By Katharine M. Nohr, J.D.
As Thanksgiving draws near, it’s the perfect time to take a step back and reflect on all we’re grateful for. Beyond turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, this is the season for giving thanks for the people, experiences, and communities that enrich our lives. As members of IAIP, we’re especially lucky to belong to an association that offers us more than just professional connections—it gives us a family, a community, and a space to grow. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate the many gifts IAIP offers its members!
A Network That’s Like Family
One of the greatest strengths of IAIP is the deep, far-reaching network we’ve built. Imagine being able to connect with professionals from all over the United States who share your dedication to the insurance industry. Whether you’re attending an annual convention, joining a mastermind group, or connecting through a local association, IAIP’s network is there to support, guide, and inspire you. Thanksgiving is all about coming together with loved ones—and for IAIP members, our network is an extension of that warmth and camaraderie.
Annual Conventions: Where Inspiration and Tradition Meet
For those who have attended an IAIP annual convention, you know it’s like Thanksgiving dinner with a twist—a full course of inspiration, education, and fun! These gatherings are where friendships are strengthened, new ideas are born, and professional growth takes center stage. Not to mention, they’re a time to celebrate our collective achievements and recognize the incredible work of our members. Attending an annual convention can feel like reuniting with long-lost family members, and it’s one of the best gifts IAIP gives its members each year. In 2025, our IAIP family will come together again in Oklahoma, which is certainly something to be thankful for.
Local Associations: Close-Knit Connections, Just Like Home
Just as Thanksgiving brings people closer, our local associations create a sense of “home” within IAIP. No matter where you are, there’s a local association ready to welcome you with open arms, offer guidance, and help you develop your skills. Local associations allow us to form close-knit connections, share experiences, and tackle challenges together. Whether you’re brainstorming solutions for an insurance issue or just looking for friendly faces, our local associations provide that hometown touch. For those who don’t have a nearby local association, join the Members at Large (MAL) and enjoy special friendships with insurance professionals in your own and other regions.
Regional Conferences: Broadening Horizons and Building Bonds
There’s nothing like hitting the road for a regional conference! These events offer a taste of the IAIP community at a smaller scale and provide unique opportunities to broaden your perspectives. Regional conferences bring us face-to-face with members we might not otherwise meet, encouraging the exchange of ideas and strengthening bonds within our professional family. Thanksgiving might be an American tradition, but the spirit of sharing, learning, and growing together is universal—and it’s alive at every IAIP regional conference.
Learning Opportunities to Be Grateful For
IAIP’s educational programs are like the hearty sides on your Thanksgiving plate—abundant and fulfilling! Through a diverse range of courses and professional designations, IAIP empowers members to take their careers to new heights. From specialized knowledge to industry best practices, IAIP’s educational opportunities make sure our members are prepared for whatever challenges come their way. So, as you fill your Thanksgiving plate with turkey and mashed potatoes, don’t forget to make room for the incredible professional growth that IAIP offers.
Professional Designations: The Accolades That Keep Giving
Few things make us prouder than achieving professional designations, and IAIP offers ample opportunities for members to reach these milestones. Each designation not only enhances our knowledge but also symbolizes our commitment to excellence in the insurance industry. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a seasoned pro, these designations open doors, elevate your expertise, and give you something to be thankful for year-round. And for members with many designations, be thankful that you can fit them on a very long business card!
Awards and Recognitions: Celebrating Success and Effort
Thanksgiving is a time to recognize and appreciate the hard work of others. IAIP’s awards program does just that, shining a light on the dedication, innovation, and passion of our members. From the Young Professional of the Year to the IAIP Member of the Year, these awards honor the people who go above and beyond, inspiring us all to strive for excellence. In a world that sometimes forgets to say “thank you,” IAIP’s awards program is a reminder that our efforts are seen and celebrated.
Communicate with Confidence: Building Public Speaking Skills
Whether you’re raising a toast at Thanksgiving or presenting at work, being able to communicate with confidence is a valuable skill. IAIP’s Communicate with Confidence course offers members the chance to develop public speaking abilities in a supportive environment. It’s like learning to carve the turkey—nerve-wracking at first but incredibly rewarding once you master it! Through this program, members gain the confidence to lead, inspire, and make a lasting impression.
Community Action: Giving Back, Just Like Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and giving back, and IAIP’s community action initiatives embody this spirit perfectly. Whether it’s supporting local charities, participating in outreach programs, or rallying together for a common cause, IAIP encourages members to make a positive impact in their communities. Giving back is not just a benefit; it’s a core part of who we are as IAIP members, reminding us of the importance of compassion, generosity, and service.
Friendships That Last a Lifetime
Just as Thanksgiving is filled with laughter and warmth, IAIP is brimming with friendships that extend beyond the professional realm. Many members find lifelong friends within the IAIP community, building connections that last long after the conferences end and the networking events wrap up. Friendships made within IAIP are like the cranberry sauce on your Thanksgiving plate—sometimes unexpected, always sweet, and essential for the perfect experience!
Mentorship: Wisdom Passed Down with Care
IAIP’s mentorship opportunities are a true gift, connecting seasoned professionals with those eager to learn. Thanksgiving often brings together different generations, sharing stories, recipes, and traditions. Similarly, our mentorship programs bring together members with diverse experiences, allowing wisdom to be passed down and new insights to emerge. Whether you’re a mentor or a mentee, a first timer or a gold timer, these relationships enrich our professional journeys in ways that last a lifetime.
Mastermind Groups: Collaborative Growth and Shared Success
Much like a Thanksgiving potluck, mastermind groups are about bringing something to the table and sharing it with others. These groups allow IAIP members to collaborate, brainstorm, and problem-solve in a supportive, dynamic environment. As we give thanks this season, let’s appreciate the power of teamwork, shared goals, and collective success fostered by IAIP’s mastermind groups.
FIT Insurance Professionals: Encouraging Health and Wellness
As we dig into Thanksgiving feasts, let’s not forget the importance of health and wellness. IAIP’s FIT Insurance Professionals program promotes physical activity, healthy habits, and a balanced lifestyle. It’s our way of ensuring that members feel their best, both mentally and physically. Just as Thanksgiving reminds us to take care of each other, IAIP’s FIT program reminds us to take care of ourselves—because a healthy member is a happy member!
So Much More: An Abundance of Opportunities
IAIP offers countless other benefits, from leadership training to industry insights and beyond. The beauty of our association is that it adapts to meet our evolving needs, offering new programs, resources, and opportunities as the industry changes. Thanksgiving is a time of abundance, and at IAIP, there’s always an abundance of ways to grow, connect, and thrive.
A Toast to IAIP
As we gather around our Thanksgiving tables, let’s take a moment to raise a virtual toast to IAIP—the association that keeps on giving. We are thankful for the opportunities it provides, the friendships it fosters, and the professional growth it encourages. Here’s to the IAIP family, to the mentors and mentees, the trailblazers, the lifelong learners, and every member who contributes to making our association a place of community, connection, and inspiration. This Thanksgiving let’s remember that our IAIP family is one of our greatest blessings. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, and here’s to many more years of growth, friendship, and success. Happy Thanksgiving, IAIP! 🦃
Katharine M. Nohr, J.D. is an insurance defense and workers compensation attorney practicing law in Hawaii. She has been a member of IAIP and Honolulu Association of Insurance Professionals (HAIP) since 2002. She has served as RVP for Region VIII, Hawaii State Council Director, and local president. Katharine is thankful for IAIP for all the reasons mentioned in this blog article.