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 seeking to champion the promise and realize the potential.
Highlights
We believe without question that the financial services industry serves a noble purpose. Industry professionals often tell emotional stories of helping an older couple retire, or providing financial security for a family following the death of a loved one. We witness the positive impact that our products have on people, and we see the negative impact on those we are unable to reach.
At the core of our relationship with the customer is our commitment to deliver on our promise. The essence of that promise is based on a pledge to act in their best interests and to be there for them when adversity strikes. Who else offers such promises? Even among industries that imply their promises are true, none have the same strength or significance of our industry’s promise.
In today’s fast-moving environment, it’s incumbent on our industry to adapt and evolve so we not only keep the promise, but also realize the potential. This requires the foresight to understand how the financial services industry will unfold. In five years, it is likely that our business models and players will change dramatically. The accelerating pace of digital and technological change is a creative force offering great potential and opening exciting new frontiers. How can you capitalize on new opportunities and ensure that your business is ready to embrace the future?
LIMRA’s 2019 Annual Conference will address this question and more, focusing on the strategies that will help us champion our promise to consumers and explore the potential for growth. Our program will feature forward-thinking executives from diverse industries who will discuss key strategies in areas that will influence the future of our industry and the markets we serve, including: distribution and marketing, regulatory issues, data and technology and other strategic issues.
We are expecting a large crowd so be sure to register early to secure your reservations.
One of the most prominent global influencers of the early 21st Century, David Cameron served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 2010 to 2016 — a time of profound domestic and global upheaval. The UK's youngest Prime Minister in more than 200 years, Mr. Cameron championed a forward-looking and compassionate agenda. Under his leadership, Britain became the fastest-growing major advanced economy in the world, creating the foundation for tax cuts, creating a National Living Wage, and protecting the National Health Service, among other achievements. He also courageously offered constitutional referenda on Scotland’s independence and the future of the UK as an EU member. On the global stage, his foreign policy addressed new challenges in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, while ensuring Britain played a full role in the global fight against ISIS. As chair of the 2013 G8 Summit, he highlighted the global need for fair taxes, increased transparency, and open trade. Today, Mr. Cameron chairs the Oxford University-LSE Commission on State Fragility, Growth and Development, supporting effective growth policies in the world’s most embattled regions. He also sits on the Global Board of Advisors at the Council on Foreign Relations.
His principled, visionary leadership and ability to manage complex challenges offers an example to our industry and to the promise we make to our customers.
Chief Evangelist, Canva Former Chief Evangelist, Apple
Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva, an online graphic design tool. He is a brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz, and an executive fellow of the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley). He was the chief evangelist of Apple and a trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation. He is also the author of Wise Guy, The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and eleven other books. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University and an MBA from UCLA, as well as an honorary doctorate from Babson College.
Sallie Krawcheck is the CEO and co-founder of Ellevest, a digital-first, mission-driven investment platform for women. One of the few executives to find success in large complex companies and as a startup CEO, Krawcheck is widely recognized as one of the most influential women in business. She has been recognized by Inc. as a “Top Female Founder,” and called “The Last Honest Analyst,” by Fortune magazine. Krawcheck is the best-selling author of Own It: The Power of Women at Work.
U.S. Navy Four Star Admiral, Former Chancellor of the University of Texas System
Admiral William McRaven is a retired U.S. Navy Four-Star admiral, and the former Chancellor of the University of Texas System. During his time in the military, he commanded special operations forces at every level, eventually taking charge of the U.S. Special Operations Command. As the chief executive officer of the UT System, McRaven oversaw 14 institutions that educated 220,000 students. He is a recognized national authority on U.S. foreign policy, and has advised Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and other U.S. leaders on defense issues. He currently serves on the Council on Foreign Relations, the National Football Foundation, and the Board of Directors of CocanoPhilips.
Alex Sheen is a four-time TEDx speaker and the Founder of Because I said I would, an international social movement and nonprofit dedicated to the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. Sparked by a tragedy in his life, Sheen created a concept called the Promise Card and began mailing cards to anyone who requested them at no cost. In 2013, he left his corporate strategy lead position at a leading software company to dedicate himself entirely to the nonprofit. Sheen’s unique perspective on accountability, commitment, and self-control developed both from his responsibilities in leading a global effort about keeping promises, and his own personal experience fulfilling his own promises.
President and Chief Executive Officer, LIMRA and LOMA
David Levenson is responsible for leading one of the world’s largest associations of life insurance and financial services companies, representing 700 member organizations across 70 countries. Most recently, Levenson was a principal at Edward Jones and served on its management committee from 2015–2018. He was responsible for all products distributed through its network of 17,000 advisors in the U.S. and Canada. Prior to 2012, Levenson was president of wealth management at The Hartford Financial Services Group, responsible for the firm’s individual annuity, individual life, mutual fund, and retirement plan businesses. He also served as president and CEO of Hartford Life, KK in Tokyo, where he was responsible for leading the largest annuity provider in Japan.
Levenson holds his Bachelor of Science from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, his Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School and a doctorate in business administration from The School of International Corporate Strategy at Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, Japan.
Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, MassMutual
During Roger Crandall’s tenure as CEO, MassMutual has grown to serve more than five million customers, providing holistic financial solutions through a broad range of businesses, including its domestic insurance and retirement business, global asset management subsidiaries, and MassMutual International. Crandall joined the company in 1988 and spent his early career in Investment Management. Gradually assuming broader responsibilities, he was named President and joined the Board of Directors in 2008, and was named CEO in 2010. In addition to his role at MassMutual, Crandall takes an active leadership role in the industry, civic, academic and economic organizations, serving on the Federal Bank of Boston Board, and the Smithsonian National Board.
As sixth managing partner in Edward Jones 97-year history, Penny Pennington is responsible for the firm's strategic direction, working together with more than 45,000 associates across North America to help clients financially achieve their most important goals. She began her Edward Jones career in 2000, and was named a principal in 2006. Pennington held leadership roles in New Financial Advisor Training, Branch Office Administrator Development, and Branch and Region Development before leading the Client Strategies Group in 2015. She is a senior executive sponsor of the firm’s LGBT+ & Allies Business Resource Group, and actively champions Edward Jones’ national presenting sponsorship with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Michael Roberge sets the strategic priorities for MFS, leading a team responsible for the investment, distribution, finance, human resources, legal and technology functions at the firm. He is a member of the firm's management committee and the MFS Board of Directors. Roberge became CEO in January 2017 and held the role of chief investment officer from 2010 through 2018. He also previously held the roles of president and co-CEO. In 2006, Roberge was appointed chief investment officer – US Investments and co-director of Global Research. Before that, he was senior vice president and associate director of Fixed Income Research and served as portfolio manager for several MFS fixed income funds. Roberge joined the firm in 1996 as a credit analyst in the municipal fixed income group.
TIMOTHY CALVERT, Boston Consulting Group ALISON SALKA, PH.D., LIMRA
What is keeping you and your peers awake at night? LIMRA and Boston Consulting Group surveyed hundreds of C-suite and executive-level leaders around the globe to find out. Come hear what the industry collectively has said. Validate, strengthen, and enlighten your strategies.
Forward thinking organizations that embrace the shift towards customer-centric models will have the edge. To embrace such a shift, it is critical that companies understand how today’s consumers want to engage with our industry. This session will share the ways in which consumers are looking to connect, the challenges and opportunities they present, and how companies can effectively align distribution to reach desired consumer segments.
IAN JEFFREY, Breathe Life JAMES KERLEY, LLIF, LIMRA and LOMA, Moderator
While the rise of new technologies and the InsurTech industry can be seen as threatening, figuring out how to leverage these companies will help propel your business forward. In this session, you will learn how you can use InsurTech enablers to drive more traffic, capture leads, and convert them into policies. Come hear examples of how these enablers across P&C, Health, and Life are helping insurance organizations realize their potential.
CHRISTIANKLOSE, Swiss Re TIFFANY ZHANG, Swiss Re PASCAL MARMIER, Swiss Re Institute, Facilitator Moderator: TODD SILVERHART, Ph.D., LIMRA
This session will incorporate an interactive (active audience participation) format to address issues related to the digital consumer. The goal will be to engage the participants and have them learn by experiencing the growing importance of digital ecosystems to engage with the consumer. The specific issues to be addressed include the role of analytics, the digital customer journey as seen by behavioral economics experts, and the role of automation and open architecture in the necessary business transformation.
RICHARDVARGO, DBS Bank Moderator: RICK FUNKE, LLIF, LIMRA
This session will focus on how DBS, a leading financial organization in Asia, leverages technology as a key success factor in the role of today’s relationship manager. Learn how DBS is executing on technology-based initiatives from the first point of contact with a candidate through ongoing development of top relationship managers to drive productivity. Also hear about how the firm is using technology not only to recruit and onboard today’s top talent, but also ensure the success of today’s relationship managers throughout the sales process by increasing relationship manager productivity and retention.
DANIEL GRIESEMER, Ohio National Financial Services THOMAS OLDS, Guardian PHIL BROWN, LIMRA, Moderator
There is considerable promise in the application of data analytics to achieve a number of growth and efficiency objectives in financial services. However, in an industry characterized by the complexity of legacy systems, the need to balance short- and long-term needs, and accelerating change across the landscape, we face significant impediments to successful adoption of these approaches. This session will review the best uses and applications of data analytics and discuss how companies are overcoming obstacles to successfully benefit from the investment in these tools and methodologies.
MARY BRIMER, CLU, ChFC, Ginger Green Financial DANA MALESKY, Jackson National RICH ROMANO, Fiduciary Exchange Moderator: TODD COOPER, Envestnet
Find out why insurance should be considered a critical component of financial wellness. Through insurance, advisors have the ability to broaden their counsel and help clients reduce risk and protect wealth from the effects of taxes, outliving assets, or premature death. This session will discuss the removal of operational barriers to support ease of including insurance into the broader wealth management space.
GARY MESHELL, IBM Security North American Financial Services Industry
How do leading insurers align their cyber-security policies in an increasingly onerous industry regulatory landscape? Company leaders need to be concerned with security, and they must be prepared to respond to the board and increase regulatory management capabilities. Considerations include what to do if there is a breach, how to deal with clients and more. This session provides an overview of what is happening on the regulatory front, and how leading companies have taken steps to prevent exposures.
JAMES POTERBA, Ph.D., MIT Moderator: ALISON SALKA, Ph.D., LIMRA
Real interest rates have declined substantially in the last three decades, and there are some suggestions that expected returns on other asset classes have also fallen. The decline in long-term prospective returns raises two challenges for individuals saving for retirement and for institutions seeking to fund retirement liabilities such as defined benefit pension plans. First, lower returns require higher saving rates while working to achieve a given target balance, and second, lower returns during the payout period reduce the income stream that a given asset pool can support. Taken together, these factors demonstrate the challenge that lower returns pose for the provision of retirement security.
What do young consumers want from financial services companies? Come hear Millennial and Gen Z consumers share their financial priorities, views of their future, and preferences for engaging with companies they do business with. The audience members will have an opportunity to participate in a dynamic discussion and improve their understanding of how to engage the younger generations.
BARBARA RING, Prudential ANDREW SCHWEDEL, Bain & Company, Inc. FAYE WILLIAMSON, LIMRA, Moderator
Building organizational ecosystems and networks that are agile and empowered will be the model to meet tomorrow’s demands today. Hear how financial services and related companies are seizing this shift in human capital strategies — organizing, assessing, managing, developing, and aligning the right talent with the appropriate teams.
Consumers increasingly have access to their genetic profiles. Many will use it to take preventive action; some may use it to their advantage when purchasing insurance. Genetic information could also become an important source of information in the risk selection process. However, regulators around the globe are beginning to restrict or ban insurer access to genetic information. Many questions remain regarding its predictive power, consumer acceptance, and regulatory oversight. This session will address topics insurers should consider based on an understanding how this issue is playing out around the world.
VESTA BOVAIR, National Life Group SCOTT McCONNELL, NTT DATA Services
Nine in 10 insurers believe that their businesses are at risk due to InsurTech activities, according to a recent everis study. Similarly, new NTT DATA Services research reveals that digital technologies, increased competition and evolving customer expectations are driving 61% of financial services and insurance carriers to shift away from traditional, vertically integrated business models, where they offer customers their own products exclusively. Learn why the time is now for transformational digital change and how National Life Groups self-disruption is helping them compete in a world where platform-driven companies such as Amazon have changed consumer expectations.
DOUG OMMEN, Iowa Insurance Commissioner SCOTT GRANDMONT, RGAx ROB TEKOLSTE, Sammons Financial Group, Moderator
Financial services companies are investing in new ways to put customers first, and regulatory agencies continue to focus on protecting the consumer. In this lively conversation, we’ll explore innovation in this rapidly changing environment, from both industry and regulatory perspectives. We’ll talk about issues and trends such as the use of customer data and analytics by life carriers, challenges faced by InsurTech start-ups, and how regulators view innovation. After this session, you’ll come away with a better understanding of today’s regulatory impact on innovation, and where we might be heading from here.
MICHAEL DOWNING, FSA, EA, CERA, Athene USA Moderator: MATTHEW DRINKWATER, Ph.D., FSRI, FLMI, AFSI, PCS, Secure Retirement Institute
Longevity has always been an opportunity for insurance in terms of providing customer solutions through products and services and a risk that requires ongoing management. In recent years the longevity space has continued to expand, with changes in later age mortality, socioeconomic divergence in longevity, and a shifting landscape from defined benefit protection, and increasing strain on Medicare and Social Security. These trends point to the growing prominence of longevity and the resulting need to continue innovating. Join this session to hear new ideas and explore ways to proactively manage the associated risks.
Early Registration Fees: Member: $1,385 LOMA Member (but not LIMRA): $2,075 Non-member: $2,770
Standard Registration Fees (After September 20, 2019): Member: $1,585 LOMA Member (but not LIMRA): $2,375 Non-member $3,170
Group Discount: Email customer.service@limra.com to inquire about the group discount of $150 per person for 5 or more registrants from the same company.
LIMRA requires prepayment of registration fees prior to all conferences and meetings. Payments made to LIMRA must be in U.S. dollars drawn on a bank in the United States.
All cancellations must be received in writing. Notify customer.service@limra.com. Cancellations received before October 4, 2019 will be refunded, less a $75 processing fee. Cancellations received from October 4, 2019 to October 18, 2019 will be refunded, less a $375 processing and administrative fee. No refunds will be issued after October 18, 2019.
Hotel / Venue
Sheraton Boston Hotel
39 Dalton Street Boston, MA, United States, 02199
NOTICE The Sheraton Hotel room block is sold out. Please make your reservations at our overflow property:
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.
