On November 24-25, around 400 attendees gathered in person at Montreal's Hotel Bonaventure or online via Connexion.tv for the RCCAQ's 48th annual convention.
Organized as a hybrid event under the theme of Digital transformation, by brokers and for brokers, the convention attracted 340 attendees in person and over 50 online. Given the pandemic-related restrictions and public health measures, the convention was a resounding success. Mission accomplished!
Let's look back at the convention via these photos of the event highlights!
Rolling out the hospitality in mid-pandemic
Planning a hybrid convention meant organizing two events: everything had to be just right not only for the in-person visitors but also for the online participants!
All things considered, we certainly rose to the challenge!
AGM before the convention!
The RCCAQ's annual general meeting was held on November 23, 2021. For the second year in a row, a 100% hybrid format was used. For complete information on the new board of directors, the new chair and his introductory speech, etc., please consult the document "AGM 2021: the new chair takes pride in the RCCAQ and is attuned to members' concerns"
Presentations focusing on the digital era
Opening activity
Kicking off the convention in fitting style, Nectarios Economakis, a partner at PRN, gave a presentation entitled "The digital transformation is the key to your business!" Mr. Economakis was Google's very first employee in charge of business development in Montreal.
This presentation also counted as a CHAD-accredited training activity. All certified brokers obtained one professional development unit (PDU) in the area of business administration.
For lunch time
Prevented at the last minute from being on site, Judith Fetzer, president and co-founder of Cook It, demonstrated the strength of digital technology by giving her scheduled—and highly personal—presentation via a videoconferencing platform. Entitled “Creating a revolution via innovation and the client experience!”, Ms. Fetzer's talk focused on her background and her decision to launch Canada's first ready-to-cook meal kit company back in 2014.
Fascinating panel discussions
Social media
If there's one headline-grabbing topic these days, it's social media! In this regard, three women joined forces for the panel discussion entitled “Social media in business settings: risks and benefits”.
The panel was led by Karima Brikh, who works as a moderator, journalist, columnist and documentary filmmaker. She was joined by two other panelists: Catherine Rioux, CPHR, PGCC, president of Rioux Consultants RH, and Jannick Desforges, director of corporate affairs, ethics and compliance at the Chambre de l’assurance de dommages (CHAD).
The panel discussion also counted as a CHAD-accredited training activity. Each certified broker obtained one PDU split into two halves (compliance/law).
Insurers' Panel
One of the most important traditions for the damage insurance industry is the RCCAQ's Insurers' Panel! Held each year during the RCCAQ's annual convention, this key event brought together five insurance company representatives for discussions of major issues that arose in a survey of RCCAQ member firms.
Serving as moderator, Éric Manseau, the RCCAQ's executive director, put direct questions to Louise Rivet (Wawanesa), Jean-François Desautels (Intact Insurance), Jean-François Beliveau (Northbridge), Yves Gagnon (L'Unique General Insurance and Unica) and Guy Lecours (Promutuel Insurance).
Special bonus activities
High-profile guest speaker
Quebec's economy and innovation minister, Pierre Fitzgibbon, was very generous with his time during the RCCAQ's convention, not only giving a speech on the province's post-pandemic economy, but also taking attendees' questions.
Special presentation
For breakfast on the second day of the convention, one of the RCCAQ's partner organizations, the Coalition pour une relève en assurance de dommages, gave a presentation entitled the “AEC's business program focusing on damage insurance”. The Coalition's president/CEO, Robert LaGarde, provided an in-depth analysis of the program and answered various questions.
Networking: in the lounge, online and at networking stations
Marking the return of in-person activities during its 48th annual convention, the RCCAQ provided space for its partners to set up information kiosks. In addition, entertainment booths (photography/cartoonists) helped to spice up the proceedings on November 24. Needless to say, despite the public health measures in place, including masks and social distancing, all participants were delighted to get together in person again!
Closing event: protocol, annual awards and entertainment
Protocol
The closing event for the RCCAQ's annual convention is always an opportunity to pay homage to the "changing of the guard" as the new chair and board members take office. It is also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the outgoing board members.
Further details can be found in the document “AGA 2021: a new chair takes pride in the RCCAQ and is attuned to members' concerns“.
Annual awards
Each year during the convention's closing event, the RCCAQ announces the winners of the Technology Distinction Award and the Young Broker of Distinction Award. This year was no exception!
The January 2022 edition of Liaison+ magazine will take an in-depth look at the 2021 award winners, who are pictured here receiving their respective honours.
Winner of the 2021 RCCAQ Technology Distinction Award
Groupe Lepelco Inc.
Left to right: Benoit Laroche, jury member and acting vice-president, services for businesses, insurance and professional firms, National Bank (award partner); Antoine Leblanc, senior manager, personal insurance, Groupe Lepelco Inc. (award recipient); and Jean-Philippe Martineau, jury member and president of Groupe Ostiguy & Gendron.
Winner of the 2021 RCCAQ-LARAQ Young Broker of Distinction Award
Isabelle Landry, Groupe Ostiguy & Gendron
Left to right: Philippe Joassin, vice-president of sales, Applied Systems Canada (award partner); Isabelle Landry, broker, Ostiguy & Gendron (award winner); and Jean-François Parisien, president, L’Association de la relève en assurance du Québec (LARAQ).
Entertainment
Although the hybrid convention did not include a major gala event, steps were taken to ensure high-calibre entertainment, including the performance of talented singer Marie-Pier Barnabe (featured in Don Juan as well as on broadcasts of La Voix, Star Académie and Canadian Idol), accompanied by the Tuxedo Jazz Trio made up of Alain Belleau (trumpet/percussion), Guy Simard (piano) and Gaston Fortier (bass).
Get ready for the RCCAQ's 2022 convention!
All insurance brokers in Quebec, together with partners, suppliers, industry professionals and other interested parties are cordially invited to join the RCCAQ at its 49th annual convention, which will be held on November 1-2, 2022 at Quebec City's Convention Centre.
We look forward to seeing you next year in Quebec City!
HOW ABOUT A FEW MORE PHOTOS OF THIS YEAR'S CONVENTION?
The accompanying images of our 2021 convention highlights were taken by official photographer Sylvain Légaré.
