More than 400 insurance, technology, and innovation leaders gathered in Chicago for three days of conversations, connections, and ideas designed to move the industry forward.
BrokerTech Connect returned this year to Chicago with a sold-out crowd, bringing together more than 400 brokers, carriers, wholesalers, investors, and insurtech innovators for three days focused on one shared goal: turning innovation into action.
Built specifically for the insurance ecosystem, BrokerTech Connect continues to create a space where industry leaders can move beyond the buzzwords and tackle the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of insurance. This year's event featured 36 speakers, 40 sponsors, and 34 exhibiting companies, all contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas centered on artificial intelligence (AI), change management, and the next generation of digital-first organizations.
The week began with BTV's Happiest Hour, an invitation-only gathering held at Millennium Hall Plaza in Millennium Park. Sponsored by FormativGroup, a Salesforce Consulting Partner, the event provided an opportunity for attendees to reconnect with colleagues, build new relationships, and set the tone for the days ahead. Even a little rainy Chicago weather couldn't dampen the enthusiasm as industry leaders from across the insurance landscape came together to celebrate the community that makes BrokerTech Connect unique.
Once the conference officially kicked off, the energy only continued to build.
Throughout the event, attendees packed sessions, exchanged ideas in the exhibition hall, and engaged in conversations that reflected both the pace of change in the industry and the urgency to adapt. Several sessions drew standing-room-only crowds, highlighting the strong interest in topics ranging from AI implementation and automation to organizational transformation and innovation strategy.
One of the most anticipated sessions featured renowned futurist and digital transformation expert Brian Solis, who challenged attendees to rethink how organizations approach innovation in an era defined by accelerating technological change. His insights sparked conversations that continued well beyond the keynote stage, reinforcing a common theme heard throughout the event: technology alone isn't enough. Successful transformation requires leadership, vision, and a willingness to rethink how work gets done.
Another audience favorite was The CEO Outlook, where BTV Partner CEOs Mike Victorson, Trevor Baldwin, and Tim Turner shared candid perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing the insurance industry today. The discussion offered a unique look into how leading organizations are thinking about growth, talent, technology adoption, and the future of brokerage, giving attendees actionable insights from leaders actively driving change within their businesses.
Beyond the keynote sessions and panel discussions, BrokerTech Connect remained true to its mission of fostering meaningful connections between established industry leaders and emerging innovators. The exhibition hall served as a hub of activity throughout the event, with startups and technology providers showcasing solutions designed to help organizations improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new growth opportunities.
One of the highlights of the conference was the BrokerTech Innovation Challenge, sponsored by The BrokerTech Fund and ManchesterStory, where 15 companies took the stage to pitch their businesses and demonstrate how they are addressing real-world challenges across the insurance ecosystem. The competition provided attendees with an inside look at some of the most promising innovations entering the market while giving startup founders an opportunity to present directly to industry decision makers.
Congratulations to FLORA Fertility, this year's Innovation Challenge winner. Their victory underscores the growing importance of specialized fertility solutions that address evolving customer needs and reflects the broader spirit of innovation that defined the event.
At its core, BrokerTech Connect is about bringing together people who believe the insurance industry can continuously improve. The event also demonstrated the value of collaboration. The most impactful discussions weren't limited to the stage. They happened in hallways, over coffee, during networking events, and in conversations between organizations that may not otherwise have crossed paths. When brokers, carriers, wholesalers, investors, and startups come together with a shared commitment to solving industry challenges, the result is greater momentum for everyone involved.
"The conversations at BrokerTech Connect reinforced why brokers play such a critical role in shaping the future of insurance," said Kacie Conroy, Chief Innovation Officer at BTV. "We see emerging needs, we see new possibilities, and we're the ones connecting those dots first. There was a real sense of momentum in Chicago as we came together around a common goal: building a smarter, more innovative future for our industry."
Thank You to Our Sponsors
BrokerTech Connect Chicago would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. A special thank you to eventual, our presenting sponsor; FormativGroup, a Salesforce Consulting Partner, for sponsoring BTV's Happiest Hour; and Further AI for sponsoring the Sips & Sync happy hour. We are grateful to all 40 sponsors whose partnership helped create an exceptional experience for attendees.
Thank You for Making BrokerTech Connect Chicago a Success
To every attendee, speaker, exhibitor, sponsor, and volunteer who helped make this year's event memorable: thank you. Your willingness to share ideas, build relationships, and push the industry forward is what makes BrokerTech Connect more than a conference — it's a community.
We're already looking ahead to what's next.
Monday, September 21, 2026