AGENDA
9:55 – 10:35
Kick Off Session: Inside the Risk Room – Fresh Thinking from Today's Leading Risk Managers
Pacific Zone
Step behind the scenes with today’s top risk leaders as they reveal what’s driving change in the world of insurance. This high-energy conversation will dig into how organizations are tackling new threats, embracing technology, and reimagining partnerships to stay ahead of the curve. Hear candid stories, surprising lessons, and bold ideas for navigating uncertainty, building trust, and unlocking new opportunities in a rapidly evolving landscape. Walk away with insights and inspiration to elevate your approach to risk—no matter your role in the industry.
Rochelle Lewis
Director, Risk Management, Red Bull
Randal Maestas
Risk Manager, The Wonderful Company
Heidi Bastien
Vice President of Risk Management, Foundation Building Materials
Rodney Dowell
Manager, Insurance & Enterprise Risk Management, Servco Pacific
April Willers
President, ClaimDeck | Moderator
10:30 – 10:50
Expert Deep Dive - AI in 2026 and Beyond: From Shiny Objects to Real Results for Retail Brokers
Pacific Zone
In this high energy session, Jeff cuts through the hype with real world stories of where AI actually works for brokers and clients today – and where it backfires – showing how to stay tech forward without becoming “AI shackled.” You’ll leave with practical ideas you can plug into your brokerage on Monday, plus a futurist peek at how client expectations are racing toward a world where we talk to tech more than we type.
Jeffery Arnold
Founder; Best Selling Author; RIGHTSURE
10:40 – 11:15
Panel: AI Revolution – From Hype to ROI
Ocean Zone
Enterprise‑grade AI is already reshaping retail brokerage — from real‑time claims intelligence to predictive underwriting and algorithmic client management. This session goes beyond the buzzwords into what it actually takes to make AI work in a brokerage: the infrastructure choices, talent models, and 18–24 month implementation plans that fit real‑world budgets. Hear how leading firms are stress‑testing use cases, building realistic ROI models, and getting teams ready to deploy AI in ways that drive margin expansion and a defensible market position.
Christina Lucas
Director and Market Leader - Insurance, Google
Christopher Frankland
Founder, InsurTech360.com
Kader Sakkaria
Global Head, Data Technology & Delivery, Gallagher
Doug Alexander
SVP and Chief Technology Officer, Upland Specialty Insurance | Moderator
11:20 – 12:00
Panel: Distribution Disrupted – Brokers of Tomorrow Amid M&A
Shore Zone
The insurance distribution landscape is evolving rapidly. Shifting market capacity, ongoing M&A activity, and economic headwinds are redefining the broker’s role and reshaping how insurance reaches the market. In this session, industry leaders who have navigated consolidation, capacity crunches, and changing client expectations share their real-world strategies for staying competitive and resilient. Discover how independent and regional brokers can still win, the niches and partnerships that matter most, and practical approaches to position your brokerage for growth over the next 3–5 years of distribution change.
Patrick Thomas
Managing Director, Howden | Moderator
Nicole Farley
Chief Insurance Officer, Bold Penguin
Bryan Davis
President of VIU, HUB
Katherine Grasman
Chief Information Officer, Heffernan Insurance Brokers
11:20 – 11:55
Panel: Customer Expectations 2026: Meeting the Digital-First Broker
Palm Zone
Market consolidation, shifting capacity, and economic pressures are transforming insurance distribution. This panel brings together brokers who have navigated M&A, capacity crunches, and changing client demands, sharing practical strategies for staying competitive. Learn how independent and regional brokers can leverage partnerships, target profitable niches, and adapt their business models to thrive over the next 3–5 years of disruption.
Edward Cha
SVP. Global Practice Leader, Newfront
Jonathan Wheat
Senior Vice President, Epic Brokers
Allen Madden
Senior Vice President, Alliant Insurance Services
Austin Kennedy
Head of Innovation & Transformation, Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions | Moderator
11:35 - 12:05
Panel: Streamlined Tech That Supercharges Broker Teams
Pacific Zone
This session digs into concrete examples of how brokerages have simplified their tech stack and everyday workflows to cut admin load, reduce burnout and create more capacity for producers. Panellists will walk through specific before and after changes (e.g. consolidating systems, standardising intake and handoffs, automating repeatable tasks), how they secured buy in from brokers and support staff, and what’s actually stuck in the day to day. The discussion will focus on the measurable impact on productivity, team retention and book growth, with practical ideas attendees can trial over the next 90 days.
13:20 – 13:55
Expert Deep Dive: Connected & Protected – A Broker Playbook for Tech‑Powered Client Conversations
Shore Zone
Connected insurance is already reshaping personal and small commercial lines—but only if brokers can explain it in ways clients actually understand. This high‑energy session shares a practical “connected & protected” playbook for real‑world client conversations: how to move beyond price, handle objections, and turn data and prevention tools into stronger relationships and retention. You’ll walk away with ready‑to‑use language, examples and talking points you can plug straight into your next meeting to support better pricing, proactive risk management and smoother claims.
Matteo Carbone
Founder and Director, IoT Insurance Observatory
14:00 – 14:35
Payments and Premiums: Fixing the Friction
Palm Zone
Cheques, clunky billing, and slow claims payments are friction points your clients feel every day. Step into the fast lane of insurance payments and see how InsurTech is modernising the flow of money across the value chain—from digital wallets and instant claims to smarter billing and collections. Get the inside scoop on the latest payment innovations, real‑world success stories, and what’s around the corner with tools like blockchain and stablecoins. Leave with ideas to improve cash flow, cut admin time, and make it dramatically easier for clients to pay you.
Anis Taylor
Co-Founder and COO, SnapRefund
14:10 - 14:40
Panel: Reimagining Cyber Claims in an Ever‑Evolving Threat Landscape
Coral Zone
Cyber claims are shifting fast, driven not just by AI, but by increasingly sophisticated social engineering, credential theft, and even fraudulent hiring schemes. This panel will explore how these trends are reshaping coverage, investigations, and claim outcomes globally, with AI‑related incidents as one important (but still emerging) piece of the puzzle. You’ll gain practical insight into which risks to prioritize over the next 12–24 months, and how to evolve claims strategies without overreacting to the hype.
Farah Ismail
Head of Commercial Lines, North America, WTW
Finn Magee
CEO, Insurtech Canada
14:20 - 14:50
FIRESIDE CHAT: The Trust Dividend in Claims: Agentic AI for Faster, Fairer Outcomes
Coral Zone
Claims leaders face rising complexity and expectations for speed, transparency and fairness. Learn how copilots and agentic workflows help insurers capture a trust dividend: consistent decisions, clearer customer communication, and auditable outcomes at scale. Microsoft shares practical steps to move from pilots to governed adoption, reducing cycle time, leakage and disputes while strengthening customer confidence.
14:55 - 15:25
Tech Talk: When Seconds Matter - How AI + Human Judgment Are Transforming Claims Response
Coral Zone
In this session learn how leading insurers combine AI-driven property insights with human expertise to accelerate claims response while maintaining accuracy and empathy. Using real-world examples such as the Los Angeles wildfires, she'll show you how AI helps rapidly assess property impact, prioritise claims, and equip adjusters with actionable intelligence — enabling teams to focus their expertise where it matters most: supporting vulnerable policyholders and making confident decisions in moments of uncertainty. You'll learn where AI adds most value, where human judgment is essential, and how to modernise catastrophe response.
15:05 - 15:25
AI-Forward Leadership: Building Tech-Enabled, Not Tech Shackled, Brokerages
Ocean Zone
Everyone’s racing to plug AI into their business, but without the right leadership, retail brokerages can quickly slide from tech forward to totally tech shackled. Learn the playbook for leading AI change in a way that lifts your brokers, protects your culture and keeps clients raving about the human experience. You’ll walk away with simple, real-world leadership moves to turn AI from a scary buzzword into your team’s favourite superpower.
Jeffery Arnold
Founder; Best Selling Author; RIGHTSURE
15:20 - 15:50
AI 101: How to Use Chat GPT
Coral Zone
ChatGPT is revolutionizing insurance—but are you using it the right way? Discover the AI strategies that can streamline claims, boost efficiency, and give you a competitive edge!
Christopher Frankland
Founder, InsurTech360.com
15:30 – 16:10
Live-Recorded Podcast with Heath Shearon, Mayor, Insurance Town
Ocean Zone
Sit down with Heath Shearon for a live recording of his Insurance Town podcast as he chats with one of InsuranceFest's standout speakers about how to get ahead in today's insurance industry. This candid, on-stage conversation will dig into real-world career advice, modern networking, and leadership lessons, giving attendees practical insights they can apply immediately.
Heath Shearon
Mayor, InsuranceTown
10:40 – 11:15
E&S Unfiltered: The Insider’s Guide for 2026
Palm Zone
E&S is where some of the toughest—and most interesting—business is happening. In this session, top E&S brokers, MGAs, and underwriters break down how they’re accessing capacity, navigating shifting appetites, and solving for risks the standard market won’t touch. Learn practical strategies for building strong carrier and MGA relationships, handling difficult claims conversations, and using tech to streamline submissions. Delegates will leave with insider perspectives and new approaches to winning in the 2026 E&S market.
Jamie Cannon
Senior Vice President of Logistic Services, Reliance Partners
Ashby Moore
Area Vice President, Risk Placement Services
10:40 - 11:15
Panel: Specialty Lines Unplugged – Financial, Construction, Cyber and Beyond
Shore Zone
Specialty is where the market gets interesting—and complex. In this scenario‑driven panel, brokers and underwriters walk through real‑world situations, from founder sales to PE and roll‑up plays to complex construction and cyber exposures. Hear where they’re seeing profitable growth, how capacity and pricing are shifting, and the questions to ask clients and markets. Leave with practical niches to target and a checklist for your next high‑stakes placement or transaction.
Reid Eanes
Executive Vice President, Co-Practice Leader, Lockton
Emily Selck
Senior Director, National Cyber Practice LeaderThe Baldwin Group
Mike Gulla
CEO & Co-founder, Adaptive Insurance | Moderator
11:20 - 12:05
Panel: Claims & Courtroom Chaos: Surviving Nuclear Verdicts in the E&S Era
Ocean Zone
Litigation, social inflation, and “nuclear” jury awards are reshaping the E&S landscape, and claims missteps are more expensive than ever. Step into the trenches with claims and legal experts as they share how early intervention, advanced analytics, and tight broker‑carrier‑counsel coordination can change outcomes—from reserving and defence strategy to settlement posture. Walk away with a sharper checklist of questions to ask on every large, complex claim and a clearer story to take back to clients about what’s really at stake.
Brandon Schuh
Senior Vice President & Head of Specialty Insurance, Christensen Group
Adil Husain
Founder, The Intelligence Council | Moderator
12:40 - 13:15
Panel: Blueprints & Bulldozers: Construction Risk Unfiltered
Palm Zone
Construction projects are getting bigger, more complex, and more exposed—to climate, regulation, supply chains, and litigation. In this candid “war stories” session, brokers, underwriters, and claims leaders share the surprises (good and bad) they’ve seen on major construction accounts, and what they’d do differently next time. Explore how climate, regulatory shifts, and specialty products are changing the risk profile, and co‑create a must‑ask checklist you can use on your next major project.
Jose Suarez
Vice President, Managing Partner, Alera Group
Kirk Chamberlain
EVP North American Construction Practice Leader, Hub International
Daniel Ginden
Managing Director, Novatae Risk Group
14:00 - 14:35
E&S Innovation Lab: Designing Coverage for Tomorrow’s Wild Risks
Shore Zone
Some risks are too complex—or too “wild”—for the standard market. In this interactive lab, underwriters, MGAs, and brokers walk through how new E&S products and structures are being built for exposures like wildfires, hurricanes, cyber, and social inflation. See how data, analytics, and creative underwriting are being used to craft solutions, and work with peers to build a short checklist of questions and data points you can bring to your next “too hard” risk.
Mitchell Brown
VP Commercial Insurance, Rate Insurance
14:40 - 15:15
Beyond the Model: Rethinking Nat Cat Risk for a Volatile World
Palm Zone
When clients hit you with “Why is my coverage changing again?” you need more than a climate soundbite, you need a clear, confident story that actually lands. In this high energy session, a catastrophe modeling expert, a nat cat heavy retail broker and a California reinsurer unpack what is really driving pricing, capacity and coverage shifts on the ground. You will leave with sharper language for tough client conversations and practical ideas to keep cat exposed accounts insured and resilient in a world that will not sit still.
Dawn Cusack
Senior Vice President, Brown and Riding
Teresa Urban
SVP Claims, Palomar
Joseph Minga
Global Data Insights & Optimization Leader, Aon
Afroz Mohammed
Insurance Analytics Manager, Moon Shepherd Baker Insurance Agency | Moderator
15:20 - 15:50
Personal Cyber 2.0: Add‑Ons That Keep You Ahead of the Pack
Palm Zone
Personal cyber is no longer just “identity theft insurance” as brokers are now dealing with hacked bank and payment apps, deepfake and phishing scams, home device ransomware and data leaks from everyday platforms. This session explores how carriers are reshaping personal cyber cover, what is really covered and what is not, and how leading brokers are packaging it with home, auto and executive policies for high risk clients and families. You will hear real claim stories and leave with concrete talking points and education tactics to make personal cyber a relevant, value adding conversation rather than a fear play.
Mila Araujo
Personal Cyber Practice Leader, North America, Assistant Vice President, DigitalShield, NFP
Kareen Boyadjian
VP, Cyber Underwriting, Tokio Marine HCC
9:55 – 10:35
Kick Off Session: Inside the Risk Room – Fresh Thinking from Today's Leading Risk Managers
Pacific Zone
Step behind the scenes with today’s top risk leaders as they reveal what’s driving change in the world of insurance. This high-energy conversation will dig into how organizations are tackling new threats, embracing technology, and reimagining partnerships to stay ahead of the curve. Hear candid stories, surprising lessons, and bold ideas for navigating uncertainty, building trust, and unlocking new opportunities in a rapidly evolving landscape. Walk away with insights and inspiration to elevate your approach to risk—no matter your role in the industry.
Rochelle Lewis
Director, Risk Management, Red Bull
Randal Maestas
Risk Manager, The Wonderful Company
Heidi Bastien
Vice President of Risk Management, Foundation Building Materials
Rodney Dowell
Manager, Insurance & Enterprise Risk Management, Servco Pacific
April Willers
President, ClaimDeck | Moderator
10:40 – 11:15
E&S Unfiltered: The Insider’s Guide for 2026
Palm Zone
E&S is where some of the toughest—and most interesting—business is happening. In this session, top E&S brokers, MGAs, and underwriters break down how they’re accessing capacity, navigating shifting appetites, and solving for risks the standard market won’t touch. Learn practical strategies for building strong carrier and MGA relationships, handling difficult claims conversations, and using tech to streamline submissions. Delegates will leave with insider perspectives and new approaches to winning in the 2026 E&S market.
Jamie Cannon
Senior Vice President of Logistic Services, Reliance Partners
Ashby Moore
Area Vice President, Risk Placement Services
10:40 – 11:15
Panel: Specialty Lines Unplugged – Financial, Construction, Cyber and Beyond
Shore Zone
Specialty is where the market gets interesting—and complex. In this scenario‑driven panel, brokers and underwriters walk through real‑world situations, from founder sales to PE and roll‑up plays to complex construction and cyber exposures. Hear where they’re seeing profitable growth, how capacity and pricing are shifting, and the questions to ask clients and markets. Leave with practical niches to target and a checklist for your next high‑stakes placement or transaction.
Reid Eanes
Executive Vice President, Co-Practice Leader, Lockton
Emily Selck
Senior Director, National Cyber Practice Leader, The Baldwin Group
Mike Gulla
CEO & Co-founder, Adaptive Insurance | Moderator
10:40 - 11:10
Playbook for Moving Hard to Place Commercial Risks into the Right Market
Coral Zone
As admitted markets pull back from catastrophe exposed and hard to place commercial property, more of brokers’ toughest accounts are landing in new territory. In this session, we’ll unpack why habitational and other specialised commercial risks are increasingly moving off the traditional path – from Cat exposure and capacity constraints to carrier reliability and underwriting fit. Expect a practical, conversational discussion on how brokers can place challenging risks, explain change to clients, and build sustainable coastal and Cat exposed books in a market where the “default” home for these risks is shifting fast.
11:00 - 11:30
Expert Deep Dive: Rewiring Small Risk Specialty: Giving Brokers Control Across Every Channel
Pacific Zone
Retail brokers are stuck managing fragmented specialty workflows across retail, wholesale, and digital channels—costing time, control, and hit ratio. In this session, you’ll see how a unified, channel-agnostic approach to small risk specialty lets you quote, bind, issue, and service on your terms, while keeping a consistent view of the client and outcome. Through a live “one risk, multiple channels” walkthrough and candid discussion, you’ll leave with practical ideas to cut admin, speed up placement, and decide which channel works best for each risk—without sacrificing access or expertise.
11:20 - 12:05
Panel: Claims & Courtroom Chaos: Surviving Nuclear Verdicts in the E&S Era
Ocean Zone
Litigation, social inflation, and “nuclear” jury awards are reshaping the E&S landscape, and claims missteps are more expensive than ever. Step into the trenches with claims and legal experts as they share how early intervention, advanced analytics, and tight broker‑carrier‑counsel coordination can change outcomes—from reserving and defence strategy to settlement posture. Walk away with a sharper checklist of questions to ask on every large, complex claim and a clearer story to take back to clients about what’s really at stake.
Brandon Schuh
Senior Vice President & Head of Specialty Insurance, Christensen Group
Adil Husain
Founder, The Intelligence Council Moderator
12:10 - 12:45
Q&A: Winning the Cyber Battle with Clients
Ocean Zone
Cyber threats are evolving faster than most clients can keep up—and they expect their broker to be the expert. In this open Q&A, a broker, MGA, and CISO unpack how they’re talking about cyber today: from social engineering and ransomware to third‑party/vendor risk and personal cyber exposures. Get practical language, examples, and frameworks for turning cyber conversations into real client value instead of fear‑based selling, and bring your toughest questions for an unscripted, broker‑led discussion.
Garrett Droege
Fintech and Digital Asset Leader, WTW
Nadia Hoyte
Cyber National Practice Advisor, USI Insurance Services
Keith Savino
CEO, Emergence Insurance
Fitz Swain
Vice President, RT Specialty
12:40 - 13:15
Panel: Blueprints & Bulldozers: Construction Risk Unfiltered
Palm Zone
Construction projects are getting bigger, more complex, and more exposed—to climate, regulation, supply chains, and litigation. In this candid “war stories” session, brokers, underwriters, and claims leaders share the surprises (good and bad) they’ve seen on major construction accounts, and what they’d do differently next time. Explore how climate, regulatory shifts, and specialty products are changing the risk profile, and co‑create a must‑ask checklist you can use on your next major project.
Jose Suarez
Vice President, Managing Partner, Alera Group
Kirk Chamberlain
EVP, North American Construction Practice Leader, Hub International
Daniel Ginden
Managing Director, Novatae Risk Group
12:45 - 13:15
Panel: New Rules, Real Risk: Brokers in 2026
Shore Zone
Rules around cyber, AI, data and deal‑driven change are tightening, and brokers are increasingly judged on what’s in the file. In this session, legal specialists sit alongside frontline brokers and MGAs to unpack how 2026 expectations are shifting around advice, placement, disclosures, cyber incidents and AI‑enabled workflows. Hear real examples, see what “good” looks like in practice, and leave with habits and checklists that stand up under pressure.
Naveen Dhar
Sr. Director Insurance Industry Advisor, Microsoft
Christopher Keegan
Senior Managing Director- Cyber and Technology National Practice Leader Risk Solutions, Brown & Brown
Jeffery Arnold
Founder; Best Selling Author, RIGHTSURE | Moderator
Thomas Fitzgerald
Vice Chair, Howden Re
14:00 - 14:35
E&S Innovation Lab: Designing Coverage for Tomorrow’s Wild Risks
Shore Zone
Some risks are too complex—or too “wild”—for the standard market. In this interactive lab, underwriters, MGAs, and brokers walk through how new E&S products and structures are being built for exposures like wildfires, hurricanes, cyber, and social inflation. See how data, analytics, and creative underwriting are being used to craft solutions, and work with peers to build a short checklist of questions and data points you can bring to your next “too hard” risk.
Mitchell Brown
VP Commercial Insurance, Rate Insurance LLC
14:40 - 15:15
Beyond the Model: Rethinking Nat Cat Risk for a Volatile World
Palm Zone
When clients hit you with “Why is my coverage changing again?” you need more than a climate soundbite, you need a clear, confident story that actually lands. In this high energy session, a catastrophe modeling expert, a nat cat heavy retail broker and a California reinsurer unpack what is really driving pricing, capacity and coverage shifts on the ground. You will leave with sharper language for tough client conversations and practical ideas to keep cat exposed accounts insured and resilient in a world that will not sit still.
Dawn Cusack
Senior Vice President, Brown and Riding
Teresa Urban
Senior Vice President Claims, Palomar
Joseph Minga
Global Data Insights & Optimization Leader, Aon
14:40 - 15:15
Cyber Crisis Live: What Would You Do?
Shore Zone
Your customers make their worst decisions in the first 60 minutes of a cyber incident because they don’t have a plan and don’t practice. In this high-energy, interactive session, you’ll step into your policyholder’s shoes to navigate a fast-moving Business Email Compromise (BEC) with a deepfake AI twist, where traditional verification fails and $287,000 is on the line. You’ll feel the pressure of making critical decisions from first detection to board-level fallout, see why “call your broker” must be an immediate containment step, and leave with a draft Incident Response Plan template ready to share with your customers.
Kip Boyle
Cyber Risk CEO & Advisor, Cyber Risk Opportunities
11:15 - 11:45
Networking Not Working? Make the most of your festival experience
Coral Zone
In an industry built on relationships, too many people still treat conferences like box checking exercises instead of business building festivals. This lively, practical session shares a simple framework to turn sessions, expo time and social events into real opportunities—before, during and after InsuranceFest. Discover how to tap into 2026’s biggest networking trends, from AI to digital presence, while keeping authentic, old school human connection at the heart of every conversation.
Heath Shearon
Mayor, Insurance Town
11:50 - 12:20
Stand Out in the Feed: Using LinkedIn to Build a Powerful Insurance Profile
Coral Zone
12:50 - 13:05
How to Build Your Personal Brand (From Someone Who Stopped Waiting to Be Noticed)
Ocean Zone
Working hard isn’t always enough to get seen. In this 15‑minute, TED‑style session, discover how to intentionally build a reputation and presence that positions you as a go‑to voice in your niche. Through a quick‑fire rundown of five practical strategies, you’ll learn how to define what you want to be known for, communicate it clearly across your industry – online and offline – and build the kind of credibility that attracts the right clients, collaborators and commercial opportunities. Join the discussion table later in the day for a more in‑depth, interactive conversation tailored to your own brand and goals.
Heath Shearon
Mayor, Insurance Town
13:20 - 13:55
Panel: Talent, Opportunity and Outcomes – The ROI of Different Perspectives
Palm Zone
The talent gap, generational change and shifting expectations are forcing firms to rethink who they hire, how they grow people and who gets real opportunity. This session looks at the business impact of building teams that mix ages, backgrounds and experience, showing how varied perspectives strengthen retention, decision‑making, client insight and product design. You’ll leave with practical, business‑first ideas on hiring, stretch roles, team structure and mentoring that widen opportunity and lift performance.
Josephine Gartrell
Managing Director, WTW
Marife Molina
Partner Executive Vice President of Revenue, C3 Risk & Insurance Services
Randi Kasongo
President, NAAIA - LA Chapter
Tony Chimera
Chief Administrative Officer, Westfield Specialty | Moderator
13:35 - 14:05
Cracking the Insurance Career Code: A Recruiter’s Playbook
Coral Zone
Join a candid fireside chat with a leading insurance recruiter as we unpack what truly makes candidates stand out in today’s market. From CV must-haves to interview red flags and real examples of “must-hire” talent, you’ll hear exactly how hiring decisions are made. Perfect for anyone looking to step up, switch roles or attract top talent into their team.
Afroz Mohammed
Insurance Analytics Manager, Moon Shepherd Baker Insurance Agency
13:45 - 14:15
Leading the Next Wave: Future-Ready Careers for Retail Brokers
Ocean Zone
In this high energy, festival style lab, senior leaders step out of “business as usual” and experiment with new ways to spark growth, mobility and ambition in retail broking careers. Through fast-paced activities, live scenario work and peer idea swaps, leaders will reimagine how they spot potential, open up stretch opportunities and create pathways that feel exciting – not bureaucratic – for their brokers. Expect a bold, practical reset on what modern career development can look like in a brokerage environment.
Erin Powell
Executive Vice President, P&C West Region
14:20 - 15:00
Next Gen Power Lab: What I Wish I’d Known
Ocean Zone
This rotating “fishbowl” brings rising stars and industry veterans into the same circle to share the career lessons they wish they’d learned sooner, especially in a consolidating, tech‑driven market. Expect candid stories about missteps, breakthrough moments, and navigating everything from first promotions to leadership roles. Delegates can jump into the inner circle to add their own experiences and questions. No topic is off‑limits: step forward, engage, and leave with unvarnished guidance on building a career that actually fits you.
Diauntae Morrow
President of NAAIA Cleveland Chapter; Owner, The Morrow Group
Jennifer Kessel
Chief Operating Officer, USG Insurance
Brooke Liu
Senior Vice President, Marsh Berry
Suzanne Bittner
Senior Director of Operations, C3 Insurance | Moderator
14:45 - 15:15
Next Gen Playbook: Choosing the Best Path for Your Career
Coral Zone
This session is built for next gen and emerging brokers who don’t want to just “fall into” their careers. Through live career scenarios, rapid audience voting, and straight talk from leaders and rising stars, you’ll explore real choices—joining a consolidator, jumping to specialty, saying yes to leadership, or leaping into MGAs and insurtech. You’ll leave with simple decision rules and sharper questions to ask mentors and managers, so your next move feels intentional, not accidental.
Jennifer Wilson
Cyber Leader, Newfront
15:20 - 15:50
Q&A Charting Your Own Course: Women Rewriting the Playbook
Shore Zone
This is a straight‑talk session with women who have led teams, books, and businesses through change. Hear how they navigated barriers, setbacks, and pivotal moments—and the specific moves, sponsors, and bets that made a difference. In this interactive Q&A, expect questions from the room, candid answers, and advice you can use whether you’re early in your career or already leading a team. You’ll leave with concrete ideas on how to champion yourself and others in an industry that’s still evolving.
Jacqueline Waters
Managing Director & Practice Leader, Financial Services Group, Legal & Claims, Commercial Risk Solutions, Aon
Natalie Sherod
Risk Manager and Insurance Advisor / Principal, Cavignac
Patrice Lafayette
Regional Vice President, Western Division, Roanoke Insurance Group
15:30 - 16:10
Live-Recorded Podcast with Insurance Town: How to get ahead in the insurance industry
Ocean Zone
Sit down with Heath Shearon for a live recording of his Insurance Town podcast as he chats with one of InsuranceFest’s standout speakers about how to get ahead in today’s insurance industry. This candid, on-stage conversation will dig into real-world career advice, modern networking, and leadership lessons, giving attendees practical insights they can apply immediately.
Heath Shearon
Mayor, Insurance Town
16:30 - 16:50
Rising Stars Awards
Pacific Zone
Tony Cañas
Co-Founder, Insurance Nerds
11:20 - 12:05
Panel: Claims & Courtroom Chaos: Surviving Nuclear Verdicts in the E&S Era
Ocean Zone
Litigation, social inflation, and “nuclear” jury awards are reshaping the E&S landscape, and claims missteps are more expensive than ever. Step into the trenches with claims and legal experts as they share how early intervention, advanced analytics, and tight broker‑carrier‑counsel coordination can change outcomes—from reserving and defence strategy to settlement posture. Walk away with a sharper checklist of questions to ask on every large, complex claim and a clearer story to take back to clients about what’s really at stake.
Brandon Schuh
Senior Vice President & Head of Specialty Insurance, Christensen Group
Adil Husain
Founder, The Intelligence Council | Moderator
12:25 - 13:15
Panel: New Rules, Real Risk: Brokers in 2026
Shore Zone
Rules around cyber, AI, data and deal‑driven change are tightening, and brokers are increasingly judged on what’s in the file. In this session, legal specialists sit alongside frontline brokers and MGAs to unpack how 2026 expectations are shifting around advice, placement, disclosures, cyber incidents and AI‑enabled workflows. Hear real examples, see what “good” looks like in practice, and leave with habits and checklists that stand up under pressure.
Naveen Dhar
Sr. Director Insurance Industry Advisor, Microsoft
Christopher Keegan
Senior Managing Director- Cyber and Technology National Practice Leader Risk Solutions, Brown & Brown
Jeffery Arnold
Founder; Best Selling Author; RIGHTSURE | Moderator
Thomas Fitzgerald
Vice Chair, Howden Re
12:40 - 13:15
Panel: Blueprints & Bulldozers: Construction Risk Unfiltered
Palm Zone
Construction projects are getting bigger, more complex, and more exposed—to climate, regulation, supply chains, and litigation. In this candid “war stories” session, brokers, underwriters, and claims leaders share the surprises (good and bad) they’ve seen on major construction accounts, and what they’d do differently next time. Explore how climate, regulatory shifts, and specialty products are changing the risk profile, and co‑create a must‑ask checklist you can use on your next major project.
Jose Suarez
Vice President, Managing Partner, Alera Group
Kirk Chamberlain
EVP, North American Construction Practice Leader, Hub International
Daniel Ginden
Managing Director, Novatae Risk Group
10:40 - 11:15
Panel: Specialty Lines Unplugged – Financial, Construction, Cyber and Beyond
Shore Zone
Specialty is where the market gets interesting—and complex. In this scenario‑driven panel, brokers and underwriters walk through real‑world situations, from founder sales to PE and roll‑up plays to complex construction and cyber exposures. Hear where they’re seeing profitable growth, how capacity and pricing are shifting, and the questions to ask clients and markets. Leave with practical niches to target and a checklist for your next high‑stakes placement or transaction.
Reid Eanes
Executive Vice President, Co-Practice Leader, Lockton
Emily Selck
Senior Director, National Cyber Practice Leader, The Baldwin Group
Mike Gulla
CEO & Co-founder, Adaptive Insurance | Moderator
11:20 -12:00
Panel: Distribution Disrupted – Brokers of Tomorrow Amid M&A
Shore Zone
The insurance distribution landscape is evolving rapidly. Shifting market capacity, ongoing M&A activity, and economic headwinds are redefining the broker’s role and reshaping how insurance reaches the market. In this session, industry leaders who have navigated consolidation, capacity crunches, and changing client expectations share their real-world strategies for staying competitive and resilient. Discover how independent and regional brokers can still win, the niches and partnerships that matter most, and practical approaches to position your brokerage for growth over the next 3–5 years of distribution change.
Patrick Thomas
Managing Director, Howden | Moderator
Nicole Farley
Chief Insurance Officer, Bold Penguin
Bryan Davis
President of VIU, HUB
Katherine Grasman
Chief Information Officer, Heffernan Insurance Brokers