General Sessions — October 23, 2023

Welcome and Opening Remarks
8:00 – 8:20 a.m.
Yanela Frias, President, Group Insurance, Prudential Financial

General Session
8:20 – 8:50 a.m.
David Levenson, President and Chief Executive Officer, LIMRA and LOMA

Leadership in the Face of Adversity
8:50 – 9:55 a.m.
General David H. Petraeus, USA (Ret.), Partner, KKR (2013-Present); Director, CIA (2011-2012);Commander, International Security Assistance Forces-Afghanistan (2010-2011); Commander, US Central Command (2008-2010); Commander, Surge in Iraq (2007-2008)
Bill White, Moderator, SVP and General Manager, Retirement & Investment Solutions, USAA Life Insurance Company; President, Investment Services Company

Opening Remarks
2:40 – 2:45 p.m.
Matthew Grove, President, Life and Annuities and LFN, Lincoln Financial Group

Executive Perspective — A Global View
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
Augusto Diaz-Leante, Head of Life and Health Continental Europe, Managing Director, Swiss Re
Jasmine Jirele, Moderator, President and Chief Executive Officer, Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America
Alexandra Quiroga, Chief Executive Officer, AXA COLPATRIA
Gordon Watson, Chairman, AXA Asia

DIY: Innovation and Disruption
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Sekou Andrews, Poetic Voice, CEO, SekouWorld Inc.

General Sessions — October 24, 2023

Opening Remarks
8:00 – 8:05 a.m.
Amy Friedrich, President, Benefits and Protection, Principal

State of the Association
8:05 – 8:25 a.m.
Gina Birchall, J.D., LLIF, Chief Operating Officer, LIMRA and LOMA

Navigating the Not Normal Economy
8:25 – 9:25 a.m.
Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC Contributor; CNBC Chief International Correspondent (2010–2018);CNBC Anchor/Reporter (1998–2018)
Ron Insana, CNBC Senior Analyst and Commentator; Trailblazing Financial Journalist;Bestselling Author
Rob Arena, Moderator, Co-President, Head of Individual Markets, Global Atlantic Financial Group

Opening Remarks
11:55 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Adrian Griggs, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Pacific Life

Authentic Leadership in an Age of Uncertainty
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
The Rt. Hon. Dame Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand (2017-2023); Senior Fellow, Harvard University; Special Envoy, Christchurch Call; Board Member, The Earthshot Prize
Mary Jane Fortin, Moderator, President and Chief Commercial Officer, Thrivent

Life Breakout Sessions

5. Insurer Tech Collaboration: The Intersection of Insurance and Technology

Insurtech has brought significant investment of capital and innovation focused on moving the industry forward. While perhaps initially focused on disruption, this landscape is rapidly evolving to a more “co-opetition” environment where Insurtechs and insurers are coming together to better meet the needs of customers and business partners. Join this session to hear examples and perspectives from both viewpoints and learn how this collaboration may be shaping the digital future of the industry.

Jeremy Bill, Chief Insurance Officer, Bestow
Jennifer Herz, Principal, EY Insurance Advisory Business Transformation and Data Analytics Solutions
Dustin Yoder, Chief Executive Officer, Sureify

10. Underwriting Transformation: From Automation to Intelligent Decision Making

The life insurance industry is in the midst of an underwriting transformation driven by advancements in technology, data analytics, and a shift towards more personalized and data-driven decision-making. These changes aim to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and customer experience in the underwriting process while still maintaining risk assessment standards for the industry. In this session, industry experts share their perspectives on this evolution and the impacts to the industry across the value chain.

17. The Changing Landscape of Distribution: Consolidation, Aggregators and Independent Brokerage Platforms

M&A activity isn’t slowing down, and the consolidation of BGAs and IMOs is creating new platforms to support agents. Some firms are joining the aggregator model; others are not. How does each model view the future of distribution and insurance sales? Private equity firms have also been investing in the independent brokerage channel. What are their expectations and what does their ROI look like over the next few years? In this session you will hear distribution leaders and private equity firms discuss these topics and share insights on the future of distribution in the independent brokerage channel.

Bruce Donaldson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Simplicity Group
Bryan Hodgens, Corporate Vice President, Distribution and Annuities, Member Benefits, LIMRA and LOMA
Adam Karol, Managing Director, Silverlake Partners
Tamara Kravec, Chief Financial Officer, M Financial Group
Frank Spencer, Moderator, Head of Life Insurance Distribution, Nationwide

Annuity Breakout Sessions

6. Clear and Effective Communication: Helping Americans Understand Retirement Income Options

Navigating retirement income strategies can be challenging for Americans, and educating clients on the various income options available is essential. This session brings together a panel of experts who will discuss the industry's challenges in educating clients on income strategies, delve into different annuity strategies for generating retirement income, and explore how advisors view annuities across different distribution channels, including fee-based annuities in the registered investment advisor (RIA) channel.

David Blanchett, Ph.D., CFA, CFP, Managing Director and Head of Retirement Research, PGIM DC Solutions
Michael Finke, Ph.D., CFP, Professor Of Wealth Management, The American College
David Lau, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, DPL Financial Partners

14. In-Plan Annuities: Are We at the Tipping Point for Adoption?

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in incorporating annuity products into 401(k) plans and IRAs to provide retirees with a guaranteed income stream. The passage of the Secure Act in 2020 has paved the way for annuities to be more accessible within retirement plans, and multiple annuity providers have introduced new products since then. During this session, industry experts will explore factors contributing to the growing interest for in-plan annuities — including new product designs, technology advancements, educational efforts, and record-keeper investments — and examine whether we have reached a tipping point for their adoption.

John Faustino, Head of Fiduciary Training, Certifications and Technology, Broadridge
Sri Reddy, Senior Vice President, Retirement and Income Solutions, Principal

20. A Human Industry in an AI World

The world is on the precipice of an AI revolution, a seminal technology moment the likes of which we have never experienced. AI brings with it the limitless possibilities to fundamentally reshape our industry across the entire value chain. Are we equipped to mitigate the risks? Are we able to capitalize on the opportunities? How can machines actually help us focus on the Human Factor within our industry? Join us as we delve into the role of artificial intelligence to learn more about the associated risks and opportunities that will shape the industry’s future.

Workplace Benefits Breakout Sessions

8. Step Into the Future: Harnessing the Potential of AI

Experience the excitement surrounding Generative AI and ChatGPT in reshaping the industry landscape. Explore the rapid growth and limitless potential of these ever-evolving technologies, while tackling the challenges of legacy infrastructure. Hear from a panel of experts with diverse perspectives on navigating this intersection of innovation and practicality. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge on this extraordinary topic and stay ahead of the curve.

Karthik Balakrishnan, Chief Data Officer, Principal
Benjamin Berry, Executive Vice President, Product, EvolutionIQ
Rima Safari, Partner, PwC Consulting
Paul Grimes, Moderator, Senior Vice President, Sales, iA Financial Group

15. Navigating the Evolving Distribution Landscape: Strategies for Success

The distribution landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by technological advancements, changing customer behaviors, and emerging competition. To thrive in this dynamic environment, businesses need to adapt and employ effective strategies. Join this panel discussion to uncover the power of seamless integration among carriers, consultants, and third-party platforms to create an efficient and effective ecosystem. Don't miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge and revolutionize your distribution gam.

Simon Camaj, LAD and Voluntary Benefits Practice Leader, Mercer
Jillian Mondaca, Vice President, Enrollment Strategy, Prudential Group Insurance
Jeffrey Wasco, Head of Strategic Growth, Guardian
Jessica Gillespie, Moderator, Head of Distribution, Prudential Group Insurance

22. Innovating Accessibility Beyond Compliance

Accessibility is often discussed in the context of regulatory and legal requirements, such as the ADAAA. However, there is opportunity beyond compliance to better serve clients and employees with accessibility options that everyone can benefit from. Join industry experts in a discussion of fresh perspectives of the unique opportunities available in innovating accessibility in the benefits space.

Barbara Aloni, Director, Workplace Possibilities, The Standard Insurance Company
Dan Jolivet, Workplace Possibilities Practice Consultant, The Standard Insurance Company
Allyson Kambach, Vice President, Absence & Disability Program Management, Prudential