Earlier this month, in Atlanta, Benefits Selling held their Expo. I had no plans to attend until I received a call from a member of their edit board who convinced me that I should be there. So, off to Atlanta I went, still skeptical, but at least hoping to get something out of the experience. After three days at the event, it is safe to say that I did.

Not every session was perfect for me; some of the speakers spoke on topics of which I already have a strong understanding, but others either gave me a new idea or understanding. Wayne and John Drye introduced the concept of International Medical Insurance, an idea that could increase revenue and provide necessary protection to internationally traveling clients. Jim Christenson, a last minute substitution, shared his knowledge, off the top of his head, and was perhaps more entertaining than anyone. Mark Carillion's jam-packed information session left me wanting to know more about how our Web site could improve. There were some disappointments, certainly, but the fact that I could take home one or two nuggets of information, or a new idea, or a refresher on a topic from long ago made the trip a positive educational one.

Though I picked up quite a bit in the sessions, I gained a lot more, and learned a lot more, from the networking chances. I had the chance to see old business associates and friends like Mark Torrison and John Boeschen, who know this business as well as anyone. I met new people in all segments of the industry. I had the great fortune of speaking with very successful brokers like William Allison, and legends in the industry like Warren Benoit. I learned a lot about how they've been successful. I also learned quite a bit about Great Danes.