2018 LIMRA Annual Conference Agenda

Sunday, October 28, 2018

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

1. Blockchain Applications in Insurance: A Team Sport
Susan Joseph, B3i;
Christopher McDaniel, The Institutes’ RiskBlock Alliance;
Moderator: Judith Zaiken, LIMRA

Over the last couple of years, industry investment in understanding the power of blockchain technology has accelerated. Most prominently, two insurance-based blockchain organizations, The Institutes' RiskBlock Alliance (RBA) and B3i, have gained real traction. Initial applications have focused on the property and casualty market. Now, LIMRA has partnered with RBA to drive cross-industry collaboration and bring this transformational platform to the benefit of the life, annuity, retirement, and group benefits markets. In this session, these blockchain industry pioneers will demystify the blockchain technology, explain how your company may be affected, and show how you can benefit from the sector's early learnings.

2. Image Matters
Eric Sondergeld, ASA, CFA, LIMRA

For an industry that essentially exists to do good by helping people manage their financial lives, it’s important for people — in turn — to feel good about the industry. During this session, LIMRA researchers will present findings from consumer research that defines the current image. They will also share industry member perspectives on the desired image and actions that companies can take to collectively move the needle in the right direction.

2.5 Fraud Symposium: Fraudsters Share Information - Shouldn't We?
Frank Badalamenti, PwC
Eric Leiserson, IDology 
Rob Waterman, MassMutual
Moderator: Paul Henry, LIMRA

Note: The Fraud Symposium will end at 5:30 p.m.

A panel of leading fraud prevention experts from insurance and financial services will discuss the evolving nature of fraud, the threats it poses to both our customers and our brands, and the new processes and tools that are being developed and deployed to deter and thwart attempted fraud. We will also preview some of the new tools and other resources being developed by the industry as part of the LIMRA LOMA Fraud Initiative. To help frame the panel discussion, Paul Henry will share recent LIMRA research on the evolving nature of fraud, the industry response, and consumer expectations. Audience participation and questions are encouraged.

5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. - WOMEN LEADERS' RECEPTION

6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - WELCOME RECEPTION - Sponsored by Vitech

Monday, October 29, 2018

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST - Sponsored by Pacific Life

8:00 a.m. - 8:20 a.m. - GENERAL SESSION - Sponsored by USAA

Opening Ceremony
Michael Ferik, FSA, Presiding
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
GUARDIAN

8:20 a.m. - 8:55 a.m. - GENERAL SESSION

Looking Back to Move Forward: How 40 Years of Change Has Positioned the Industry for Growth

Robert A. Kerzner, CLU, ChFC -

8:55 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. - GENERAL SESSION

The Infinite Game
Gina Birchall, LLIF, CLU, J.D., Moderator
LIMRA, LOMA and LL Global, Inc.

Business is infinite — there’s no such thing as “winning” because there’s always a new set of challenges. Great leaders instinctively play the infinite game rather than chase short-term goals. Fascinated by individuals and organizations that make the greatest impact and possess the capacity to inspire, Sinek explores how infinite players can outlast their competitors, stay ahead for the long run, and create strong organizations.

Simon Sinek - Optimist and Best Selling Author

10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - REFRESHMENT BREAK - Sponsored by KeyBanc

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

3. Harnessing the Power of Ideation to Transform the Customer Experience
Shelly Habecker, Swiss Re
Pascal Marmier, Swiss Re Institute
Moderator: Todd Silverhart, Ph.D., LIMRA

When Amazon and Netflix are the benchmarks for the expected customer experience, how do we compete? Any successful effort to innovate around distribution or new products requires a holistic understanding of how the consumer feels about the product and the purchasing experience. In this interactive session, hosted by experienced facilitators from Swiss Re, attendees will engage in customer journey mapping to understand the factors that influence the customer experience, and discuss how our industry can leverage technology to navigate these experiences. Using ideation techniques, participants will learn how to uncover fresh perspectives around a challenge every company faces.

4. InsurTech Rising in Global Markets
Jenn Byrne, Quesnay
Larry Hartshorn, LIMRA
Kartik Sakthivel, LIMRA and LOMA

The digital transformation is underway for the global insurance industry. Recent years have seen exponential growth of InsurTech, driven by the combination of changing customer expectations, decrease in effectiveness of existing distribution channels and persistent pressure to increase profitability. The InsurTech explosion and resulting marketplace disruption are sure to continue with a vengeance in 2019. There's no doubt that challenges lie ahead. Hear about the challenges and future of global insurance in this session.

5. Re-igniting the Value Proposition for Lifetime Guaranteed Income
Matthew Drinkwater, Ph.D., FSRI, FLMI, AFSI, PCS, LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute
John Galvin, CFP, Capital Management Group
Joseph Toledano, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management 

Annuities provide unique value that enhances an individual’s portfolio and bestows peace of mind in retirement. The need for lifetime-guaranteed income provided by annuities is high, but sales of individual annuities have fallen for the past three years. As fee-based practice models proliferate and consumer misperceptions abound, can the industry turn around the trend by reclaiming the narrative? In this session, the audience will be presented with ways to reinforce the relevancy and core value of income guarantees for consumers and advisors, using a combination of objective and subjective concepts.

6. Meeting Tomorrow’s Challenges With Diversity Today
Jessica Choi, Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company
Adam Fox, MassMutual Financial Group
Brandy McNalis, COUNTRY Financial
Moderator: Neil Sprackling, Swiss Re

The global marketplace is in a state of constant evolution. Today’s changing world requires savvy recruiting and retention strategies that engage a workforce as diverse in background and skills as it is in perspective. To keep up with the pace of transformation, companies must offer a unique value proposition that is relevant and compelling to the next generation of top talent. Avoiding costly turnover requires creating a climate of diverse thought and inclusion that offers real opportunities for all employees. This engaging session will feature a panel of rising stars. Learn what attracted them to our industry and what factors have led them to stay, and most importantly, thrive.

7. Streamlining Insurance: How Platforms Are Changing the Industry Through Ecosystems, Innovation and Interoperability

Noel Garry, IBM Insurance Platforms, IBM Industry Platform

Insurers are moving toward platform models for the technology cost savings and flexibility to innovate. Platform models also allow insurers to create multi-partner ecosystems, meet customer needs at the point of risk, and provide a better customer experience. IBM provides a closer look at how insurers are becoming more agile, improving differentiation, and adding customer value while lowering technology costs.  This session will showcase examples from global insurers who are cutting their own path through the insurance landscape.

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - NETWORKING LUNCHEON

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.: CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

8. Adapting to Change: The Financial Professionals Perspective
 Ellen DeSarno, CFP, CLU, ChFC, ADPA, AIF, AXA Advisors
J. Kenyon Lane, Cambium Group, LLC
Thomas Mingone, ChFC, CLU, AEP, CFS, AIF, Capital Management Group
Moderator: Michael Ferik, Guardian

Many factors impact the practices of today’s financial professionals. Technology, changing consumer expectations, and regulatory pressures are spurring financial professionals to re-examine their business model, the products they sell, and how they engage with clients. A panel of financial professionals representing three distinct practice models will share how share how they are adapting their businesses to drive growth both today and in the future.

9. Cybersecurity: Staying a Step Ahead!
Oswin Deally, Capgemini
Kartik Sakthivel, LIMRA and LOMA

Cyberattacks, financial crime and fraud are becoming more targeted, sophisticated, and persistent. This trend is expected to continue as companies go through digital transformations and consumers and businesses rely more on electronic devices for financial activities. While technologies and processes have made advances in cybersecurity and fraud prevention, many organizations are still vulnerable and recognize a need to do more. This session will give an overview of the environment and discuss some ways to mitigate risk.

10. The Regulatory and Legislative Terrain: Evolving and Uncertain
Andrew Bowden, Jackson National
Carolyn Coda, Swiss Re
Bridget Hagan, The Cypress Group
Randy Hardock, Davis & Harman LLP
Moderator: Laura Haines, Guardian

In what can seem like a whipsaw regulatory climate, senior industry leaders face an increasingly uncertain legislative landscape. Now, on the eve of the mid-term elections, what do leading legal and government relations industry insiders think about the likely outcomes and the effect on the legislative and regulatory agenda for 2019? In a panel format, law and policy experts will share their insights on where we might expect regulators to land on best interest, suitability, and the evolving state regulatory actions affecting both the annuity and life insurance industry. What policy opportunities might be ahead for the industry and what challenges are we likely to face?

11. Innovative Products Your Competitors Aren’t Offering
Ross Beerman, AllLife
Schalk Malan, BrightRock
Moderator: Eric Sondergeld, LIMRA

In an increasingly global economy, it is important to be aware of not only what’s happening in our own backyards, but what’s happening around the world. When it comes to product development, South Africa is a hotbed of innovation. At this session, you will learn why and hear from two of the most innovative companies in that market.

12. What a Great Digital Customer Experience Looks Like in Insurance and Annuities

Avril Castagnetta, EY
Lisa Sheth, Adobe
Xenia Strunnikova, Adobe
Christopher Young, Adobe

By now there is a common understanding that customer expectations are escalating and the need to harness digital and connect them with existing offline channels is critical. In this session, you will hear from Adobe’s Digital Strategy group and EY’s financial services practice on recent survey results, best in class examples, and see a live demonstration of how digital channels improve customer experiences while enhancing advisor effectiveness.

2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - REFRESHMENT BREAK - Sponsored by Sharp Point Data

2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. - GENERAL SESSION

Business Session
William Gaumond, Presiding
Chief Financial Officer
Allianz life Insurance Company of North America

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - GENERAL SESSION

Be a Leader of Innovation and Progress: How to Iterate, Adapt, and Succeed Faster

Manage tough decisions and impactful innovations. Cole provides insight into leadership and innovation by sharing the most significant stories and lessons of her esteemed career.

Kat Cole - Chief Operating Officer and President, North America, FOCUS Brands, Inc.

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m. - GENERAL SESSION

Powerful Portraits: An Intimate Look at Humanity and Leadership

Hear the poignant and mesmerizing stories behind the photos. Platon shares his experience photographing an eclectic mix of world leaders, celebrities, and civil and human rights champions.

Platon - World-Renowned, Award-Winning Photographer, and Master Storyteller

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. - BREAKFAST BUFFET - Sponsored by Smart Communications

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. - GENERAL SESSION

Association Highlights and Passing of the Torch

Celebrate the future of LIMRA, LOMA, and LL Global as we congratulate Bob Kerzner on his retirement and welcome David Levenson, the incoming leader of our association.

8:30 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. - GENERAL SESSION

InsurTech Panel: Leveraging Disruptive Technology to Gain Relevance
Panelists: Saeed Amidi, Chief Executive Officer, Plug and Play;
JJ Carroll, Head New Solutions Group and Senior Vice President, Swiss Re;
Jennifer Fitzgerald, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, PolicyGenius;
Jay Weintraub, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, NextCustomer;
Moderator: James Kerley, LLIF, Chief Membership Officer, LIMRA and LOMA;
Demos: Shona Cotterill, Boundlss;
Gary Hoberman, Unqork;
Maria Miller and Matt Randall, Life by Spot

Join us for “Demo Day” presentations from InsurTech start-up company executives, followed by a compelling discussion with a distinguished panel of “players” regarding the reality of how insurance companies can take advantage of innovative ideas, designed to enhance or disrupt the life insurance business of the future. Hear from some of the best and brightest innovation leaders making waves in our industry today. Gain a wider perspective from a panel of experts, who are guiding, investing, or delivering real solutions to our industry’s future.

9:50 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - REFRESHMENT BREAK - Sponsored by Yext

10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.: CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS

13. Building a Direct-to-Consumer Channel: What You Don’t Know...(Yet!)
Richard DeSousa, ReMark;
Rahim Rajpar, John Hancock;
Amanda Wallace, MassMutual;
Moderator: Glenn Rothenberg, Farmers Life Insurance

To meet the needs of today’s evolving consumer, insurance companies must adjust their business model to reach consumers where and how they want to be reached. Companies must adopt alternative and expanded means of distribution, purchase, and customer service that span digital, in-person, and more, combined with consumer purchase-friendly products in a true omni-channel method. In this session, a panel of consumer direct and omni-channel industry experts will help you understand the opportunity and challenges to assist as you explore how best to navigate the direct marketplace.

14. Getting Real With Artificial Intelligence
Manoj Saxena, Cognitive Scale

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly moving from a mesmeric technology to a powerful foundation for consumer and business decision making. However, AI is poorly understood and claims of an "AI singularity" and portrayals of an "AI apocalypse" are creating a hype machine that is unparalleled in recent history. This session will define and demystify AI, explain the biggest opportunities for applying it in the life insurance/financial services industry, and illustrate how companies are building AI applications to augment, rather than automate human performance while minimizing the risk of unintended consequences from Rogue AI.

15. Synergies in Insurance and Asset Management
Gumer Alvero, RiverSource
Zach Buchwald, BlackRock
Robert DeChellis, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
George Riedel, T. Rowe Price

As retirees move from saving to spending, the widespread need for decumulation strategies has become more apparent. The complexity in creating these strategies has led many industry experts to describe the decumulation challenge as one of the hardest financial problems yet to be solved. Hear from executives representing insurance companies, asset managers, and distributors as they discuss the unique strengths of these organizations, the hurdles that exist in solving the decumulation challenge, and the benefits that could be achieved by working cooperatively on solutions.

16. Insurance Company of the Future
David Holtzman, EY
Loi Stoddard-Graham, MetLife

Many insurers are thinking about the next move in their strategy for the insurance company of the future. Some are taking big leaps forward and making significant investments into changing their business and operating models. EY will review three different operating models of current insurers all with the same objectives of eliminating complexity, simplifying the business and reducing cost. All three models are leveraging the advances in technology to do more with less and turn data into useful information. We will also explore a concept of “best in cost” versus “best-in-class” and learn how insurers can rethink how they operate in the new competitive landscape to enable achievement of growth and marketplace strategies.

11:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. - REFRESHMENT BREAK - Sponsored by Munich Re

11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. - GENERAL SESSION

Leadership: A Higher Loyalty
Michael Doughty, Presiding
President and Chief Executive Officer
Manulife Canada

James Comey’s mettle has been tested throughout a career of public service, early on as a federal prosecutor and U.S. attorney, later as U.S. deputy attorney general, and, finally, as director of the FBI. His adherence to a higher loyalty, rising above partisan politics and razor-sharp controversy, gives him a unique voice to challenge our industry to renewed leadership, service, and the resolve to stay on the high ground when the path forward is unchartered.

James Comey - Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation (2013 – 2017)