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James Wong Joins Panel at NAILBA 2023

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In the heart of Hollywood, FL, over 700 industry leaders converged for the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA) annual event. Among them, James Wong, founder of The Founder’s Chair, took center stage, contributing to the panel’s vital discussions and receiving the prestigious Chairman’s Award.

Panel Discussion: The Practical, the Problematic, and the Potential of AI in Insurance

During the panel discussion, James delved into the intricacies of AI in the insurance landscape. Titled “The Practical, the Problematic, and the Potential of AI in Insurance,” the discussion brought together diverse perspectives. James, representing the independent distribution sector (Agencies and Agents), provided unique insights, while fellow panelists offered viewpoints from insurance carriers and vendors.

The panel dissected the practical applications of AI, acknowledging its potential benefits and identifying challenges within the industry. James’ contribution added an independent distribution lens to the conversation, enriching the dialogue on the role of AI in shaping the future of insurance. 

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Chairman’s Award: Recognition Amidst Transition

In a remarkable testament to James’ contributions, he received the Chairman’s Award, a distinguished honor presented by Tori Van Dusen-Roos, the Chair of NAILBA. This award, handpicked by the chair, symbolizes recognition for outstanding service and dedication.

Reflecting on the acknowledgment, James expressed his gratitude, stating, “I was honored to receive it after a tough year of transition…there was a lot of work to be done, and that’s what she recognized me for.” The award not only acknowledges past achievements but also serves as motivation for the continued commitment and resilience demonstrated by James in navigating industry shifts.

The NAILBA annual event not only provided a platform for robust discussions among industry leaders but also highlighted James’ influential presence and contributions, positioning him as a respected figure shaping the trajectory of the insurance landscape.

The Practical. The Problematic. The Potential.

Est. 1919 · Des Moines, Iowa

HOTEL FORT DES MOINES

A century of stories, one remarkable address

Famous Guests
Scandals & Secrets
Firsts & Innovations
The Beginning
1922
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1922

Helen Keller rang in the New Year here, staying at the hotel while in Des Moines for performances over New Year's Eve.

1927
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1927

Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig had breakfast here before an exhibition game. Two of baseball's greatest, at the same table, in Des Moines.

1927
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1927

Charles Lindbergh hosted a banquet here after his famous transatlantic flight. The menu featured boneless squab — reportedly a rare Des Moines delicacy at the time.

1933
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1933

Amelia Earhart visited the hotel to speak about her solo flight across the Atlantic — a rare chance for Iowans to hear her story firsthand.

1947
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1947

Mae West stayed here during her performance of "Come on Up" at the KRNT Radio Theater. One imagines she made an impression on the staff.

1959
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1959

Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev occupied the Presidential Suite during the height of the Cold War. This hotel has seen history made.

1960
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1960

JFK, LBJ, and Hubert Humphrey all attended dinner here and held a meeting on farm policy — three future or sitting presidents under one roof.

1980
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1980

Elizabeth Taylor stayed here during a Des Moines appearance. Hollywood glamour, right here in the heartland.

1980
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1980

Elizabeth Taylor stayed here during a Des Moines appearance. Hollywood glamour, right here in the heartland.

2003
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2003

Cher requested her own personal mattress be placed in room #1025. The hotel obliged. Room 1025 has never quite been the same.

2008
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2008

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton both stayed here during the Iowa caucuses — rivals for the presidency, sharing the same address for a night.

1939
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1939

Police raided the Log Cabin Room on the 11th floor, seizing liquor and gambling equipment. The tip reportedly came from the men's own wives.

1927
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1927

When Lindbergh dined here post-transatlantic flight, he reportedly insisted on serving boneless squab, an extravagance that raised eyebrows across Iowa.

1959
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1959

The FBI monitored Khrushchev's stay closely. Guests on nearby floors reportedly had no idea who was sleeping down the hall.

1971
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1971

President Nixon greeted supporters in the lobby during his stay — a reminder that this hotel has always been where Iowa's political drama plays out.

1919
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1919

When it opened, every single room had a bathtub, purified chilled circulating water, and a window. Unheard of luxury for its era.

1938
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1938

The hotel announced the first air-conditioned guest room in Des Moines, a genuine technological milestone that made front-page news.

1953
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1953

100 rooms received TV sets in what was reportedly the largest single installation of televisions in Iowa at the time. The fee to operate yours? 25 cents.

1982
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1982

Governor Terry Branstad nominated the hotel to the National Register of Historic Places, cementing its place in Iowa's official history.

1919
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1919

The hotel opened on July 15, 1919, built for approximately $1.5 million and designed by the architectural firm Proudfoot, Bird & Rawson.

1919
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1919

Its opening was a statement of ambition: every room had a private bathtub, purified water, and a window. In 1919, this was genuinely extraordinary.

1974
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1974

Ronald Reagan attended WHO Radio's 50th anniversary celebration at the hotel, proof that Fort Des Moines has always been Iowa's premier gathering place.

2021
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2021

After major renovations, the hotel reopened as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, a century of history, restored for the next hundred years.