2026 NAIFA-Texas Annual State Conference

State Conference Speaker Information


Bill Cates, CSP, CPAE Best Selling Author, Coach, Podcast Host, Relationship Marketing Expert	Garrett Gunderson Referral Coach, Author	Zach Wiewal, JD, LL.M. Licensed Texas Attorney
“Relationship Marketing: 3 Strategies to Create Exponential Growth”	“The Rockefeller Method: How to Create a Lasting Legacy for Your Clients”	"Death and Taxes: An Estate Planner’s Guide to Navigating a Changing World"
In this strategic and tactical session, you will discover how to, create messaging that is radically relevant to grab attention and critically compelling to move people into action, differentiate your business in a way that motivates prospects to choose you, narrow your focus to your ideal client persona – to attract just the right clients, and more! You will learn from real-life examples and case studies demonstrating how successful advisors are growing exponentially by applying these critical strategies.	Garrett Gunderson pulls back the curtain on the strategies the Rockefellers used to preserve and grow wealth for generations, and shows how insurance professionals can apply these same principles with their clients today. Attendees will discover how whole life insurance can become more than just a policy, it’s a powerful framework for legacy, protection, and prosperity. This approach not only helps clients achieve peace of mind, but also equips advisors with a proven method to deepen relationships, increase premiums, and grow their business.	Even well-designed insurance plans can fail without proper estate-planning integration. This session highlights how asset-protection risks, Secure Act changes, special needs beneficiaries, and estate tax exposure can dramatically alter outcomes. This session equips professionals to spot planning opportunities and collaborate more effectively with advisors and attorneys.
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Sunday, March 1, 2026 Monday, March 2, 2026 Tuesday, March 3, 2026

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Exhibitor Set-Up
International/English

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Leadership Training with Doug Massey
Studio Lounge

This leadership training is reserved for the NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors, Local Chapter Board of Director teams throughout Texas, Affiliate Leadership teams throughout Texas, and first-time attendees to the NAIFA-Texas conference.

4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Welcome Reception
Studio Lounge

All attendees are welcome to participate in the welcome reception to network with one another. Drinks and light appetizers will be served.

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Dinner on your own

All conference attendees are to schedule dinner on their own at restaurants of their choice. Please feel free to get a group together and make a reservation at your favorite local restaurant!

5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

LILI Summit | Karen Easterling, NAIFA-Texas LILI Chair
TC Baker

The 18th Anniversary LILI Alumni Summit is reserved exclusively for LILI graduates only. The LILI Alumni Summit is structured around sharing sales ideas, having great fellowship and most importantly having some fun! There is an additional registration fee required to attend this session.

8:30 p.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Networking Happy Hour
Studio Lounge

All conference attendees are invited to a happy hour session for additional networking opportunities, camaraderie, and drinks. Please note this is a cash bar event; attendees will be responsible for purchasing their own beverages.

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Registration & Visits with Sponsors
International / English / Crystal Ballroom

Conference attendees are to report to the registration desk to grab their name badge, printed program, and all other printed materials.

8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Exhibitor Set-Up
International/English

8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Leadership in Life Institute Class
Vance

This is the final class for the 2025-2026 Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) program. Learn more about LILI here!

Exclusive session for 2025-2026 LILI participants ONLY

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

NAIFA-Texas Past President's Breakfast
TC Baker

This is an annual gathering that honors the NAIFA-Texas Past President's to thank them for their contributions to our Association. Find the full list of NAIFA-Texas Past Presidents here!

Exclusive session for NAIFA-Texas Past President's ONLY

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors Meeting
Herbert Greene

This is a closed meeting where the 2026 NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors will meet for the first time in person to focus on discussing the Conference and 2026 Business Meeting plans.

Exclusive session for the 2026 NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors ONLY.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Annual Business Meeting and 2026 NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors Swearing in Ceremony
Crystal Ballroom

The 2026 NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors will conduct the Annual Business Meeting to discuss the annual budget, projects, events, and any proposed by-laws changes to the NAIFA-Texas membership. The 2026 NAIFA National President, Chris Gandy has been invited to conduct the Swearing in Ceremony of the 2026 NAIFA-Texas Board of Directors and Officers.

Exclusive session for NAIFA-Texas members ONLY

12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Lunch and Leadership in Life Institute (LILI) Commencement Ceremony
Crystal Ballroom

All conference attendees enjoy a buffet lunch that is brought back into the Main Ballroom/Meeting Space. LILI graduates will be recognized during this time.

2:00 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.

Refreshment Break and Visits with Sponsors
International/English

2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.

Featured Speaker Session | Garrett Gunderson
Crystal Ballroom

"The Rockefeller Method: How to Create a Lasting Legacy for Your Clients"

Garrett Gunderson pulls back the curtain on the strategies the Rockefellers used to preserve and grow wealth for generations, and shows how insurance professionals can apply these same principles with their clients today. Attendees will discover how whole life insurance can become more than just a policy, it’s a powerful framework for legacy, protection, and prosperity. This approach not only helps clients achieve peace of mind, but also equips advisors with a proven method to deepen relationships, increase premiums, and grow their business.

3:10 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Refreshment Break and Visits with Sponsors
International/English

3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Sales Ideas from Sponsors
Crystal Ballroom

This session will include Sales Ideas from several select sponsors.

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Happy Hour
The Rose Terrace

6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Annual Awards Dinner
Crystal Ballroom

All conference attendees are invited to attend this plated dinner where the Annual Awards will be presented to deserving individuals. Learn more about the NAIFA-Texas Awards program here. Please note this is a cash bar event; attendees will be responsible for purchasing their own beverages.

9:00 p.m.

Networking Happy Hour
Bar 414

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Breakfast and Visits with Sponsors
Crystal Ballroom

Conference attendees are welcome to enjoy a complimentary buffet breakfast before the start of our final day of programming.

9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Capitol Update
Crystal Ballroom

Get the latest on Texas politics and legislation with Michelle Wittenburg, NAIFA‑Texas lobbyist, and Harvey Kronberg, veteran political journalist and publisher of the Quorum Report. Learn how legislative developments may impact the insurance and financial services industry.

10:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.

Refreshment Break and Visits with Sponsors
International/English

11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Featured Speaker Session | Zach Wiewal
Crystal Ballroom

"Death and Taxes: An Estate Planner’s Guide to Navigating a Changing World"

Even well-designed insurance plans can fail without proper estate-planning integration. This session highlights how asset-protection risks, Secure Act changes, special needs beneficiaries, and estate tax exposure can dramatically alter outcomes. This session equips professionals to spot planning opportunities and collaborate more effectively with advisors and attorneys

12:00 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

Lunch and Visits with Sponsors
Crystal Ballroom

Conference Attendees are invited to enjoy a buffet lunch in the Main Ballroom/Meeting Space. We will recognize the recipients of the NAIFA-Texas Defender Award, offer ample time for attendees to connect with sponsors, and provide brief afternoon announcements.

1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Featured Speaker Session | Bill Cates
Crystal Ballroom

“Relationship Marketing: 3 Strategies to Create Exponential Growth”

In this strategic and tactical session, you will discover how to, create messaging that is radically relevant to grab attention and critically compelling to move people into action, differentiate your business in a way that motivates prospects to choose you, narrow your focus to your ideal client persona – to attract just the right clients, and more! You will learn from real-life examples and case studies demonstrating how successful advisors are growing exponentially by applying these critical strategies.

Sneak Peek Video

2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

NAIFA-Texas President's Perspective | Joe Neal Kerr, 2026 NAIFA-Texas President
Crystal Ballroom

3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Happy Hour
Studio Lounge

Join us for a post-conference happy hour to close out our event! Please note this is a cash bar event; attendees will be responsible for purchasing their own beverages.

4:00 p.m. - late night

Explore San Antonio!

All conference attendees are encouraged to visit the Alamo, Riverwalk, and other exquisite sites in San Antonio. Please plan to make dinner reservations on your own at a restaurant of your choosing!

This is a perfect opportunity to connect with other NAIFA-Texas members, conference, attendees, and sponsors as we conclude our 2026 conference!

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