Dave Levenson, President and CEO, LIMRA and LOMA

Change can be daunting, especially during times of uncertainty. The moment of truth arrives when we are forced to confront the fragility of our assumptions, adapt our strategies, and redefine our paths forward. Levenson will highlight recent trends and opportunities of interest to carriers and distributors in the Canadian life insurance space. He will share new, actionable LIMRA research customized for the Canadian marketplace.

Rohit Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMO Insurance

Industry trends in financial services are driving both disruption and opportunity. By exploring the intersection of banking and insurance, leaders can uncover new ways to bridge the insurance protection gap and drive growth. Thomas will look at key trends shaping both industries including regulation, consumer behavior, technology, and talent management and how they crisscross. Through a lens of innovation, he will examine strategies to navigate challenges and reimagine the future of insurance.

Catharine Dutt, Partner, Enterprise Risk Services, MNP LLP
Denise Gigova, Partner, Digital Services, MNP LLP

In an era of relentless disruption and ever-shortening moments of stability, transformation has evolved from a one-time event into a continuous journey of growth and adaptation. The stakes have never been higher for insurance and financial services leaders. With shifting regulations, evolving customer expectations, geopolitical uncertainties, and a torrent of technological advancements, the landscape is anything but predictable.

Dutt and Gigova will reframe transformation as an essential risk management strategy that transcends traditional notions of growth. They will unveil how pioneering organizations weave perpetual change into their very fabric, seamlessly using it to navigate operational, market, and reputational risks. They will also delve into the extraordinary benefits that come with embracing continuous evolution and offer practical insights to future-proof your organization, recognizing that transformation should be viewed as a constant force rather than a crisis. In today’s rapidly changing environment, the real danger lies not in change but in the peril of becoming irrelevant. Rethinking risk, reimagining resilience, and embracing transformation can be your most powerful ally in safeguarding the future.

Jennifer Smith, Vice-President, Product Strategy, Sapiens

Life insurers must optimize customer acquisition by leveraging data-driven insights, digital engagement, and agent enablement. Smith will explore how insurers can enhance acquisition by addressing both the policyholder and the agent experience. By utilizing AI and predictive analytics, insurers can improve lead quality, personalize outreach, and streamline underwriting. Seamless omnichannel engagement—through AI-powered chatbots, self-service tools, and digital sales support—ensures a frictionless customer journey. Empowering agents with real-time data, automation, and intuitive workflows boosts efficiency and conversion rates. AI-driven risk assessment and instant underwriting accelerate policy issuance, while analytics provide continuous optimization of acquisition strategies. By integrating smart data, automation, and agent-focused solutions, insurers can reduce costs, enhance customer satisfaction, and drive long-term growth.

Chris Juryn, Vice-President, Emerging Technologies, CGI

As AI adoption accelerates, insurers must move beyond automation and embrace Agentic AI. These AI systems operate autonomously, adapt to change, and collaborate with humans. Juryn will dive into real-world applications of Agentic AI in insurance, including how to drive business value in claims processing, fraud detection, risk reduction and loss prevention. He will explain how Agentic AI can streamline workflows and decision-making to enhance efficiency and generate competitive advantage, while ensuring compliance and customer trust.

Carl Capato, Senior Vice-President, Strategic Digital Automation Solutions, FastTrack (Moderator)
Derek Bodkin, Vice-President, Insurance Operations, Canada Life
Frédéric Glorieux, Vice-President, Administration, Industrial Alliance
Adele Mossman, Vice-President, Individual Operations, Sun Life

COVID-19 and breakneck-speed advancements in medicine, science, technology, and the changing workplace have fundamentally transformed our lives and the way we do business. In insurance operations, they have ushered in a new wave of processes, procedures, and best practices. Guided by Capato, Bodkin, Glorieux, and Mossman will provide their perspectives on current and emerging operational hot button issues, challenges, and opportunities. Their discourse will also cover the impact of these changes on the customer journey, advisor expectations, and the employee experience.

Tina Beckwith, Chief Marketing Officer, LIMRA and LOMA (Moderator)
Chantal Gagné, Senior Vice-President, Life and Health Insurance and Independent Distribution divisions, Desjardins Group
Jason (Jay) McMahon, Vice-President, Sales, PPI
Lara Nourcy, Executive Vice-President and Leader, Individual Insurance and Financial Services, Beneva

The insurance industry must tackle a new branding challenge: reshaping its image to attract top sales talent and skilled professionals while addressing the consumer insurance ownership gap. Moderated by Beckwith, Gagné, McMahon, and Nourcy will discuss strategies to position insurance careers as innovative and purpose-driven, appealing to emerging talent pools.

Discover how shifting outdated perceptions, aligning messaging with modern values, and highlighting the critical role of insurance in financial resilience can inspire a new generation of professionals. Learn how a refreshed industry brand can drive both talent acquisition and consumer coverage.