2017 LIMRA Annual Conference
The Consumer Imperative: Informed, Influential, & In Control
October 22, 2017 October 24, 2017
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center National Harbor, MD
The LIMRA Annual Conference is one of the largest gatherings of senior executives representing diverse sectors of the financial services industry. Our members and partners come together for strategic industry insights and high-level networking — a must-attend for executives looking to help their companies respond to
the consumer imperative.
Today’s consumer is empowered, engaged, and aware, and the forces affecting our industry — technology, regulation, big data, innovation — all flow back to the consumer. While consumers have always had the ability to vote with their wallet or feet, they now have the power to influence not only what they buy, but also what others buy. Consumers dictate when and how they engage with brands, thanks to the power of social networks and digital devices.
Reaching consumers has become an imperative. How do we understand and market to customers who are informed, influential, and in control?
LIMRA’s 2017 Annual Conference will address this question, focusing on the issues that will inform our future relationships with consumers. The program features forward-thinking executives from diverse industries who will discuss key strategies in areas that will influence the future of reaching consumers where they are, including:
- Distribution/Marketing — Getting the right product to the right consumer in the right way
- Regulation/Political Environment — Tax reform, regulatory changes, and the future of the DOL fiduciary rule
- Digital/Technology — From Fintech to Blockchain — applicability to our industry and accessibility to the consumer
- Economic Climate — Interest rates, and the U.S. and global economies
This year’s event will be held in Maryland — near the action of Washington DC — which over the past months has undergone transformative change, and faces an uncertain future. We are expecting a large crowd so be sure to register early to secure your reservations.
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John Boehner
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2011 to 2015)
Senior Strategic Advisor
Squire Patton Boggs
A former small businessman, John Boehner served as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives for nearly five years, during which he led the drive for a smaller, less costly, and more accountable federal government. He represented the Eighth Congressional District of Ohio in the House from 1991 to 2015. During his tenure, Boehner focused on removing government barriers to private-sector job creation and economic growth, addressing the drivers of America’s debt, and reforming Congress. After serving for nearly 25 years, Boehner joined Squire Patton Boggs, where he provides strategic advice to clients in the U.S. and abroad, and focuses on global business development.
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George Blankenship
Former Executive
Tesla Motors, Apple Computer, and GAP Inc.
George Blankenship has 30 years of international strategy, retail and real estate experience. In his executive capacities at Tesla Motors, he redefined the car-buying experience, and in turn, revolutionized the auto industry. Prior to Tesla, Blankenship served as the senior executive of real estate at Apple, formulating strategies that lead to material, sustained increase in sales, profit and consumer loyalty. He has also functioned as a senior executive for real estate strategy at GAP Inc. Blankenship’s uniquely innovative processes have transformed status quo organizations into forward-thinking and dynamic players of the future. He offers unmatched insight on the building and creating of brand loyalty and awareness, competitive positioning in the market, and what it takes to deliver superior customer care.
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John Brennan
CIA Director (2013 – 2017)
As Director of the Central Intelligence Agency from 2013 to 2017, John Brennan managed intelligence collection, analysis, covert action, counter intelligence and liaison relationships with foreign intelligence services. Before becoming director, Brennan served at the White House for four years as assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. During that time, he advised the President on counterterrorism strategy and helped coordinate the U.S. government’s approach to homeland security, including its policies for responding to terrorism, cyberattacks, natural disasters and pandemics. In addition to serving the government in the CIA for twenty-five years, Brennan worked for three years in the private sector.
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Tom Crawford
Senior Managing Director,
Strategic Communications
FTI Consulting
As a senior member of the Public Affairs practice, Tom Crawford advises boards of directors, executive teams, and senior decision-makers on public-policy issues that pose opportunities and challenges to their organizations' enterprise values. He has worked on every budget reconciliation and tax-measure package considered by Congress in the past two decades.
Prior to FTI Consulting, Crawford was a founding partner of government-affairs and lobbying firm, C2 Group. There he oversaw the firm’s growth and development into a “Top 20” independent lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. As a respected public-policy expert, Crawford is also a member of The Tax Council, and chairman of the board of directors at Harvard University’s Center on Media and Child Health.
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Mick Ebeling
Founder & CEO
Not Impossible Labs
Author
Not Impossible: The Art and Joy of Doing What Couldn’t Be Done
A
recipient of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award, Mick Ebeling has
sparked a movement of pragmatic, inspirational innovation. Ebeling harvests the
power of technology and story to change the world, founding Not Impossible on
the premise that nothing is impossible. His mantra of "commit, then figure
it out" allows him to convene a disparate team of hackers, makers and
thinkers to create devices that better the world by bringing accessibility for
all. Ebeling pushes the bar on innovation, shares the emotionally resonating
story of doing so and inspires people across the world to do the same.
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Thomas Marra, FSA, MAAA
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Symetra Financial Corporation
Tom Marra leads Symetra Financial Corporation and its insurance subsidiaries, and is a member of the company’s board of directors. He has more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, beginning in 1980 when he joined The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. as an actuarial student. While at The Hartford, Marra held increasingly senior positions, most recently as president and chief operating officer of the parent company. He is a past chairman of the board of the American Council of Life Insurers, and was inducted into the Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions and leadership in the insured retirement industry.
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Ted Mathas
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
New York Life Insurance Company
Ted
Mathas leads New York Life Insurance Company, the nation’s largest mutual life
insurer. He became CEO in July 2008 and
was named Chairman of the Board in June 2009. Mathas is a member of the Federal Advisory Committee on
Insurance, a group of state legislators and regulators, insurance executives,
academics and consumer advocates that advises the Federal Insurance Office of
the U.S. Department of the Treasury. He also serves on the Executive Committee
of the Financial Services Roundtable, and on the boards of the American Council of Life Insurers, the American Museum
of Natural History, and the Partnership for New York City.
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Robert Reynolds
President and Chief Executive Officer
Putnam Investments and Great-West Financial
Robert Reynolds is President and Chief Executive Officer of Putnam Investments and President of the Putnam Funds. Building upon a distinguished 30-year career, he has revitalized Putnam through strong, sustained investment performance, new product development, and thought leadership on the future of retirement and workplace savings. In addition to his Putnam responsibilities, Reynolds is President and CEO of Great-West Financial. He is regarded as a driving force of innovation and progress in institutional and retail financial services. Reynolds has earned multiple industry honors for his accomplishments, and was named Fund Leader of the Year at the Mutual Fund Industry Awards in 2010.
Early Registration Rates:
Member: $1,325
LOMA Member (but not LIMRA): $1,990
Non-member: $2,650
Standard Rates (After September 15, 2017):
Member: $1,525
LOMA Member (but not LIMRA): $2,290
Non-member $3,050
LIMRA Member Group Discount
If five (5) or more individual employees from the same LIMRA member company register for this meeting, each individual registrant may take
advantage of a group registration discount of $150 by entering the promo code QTYDIS1. Individuals
using this registration option must register at the full conference
registration fee. Presenter registrations and individuals utilizing any other
discounts do not qualify towards the required five registrant per company
minimum. Please note that if a registrant's company does not ultimately meet
the aforementioned eligibility criteria (e.g. there are fewer than five
registrants from a company who paid the qualifying full conference fee),
registrants will receive a notice of any balance due based on the difference
between the regular applicable rate and the group discounted rate. Contact customer.service@limra.com with any questions.
Cancellation Policy
In the event that a scheduled meeting or event is cancelled by LIMRA for any reason, LIMRA shall refund any conference registration fees that have been paid by the registrant. Under no circumstances, however, shall LIMRA be liable to the registrant for any other expenses including, but not limited to, airfare and hotel expenses incurred by the registrant.
All cancellations must be received in writing. Email customer.service@limra.com. Cancellations received before September 29, 2017, will be refunded, less a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received from September 29, 2017 to October 13, 2017 will be refunded, less a $375 processing and administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after October 13, 2017.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2017
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4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Early-Bird Workshops
- In Line for Online
JENNIFER DOUGLAS, LIMRA
PATRICK LEARY, LLIF, LIMRA
Companies have struggled to access and engage consumers in working and middle class markets via traditional face-to-face distribution. Interest in serving these markets online has accelerated as other industries meet the challenge of the empowered consumer and raise the bar with engaging online experiences. But which consumer groups are most receptive to buying life insurance online? Are there specific strategies that might motivate more people to consider an online purchase? This session will explore the reality of consumer preferences for the online experience and offer considerations for companies looking to develop (or improve) their online sales channel.
- Financial Wellness: Unicorn or Harbinger of the Future?
KENJE MALLOT, Alight Solutions
ANNE THIBEAULT, Prudential
NATHAN VORIS, Schwab Retirement Plan Services
DEB DUPONT, LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute, Moderator
“Financial Wellness” . . . it’s something everyone’s talking about; but, on many levels, it remains an elusive concept. This session will shed light on what financial wellness is, what it means for employers and individuals, and what providers and other stakeholders are doing to promote it.
5:00 pm - 5:45 pm
Women Leaders’ Reception
(For LIMRA members only)6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Welcome Reception
Sponsored by Life.ioMONDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2017
7:00 am - 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast
Sponsored by Pacific Life Insurance Company8:00 am - 8:20 am
General Session
Opening Ceremony
DOYLE WILLIAMS, CLU, CPCU, ChFC, Presiding
Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer
COUNTRY Financial
8:20 am - 8:55 am
General Session
Are Advances in Technology a Double-Edged Sword?
Robert A. Kerzner, CLU®, ChFC®
President and Chief Executive Officer
LIMRA, LOMA, and LL Global, Inc.
8:55 am - 10:00 am
General Session
Elevate and Innovate: Consumer-Centric Strategies That Drive Results
Rethink the challenges that face consumers in a modern market and develop groundbreaking, consumer-centric strategies that will transform and elevate your organization into a global icon.
10:00 am - 10:30 am
Refreshment Break
Sponsored by State Street-
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Concurrent Workshops
- Continuing the Journey to Customer-Centricity
KIM DELANEY, Guardian
PAT MAROTTA, CPA, American National
TODD SILVERHART, Ph.D., LIMRA, Moderator
Along with the rise of the consumer, over the past several years companies have increasingly focused on the role of customer experience in their strategic planning. The financial services industry has not been immune to this trend, paying considerable attention to understanding and improving the client experience. This session will feature a panel discussion with representatives from two companies addressing issues like the influence of the pursuit of customer-centricity on their strategic plans, efforts to manage experience, specific challenges they have encountered, and lessons learned.
- The Blockchain Imperative
FARRON BLANC, RGAx
PETER MILLER, CPCU, The Institutes Risk and Insurance Knowledge Group
Blockchain is gaining momentum in the financial services industry. Its ability to record and verify data by distributed ledger will give companies the ability to speed up transactions and lower costs. Many financial institutions are currently evaluating the technology to determine how they can use it to improve cybersecurity, contracts, automation, and auditing. There are also several hundred blockchain start-ups globally looking to partner to develop solutions. This session will explore where and how blockchain is expected to have impact, what challenges need to be addressed to realize its potential, and how companies should consider blockchain and their business.
- The Value of Guarantees in a Fiduciary World
ERIC HENDERSON, FSA, MAAA, Nationwide Financial
SUSAN KRAWCZYK, Eversheds Sutherland, LLP
THOMAS LAYTON, CAIA, Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
Fiduciary duty has become an imperative. While the industry’s response has been largely centered around pursuit of low-cost-fees and determining reasonable compensation, for most, the ‘best interest’ mandate could necessitate consideration of the need for guarantees and the transfer of financial risk. Come hear how industry experts view guarantees in a fiduciary world and how the DOL Fiduciary Rule may have a positive impact for insurance products.
- Perspectives on Accelerated Underwriting
GONZALO GARCIA, CLU, AgencyOne
NEAL HALDER, CLU, FLMI, AALU, Principal
LISA SHEPARD, John Hancock Financial Services
ERIC SONDERGELD, ASA, CFA, LIMRA, Moderator
The industry is rapidly developing ways to streamline the underwriting process and automate underwriting decisions. Doing so successfully relies on building solutions that incorporate expertise from a variety
of home office experts, and that also work well for distribution partners and consumers. This session will bring together the perspectives of home office staff such as underwriting, analytics, and legal, as well
as distribution.
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11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Networking Luncheon
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1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Concurrent Workshops
- Tapping the RIA Opportunity: If You Build It, Will They Come?
SCOTT BEAUDIN, CFP, CPA/PFS, Pathway Financial Advisors, LLC
COOPER SINCLAIR, CRC, Lincoln Financial Distributors
The RIA industry has experienced substantial growth in the past decade. Yet insurance companies have had little success with this market, despite the considerable time RIAs spend on retirement income planning. So where is the disconnect? Is it time to step back from our success in the traditional B-D/bank advisor model, and think about ways to engage the RIA market differently? If you build it (right), they will come! Attend this session to learn how RIAs do business, the products that work, the technology, and the go-to-market strategies for this fast-growing channel.
- The Digital Experience: Leveraging Technology to Enhance the Customer Journey
DANIELLE ELLIOTT, Prudential
LISA WOODLEY, NTT Data
FAYE WILLIAMSON, MSM, LLIF, LIMRA, Moderator
Today’s empowered consumers use technology in practically everything they do. As such, it is important for financial services organizations to embrace and build a culture around technology solutions and create an engaging client experience. Companies can successfully align their digital initiatives along the customer journey to enhance existing client relationships and foster new ones. But, oftentimes, opportunity presents challenges. How do organizations position digital strategies today for success in the future? This session will explore how organizations are leveraging technology to enhance the customer journey and drive profitable growth for the future.
- Innovation: Maintaining a Corporate Culture to Retain Today’s Top Talent
TRACY BRUCKSCHEN, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
MICHELE ROEPKE, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
KARIN SARRATT, OneAmerica
Hiring and retaining top employees has always been a challenge — more so during changing times. There is no question that our industry will continue to be turbulent. With newer generations entering the workforce at a higher rate, creating a demand for unique and different cultures, how are today’s HR teams getting creative to hire and retain top talent? This session will include various perspectives on successful approaches to solving this inherent challenge.
- InsurTech: Billions in Play
PETER GUNDER, American Family Insurance
JOSH HECKATHORN, Tomorrow.me
TOM NODINE, Life Epigenetics
ALI SAFAVI, Plug and Play Ventures
CLARA SHIH, Hearsay Systems
JAMES KERLEY, LLIF, LIMRA and LOMA, Moderator
Will venture capital (VC) investors fund a revolution of ideas and solutions necessary to bring our industry into the digital age? This workshop will engage representatives for the VC world and the insurance-industry-focused entrepreneurs they support. Experience the exciting realities of start-up companies trying to deliver innovation to a historically slow-evolving industry.
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2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Refreshment Break
2:30 pm - 2:45 pm
General Session
Business Session
WILL FULLER, Presiding
President, Annuity Solutions
Lincoln Financial Distributors and Lincoln Financial Network
2:45 pm - 3:45 pm
General Session
The Cyber Threat: Security Solutions for a Rapidly Changing World
Explore the evolving nature of cyber threats and options for protecting mission-critical capabilities as well as our privacy, national security, and future prosperity.
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm
General Session
The Fallacy of “Impossible”
Mick Ebeling
Founder & CEO
Not Impossible Labs
Author
Not Impossible: The Art and Joy of Doing What Couldn’t Be Done
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2017
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7:00 am - 8:00 am
Breakfast Buffet
8:00 am - 8:20 am
General Session
State of the Association
JILL MCGRUDER, FLMI, CLU, ChFC, Presiding
Chief Marketing Officer
Western & Southern Financial Group
8:20 am - 8:50 am
General Session
Inside Washington: The Policy and Politics of Financial Services
8:50 am - 9:45 am
General Session
Executive Perspective: Responding to the Consumer Imperative
Thomas Marra, FSA, MAAA
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Symetra Financial Corporation
Ted Mathas
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
New York Life Insurance Company
Robert Reynolds
President and Chief Executive Officer
Putnam Investments and Great-West Financial
Robert A. Kerzner, CLU®, ChFC® Moderator
President and Chief Executive Officer
LIMRA, LOMA, and LL Global, Inc.
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9:50 am - 10:15 am
Refreshment Break
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10:15 am - 11:15 am
Concurrent Workshops
- Target Marketing in a Mobile, Digital Age
PAM STANFORD, IBM
DARRIN WYLIE, USAA Life Insurance Company
Close to forty percent of
today's customer interactions take place during life events and most likely
from mobile platforms. Delivering an excellent experience to customers means
capturing many data points, applying sophisticated analytics and factoring in
unknown parameters to develop probability views that predict with a high degree
of certainty what customers will need in the near future, providing a clear
line of site into opportunities to engage prior to the life event and deepen
relationships. In this session we will discuss how one major insurance firm's
marketing is tackling disconnected data and technologies to move far beyond
basic segmentation methods with the application of strong prediction
algorithms.
- Building an Effective Enterprise Digital Strategy
NATAN COHEN, New York Life Insurance Company
BRADLEY JENKINS, MetLife
CHRIS YOUNG, Adobe, Moderator
As consumers go online for everything, our industry continues to develop digital strategies to meet consumers where they are. With so many pieces to consider (websites, email, social media, analytics, search, etc.), where do we start and how can our digital strategy work for our entire enterprise? At this session, you will learn best practices for a digital strategy and hear from companies sharing their digital journeys and lessons learned.
- Inside Washington: Relevant Solutions for Industry Success
TOM CRAWFORD, FTI Consulting
How do we navigate the new environment in Washington, the context for policy and politics, and the implications for the financial services industry, consumers, and the future? As a follow-up to his general session, Crawford will discuss the approach to advancing the industry with policymakers and consumers, and how to be relevant to today’s issues and challenges.
- Innovative Product Design
JEAN FINNEGAN, Nationwide
ANTHONY LAUDATO, FSA, MAAA, Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America
JOSH HECKATHORN, Tomorrow.me
ERIC HENDERSON, FSA, MAAA, Nationwide Financial, Moderator
Building a better mousetrap — re-imagine product design and delivery to reach new untapped markets by uncovering the unmet needs of a new demographic. Several company case studies will give attendees insights into how to identify opportunities for pioneering new ideas — and how to bring those ideas to market.
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11:15 am - 11:45 am
Refreshment Break
11:45 am - 12:45 pm
General Session
The Trump Presidency: What’s Next for Our Democracy
RINO D’ONOFRIO, FSA, FCIA, Presiding
President and Chief Executive Officer
RBC Life Insurance Company
John Boehner
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives (2011 to 2015)
Senior Strategic Advisor
Squire Patton Boggs
In this timely presentation, John Boehner will address the current political situation, economic growth, and America’s role in the world. During his time in the House, Boehner focused on removing government barriers to private-sector job creation and economic growth, addressing the drivers of America’s debt, and reforming Congress. He is respected on both sides of the political fence for his efforts to put the country first and find common ground without compromising principles. Having served with most of the current leaders of the House, he is uniquely positioned to discuss the current administration and its potential to affect our companies and consumers in the future.
If you receive any unsolicited or suspicious email or phone call about a hotel booking in conjunction with this meeting, our advice is not to click on it, but delete the email immediately. In the case of a phone call, never give out your credit card information. Our designated conference hotels will never call you unless you contact them first.
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront Street
National Harbor, MD 20745
1-888-236-2427
The LIMRA Annual Conference room block has closed and the hotel is currently showing as sold out. We encourage you to contact the Gaylord directly, as cancellations may open rooms at the prevailing rates.
These hotels are within a short walking distance. Please contact them directly for availability and rates.
AC Hotel by Marriott International
301-749-2299
Residence Inn
301-749-4755
The Westin Washington National Harbor
301-567-3999
Hampton Inn & Suites
301-567-3531
Wyndham Vacation Resorts at National Harbor
301-265-4200
MGM National Harbor - 1.2 Miles (approx. 5 minute
Uber Ride)
301-971-5000
Other options to consider: