The brokers who are winning right now aren’t the ones waiting to see how consolidation plays out. They’re the ones already adapting to a market reshaped by M&A, tightening capacity, and clients who expect a seamless digital experience before they even pick up the phone.

Austin Kennedy has a front-row seat to all of it. As head of transformation & technology at Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, one of the US’s leading specialty carriers with more than 20 specialized lines and a hard-earned reputation for broker partnership, Kennedy spends his days thinking about what the future of insurance distribution actually looks like in practice, not just on paper.

That carrier-side perspective is exactly what brokers need to hear right now.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with brokers and partners at InsuranceFest to discuss how expectations are shifting in a digital-first market,” Kennedy said. “With consolidation, capacity pressures, and evolving client needs, I’m excited to host a conversation focused on practical ideas and how brokers can continue to adapt and compete.”

Kennedy will be moderating Customer Expectations 2026: Meeting the Digital-First Broker Market, a panel built for brokers navigating exactly this moment. Expect candid, practical conversation about how to stay competitive when the rules keep changing.

No buzzwords. No 30,000-foot views. Just the kind of conversation worth showing up for.

Catch Kennedy on stage July 16 at the Santa Monica Pier. Register at InsuranceFest.com.