The Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO) is expanding its Awards of Excellence program to include new categories and target a broader audience.

The celebrated category of Brokerage of the Year is now split into two categories: Brokerage of the Year—Over 10 Licensed Brokers and Brokerage of the Year—10 Licensed Brokers and Under.

“We’d like to encourage greater participation this year,” said Norah Black, IBAO’s Director of Marketing & Communications. “Many of our member brokerages have ten or fewer brokers and they’re doing really incredible things. We wanted to create a better opportunity to honour these impressive achievements while still celebrating the success of Ontario’s larger brokerages.”

Innovator of the Year, last awarded in 2017, has been replaced by Innovation of the Year to recognize a specific innovation, business model, initiative or campaign that’s made a positive impact on the broker channel. Eligibility extends beyond brokers and brokerages to include insurance professionals, companies, partners and vendors.

“While brokers are the main focus of these awards, it’s important to also highlight and celebrate initiatives that support brokers and the channel more broadly,” said Black.

Young Broker of the Year and Affiliate of the Year awards will continue to spotlight exceptional up-and-coming brokers and stand-out Affiliate associations.

Every year, winners are promoted across industry media and appear as the cover story in The Ontario Broker Magazine. New this year, they’ll also receive prizes valued up to $5,000—more details will be revealed over the next few weeks.

This year’s Awards of Excellence Gala will take place during IBAO’s Annual Convention October 23rd at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. Visit ibao.org/awards for additional information and nomination forms—the deadline to submit is August 24th.