NABIP-NN January 2026 Newsletter 
Chapter Updates
Great Success for Northern Nevada Christmas Charity Event
The NABIP–NN chapter’s Holiday Charity Event helped make the season brighter for many children who receive Christmas cheer through the local Reno organization Ashlee’s Toy Closet.
Ashlee’s Toy Closet, founded in 2008 as a nonprofit organization, provides toys during the holiday season and throughout the year to under‑privileged children.
Primarily focused on supporting children affected by wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, the organization serves youth in Northern Nevada and across the country.
Ashlee Smith (center of group photo) joined chapter members, supportive vendors, and guests for a festive gathering at Sierra Gold Tavern in southeast Reno.
Supporters traveled from as far as Los Angeles and Orange County, California, as well as Las Vegas and communities throughout Northern Nevada to participate in the chapter’s annual celebration.
NABIP–NN Kicks Off 2026 Luncheon Programs in Robust Fashion
A panel of three carrier representatives will launch the new year’s schedule of monthly membership luncheons at the Atlantis Casino and Resort.
The CE‑approved program will feature insights from three carriers, with a particular focus on anticipated 2026 rate impacts, emerging market risks to network design, referral workflows, renewal timelines, and coverage nuances such as travel and urgent care.
A second group of industry leaders will be featured in another CE‑approved panel discussion at the February membership luncheon on February 11 at the Atlantis Casino and Resort in Reno.
The panel topic will be “Behind the Scenes of AEP: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.”
NABIP–NN Chapter President Aliana Rushing of the Senior Insurance Agency will lead the discussion, joined by Alex Sampson of Health Benefits Associates and Christine McKinnis of The Medicare Store.
In April, the chapter’s annual Benefits and Medicare Expo will be held on April 29. This year’s theme is “Saddlin’ Up for Success.”
Chapter’s Charity Celebrates Holiday with Board Member
Each year, the National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals Northern Nevada chapter selects various charities to support through monthly membership luncheon raffle ticket sales.
One of the current charities is the Nevada Youth Empowerment Project (NYEP) — the only nonprofit organization in Nevada, based in Reno, that is 100% dedicated to supporting young women (ages 18–24) as they transition from homelessness to independent adulthood through a structured program providing housing and basic needs.
Julie Ann Evans, Chapter Vice President of Professional Development, was honored to join the staff and residents of NYEP for lunch on Christmas Day.
Earlier this year, the home where the women live experienced a major plumbing failure that collapsed their piping system. Chapter members contributed individually to a GoFundMe campaign to help fund the repairs.
NYEP expressed heartfelt gratitude to the chapter through Julie Ann, and she extends that appreciation to all members through this article.
Calendar of Events
NABIP - Northern Nevada February Monthly Meeting
NABIP - Northern Nevada March Monthly Meeting
NABIP Happenings
Join NABIP for the 36th Annual Capitol Conference 2026
February 22–24 in Washington, D.C.
This premier advocacy event brings together more than 800 health insurance and benefits professionals for three powerful days of preparation, education, and direct engagement with lawmakers and policymakers.
From in-depth training and timely policy briefings to a full day of advocacy on Capitol Hill, Capitol Conference 2026 empowers members to make their voices heard and drive meaningful change in healthcare policy.
Help shape the future of healthcare that expands access, strengthens choice, and improves affordability while strengthening relationships with legislators and connecting with industry leaders.
Sunday prepares. Monday equips. Tuesday delivers.
New Member Orientation
One of the best ways to maximize the value of a NABIP membership is to learn about all the benefits at any monthly New Member Orientation!
Monthly orientations are held by Zoom at 9 AM on every 4th Thursday of the month.
The Zoom meeting ID is 826 3420 3381 and the passcode is “Membership”.
The program can also be accessed here: http://welcometonabip.org
Member Resources
Online Learning Institute
Earning the Registered Employee Benefits Consultant® (REBC®) designation elevates your credibility as a professional. The field of employee benefits continues to evolve rapidly. A year does not go by without new government regulations, new or modified coverages, and new techniques for controlling benefit costs. To best serve their clients, professionals need to have a current understanding of the provisions, advantages, and limitations associated with each type of benefit or program as a method for meeting economic security.
Affordable courses are available by visiting the NABIP site here.
Did You Know
There are many resources available to every member. Below are active links to a world of benefits that come from being a member of NABIP.
This collection of logos contains active weblinks to make it very easy for you to click and be led directly to the appropriate section of the national NABIP website.
Apply today for one of NABIP's highest honors - Leading Producers Round Table (LPRT). Click here for more information.
NABIP's Leadership Academy assists chapter leaders and members to become better leaders in life and NABIP. This 12-module program provides a wide variety of topics touching on many areas to provide students with a well-rounded experience. Programming can be done through attending pre-recorded programming, by attending monthly webinars or as a mix of the two formats.
NABIP created the President's Triple Crown Program to recognize those members whose individual contributions help advance the association's mission.
NABIP Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB).
Vision & Core Values, DEIB Training & DEIB Resources. Click Here to learn more.
Leadership Mentorship Program
Provides senior leadership support to new and current members professionally and in their leadership roles. Click Here for more information.