Global Insurance Symposium Shapes Future of Industry

The 2021 Global Insurance Symposium brought together industry and regulatory leaders from around the world for three days of collaboration, networking and learning both in-person in Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa, and virtually. The hybrid format allowed for fluidity and access as insurance professionals delved into issues and challenges presented by a year of change.

“The Global Insurance Symposium offered an ideal setting in a global insurance hub for industry leaders to come together to discuss how to move forward following the pivots of 2020,” said Jay Byers, President & CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “This key industry will be stronger in the future because of the ideas discussed at the Symposium.”

The 2021 Symposium, held June 28-30, featured several notable panels and speakers, as well as breakout sessions to allow for small group deep dives and interaction. Highlights from the event included:

• InsurTech Expo – exploring the latest technological innovations driving the industry
• CEO Panel – featuring Cowbell Cyber’s Jack Kudale, GuideOne’s Jessica Snyder, Aegon’s Lard Friese and Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America’s Walter White; moderated by Insurance Commissioner of Iowa Doug Ommen
• Global Risk and the Post-Pandemic Future Keynote Session – led by Lloyd’s Head of Communications & Engagement Rebekah Clement and panel with NASA’s David Green, Munich American Reassurance Company’s Gina Guzman and IoT Insurance Observatory’s Matteo Carbone; moderated by Homesteaders Life Insurance Company’s Nick Gerhart
• Insurance and Inclusion: Bridging the Diversity Gap Panel – with Principal Financial Group’s Miriam Lewis, Nationwide’s Angela Bretz, ethOs’ Ali Payne and Marsh’s Rochelle Rosato; moderated by NCMIC’s Mike McCoy
• Commissioner Panel – with Florida Insurance Commissioner and NAIC President David Altmaier, Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready, North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread and Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance Dana Popish Severinghaus; moderated by Fagre Drinker’s Pat Hughes

The event’s opening remarks were delivered by Director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority Debi Durham and State of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, with closing remarks by Insurance Commissioner of Iowa Doug Ommen.