey.com/go/PIA26
(Listed under “PIA of Florida” in the Group Reservation Department)


Resort Amenities Fee

A nightly Resort Amenities Fee of $55.00 + tax will be added to your room rate.
This includes access to popular amenities such as:

  • Welcome drink at check-in

  • Fitness Center access

  • Daily in-room coffee

  • Wi-Fi throughout guest rooms, common areas & meeting rooms

  • St. Petersburg Trolley access

  • Local, toll-free, and credit card calls

  • Business Center access

  • In-room safes

  • Beach Loungers (2 per room) & Beach Umbrella

  • Miniature golf

  • Paddleboats

  • High Tide Slide (when in season)

  • Pickleball

  • Nightly S’mores


Taxes

Room rates are subject to applicable taxes (current rates will apply at time of stay).


Parking

Parking for overnight guests will be charged at $15.00 per day (rate subject to change).


Need Help?

If you have questions about accommodations or availability, please contact us at sdeboer@pianational.org

 

A Special Thank you to our sponsors for their support:

AmericanIntegrity 200x200
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FAQ

Where is The Next Wave: Profitability & Possibilities being held?

TradeWinds Resort - 5500 Gulf Blvd | St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Is this a Members only event?

No, but Membership does have its perks. Join Us now to get exclusive discounts and coupon codes for The Next Wave!