Allianz to Host Free 'Multicultural University' for Insurance Professionals

MINNEAPOLIS, July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) has taken the lead to help insurance professionals develop stronger relationships within various multicultural markets by hosting a free "Multicultural University" in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand and Casino, from September 16 to 18, 2007.

"At Allianz, we believe in developing and educating people about financial independence and feel strongly about reaching out to multicultural markets, which have traditionally been missed by the insurance industry," said Baron Carr, Allianz vice president, multicultural marketing.

The face of America is changing like never before. The three largest ethnic populations -- Hispanic, African-American, and Asian -- continue to grow at a rapid pace. In May, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the nation's minority population topped 100 million, which represents one in three U.S. residents. For insurance professionals, there has never been a better time to explore multicultural business opportunities. However, success in this area requires the ability to focus on customers with true cultural competency.

"Multicultural University will focus on equipping insurance professionals with the skills necessary to successfully serve consumers from diverse backgrounds. Considering the ongoing growth of the multicultural market, these skills will become essential for financial professionals looking to expand their business," said Carr.

Attendees

Multicultural University is open to all insurance professionals and financial planners; an affiliation with Allianz is not required. Attendees must register in advance at http://www.allianzmu.com/ and provide their own transportation to and from Las Vegas. Allianz has negotiated a special rate at the MGM Grand for participants.

Speakers

Multicultural University will showcase ten speakers, all of whom are leading experts in sales, marketing, and technology. Speakers include:

Jeffrey Gitomer -- a syndicated columnist whose presentations on sales, customer loyalty, and personal development have been praised as funny, insightful, "in your face," real-world, off-the-wall, and on-the-money.

Roxanne Emmerich -- one of the most applauded businesswomen and in-demand speakers in the United States. She is the CEO of Minneapolis-based Emmerich Group and has been recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year four times.

Janet Smith -- cofounder and president of Ivy Planning Group (Ivy), a management consulting and training company that focuses on diversity, strategy and change management. She was recently recognized as one of "Fifty Influential Minorities in Business."

Program

Multicultural University attendees will have numerous workshops to choose from along dual tracks of Marketing and Sales. The goals of these workshops include:

  -- Gaining cultural insights to better understand the life experiences and
     points of view of multicultural customers

  -- Learning effective marketing strategies that will allow financial
     professionals to tap into these rapidly expanding markets

  -- Motivating financial professionals to be more successful by providing
     access to new research and teaching new skills

  Cost

There is no registration cost for this event. Multicultural University will not be a three-day commercial for Allianz. In fact, no Allianz products will be mentioned. Allianz strongly believes that having more insurance professionals embrace multiculturalism is good for the industry and is the right thing to do. It is both a social responsibility and a needed business discipline to ensure success now and in the future.

Registration

Visit http://www.allianzmu.com/ for more information. Registration closes August 28, 2007.

About Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America

Founded in 1896 and based in Minneapolis, Allianz Life provides fixed and variable annuities, life insurance policies, and long term care insurance products in the United States. Known for innovation, performance, and customer service, the company has become a leader in the North American life insurance industry. Allianz products are offered through a network of independent financial professionals. The company is part of Allianz SE, a global financial services group that is the 16th largest corporation in the world based on revenue (Fortune, August 2006). Allianz SE employs over 177,000 people worldwide.