Ocean Zone Agenda

The Ocean Zone is your high-energy deep dive into the big forces reshaping broking and specialty insurance. This is where you’ll get under the hood of AI from hype to ROI, win the cyber battle with clients, tackle claims and courtroom chaos, and make sense of consolidation, M&A, and RegTech in real time. Expect fast-paced panels, live Q&As, and candid conversations where brokers, MGAs, carriers, and tech leaders break down what’s coming next — and how to turn it into an advantage. 

10:35 – 10:40
Opening Address from Chair
10:40 – 11:15
Panel: AI Revolution - From Hype to ROI
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, InsurTech260.com
Kader Sakkaria
Global Head, Data Technology & Delivery, Gallagher
Doug Alexander
SVP and Chief Technology Officer, Upland Capital Group

Moderator

11:20 – 11:55
Leading the Next Wave: Future-Ready Careers for Retail Brokers

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, IMA Financial Group
12:00 – 12:35
Q&A: Winning the Cyber Battle with Clients
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
SVP Digital Risk Practice Leader, WTW
Nadia Hoyte
Cyber National Practice Advisor, USI Insurance Services
Keith Savino
Principal - Managing Director, Trucordia
Fitz Swain
Vice President, RT Specialty
12:40 – 12:55
How to Build Your Personal Brand (From Someone Who Stopped Waiting to Be Noticed)
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
13:35 – 14:15
Panel: Claims & Courtroom Chaos: Surviving Nuclear Verdicts in the E&S Era
 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
14:20 – 15:00
Next Gen Power Lab: What I Wish I’d Known
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
15:05 - 15:25
AI-Forward Leadership: Building Tech-Enabled, Not Tech Shackled, Brokerages
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
15:30 – 16:10
Navigating Consolidation: The Retail Broker's Roadmap

Consolidation is rewriting the rules for retail brokers, from valuations and carrier dynamics to competitive positioning. This panel examines M&A as both existential threat and growth catalyst, unpacking how deals are being priced, what strategic buyers are looking for, and when it makes sense to build, buy, or sell. Hear how independent and regional brokers are extracting value through scale, specialisation, or strategic partnerships, and leave with a clearer view on which path—sell, scale, specialise, or partner—makes the most sense for your firm. 

15:50 – 15:55
Chair Closing Remarks