Mid South Conference Agenda
Sunday, October 12th
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Welcome Reception and Early Registration
Monday, October 13th
7:00 AM – 7:45 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors & Registration
7:45 AM – 8:00 AM
Introductions and Opening Remarks
8:00 AM – 9:15 AM
Session Title: Investment Update
Speaker: James Bailey
Session Description: The session will cover the current economic environment and outlook, the potential impact on investment markets, and the way insurance companies should consider positioning investment portfolio in response. The economic focus will be on macro factors and forces while the investment focus will be on asset classes that clients should be considering.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the current macro-economic forces impacting insurance portfolios.
- Determine the best way to allocate an investment portfolio in the current environment.
- Recognize where we are in the business cycle and the factors that would cause a move into a different part of the cycle.
- Interpret economic data to understand the potential reaction by investment markets.
- Identify risks in the current economic environment and outlook.
Field of Study: Economics
Knowledge Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.5
9:15 AM – 10:05 AM
Session Title: Reinsurance Market: Pricing Trends and Strategic Considerations
Speaker: Virginia Dunaway
Session Description: Review of the current reinsurance market and pricing trends, prospective outlook and strategic considerations as a finance and/or insurance professional
Learning Objectives:
- Identify current trends in the reinsurance market
- Interpret pricing trends, profitability, and performance across different segments
- Differentiate strategic responses by finance and/or insurance professionals to the current reinsurance market place
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Knowledge Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1
10:05 AM – 10:15 AM
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
10:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Session Title: Federal Tax Legislative Update
Speaker: Rick Woods
Session Description: This session will provide an overview of the numerous tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill ("OBBB"). It will provide special focus on items in the bill that impact insurance companies.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key federal tax provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill ("OBBB").
- Differentiate between how the new provisions versus the old rules that existed prior to passage.
- Determine how these provisions will uniquely impact property & casualty as well as life insurance companies.
Field of Study: Taxes
Knowledge Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.5
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Lunch
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Session Title: InsurTech Risks & Opportunities - both are bigger than you think
Speaker: Kurt Manske & Scott Peyton
Session Description: The presentation frames technology in insurance as both a massive value driver and a material risk, emphasizing how misaligned strategies and underestimated costs can lead to significant financial and compliance consequences. It highlights sector-specific risks such as regulatory pressure, third-party exposure, data sensitivity, and the inevitability of breaches, while illustrating the importance of lifecycle budgeting, governance, and resilience. Ultimately, it calls for reframing IT from a cost center to a strategic enabler of growth, resilience, and measurable ROI.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify how technology choices in the insurance sector can both create opportunity and amplify risk, emphasizing the need for strategic alignment and governance.
- Determine the full lifecycle costs of IT initiatives—including hidden compliance, data, and operational expenses—and how to plan for variance and resilience.
- Differentiate effective governance, third-party risk management, and ROI measurement practices that ensure technology investments deliver sustainable value and regulatory confidence.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Knowledge Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.5
1:45 PM – 3:00 PM
Session Title: AI Lifecycle for the Insurance Industry: Trends, Risks, and Potential
Speaker: Raymond Baxter & Andre Housen
Session Description: The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced multiple new risks that the Insurance Industry must navigate. This presentation will explore the evolving landscape of AI, highlighting both its transformative potential and the associated challenges. We will delve into the ethical concerns, regulatory implications, and operational risks that AI brings to the forefront. Additionally, we will discuss practical steps and strategies to ensure the safe and risk-averse implementation of AI technologies. By establishing robust governance frameworks, promoting transparency, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, organizations can harness the power of AI while mitigating potential risks. Join us as we define Artificial Intelligence and outline a comprehensive approach to managing AI risks effectively.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the evolution of AI and the impacts of emerging technologies across the insurance industry and beyond.
- Identify how to position your organization as an innovator of technology, utilizing current processes.
- Determine key considerations for integrating your governance strategy into normal operations.
Field of Study: Information Technology
Knowledge Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.5
3:00 PM – 3:20 PM
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
3:20 PM – 5:00 PM
Session Title: Economic Update
Speaker: Tom Klem
Session Description: This presentation will deliver an economic update, covering various topics, which impact the investment options of insurance companies. Attendees will come away with a better understanding of the current economic and investment climate for insurance companies. Topics covered will include interest rates, investment markets, and various economic metrics.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the current economic environment
- Recognize the current investment environment for insurance companies
- Identify and differentiate various investment options for insurance companies
Field of Study: Finance
Knowledge Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 2.0
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Cocktail Reception
Tuesday, October 14th
7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
Breakfast with Exhibitors & Registration
8:15 AM – 8:30 AM
Prize Drawing
8:30 AM – 9:45 AM
Session Title: Fraud & Cyber Risks: AI-Driven Trends, Technology, and Prevention for Insurers
Speaker: Louise Gannuch & Michael Richmond
Session Description: This session examines fraud and cyber risk trends impacting insurers and highlights the growing role of AI in preventing and detection. Additionally, this session explores actionable strategies to help organizations strengthen their security posture.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify emerging fraud and cyber risk trends impacting insurers.
- Recognize the opportunities and limitations of AI in fraud detection and prevention.
- Define strategic approaches to adapt tools, training, and policies that enhance security posture.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Knowledge Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.5
9:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Refreshment Break with Exhibitors
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Session Title: STAT/GAAP Update
Speaker: Mitchell Lipham & Andrew Cleveland
Session Description: This session provides a comprehensive overview of the key 2025 updates to both Statutory Accounting Principles (STAT) and U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Attendees will gain a practical understanding of the most significant pronouncements and their direct impact on financial reporting and compliance. You will leave equipped to confidently navigate year-end reporting and implement these crucial new standards within your organization.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the key 2025 updates to Statutory Accounting Principles (STAT) and U.S. GAAP.
- Differentiate the financial reporting impacts of new standards under STAT versus U.S. GAAP.
- Determine the potential impact of the 2025 accounting changes on an entity's financial statements and disclosures.
Field of Study: Accounting
Knowledge Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advance Preparation: None
Delivery Method: Group Live
CPE: 1.5
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
Closing Remarks