Women in Insurance Live 2026 returns to Chicago

Zeroing in on the conversations shaping the industry's next chapter

Women in Insurance Live 2026 returns to Chicago

Insurance News

By Kenneth Araullo

The insurance industry continues to talk about progress on gender equity at the top — but the numbers still tell a sobering story. Women hold the majority of entry-level roles in insurance, yet representation thins dramatically at the executive and CEO level, leaving a leadership gap the sector has yet to close.

Against that backdrop, Insurance Business is proud to announce the return of Women in Insurance LIVE USA, taking place in Chicago and bringing together senior women leaders for a full day of strategy, candid exchange and connection.

This in-person summit is built for insurance professionals ready to sharpen their leadership edge, exchange ideas with peers navigating the same pressures, and engage with the issues shaping the future of the industry.

Leaders from across the market will be represented, including Atain Insurance Companies, Alera Group, Brown & Brown, Assurant, Safety National, Euclid Transactional, AXA XL, Aon, Gallagher, Alliant, HSB, NFP, Lockton, PNC Capital Markets and Specialty Program Group, among others.

The day opens with a keynote on sustaining performance, resilience and leadership through constant change, followed by a fireside chat on enterprise transformation — exploring how senior leaders are reading market signals and making strategic calls around M&A, portfolio shifts and capital pressure while the ground keeps moving.

A highlight of the program is a fireside chat on leading the technology agenda, featuring Kathleen Ziegler, COO, Americas at AXA XL, and Meghan Anzelc, Global Leader, Transformation Solutions at Aon. The session will give attendees practical insight on how to:

  • align AI and automation investments with broader business strategy

  • identify where technology has delivered measurable impact and where expectations have fallen short

  • navigate governance considerations including risk, bias and vendor complexity

  • keep human judgment in the loop as automation expands

  • ask sharper questions and take a more active role in technology decisions

Elsewhere on the agenda, attendees can expect an executive briefing on high-stakes decision-making, a panel on building influence and presence at the senior level, and a frank conversation on why top talent leaves — and what actually makes them stay. Peer-led discussion tables will tackle cyber risk, claims transformation, climate exposure, underwriting discipline, succession planning and building visibility on LinkedIn.

The day closes with a rapid-fire reflection session — short answers, honest lessons, no scripts — followed by a networking drinks reception and curated Taste of Chicago dinners at standout local restaurants.

Don't miss this opportunity to engage with industry leaders, exchange ideas with peers and expand your professional network. Early bird tickets are now available. Secure your spot today by visiting the event page.

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