Recap of the 2024 KS & OK Young Agents Conference: Trailblazing Excellence

The 2024 KS & OK Young Agents Conference, titled Trailblazing Excellence, marked a significant milestone as Kansas and Oklahoma Young Agents partnered for the first time to create a larger, more impactful event. With over 150 attendees, the conference provided a unique opportunity for professional development and networking.

Empowering Sessions Led by Industry Experts
Attendees explored crucial topics like leadership, communication, standing out in the marketplace, reinsurance, and navigating the hard market. With industry experts like Scott Howell, Derek Hayden, and Ashley Napier sharing their insights, participants gained valuable knowledge to advance their careers.

Networking and Engaging Activities
The conference also offered plenty of opportunities to connect in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Attendees participated in a golf tournament, lakeside mix & mingle, beer pong tournament, game night, and a s'mores event for first-time attendees. A highlight was the networking bingo at lunch, encouraging everyone to meet new people from different states and expand their professional circles.

Scholarships to Foster Growth and Leadership
YAK’s commitment to fostering new talent in the industry was evident in the scholarships they awarded. To help offset the investment of attending, YAK offered $250 scholarships to first-time attendees, encouraging greater participation and the formation of new connections. Additionally, Linzee Buchanan of Farmers Union Midwest Agency was awarded the $1,000 Future Leaders Scholarship, given to an individual with a strong interest in taking a more active role within the young agents community.

Reflecting on her experience, Linzee shared:
"This conference was great, they put so much thought into every detail. The speakers were informative and fun, the events were well run and entertaining, and the networking was fantastic! The 8-hour drive was well worth the experience!"

Supporting a Greater Cause
During the conference, funds were also raised for YAK's 2024 community service project, bringing awareness to the fight against breast cancer. This initiative added a layer of purpose to the event, demonstrating the Young Agents' commitment to both professional development and community support.

Looking Ahead
With a collaborative and inspiring atmosphere throughout, this year’s conference was a resounding success. The strong partnership between Kansas and Oklahoma Young Agents enriched the experience, bringing diverse perspectives together. We look forward to building on this momentum and creating even more impactful events in the future.