7:00 a.m. - 7:50 a.m. | Responsible AI Under Real-World Pressure
As AI becomes part of everyday work in finance and insurance, leaders are increasingly responsible not just for efficiency, but for how AI influences judgment, accountability, career pathways and trust. Responsible AI adoption is less about which tools are selected and more about how AI is integrated into real workflows and how leaders own the downstream impacts on people and organizations. Explore how leaders can thoughtfully integrate AI into day-to-day work in ways that augment human expertise rather than replace it.
Speaker:
Kristina Colson| Lean Techniques, Inc.
8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m. | Welcome Remarks
8:10 a.m. – 8:20 a.m. | Iowa Insurance Division Update
Discover the latest advancements, regulatory shifts and essential insights crucial for navigating the evolving insurance landscape in the upcoming year.
Speaker:
Iowa Insurance Division representative
8:20 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. | Where Now? Scenarios for the 2026 Economy
Economic conditions have been shifting at a relentless pace, and 2026 is proving to be no exception. From interest rates and inflation to global instability and market volatility, the landscape continues to evolve in real time. Explore where we stand now at mid-year, and what could come next.
Speaker:
Dr. Chris Kuehl, Ph.D. | Armada Corporation Intelligence
9:20 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. | Concurrent Sessions
Ask the Auditor: Insights from Insurance Industry Experts
Hear directly from audit professionals working in the insurance industry about current challenges and opportunities. Panelists will share practical insights, common pitfalls, and real-world lessons learned, while also answering audience questions in real time. Whether you’re working through complex accounting issues, preparing for an audit, or trying to stay ahead of evolving standards, you’ll walk away with useful perspectives and actionable takeaways. Bring your questions and take advantage of this chance to learn from those on the front lines of insurance auditing.
Moderator:
Ben Einck |Athene
Panelists:
Amber Carman | Deloitte
Tessie Johnson | PwC
Sean Vicente | KPMG
Chris Yuska | EY
Tax Update
Join us for updates on the current legislative landscape affecting tax policy, highlighting items relevant to the insurance industry. Gain additional insight into recent regulatory and income tax accounting developments in the insurance sector.
Speaker:
Andy Seydel | EY
10:20 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. | NAIC Update
2025 was a transition year for many of the investments schedules in the statutory statement and 2026 is bringing even more changes, including the re-organization of the NAIC groups overseeing investments. The discussion will include a summary of adopted and pending changes to the 2026 annual statements and risk-based capital (RBC) formulas. A brief synopsis of some of the activity from the NAIC’s Spring National Meeting will be covered.
Speaker:
Connie Jasper Woodroof | CJW Associates
11:10 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. | Lunch Break
12:10 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Ethical Lessons From an $8.5 Million Fraud
Hear the powerful real-life story of fraud through the firsthand perspective of Nathan Mueller, a former accountant who embezzled $8.5 million over four years. Nathan recounts the gripping details of his scheme, revealing the complex decisions and rationalizations that gradually led him down the path to fraud. Explore the human side of financial crime as Nathan reflects on the personal experiences and pressures that contributed to his actions, helping to better understand the “why” behind misconduct.
Drawing from the lessons he learned in the aftermath, Nathan will share insights on how professionals can strengthen ethical decision-making. Through candid anecdotes, learn the importance of voicing your values effectively, building the confidence and skills needed to act on those values, developing self-awareness to recognize ethical risks, and leveraging your support network to make better choices when faced with difficult situations.
Speaker:
Nathan Mueller
1:10 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions
Investment Strategies and Oversight
Examine how investment portfolios in the life and annuity industry have evolved. Learn how these changes are affecting back-office and accounting functions. Gain an understanding of governance and oversight implications of evolving investment strategies. Hear how regulators are responding to these industry shifts.
Speaker:
Leena Punjabi | F&G
Reinsurance Trends
Explore current trends shaping the property, casualty, and life reinsurance markets. Gain insights into how reinsurers are adapting strategies to remain resilient and competitive in a rapidly changing environment. Walk away with a clearer understanding of current challenges and opportunities in reinsurance for more informed business and risk management decisions.
Speakers:
Eric Carlson | AON Reinsurance Solutions
Phil Norris | AON Reinsurance Solutions
2:10 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | Concurrent Sessions
GAAP Update
Receive a comprehensive update on current U.S. GAAP accounting and financial reporting developments, with particular emphasis on issues most relevant to professionals in the insurance industry. Leave with a clearer understanding of current GAAP requirements and actionable insights to support accurate, compliant, and transparent financial reporting within the insurance sector.
Speaker:
Matt Philips, Director | PwC
The Insurance Talent Challenge: Attracting and Keeping Top Professionals
Finding and retaining top talent - especially in accounting and finance roles within the insurance industry - continues to be a challenge. In this panel discussion, industry leaders will share what they’re seeing in today’s talent landscape and what strategies are making a difference.
From recruiting and on-boarding to engagement and retention, panelists will offer practical insights, real-world examples, and lessons learned specific to the accounting and insurance space. Whether you’re trying to fill critical roles, compete for specialized talent, or better support and retain your team, this session will provide actionable ideas you can put into practice.
Moderator:
Carrie Steffen | ISCPA
Panelists:
Michael Anderson | Principal Financial Group
Kelly DiCuffa | KPMG
Jim Lewis | University of Iowa Vaughan Institute of Risk Management and Insurance
3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Stretch Break
3:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m. | Insurance Trends and Insights: A Conversation With Industry Experts
Panelists will explore some of the most pressing topics shaping the insurance industry today. This engaging session offers a unique opportunity to hear insights from leading experts as they discuss key trends, challenges and opportunities impacting the profession. Be part of the conversation and walk away with fresh perspectives on where the industry is headed.
Moderator:
Larissa Johnson | Deloitte
Panelists:
Brian Beckett | Security Benefit
Ken Cadematori |GuideOne
Ann Collins | EMC
Nicole Gunderson | ManchesterStory