ICBF2016: Overview

“Emerging Technologies: The Implications for Brokers in a Connected World”

— Mark Breading, Partner and Chief Research Officer, Strategy Meets Action

Wearables. The Internet of Things. Driverless Vehicles. Strong AI. Bitcoin. Gamification. These emerging technologies and others are advancing by leaps and bounds, presenting new possibilities for how businesses operate, how society functions, and how individuals go about their daily lives. It's fascinating and exciting to follow the developments – but what does it really mean for the insurance industry in the next few years? Will specific technologies change the risk landscape? Require new insurance products? Provide opportunities for operational efficiencies? Generate new business models?

What are the implications for brokers? Should brokers be investigating and strategizing today or take a wait and see attitude? Join Mark Breading from Strategy Meets Action as he shares SMA research on 12 emerging technologies, and insights from working with insurers on strategies.

“Broker Experience: Real-Time, Once-And-Done”

As the consumer, for both commercial and personal insurance, becomes more accustomed to making purchases from anywhere at anytime, has developed more expectations. At the same time, many brokers and MGAs are offering more real-time functions, often beginning with quoting.

Three people will discuss their experience – issues, challenges, approaches:

• John Belyea, COO, Moore-McLean, who have implemented personal lines RaceDay, and Commercial Lines Bullfrog;
• Jad McGregor, President, ABEX Affiliated Brokers Exchange – with Real-Time Rating and Paperless Policy Issuance for brokers;
• Jamie Reid, President & CEO, A.P. Reid & ZipSure.ca – with ZipSure, a completely online service for tenants.

The group will also offer their thoughts on the significant changes they anticipate over the near-term.

“Will Analytics Save the Broker Channel?”

— Greg Purdy, Managing Partner, Pathway Partners, Ltd.; getClarity, Inc.
— Richard Boire, Partner, Boire Filler Group
— Jerry Gaertner, SVP - Compliance, Security & Standards, Managed Analytic Services Inc.
— Janine White, Vice-President - Marketplaces, Kanetix

In many industries, maybe insurance as much or more than most, analytics is being baked into many areas of the business. But for many brokers, the technical skills required and the data needed to be develop a real competitive edge are not readily available, or affordable. With this challenge, the question becomes one of how analytics can be utilized in order to make a significant difference. Or can it be? Learn from these different perspectives and decide what your position would be on the debating question. And take away some new ideas that could help you as you move your business forward.

This discussion will take the format of a formal debate, with two participants taking each of the two contrary points of view.

“Blurring Lines: Who Does What in the Insurance Broker Distribution Ecosystem”

— Wendy Watson, President, ORBiT
— Jeff Roy, President & CEO, Excalibur insurance Group
— Ed Meiering, Vice President - Business Development, Aviva Canada
— Bill Morris, Senior Partner, Navicom

Brokers and their insurance partners have been venturing onto the digital highway for some time. But customers have become the driving force behind the acceleration onto the digital expressway, as brokers face an increasing challenge from direct writers and the ever-increasing threats from outside disruptors.

Change requires determination; dramatic change requires innovation, risk-taking, drive, and passion. Technology is a key enabler, but innovation requires new ways of servicing, marketing, selling, collaborating.

The leaders among us continue to challenge the old ways, but more quickly, abruptly, and significantly.

The question to be debated is about the blurring lines of communication between insurer and broker; the blurring lines of communications with the insurance customer; and the blurring lines of responsibility among insurer, wholesaler, MGA and broker.

What does all this mean? Everything in real time, but what shape will it come in?

“The Digital Tipping Point: Why We Need To Adopt The Tools For Tomorrow, Today”

— Sherif Gemayel, President, Sharp Insurance

In our broadly evolving digital landscape, now is perhaps the most crucial time to change the way we service our clients. According to Market Insight Group and Applied Systems "Independent agents and brokers are falling behind in providing their clients with the kind of customer experience many insurance shoppers now expect." What does this mean exactly? And what do we need to do to bridge the gap between current broker services and client expectations? Sherif Gemayel, of Sharp Insurance, will discuss the necessity for brokerages in Canada to adopt a multifaceted service plan that encapsulates the types of digital tools clients now expect to see from their service providers.

“Exposure: The Shoemaker's Children?”

— Marty Agather, Vice President - Client Experience, TrustedChoice.com

The convergence of technological and consumer change creates opportunity for existing and new competitors to revolutionize the way insurance is sold and serviced. Well known, deep pocketed players like Google, and radical upstarts like Lemonade intend to take significant market share. Given the potential exposure from these challenges, how can insurance companies and brokerages position themselves to grow and thrive?

Join Marty and a panel of experts as they explore this timely topic. You will take away key concepts and actions that will get you started or continue your success in this new era.