The Chicagoland SIA Spring Meeting and Trade Show returns May 14 at the NIU Conference Center!

Amanda Yaniz and Agency Growth Coach Christine Lee walk through what is new this year, including a refreshed format designed to elevate engagement, two keynote sessions covering marketplace conditions and the evolving implications of AI, and the return of a peer-driven panel focused on real-world agency insights. From practical conversations about commercial insurance to emerging exposures tied to AI and cyber coverage, the agenda is built around what agents are facing right now.

You will also hear what to expect from the Chicagoland SIA leadership update, including strategic carrier relationships and network growth, plus an SIAA national update featuring new data initiatives and the launch of an in-house E&S division.

The episode also explores the strategic value of the trade show, where agents connect directly with carrier partners and technology vendors, build meaningful relationships with peers, and often spark conversations that lead to long-term partnerships, acquisitions, or growth opportunities.

Many agencies begin their search for support with one goal in mind: access to carriers. This episode reframes the conversation around what comes after access.

Amanda Yaniz and Jenny McNulty discuss the support structure behind Chicagoland SIA, including coaching, carrier relationships, operational support, compensation, and agency ownership.

The focus is not on quick wins or tactics, but on understanding the long-term value model behind membership.

Many independent insurance agency websites exist, but very few actually work.

In this solo episode, Amanda Yaniz breaks down one of the most common sources of confusion in agency marketing: the difference between blogs and landing pages, and why each plays a critical role in long term growth.

This conversation focuses on how blogs build trust, support search visibility, and educate prospects over time, while landing pages are designed to drive specific actions and conversions. Amanda also explains how pillar pages, industry specific content, and paid campaigns fit into a cohesive website strategy.

The episode explores why websites should grow gradually rather than all at once, how generative AI can support content creation without sacrificing authenticity, and why content marketing is uniquely effective for insurance agencies with long sales cycles.

If your website feels static, underperforming, or overwhelming to improve, this episode offers a practical framework to help you move forward with intention and clarity.

Ideal for independent agents who want their website to do more than just exist, and instead actively support sales, credibility, and growth.