Cognitive computing refers to next-generation information systems designed to accelerate, enhance and leverage human expertise. These systems can learn at scale, reason with purpose, and interact with humans naturally. The session will challenge attendees to explore the potential of cognitive and AI computing, demonstrate the art of the possible and understand what others are doing today across the industry. Benefits of attending include:

• Learn the fundamentals of Cognitive and AI technologies and how these capabilities are being used across the insurance industry
• Hear a number of use cases across the insurance value chain including: marketing, sales, underwriting, claims, investments, operations and legal
• Explore how this intelligence can remake business processes (improve efficiencies and bottom-line) and elevate the client experience by better understanding their needs.

You’ve heard all about Cognitive Computing and the use of AI, but does it seem more like a far off possibility than something concrete that you can implement to drive results? Attendees will hear from three (3) different organizations about how they are putting innovation into action in the areas of: 

• Sales/marketing — knowing how to make the “next best offer”
• Advice and recommendations — automating and accelerating your advice capabilities
• Personalized and targeted recommendations and programs to encourage plan members to improve their health

Beginning with definitions of fraud and abuse, and providing case studies and statistics, our speakers will set the stage for their discussion about best practices in the investigation, detection and prevention of fraudulent claim activity and ways in which predictive analysis can help identify suspicious claiming patterns. Session will conclude by highlighting some current trends that insurance carriers are uncovering with fraud and what might be coming next in this ever-changing field.

Group Insurance Executives share their insights on the main challenges, obstacles, and opportunities in the Canadian group insurance market. Attend this session to learn about what’s top of mind for these leaders and what they see as the most pressing areas of focus for the industry.

All registered conference attendees are invited to attend reception, brewery tour and dinner. Come and continue the networking with your peers and enjoy a fun evening of beer tasting and dinner.

Amsterdam Brew House — Located on the lake and across the street from the Radisson Admiral!

Sponsored by Vitech

Marc Andreessen famously noted that Software was Eating the World. Half a decade later, we are seeing new business models emerge, powered by advances in technology , that are systematically unbundling traditionally capital intensive industries such as banking, insurance, automotive and hospitality. And the majority of this change is being driven by startups. Can corporations create the same outcomes as startups? This talk will explore and explain the mindsets, tools and methodologies that startups utilize, and highlight the stark contrasts between startups and corporates. Via a case study on new approaches corporates can take to ideation, validation, and product launches, participants will walk away with best practices for interacting with startups and a framework for how to approach learning in these times of extreme change.

We’ve seen it happen in many other industries — disruptors who take a completely different view of how a business could/should be run, and utilize technology to radically change the industry in a short period of time. Companies like Airbnb and Uber immediately come to mind. But what about the group insurance business in Canada? Who are these companies that are promising or threatening to disrupt the group insurance business? What kinds of new solutions and approaches are they offering? Are they a threat to existing providers, or simply additional services that providers and employers will bolt onto their existing solutions? Should traditional insurers and providers of group benefits services be excited about the potential, or scared that their niche in the market is about to disappear? We will explore all these topics and more.

Drug plan inflation and disease trends are driving a departure from traditional approaches to private drug plans. This session will focus on a practical discussion on what’s changing and the driving forces underpinning the carrier “push strategy” to assist our clients to better balance the benefit and risk associated with drug plans.

Join us for a discussion with our panel of group insurance advisors. Gain perspectives on the business issues facing our distribution partners and learn how you can align more effectively with group insurance advisors. Key topics of discussions will address:

• Advisors’ primary responsibilities today and has this changed over time? Will the role as an advisor further evolve over time?
• Biggest challenges faced by an advisor/firm and how are these challenges being dealt with? What future challenges should an advisor anticipate for?
• What services and support are provided by carriers to their distribution partners? Are there areas for improvement?