8:00 AM

Breakfast 

The Onyx Room and Foyer (2nd floor)

9:00 AM

9:15 AM

State of the Industry: The Investment-Grade Advantage

The Onyx Room

As tailwinds rapidly fade, the firms that thrive will be those built to compound value through change, not simply preserve past success. In this thought-provoking State of the Industry, John Wepler, MarshBerry Chief Executive Officer, explores what it means to design an “investment-grade” firm in an era defined by AI, rising operating complexity, evolving talent dynamics, more selective capital, and a changing insurance marketplace.

Throughout the presentation, John will engage in a dynamic discussion with Ed Bowler, SVP & Head of Corporate Development at USI, whose career offers a rare perspective on growth, ownership, and capital strategy in the insurance distribution industry. Ed helped launch ABI alongside Barney Mizel and played a key role in building USI with Dave Eslick, participating in more capital events and recapitalizations than perhaps anyone in the industry.

Together, John and Ed will examine the current state of the market, the traits that distinguish investment-grade firms, evolving investor expectations, and the strategic decisions organizations must make to create sustainable value. Their discussion will provide practical insights into how leading firms are aligning growth, technology, talent, ownership, and capital strategies to remain competitive and drive long-term success.

Presented by John Wepler, MarshBerry Chief Executive Officer & Ed Bowler, SVP & Head of Corporate Development at USI

10:00 AM

10:15 AM

Navigating the Evolution of Your Capital Stack

The Onyx Room

As the insurance distribution industry continues to evolve, firms are facing increasingly complex decisions about how to finance growth, fund acquisitions, reward shareholders, and create long-term enterprise value. The traditional approaches to capital are expanding, giving leadership teams access to a broader range of funding solutions and ownership structures than ever before. During this session, Gerard Vecchio, MarshBerry Managing Director, leads a panel discussion to explore the changing landscape of the capital stack and provide practical insights into how firms can align their capital strategy with their business objectives.

Panelists include:

• Paul Thivierge, Director, National Insurance Practice Leader, BMO Commercial Bank
• Boris Rapoport, Senior Partner, Co-Head of Financial Services, The Vistria Group
• Jack Wyatt, Managing Director and Co-Head of Financial Service, Manulife I Comvest Credit Partners

Moderated by Gerard Vecchio, MarshBerry Managing Director 

10:45 AM

11:30 AM

11:45 AM

Washington, Markets & Momentum: The Forces Shaping the Future of Insurance Distribution

The Onyx Room

As the insurance industry navigates economic uncertainty, regulatory change, technological disruption, and evolving client expectations, leaders must understand the broader forces shaping the future of the marketplace. In this keynote, Joel Wood, President & CEO of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers, provides a timely perspective on the legislative, regulatory, economic, and political developments impacting insurance intermediaries and their clients. Drawing on decades of experience at the intersection of government, business, and insurance, Wood will examine the trends influencing growth, competition, talent, risk, and innovation across the industry. Attendees will gain practical insights into what lies ahead for brokers as well as the opportunities and challenges that will define the next chapter of insurance distribution.

Presented by Joel Wood, President & CEO - The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers 

12:30 PM

Wrap-Up

12:45 PM

Networking Lunch

Residence One and Residence Lounge