From political upheavals to cyber threats, climate change nightmares to alternative underwriting dreams, the future of insurance is as unpredictable as it is exciting. For those looking to not only survive the upcoming changes but thrive in them, education, networking and futureproofing are key.
In that vein, Insurance Business is thrilled to announce our first ever FutureFest – it’s not just another industry conference, it’s an event designed to shake up how professionals in the insurance and business sectors engage with ideas, technology, and each other. The world’s largest insurance festival, hosted on the Santa Monica Pier, is setting a new standard for industry gatherings.
“We’re really excited about the content delivery format that we’re bringing to Insurance Business FutureFest,” Lauren Counce, vice president at Key Media, told IB. “I think it’s a real change of pace for the events industry and something that people aren’t used to. We’re going to be having these focused, interactive content lounges that will run all day for both days, giving attendees access to 20 sessions.”
One of the biggest topics up for debate is artificial intelligence – something that can’t go amiss in 2025’s tech-reliant market. The global AI in insurance market was valued at $4.59 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach approximately $79.86 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.06% from 2023 to 2032. What’s more, in the second quarter of 2024, global financing for insurance technology firms rose by 40% to $1.27 billion, with around 33% of this funding directed towards AI-focused insurtechs.
With so much focus on AI, insurers need to walk that line between rapid adoption and holding on to that all-important human touch – especially where clients are concerned. As such, FutureFest has assembled a roster of big-name speakers from across the business world.
“We’ve got Harsh Wardhan, an innovation leader from Google, who has been focused on design thinking,” Counce said. “It’s a concept that’s trending right now, but it’s really about using people and systems around them to drive change. We’ve got the head of HR at Amazon, someone who’s been on the front lines of competing for top talent, and they’ll be sharing insights on what it takes to attract and retain the best people.”
In addition to tech and HR heavyweights, FutureFest will feature industry leaders from top firms like Lloyd’s, Lockton, Aon, Marsh, and USI. But this isn’t just the usual meet-and-greet over cocktails. FutureFest has mixology classes, beach volleyball, mini golf on the pier, bike tours, an industry trivia game show – it’s about getting people to think outside the box and connect naturally. And then we top it all off with a big night out – rocking out with Yachtley Crëw, playing the greatest hits of the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s.
“Insurance Business is known for connecting the specialty market with what they need to do business well, and FutureFest is no different,” Counce said. “You’re going to leave with what you need to drive your business forward.”
Don’t miss out on your chance at attending the biggest insurance festival in the world – register for FutureFest here.