How does an idea become an NSSTA educational program?
In a recent episode of Settle Smart, members of NSSTA’s Education Committee shared how topics are identified, shaped, and developed for members across the structured settlements industry.
The conversation featured Nicole Peterson of American National Insurance and Scott Brown of Summit Structured Settlements, who serve as Education Committee Co-Chairs, along with Brian Smith of Prospera Market Strategies, NSSTA’s Board Liaison to the Education Committee.
What guides the committee’s work?
The committee considers the different knowledge needs of NSSTA members across the industry, including plaintiff brokers, defense brokers, and insurance company representatives.
Members bring ideas for speakers and topics to committee meetings, where those ideas are discussed, refined, and evaluated for relevance and value.
Nicole explained that the committee focuses on identifying topics that are timely, relevant, and useful to the audience, while also determining the right subject matter experts and key takeaways for each session.
Scott noted that experience levels also matter. NSSTA members may range from people who have worked in the industry for decades to those who are relatively new, so the committee considers how to make education useful across that range.
What can influence the topic agendas?
Timeliness matters.
Nicole and Brian both pointed to current issues and important developments within the industry as reasons the committee may adjust an agenda. Brian also emphasized the impact of hearing directly from structured settlement recipients and the value those stories can bring to NSSTA members.
The committee also considers broader responsibilities, including antitrust compliance, the needs of different parts of the industry, and alignment with NSSTA’s mission and meeting priorities.
Why member input matters
One message came through clearly throughout the conversation: NSSTA members can help shape future education, and the committee highly encourages this: Member Submission Form
We'd love for members to share an idea that would help members learn, connect, and take action.
Scott described all NSSTA members as, in a sense, part of the Education Committee because members can contribute ideas for topics and speakers.
Brian reinforced that member input is valuable to the committee’s work and encouraged members not only to share ideas, but also to consider becoming involved with the committee directly.
NSSTA education is built through collaboration, discussion, and the perspectives of members across the structured settlements community.
Listen to the full episode of Settle Smart to hear more about how the Education Committee works and how members can help shape what comes next.
