
We see you.
No matter how many years you have dedicated to this industry, you are a TrailblazHER and you deserve the spotlight.
Join women from all over New Jersey, in all positions of insurance, for an event that will undoubtedly impact the trajectory of your career.
2027 Event Program
7:00 PM – Meet & Greet Reception
We HIGHLY encourage you to come to Princeton the night before and join our private cocktail reception. This will give you the opportunity to connect with some of our industry’s most prominent and powerful women, spend some time with our keynote speaker, and feel rested and relaxed at the start of our event. We have secured an exclusive room rate for guests who take advantage of this option.
MARCH 11, 2027
8:30 AM – Registration
9:00 AM – Breakfast & Networking Bingo
10:00 AM – Welcome
10:15 AM – Keynote Address – The Guiding Leader
Shannon GaNun, owner/founder, Shannon GaNun LLC
Today’s workplace is more complex, fast-moving, and people-driven than ever. Getting results takes more than authority or technical expertise – it takes the ability to guide people effectively.
Too often, leaders fall into the trap of playing the hero – stepping in with the answers, solving problems for their teams, and then wondering why nothing moves without them. The result? Disengagement, dependence, and missed opportunities.
In this energizing program, Shannon will share a powerful shift in how you think about leadership, from being the hero of the story to becoming the guide. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience, research, personal stories, and real-world examples, she will show how leaders create better results when they ask instead of answer, course correct as they go, and establish a clear destination rather than give step-by-step directions.
Guiding leaders don’t have all the answers. They create space where answers emerge.
11:15 AM – Communicating for Impact – Strategies for Leadership Success
This peer roundtable discussion will foster meaningful conversations and shared learning around the critical role of communication in leadership with particular focus on the multifaced challenges facing professional women in the insurance industry.
12:00 PM – Lunch & Networking Bingo
12:45 PM – ACE Your Communication and Transform Your Leadership
Shannon GaNun, owner/founder, Shannon GaNun LLC
Effective leadership depends on effective communication. Leaders are expected to earn trust, create momentum, and help people move forward in situations where emotions are often high and decisions carry real consequences. Most leaders rely on instinct and experience: choosing their words carefully, giving more direction, and pushing through tough moment with confidence. Even with their best efforts, these moments can still go sideways.
Great leaders do not simply communication more. They communicate differently. In this insightful, actionable program, Shannon draws on 30+ years as a communication professional and best-practice research to teach you three powerful strategies – Alignment, Curiosity, and Empathy – and a simple framework to navigate high-stakes conversations – Anchor, Collaborate, Execute. You will leave with tools you can use immediately to communicate with clarity and lead with confidence.
2:00 – Creative Break
Help yourself to dessert and a beverage while finalizing your Networking Bingo card.
2:30 – Real-World Conversation Practice
Now it’s time to put the day’s ideas to work. Through realistic workplace scenarios, you’ll practice starting conversations, responding in the moment, and handling challenging situations with greater clarity, empathy, and confidence.
3:00 – What’s Next: Shaping the Future Together
Explore what’s already on the horizon for later this year and share your vision for what should be prioritized. This is your moment to provide feedback on how your association and peers can better support your goals. Let’s collaborate to shape a future that exceeds your expectations! Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of a conversation to drive meaningful change.
Final door prize drawings and Networking Bingo winners will be announced!
“It’s always empowering to have a group of women working together while sharing thoughts and ideas to not only better themselves in their careers but to encourage and inspire others. What an enlightening day it was filled with great information, helpful resources, fun activities, tasty food, and very productive conversation.”
– Abi Stults Rivenburg, Allen & Stults Co.
Speakers

Shannon GaNun
– Kathry Martinez, Fiorentino Anillo Insurance
Questions?
Contact Jennifer Kacmarsky at 609-587-4333.
Please note that this event does not qualify for continuing education credits in New Jersey.
Cancellations received by February 27, 2027 will incur 50% administrative fee. Cancellations after that date result in a forfeiture of all fees.
“This is truly a standout event. It was incredibly powerful to not only hear from inspiring women across the industry, but also to sit down in small groups and have meaningful, candid conversations. That level of connection and vulnerability is rare, and it made the experience feel deeply personal and impactful”
– Norma Alvarez-Martin, Plymouth Rock Assurances
March 11 2027
Nassau Inn, Princeton

Come the night before and enjoy an informal reception.
Exclusive Room Rate: $189
Rate Deadline: Feb. 9
Online Reservations
Why attend
Every year, nearly 100 women from all facets of the insurance industry get together to…talk.
Talk about insurance, about leadership, about mentoring the next generation, and the power of being a woman.
This event is big and powerful.
What To Expect:
Expect to network with women who have trailblazed through the industry and are willing to share with newcomers what it takes to thrive.
Expect to learn from younger generations how new models of business can have profound impacts on your success rate.
Expect to collaborate with the most incredible group of women our industry has to offer, make new connections, uncover new ideas, and discover ways to bring out the very best in your professional journey.
Registration
Registration for the 2027 event will be posted later this year.
Nassau iNN
Come early.
Join us the night before for an informal gathering and spend the night.
- Exclusive Room Rate: $189
- Expiration: February 9, 2027
Visit the Big I NJ Online Community to see who is coming in the night before!
Sponsorships
Opportunities Coming soon
Can’t wait? Contact Jennifer Kacmarsky to get involved now.