AGENDA

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5

  6:00 PM

Meet-the-Speakers Networking Reception (Park Hyatt New York)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6

8:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 AM

Welcome

Presented by Phil Trem, MarshBerry President – Financial Advisory

9:15 AM

State of the Industry

In today’s dynamic insurance environment, staying competitive requires more than adaptation—it demands insight-driven strategy. Join John Wepler, MarshBerry Chairman & CEO, for a deep dive into the forces reshaping the insurance industry. This session explores key market trends, shifting buyer behaviors, and the economic and regulatory pressures influencing agency performance and valuation. 

Presented by John Wepler, MarshBerry Chairman & CEO 

10:00 AM

Networking Break

10:15 AM

Capital Conversations: Navigating the Evolving Debt Landscape

In a market shaped by evolving Federal Reserve policy, fluctuating interest rates, shifting risk appetites, and changing lender expectations, understanding the role of debt in your capital strategy is more critical than ever. Join Reed Van Gorden, Managing Director & Head of Origination, Deerpath Capital, and Bill Kindorff, Managing Director & Co-Head of Sponsor Coverage, Apogem, and Jim Roche, Chief Credit Officer, Willow Tree Credit Partners, as they share their take on the current state of the debt markets, changes within the Fed and what it means for insurance distributors and investors alike.

Moderated by Gerard Vecchio, MarshBerry Managing Director & Specialty Practice Co-Head 

10:45 AM

What Has Changed in Exiting a Portfolio Company: Equity Perspectives in a Shifting Market

As economic conditions continue to evolve and investor sentiment becomes more selective, the path to a successful portfolio company exit looks markedly different than it did just a few years ago. During this session, panelists including Trevor Rich, Partner, Lovell Minnick, examine how today’s capital environment, valuation expectations, and buyer priorities are influencing exit strategies.

Moderated by Phil Trem, MarshBerry President – Financial Advisory

11:30 AM

Networking Break

11:45 AM

At the Helm: CEO Perspectives on Life as a Portfolio Company

As the insurance distribution landscape continues to evolve, CEOs of sponsor-backed brokerages are leading through a period of accelerated growth, heightened complexity, and shifting expectations. This candid panel shares how they’ve scaled significantly—organically and through M&A—while navigating the realities of private equity partnerships.

 

12:30 PM

Wrap-Up

12:45 PM

Networking Lunch