Industry’s First Virtual Insurance Tradeshow Live Again In February 2012

Fairfield, CA, 12/15/11 – The 2012 Virtual Insurance Marketplace is the second offering from Direct Connection Advertising & Marketing, LLC, an agency specializing in insurance marketing services. The 2012 VIM promises industry leading sponsors, more interactivity, better accessibility, and an overall more diverse group than the 2010 show.

A virtual tradeshow experience is largely unfamiliar to many insurance professionals. The
Virtual Insurance Marketplace seeks to change that while offering outstanding
networking possibilities and a variety of means by which companies can share their
products and services, all of which are reported on during and after the show to each
exhibitor and sponsor. This real-time data is invaluable for marketing follow up and
research.

President and founder of Direct Connection, Anita Nevins delights in the prospects
afforded attendees and exhibitors in the upcoming show. “We are very excited about
the 2012 Virtual Insurance Marketplace. Having one under our belt, we know where to
focus our energy. We realize that many in our industry have yet to experience a virtual
tradeshow. To that end, we will offer several ‘sneak peak’ free webinars for attendees,
to walk them through the navigation and highlight the opportunities for them to make
the most of the show. A more diverse group and larger selection of exhibitors will offer
more opportunities while keynote speakers presentations will provide for a rich
educational experience.”

Sponsors are gearing up for the show as well, and many recognizable names have
signed on for next year’s Virtual Insurance Marketplace. Participants are sure to
experience networking opportunities and exposure to knowledgeable people at great
companies.

A virtual tradeshow allows exhibitors to showcase their offerings through video,
slideshows, presentations, and documents. Brandt Minnich, Vice President of Marketing
for Mercury Insurance Group, is looking forward to networking while presenting their
products and services in this unique forum. “Mercury Insurance Group is excited to be a
participant in the Virtual Tradeshow being held in February 2012,” Minnich states. “We
are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to begin a dialogue with prospective and
existing agents, in a convenient environment where our marketing staff can articulate
Mercury’s commitment to the independent agent channel and share information
about the products and services we offer.”

The VIM is an ideal way for insurance businesses to save money on costly arrangements
so common to participating in a traditional tradeshow, such as travel expenses. Melissa-
Anne Duncan, Director of Development and Partner Relations for the Insurance Industry
Charitable Foundation, understands the savings and other opportunities the show
offers.

“The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation is excited to share our mission of helping
communities and enriching lives with our industry’s independent agents,” Duncan
reports. “The Virtual Insurance Marketplace is an innovative concept that offers a cost-effective means of sharing information and bringing the industry together. We eagerly
look forward to participating.”

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages to the virtual tradeshow in general and the VIM
specifically is the convenience it offers to insurance entities. Hank Haldeman, EVP of the
Sullivan Group, recognizes the importance of this fact to sponsors: “At the Sullivan
Group, as wholesalers and underwriting managers, we are intrigued by the opportunity
to have real-time interaction with our retail clients—and prospective clients—from
points far and near, in an environment where our brokers and underwriters can bring
many of the tools supporting our value proposition immediately into the discussion
through electronic means … all while sitting at our own desks!”

The upcoming Virtual Insurance Marketplace will take place on February 8–10, 2012.
We are actively seeking attendees, exhibitors, and speakers for the Virtual Insurance
Marketplace. Visit http://www.webdcmarketing.com, contact Anita Nevins via email at
anita(at)webdcmarketing.com, or call (707) 429-0877 to learn more. Registration for the
Virtual Insurance Marketplace is free for retail insurance agents and brokers.
The Virtual Insurance Marketplace is brought to you by Direct Connection Advertising &
Marketing, LLC, an agency that specializes in insurance and social media marketing,
planning and services. For media information, visit www.webdcmarketing.com/media