XPT Specialty was proud to attend CIWA’s recent Summer Forum July 9 – July 12 in Lake Tahoe, California.
Set at the picturesque Everline Resort and Spa at the base of Squaw Valley, this year’s event boasted an impressive lineup of educational and networking opportunities.
Among those attending for XPT Specialty included:
- Zach Hernandez, XPT Specialty Assistant Vice President and CIWA Board of Directors member
- Becky Tucker, XPT Specialty Manager & Broker
- M’Lissa Rutherford, XPT Specialty Vice President & Senior Broker, who was also attending as a member of the OR SLA Board
- Kathy Schroeder, XPT Specialty Group EVP, Carrier Relations and past president of CIWA
- Mark Schroeder, XPT Specialty Senior Vice President
- Jenny Crane, XPT Specialty Northwest Executive Vice President, who was also attending as a member of the OR SLA Board
After the event, we caught up with Jenny Crane to get her perspective on the event. Here are her five biggest takeaways:
1.) Young talent was prevalent and enthusiastic
It was hard to ignore the sheer number of young professionals (under 40) in attendance at this year’s event nor would we ever want to! According to Jenny,
“It is great to see our
industry attracting young
professional talent.”
Representing XPT’s under 40 talent was Zach Hernandez, who also serves on CIWA’s Board of Directors and did an excellent job representing XPT and young professionals.
2.) The insurance industry at large is experiencing similar challenges
During the event, Jenny and the XPT team attended the Lloyd’s presentation and panel, which included multiple members of InsureTec, one of our industries rising stars in technology and innovation.
One of the main thematic takeaways: The insurance industry is constantly evolving and contains many new and emerging verticals. However, no matter what vertical you are in, we are all experiencing similar challenges, including:
- Trouble finding and keeping quality talent.
- Navigating and utilizing the many newly emerging and evolving IT resources and technologies.
- How to best prioritize and juggle the many projects we are all handling.
3.) Networking and relaxation opportunities were abundant
This year’s event offered many opportunities for attendees to foster meaningful connections and network with its over 200 attendees.
Amenities and networking opportunities included golfing at the resort’s championship golf course, riding a catamaran on beautiful Lake Tahoe, getting pampered at their state-of-the-art spa, and relaxing at their pool among the beautiful scenery.
4.) Guest speakers offered impactful advice and diverse perspectives
Guest speakers at the event included guest Annika Sorenstam, LPGA player, who is regarded as one of the best female golfers in history. Annika spoke to the group Monday evening, sharing highlights from her career, her challenges, and how her family has supported her along the way.
Marcus Allen, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former NFL player, spoke to the group to close out the GALA event. Marcus shared how he was driven from age nine to attend USC and be a pro football player. He attributes his success to his parents and drive to win. After retiring, Allen says he’s proud to say his current focus is on his 9-year-old son.
5.) Sessions and panels were helpful and informative – with many memorable moments
The main goal of the event was of course education and networking. Throughout the event were many opportunities to do both, including multiple panels and education sessions strewn throughout the packed three-day event.
Overall, our team found this year’s sessions and panels to be very helpful and informative. Among their biggest highlights mentioned included the Lloyd’s panel and the honoring of XPT’s own past CIWA President Kathy Schroeder for her many years of service and time spent on the CIWA board. (Kathy Schroeder and Mark Schroeder will be retiring in September of 2023.)
See you next year, CIWA
Overall, XPT Specialty had a wonderful time at this year’s event and we are already looking forward to future events to come. Thank you again the attendees and speakers we connected with during the event. We enjoyed our conversations with you and hope to stay in touch with you into the future!
