Presentations
Tuesday, April 28
1:30-2:30 PM | Lloyd's Market Update 
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Megan Smalter, Lloyd's (Moderator)
Simon Hearn, AXA XL
Gabrielle Griffith, Atrium
Waldo Fraser, Octave
Stay ahead in 2026 with our comprehensive Lloyd’s of London market update. This session will provide clear strategic insight into the current performance of the Lloyd's market, shifting market trends, and key developments shaping activity. As the market responds to evolving risks, changing capacity, and new areas of opportunity, this session provides practical guidance to support you in successfully placing business within the Lloyd’s market.
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3:30 PM | GENERAL SESSION & KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Bear Grylls Click Here to add to your calendar
Bear Grylls is arguably the most famous face of adventure on the planet. A former British Special Forces soldier, he went on to become one of the youngest-ever climbers of Mt. Everest despite breaking his back just 18 months earlier. Since conquering Everest, Grylls has hosted more extreme adventure TV shows globally than anyone else in history.
His notable hit shows include the legendary Discovery Channel show Man vs. Wild and Running Wild with Bear Grylls, now in its eighth season on National Geographic Channel. His Running Wild guests have included President Obama, Roger Federer, Julia Roberts, Prime Minister Modi of India, and many others.
Grylls also hosts the double Emmy Award-winning interactive Netflix series You vs. Wild, where viewers get to decide what adventure Grylls goes on.
Bear Grylls’ life motto is simple: have courage, be kind…and never give up! On stage, Grylls reflects on the importance of developing resilience, especially as we all face adversity. A master of adapting to change, his message is timely and resonates with all audiences. Indeed, Grylls is guaranteed to strike a chord with audiences, who will find themselves inspired by his story and survivor spirit.
A bestselling author, Grylls has sold over 20 million books. He is also an Honorary Colonel to the Royal Marines Commandos, the youngest ever UK Chief Scout, and the first ever Chief Ambassador to the World Scout Organization, representing a global family of some 55 million young Scouts worldwide.
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WEDNesday, april 29
8:30 AM | GENERAL SESSION & INDUSTRY SPEAKER: Paolo Cuomo Click Here to add to your calendar
AI and MGAs – full speed ahead or third-mover advantage?
The 3.5 years since Chat GPT landed have been a rollercoaster. The world hasn’t ended yet, nor are we all unemployed. However it is clear that AI is not just a fad. Equally clear is that its ubiquitousness makes it harder not easier to predict its impact.
Within insurance some things are becoming clear. Running pilots is easy; scaling is not. Good data is critical; but even that has bias. Initiatives are typically driven centrally; but the exciting ideas are coming from the front lines.
The questions for MGAs reflect those you’ve been considering for years across data, tech and ops:
- Does a lack of legacy systems and historic data speed you up or slow you down?
- Does your narrow focus (compare to large carriers) bring advantage or disadvantage?
- Will there be compression of the value chain? And if so, in your favour or at your expense?
In this presentation, we’ll cover some of the new AI buzzwords such as Agentic AI and Sociopathic Intelligence, while reflecting on the risks and opportunities for MGAs, and considering which next steps are ‘right-now, no-regret’ versus where it may make sense to wait a bit longer and see how things evolve in the tech, the regulatory oversight, and the actions of the rest of the insurance ecosystem.
10:00-11:00 AM | Workshop: Elevator to the TOP! with Dr. Laura Sicola Click Here to add to your calendar
Some people love networking, others dread it; all want it to be fun and effective, yet few feel like it is. In this interactive, judgment-free workshop, you'll gain:
- Always-effective tips, tricks and mindset shifts to make networking easy, fun and meaningful (even if you're "an introvert")
- Guidelines to hone your 30-second opener to the quintessential networking question, "So, what do you do?"
- Peer feedback to help you make it clear, concise, and memorable
- Comfort and confidence, creating new and puposeful relationships throughout the rest of the conference!
NO RSVP NECESSARY!
11:45 AM-1:00 PM | Speaking to Influence with Dr. Laura Sicola Click Here to add to your calendar
"Whether you’ve already earned your seat at the table or you’re still fighting for it, your voice is what determines what happens next."
In Speaking to Influence, Dr. Laura Sicola shows women leaders how to build an intentional brand that gets you heard, trusted, and followed. You’ll master the 3 Levels of Impact (what people think, feel, and do), align your verbal, vocal, and visual presence for instant credibility, and learn how to integrate authenticity and adaptability to ensure your message gets heard with any audience. Because influence isn’t volume—it’s about results.
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1:30-3:30 PM | Student Talent Open House Click Here to add to your calendar
Find your next generation of talent at the Student Open House. Join us for an exclusive event where you’ll have the chance to connect with talented students from Risk & Insurance programs at top universities across the country.
Engage in conversations about career paths and internship opportunities with your company and explore how the Risk & Insurance curriculums prepare students for success in this fast-evolving field. This is your perfect opportunity to network with emerging professionals, share your company’s vision, and even collect resumes from enthusiastic candidates eager to contribute to your team.
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4:00 PM | Roundtable: A Q&A for New and Emerging MGAs Click Here to add to your calendar
David Springer, NIP Programs
Jeremy Hitzig, Starfish Specialty Programs
Dan Hickey, AmTrust
Scott Yeomans, AXA XL
Launching an MGA is exciting—but early decisions often determine whether it becomes scalable, sustainable, and attractive to carriers, or weighed down by hidden risk. This interactive roundtable is built specifically for new and emerging MGAs seeking practical, real‑world guidance.
Rather than a scripted presentation, the session is a moderated discussion driven by attendee questions. Panelists will share candid insight on differentiation, carrier relationships, underwriting discipline, growth trade‑offs, and long‑term positioning—using decision frameworks commonly applied by carriers and investors. Attendees will leave with clearer perspective and actionable insight to help build an MGA that endures.