Top Insurance Conferences in 2026 to Accelerate Your Career
Top Insurance Conferences in 2026 to Accelerate Your Career
Whether you’re just starting your career or further along, attending conferences can help agents like you develop a strong network, build an effective skillset for selling policies to your target market, and acquire new ideas for building your book of business. The top insurance industry conferences in 2026 include Insurtech Insights USA, Applied Net, and more.
Read on to learn more about the top conferences you should check out in 2026 if you’re looking to expand your network, upgrade your career, or become an independent insurance agent.
The Importance of Staying Ahead in the Insurance Sector
Understanding the latest developments in the sector, especially for auto products, is absolutely essential for you as an agent, and here’s why: The world of cars and driving is changing at an incredible pace. EVs (electric vehicles) continue gaining popularity (and government support), self-driving cars have moved from science fiction to reality, and tech advances have provided many new safety features.
For agents like you, staying informed isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about providing the best possible service. When you know how these technologies work, you can more accurately assess risks, craft policies, and handle claims. Attending insurance conferences makes all the difference in offering advice and solutions that truly meet your customers’ needs.
Some of the biggest trends in 2026 include:
- Specialized AI: Many models have now been customized for underwriting and claims. Rolling out an LLM for your own agency is a great idea for customer engagement.
- Climate Risk Modeling: As weather events become more variable and costly, climate risk modeling can help bridge the divide between premiums and expected weather risk.
- Transparency and Fairness: As with the credit underwriting industry, transparency matters in the insurance business, too. This has become a regulatory theme in 2026.
- Usage-Based Insurance for Auto and Health: It’s theoretically more fair to charge for usage than to charge a flat fee, and that’s especially true with auto policies, as these can be tweaked depending on driver safety and mileage.
- Cybersecurity: As with every new trend, the growth of AI also means that doubling down on cybersecurity matters, too.
How Conferences Propel Industry Progress
Conferences are the beating heart of industry innovation, acting like bustling marketplaces where ideas are traded, partnerships are formed, and the future is imagined together. They’re a place where the latest research, trends, and technologies are on full display, allowing everyone from seasoned experts to eager newcomers to soak in new knowledge.
It’s this sharing of insights across diverse perspectives that fuels progress, ensuring that every attendee (and, ideally, you) leaves with a richer understanding of the field and a suitcase full of ideas to explore.
But it’s not just the formal presentations and workshops that make conferences so valuable. The magic often happens in the hallways, over coffee, or during networking events where casual conversations turn into collaborations and friendships. These connections can be career-defining, opening doors to opportunities for you that were previously out of reach.
Moreover, you may find that being in a space surrounded by people who are equally passionate about their work is incredibly motivating. It’s hard not to feel inspired when you’re part of a collective that’s striving to push boundaries and innovate.
How AI and LLMs Are Reshaping the Insurance Conference Scene in 2026
AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore, but rather the whole show. Many conference agendas now focus on generative AI, automation, and other tech like predictive analytics in specific areas such as claims, underwriting, fraud, customer service, etc. They also focus on compliance.
Organizers are also using AI in the conference apps themselves. Attendees get personalized schedules, suggested sessions, and “smart matchmaking” that recommends people to meet and booths to visit. On the expo floor, insurtech reps are pitching practical tools: AI compliance and governance platforms, chatbots and copilots, custom LLM setups, and risk modeling software. Virtual attendance has improved, too, thanks to AI summaries, better search across recordings, and real-time translation. After
Virtual vs. In-Person Conferences
Hybrid is now the norm at insurance conferences, but in-person still dominates when the stakes are high, such as with partner deals, recruiting, and “who do I trust?” conversations. Events like ITC Vegas explicitly center the live experience around networking and structured meetings, calling it “the ultimate networking event” for the insurance ecosystem.
Here’s a quick decision matrix to help you make the right choice:
| Goal | Best Choice | Why |
| Deep networking, partnerships, recruiting | In-person | Faster trust, higher-context conversations, serendipity + social “deal flow.” |
| Leadership development / visibility | In-person | You get remembered; hallway time matters. |
| Cost-effective trend scan, CE-style learning/education | Virtual / hybrid on-demand | Cheaper, easier to sample more sessions, better rewatch/search workflows. |
| Product demos / early vendor filtering | Virtual first, then in-person shortlist | Efficient top-of-funnel screening; in-person for final due diligence and stakeholder alignment. |
Must-Attend Insurance Conferences in 2026
In 2026, agent events offer a golden opportunity to catapult your knowledge and networks to new heights with a lineup of standout conferences. Each gathering, from Insurtech Insights USA to Insuretech Connect, promises a deep dive into the innovations and technologies that are reshaping the industry.
Imagine immersing yourself in discussions about AI, blockchain, and digital transformation or exploring the latest in software solutions that can streamline your operations. These events are not just about keeping pace with industry trends; they’re about seizing the chance to stand out in a crowded market by embracing the future of the industry today.
Beyond the tech talk, these conferences are fertile ground for forging meaningful connections alongside like-minded professionals and visionaries. Whether it’s the Applied Net gathering, the American Agents Alliance convention, or the niche focus of the IndieTech Showcase, each offers a unique blend of networking, professional development, and practical insights.
Picture yourself walking away with actionable growth strategies, a clearer understanding of regulatory landscapes, and a pocket full of contacts ready to collaborate and innovate. If you’re looking to thrive amidst the industry’s rapid evolution, marking these 2026 conferences in your calendar is not just an option; it’s a strategic move towards future-proofing your career and business.

Agents Brokers United Convention 2026
- What: The Agents Brokers United National Insurance Trade Show & Convention (ABU) focuses on agents and brokers (as its name might suggest), features CE and keynote programming, and specifically emphasizes commercial lines.
- Where: Las Vegas – Planet Hollywood
- When: April 28-30, 2026
Insurance Innovators USA 2026
- What: Insurance Innovators USA is a carrier connections conference focused on partnerships. It’s a good fit if you want to meet enterprise buyers. It’s also great for big picture strategy.
- Where: Nashville – Music City Center
- When: May 11-12, 2026
Insurtech Insights USA 2026
- What: Insurtech Insights USA focuses on connecting with your peers, and especially with insurtechs and investors. It’s also a leader-heavy conference, with 6,000+ references.
- Where: New York City – Javits Center
- When: June 3-4, 2026
American Agents Alliance Conference & Expo
- What: The American Agents Alliance Conference & Expo is the largest property and casualty event in the western US for independent agents. It focuses on CE courses, networking, and even a social mixer or three (think: casino night).
- Where: Palm Desert, CA – JW Marriott Desert Springs
- When: September 24-26, 2026
National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC) Annual Convention 2026
- What: The NAMIC 131st Annual Convention is marketed toward executives in the mutual P&C business. You’ll meet company leaders, board members, and vendors. It’s been called the “marketplace for mutuals.”
- Where: Denver – Gaylord Rockies
- When: September 27-30, 2026
Applied Net 2026
- What: If you’re an independent agent, this is a great one to check out. Applied Net (Applied Client Network) focuses on bringing agents and brokers together. It does, however, conflict with NAMIC’s convention.
- Where: Washington, D.C.
- When: September 27-October 1, 2026
InsureTech Connect (ITC) 2026
- What: Last, but not least, is InsureTech Connect (ITC) Vegas, featuring agents, brokers, MGAs, and all the different branches of the industry. 9000+ participants and 14 content stages are expected.
- Where: Las Vegas – Mandalay Bay
- When: September 29-October 1, 2026
Take the Next Step in Your Insurance Career
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FAQs
What Are the Top Insurance Conferences?
In addition to the conferences listed above, some of the more important ones include RIMS and the NAIC national meetings (especially for US agents). You can also check out WSIA, BIBA (for the UK), and international conferences like Monte Carlo RVS and Baden-Baden Reinsurance. LIMRA is another good one for life and annuity sellers.
Why Should Insurance Agents Attend Conferences?
Easy: It’s the fastest way for you to meet other agents, reps, wholesalers – you name it. The best ROI in this business comes from knowing the people who can get things done for you. That’s just as true for independent agents like yourself.
How Is AI Impacting the Insurance Industry?
It’s impacting everything from actuarial models to summarizing claims. It’s also used now in fraud work and, of course, in customer service. Like every white-collar sector, it’s everywhere now in the industry, although the effects are still spread unevenly.
Are Virtual Insurance Conferences Worth Attending?
While not ideal for networking, these can be good if you’re looking for the content itself. Again, if your goal is to build up your network, in-person is the way to go.
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