“We Play To Win!” Was This Year’s Tagline
This past week, the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents celebrated the 61st annual edition of the “Big Event.” The trade show, now in its sixth decade, remains one of the most significant gatherings of state associations in the nation.
The four-day event, held for the second consecutive year at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, was a great success, according to the MAIA staff, featuring over 100 Exhibitors, 40 Sponsors, 60 program sessions, and more than 1,400 attendees.
There was also a full slate of events, ranging from licensing classes to a Tailgate Reception, all in line with the winning theme. In addition, Friday featured the MAIA’s annual meeting and the Arbella Gourmet Luncheon featuring the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance.
Another notable change to this year’s event was the date. The convention took place from September 18th to the 21st, as opposed to previous years when it was held in late October and early November. Next year’s event is already scheduled and will return to the Sheraton in October, from the 22nd through the 25th, 2026. The website for the 2026 Big Event will go live in June 2026.
And while the rate of consolidation continues in Massachusetts, the Property and Casualty insurance industry remains a dominant force in the Massachusetts economy. In fact, according to industry market research firm IBISWorld, the Property, Casualty, and Direct Insurance is the ninth-largest industry in the Commonwealth in terms of 2025 revenue, while Life Insurance & Annuities and Colleges & Universities are the top two. As both part of this ecosystem and a leader in small business and job creation, the independent agent system in Massachusetts is an integral and vital part of our Commonwealth’s economy.
The MAIA’s Annual Meeting & Investiture of the 2025-2026 MAIA Board of Directors
Fridays continue to be the busiest day of the four-day trade event, with the MAIA holding its annual meeting to induct and introduce its Board of Directors for the coming year.
Overseen by MAIA President Nick Fyntrialkis and the current MAIA Chairman of the Board, Chris Fitts, this year’s meeting began with an approval of the Minutes of the 2024 Meeting. Following the approval, the IIABA Chair Report, the 2025 Chair Report, and the President & CEO’s Report were offered.
The event also included the presentation of awards to various Association members and the swearing-in of the MAIA’s Executive Committee Officers and Directors for the upcoming year. The Nominating Committee then presented its Report along with the Election and Induction of Officers and Directors for 2026.
After the induction of the new Board members, the MAIA presented its annual awards. The 2026 incoming Chair of the MAIA, Richard R. Green, then offered his remarks, after which the meeting concluded, having discussed both Old Business and New Business items.
Selected Snaps from the Annual Meeting
The Arbella Gourmet Luncheon
Another fixture on Friday’s schedule of events is the Gourmet Luncheon hosted by Arbella. Always one of the biggest draws of the four-day event, the luncheon takes place immediately after the Annual Meeting closes. As in past years, the well-attended sit-down luncheon provided an opportunity for old friends and new acquaintances to mingle, as well as to hear from Paul Brady, the new president and CEO of Arbella, and the newly appointed Commissioner of Insurance, Michael Caljouw.
Selected Snaps from the Arbella Luncheon
Lisa Hirbour, CIC, CPCU, Wins the Pacesetter of the Year Award
The Pacesetter of the Year Award is presented annually to a MAIA member agent or local association who, through both their personal and professional life, sets an example for their fellow independent agents. The Pacesetter Award is named after former MAIA President and staff member Henry F. Barry, Jr., who both in his personal and professional life “…set an example of hard work, perseverance, compassion, and charity, at a level matched by few in the insurance industry.”
This year’s Award was presented to Lisa Hirbour, CIC, CPCU. Ms. Hirbour is Co-President of Worcester-based The Feingold Companies. A dedicated member of the Massachusetts insurance industry, she has served on the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents (MAIA) for over a decade.
She was kind enough to share her remarks with Agency Checklists upon receiving the Award. They are as follows:
“I’m incredibly honored to receive the Pace Setter Award, named in honor of Henry F. Barry, Jr., a true giant in our field. It is a privilege and a moment I will cherish.
Henry Barry was a man who understood that excellence in our profession wasn’t just about policies or premiums—it was about people. He led with integrity, heart, and purpose. If I’ve managed to reflect even a fraction of his example in my own career, then I consider that the greatest success.
We all know that insurance is more than a business—it’s a promise. A promise to stand beside people during their most vulnerable moments. A promise to support our neighbors, build stronger communities, and show up with compassion even when it’s hard. That’s what drew me to this industry, and it’s what keeps me inspired every single day.
To be acknowledged not just for professional success, but for perseverance, compassion, and charity, is deeply meaningful to me. Those values have always been my compass—both in life and in work—and I’m grateful to see them reflected in this honor.
To my fellow agents and local associations—thank you for the work you do every day. You set the pace, you raise the bar, and you prove that this industry is full of heart. I share this award with all of you.
Finally, to the MAIA: thank you for continuing to uplift and celebrate what makes our profession great—not just technical excellence, but human excellence. Thank you for seeing me. I promise to continue working, leading, and giving back in a way that’s worthy of this incredible honor. Thank you.“
Other award winners during this year’s annual meeting
Recipient of the Board of Directors’ Award
Tricia L. Sabulis, CISR, CIC, AAI-M, CRIS, was awarded the 2026 Board of Directors’ Award. Ms. Sabulis is the co-owner of the family-owned A.P. Michaud Insurance Agency. Founded by her grandfather in the early 1960s as an ERP, under the guidance of her mother, the agency has expanded into a million-dollar, full-service agency.
Recipient Of the James O. Herrick Memorial Young Agent of The Year Award
In 2013, the MAIA renamed the Young Agent of the Year award in honor of former MAIA Board Member Jim Herrick. A popular and well-regarded member of the Massachusetts insurance industry, Mr. Herrick passed away unexpectedly during the Fall of 2013 at the age of 46.
Mr. Herrick began his insurance career with Toole Insurance in the Berkshires, right out of college. He subsequently moved on to The Hanover Insurance Company, where he spent many years before finally joining The Berkshire Insurance Group.
The annual award, presented during the MAIA’s State Annual Meeting, “…seeks to recognize agents who demonstrate leadership in their agency and community and support the mission of the committee by being active participants.”
At this year’s event, the Award was presented to Cassandra Koegel, CISR, AINS, AILP, MLIS.
Photos From All Days at the Big Event
One of the other significant events during the annual MAIA Convention is the trade show, held on Friday and Saturday of the event. This year’s event drew a full house of companies eager to showcase their products to independent agents. The following are a few of the companies that exhibited this year, along with some snapshots from other receptions held during the Big Event.
Editor’s Note
Thank you to the MAIA for permission to highlight a few of the many terrific photos taken during this year’s event. For those interested, the entire collection of photos can be view on the MAIA BIg Event website here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2MNCQupccqSKnmpo6
Additionally, the MAIA requests that for any comments/feedback/suggestions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Heather Kramer at hkramer@massagent.com. They would love to hear from their members and attendees.
