AGENDA

• 9:30 AM

  Registration and breakfast

• 10:00 AM

  Opening remarks from chairperson

  

  Paul A. Croft

  Chief Operating Officer – Canada
  Aon Insurance

  ×

  

  Paul A. Croft

  Chief Operating Officer – Canada
  Aon Insurance

  Responsibilities

  Paul is chief operating officer for Aon Canada. He is responsible for

  delivering optimal results through the successful deployment and the

  execution of initiatives that support the organizational strategy within

  Canada and across all solution lines. Paul works closely with the Aon

  North American and Global operations community to develop strategy

  and ensure operational excellence by driving key change and

  transformational initiatives.

  Experience

  Paul joined Aon in 1987 as a commercial broker. Over the course of his

  career Paul has worked in the position of Account Executive, Branch

  Manager, Regional Client Service Manager, Regional Broking Manager,

  and National Broking Leader.

  Expertise

  Paul ’s expertise includes the ability to work with and to lead highly

  successful teams in the design and execution of best-in-class insurance

  and risk management programs. Paul is experienced in delivering

  optimal results through implementation and coordination of business

  initiatives. Paul’s experience includes development and execution of

  business continuity strategy and compliance and governance programs.

• 10:05 AM

  Panel: Award-winning business strategies

  This panel brings together the top brokers in Canada to share their secrets to success, with a focus on business development, goal setting, brand-building and operational efficiency.  

  • Best practices for boosting your brand, generating leads and building client relationships  
  • Winning strategies for identifying target audiences  
  • Practical and effective goal setting practices  
  • Business development strategies; best practices for growing your business  
  • Streamlining your business through technology: key factors in assessing technology decisions  

  Moderator

  

  Paul A. Croft

  Chief Operating Officer – Canada
  Aon Insurance

  ×

  

  Paul A. Croft

  Chief Operating Officer – Canada
  Aon Insurance

  Responsibilities

  Paul is chief operating officer for Aon Canada. He is responsible for

  delivering optimal results through the successful deployment and the

  execution of initiatives that support the organizational strategy within

  Canada and across all solution lines. Paul works closely with the Aon

  North American and Global operations community to develop strategy

  and ensure operational excellence by driving key change and

  transformational initiatives.

  Experience

  Paul joined Aon in 1987 as a commercial broker. Over the course of his

  career Paul has worked in the position of Account Executive, Branch

  Manager, Regional Client Service Manager, Regional Broking Manager,

  and National Broking Leader.

  Expertise

  Paul ’s expertise includes the ability to work with and to lead highly

  successful teams in the design and execution of best-in-class insurance

  and risk management programs. Paul is experienced in delivering

  optimal results through implementation and coordination of business

  initiatives. Paul’s experience includes development and execution of

  business continuity strategy and compliance and governance programs.

  Panelists

  

  Dario Battista

  Founder, President & CEO, isure insurance inc.
  Board President Elect, Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario

  ×

  

  Dario Battista

  Founder, President & CEO, isure insurance inc.
  Board President Elect, Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario

  Dario Battista is the Founder, President, and CEO of isure insurance inc., an industry-leading property casualty insurance brokerage with a head office in Vaughan, Ontario. As a well-known, recognized brokerage, isure has received multiple awards, including IBAO’s Brokerage of the Year in 2021, as well as one of IBC’s consistent 5-Star Brokerages and Top Insurance Employers. Holding an Economics degree, an MBA from the Schulich School of Business, and CAIB, Dario entered the insurance brokerage industry in 1993. As a first-generation broker, Dario built his business from the ground up. In 2007, he transformed his traditional brokerage into isure, one of Canada’s first digitally focused, modern brokerages. Dario speaks at many industry events, and has guest lectured at the Humber School of Insurance Management about topics ranging from insurance to innovation, digital marketing, and leadership. In addition, Dario has sat on various insurer, regulator, and industry advisory boards. He is a current board member and the President of the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO).

  

  Arian Ebrahimi

  President
  KASE Insurance Inc.

  ×

  

  Arian Ebrahimi

  President
  KASE Insurance Inc.

  

  Stephen Billyard

  CEO
  Billyard Insurance Group

  ×

  

  Stephen Billyard

  CEO
  Billyard Insurance Group

  Stephen Billyard is the CEO of the Billyard Insurance Group (BIG). His excellence in leadership is exemplified by BIG’s astounding revenue growth, rapid company expansion, thriving industry partnerships, and numerous prestigious awards. Scaling nationally, he has invested heavily in technology and training to equip teams to reach their potential.  

  Acknowledged for his leadership skills, Stephen Billyard was the recipient of the CEO of the Year award at the 2021 Insurance Business Canada Awards. He has led BIG to receive recognition as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies 4 years in a row from 2020 to 2023 by The Globe & Mail’s Report on Business, and BIG was recognized as Big Brokerage of the Year by Insurance Business Canada in 2022. 

   

  

  Adam Mitchell

  CEO
  Mitch Insurance

  ×

  

  Adam Mitchell

  CEO
  Mitch Insurance

  Adam Mitchell is CEO of Mitch Insurance. A third-generation broker, Adam took over the family business in 2008 and despite having no experience in insurance and little business experience, he has grown Mitch from a small, two-person operation with $2.5 million in gross written premiums into one of Ontario’s leading brokerages that now regularly sees 30% year-over-year organic growth. With Adam as CEO, Mitch has won numerous awards including IBAO’s Brokerage of the Year and Innovator of the Year, and for the past three years the brokerage has been named one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies by Report on Business magazine. When not running Mitch, Adam enjoys long walks on the beach and blue peanut M&M’s. 

• 10:50 AM

  Networking coffee break

• 11:20 AM

  Practical insights: Applying generative AI in your business

  Explore the latest advancements in AI, and find out how you can use it to enhance customer experiences, streamlines pipeline growth, optimizes workflows, and compete effectively with direct markets. Uncover practical insights and real-world applications that you can apply in your business.  

  • Update on what AI can deliver a better customer experience:  how AI is changing the information available to the industry  
  • How to use AI and the latest tools to assist in growing your pipeline, streamlining efficiencies, and better connecting with clients  
  • Best practices for optimizing workflows to keep up with sales demands and better serve customers  
  • How effective AI and data strategies allow brokers to better compete with direct markets   

  

  Stephen Billyard

  CEO
  Billyard Insurance Group

  ×

  

  Stephen Billyard

  CEO
  Billyard Insurance Group

  Stephen Billyard is the CEO of the Billyard Insurance Group (BIG). His excellence in leadership is exemplified by BIG’s astounding revenue growth, rapid company expansion, thriving industry partnerships, and numerous prestigious awards. Scaling nationally, he has invested heavily in technology and training to equip teams to reach their potential.  

  Acknowledged for his leadership skills, Stephen Billyard was the recipient of the CEO of the Year award at the 2021 Insurance Business Canada Awards. He has led BIG to receive recognition as one of Canada’s Top Growing Companies 4 years in a row from 2020 to 2023 by The Globe & Mail’s Report on Business, and BIG was recognized as Big Brokerage of the Year by Insurance Business Canada in 2022. 

   

• 11:50 AM

  Networking lunch

• 12:50 PM

  Panel: A conversation with the Regulators

  Insurance brokers continue to face new regulatory developments and growing compliance requirements. This panel will explore recent regulatory developments and their impact on insurance business practices.

  • Discuss FSRA’s supervision plan to safeguard consumers in the property and casualty insurance market
  • OSFI’s intentions with regards to the changes in B10 Third Party Oversight

  Moderator

  

  Nicole Seymour

  Chief Regulatory and Compliance Officer
  Lloyd’s Canada

  ×

  

  Nicole Seymour

  Chief Regulatory and Compliance Officer
  Lloyd’s Canada

  Panelists

  

  Darrel Leadbetter

  Senior Director, Insurance and Pension Supervision
  OSFI

  ×

  

  Darrel Leadbetter

  Senior Director, Insurance and Pension Supervision
  OSFI

  Mr. Leadbetter was named Senior Director of Insurance Supervision in July 2022.  In this role he supervises federally regulated property and casualty insurers and life insurance companies.   He assesses and responds to financial operational risks while making capital and liquidity adequacy assessments.    

  Prior to being appointed to lead Insurance Supervision, Mr. Leadbetter spent more than 10 years at OSFI where he held senior roles in property and casualty, life and mortgage insurance supervision and was the Lead Supervisor for a systemically important bank.  He has played a lead role in developing OSFI’s supervisory practices and methodologies in the areas of stress testing, risk management and risk analytics.   

  Prior to joining OSFI, he worked at the Property and Casualty Insurance Compensation Corporation (PACICC) and the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).    

  Mr. Leadbetter is an economist with undergraduate studies at Queen’s University and graduate studies in Economics at the University of Toronto.  He is also a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA).   

  

  Beata Morris

  Director Market Conduct P&C Insurance
  FSRA

  ×

  

  Beata Morris

  Director Market Conduct P&C Insurance
  FSRA

• 1:25 PM

  Emerging risks: Best practices for maximizing opportunities while avoiding pitfalls

  Emerging risks, such as those related to climate change, have had significant implications for brokers and the insurance industry as a whole. These emerging risks have resulted in the offering of new insurance products, multiplied claims, and have increased complexity for clients, providing brokers with opportunities, as well as challenges. This session will explore how to maximize these opportunities while addressing the increasing challenges and better serving their customers.

  • Insight into the latest emerging risks within the industry and their impact on brokers
  • Best practices for brokers to maximize opportunities presented by new and emerging risks
  • Exploring the changing insurance needs of clients as a result of significant emerging risks
  • Exploring key elements of insurance policies covering evolving risks
  • Latest categories of insurance created to address new risks
  • How industry will handle rising reinsurance costs cause by risks such as severe weather-related issues

  

  Reid Irwin

  Senior Vice President, Practice Leader for Executive Risk & Financial Institutions
  Hub International

  ×

  

  Reid Irwin

  Senior Vice President, Practice Leader for Executive Risk & Financial Institutions
  Hub International

  Reid is the Senior Vice President and Practice Leader for HUB Internationals ProEx Practice. In this role he leads one of the country’s largest teams of specialty practitioners advising companies, their executives and their boards on risk, governance and insurance considerations. Reid and his team have supported clients through a variety of complex loss events, such as securities class actions, regulatory investigations, cyber breaches, fund litigation, among others

  Reid has spent his career focused in financial and executive risk insurance, as both an advisor and an underwriter, with clients across a range of industries, including: financial institutions, natural resources, technology, biopharma, cannabis and digital assets.

  Through his career, he has identified and addressed developing risks for his clients through innovative solutions to help them protect against those exposures.

  He has been cited in media outlets, taught continuing education courses, and participated in speaking engagements on matters of directors’ liability, professional liability and insurance.

  He is also the Chair of the YLC for the Woodgreen Foundation, Toronto’s largest social service provider helping over 37,000 Torontonians a year.

• 2:05 PM

  Panel: Changing role of brokers: how to succeed in today’s environment 

  Insurance brokers are facing an ever-changing and increasingly challenging environment, as the industry and the customers that they serve are evolving. This requires brokers to play to their strengths and capitalize on the opportunities that the market presents. This session will explore the world that today’s brokers find themselves in and how they can best advance their careers. 

  • A look at the broker of the future: different categories of brokerages, and where it is heading 
  • Expanding career opportunities: how can brokers can make themselves more valuable and become trusted advisors that deliver a superior customer experience 
  • Adapting to the impact that widespread consolidation has had on the insurance distribution marketplace 
  • Focussing on strength: strategies for providing more trusted, relevant and personalized interactions with customers 
  • The growing importance of education your customer and not just be a salesperson: keys to a successful career 

   

  Moderator

  

  Aneeza Ahmad

  Marketing Manager
  K A S E Insurance

  ×

  

  Aneeza Ahmad

  Marketing Manager
  K A S E Insurance

  Aneeza is a dynamic and accomplished leader in the insurance profession, known for her exceptional ability to build and maintain strong relationships. With a deep commitment to client service and a keen understanding of the insurance industry, Aneeza has established herself as a trusted advisor and leader in her field. 

  Having obtained both the Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker (CAIB) and Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designations, Aneeza demonstrates a dedication to ongoing education and professional development. She has also leveraged her expertise to serve as an instructor with the Insurance Brokers Association of Ontario (IBAO), where she teaches the CAIB 2. 

  Aneeza’s contributions extend beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, as she actively engages with industry organizations and initiatives. She serves on the board for Insurance Brokers of Toronto Region, providing leadership and guidance on industry issues, and is a member of a program advisory committee at Seneca College, where she promotes the broker channel and supports the education and professional development of future brokers. 

   

  Panelists

  

  Michael Malfa, CIP

  CEO & Co-Founder
  Boardwalk Insurance

  ×

  

  Michael Malfa, CIP

  CEO & Co-Founder
  Boardwalk Insurance

  Michael Malfa, CEO and Co-Founder of Boardwalk Insurance, a div. of Oracle RMS, is a visionary leader in the insurance industry. With over 15 years of experience advising commercial clients, and working alongside loss prevention, claims, and underwriting teams, Michael has a deep understanding of both client needs and the solutions to address them. His expertise is further highlighted by his Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP) designation and a track record of top-tier sales success. Michael now channels this extensive knowledge and experience into developing a new generation of brokers, equipping them with the guidance, tools, and technology necessary for success. His innovative approach to risk management and forward-thinking leadership are driving transformative change in insurance distribution, establishing him as a pivotal figure shaping the future of the field.

  

  Roger Marcelo

  Vice-President, Business Development
  Allianz

  ×

  

  Roger Marcelo

  Vice-President, Business Development
  Allianz

  

  Jo-Anne Raymond

  Director, Commercial Lines & Programs
  Paisley Partners Inc.

  ×

  

  Jo-Anne Raymond

  Director, Commercial Lines & Programs
  Paisley Partners Inc.

  Jo-Anne leads a large team of insurance professionals and has been a licensed Insurance Broker for over 20 years.  She is a senior leader at Paisley Partners with a broad skillset including deep technical, people leadership and strategic skills.  To date in her career she has obtained her CAIB, CRM, CIP and also obtained her unrestricted RIBO license.

  Jo-Anne mentors and helps develop new talent and is an active contributor on many Navacord steering committees helping to drive operational efficiency and best practices across our broker network nationally.

  Jo-Anne serves on the RIBO Council and was peer-nominated.

  Jo-Anne is honoured and humbled to have recently been recognized with the prestigious Cansure Award for Insurance Broker of the Year 2023.

  Jo-Anne supports Red Cross, Cystic Fibrosis and is currently part of the League of Extraordinary Insurance Women for Capes of Kids!, helping to raise money for the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital.

   

• 3:00 PM

  Networking coffee break

• 3:25 PM

  Future of customer service in the insurance industry

  In an era of heightened customer expectations, brokers must adapt to online sales, fast contactless service, and personalized communication. Join our session to explore the future of customer service, gain practical tips for enhancing sales success, and driving leads in this evolving landscape. 

  • Best practices for offering a more digital client experience while remaining personalized 
  • Overcoming challenges to offering insurance products through digital channels   
  • Understanding evolving customer demands and preferences  
  • The role of technology in improved customer service: tips for getting up to speed  
  • Creating attractive digital experiences that create customer loyalty and drive satisfaction  

  

  Siham Alibux

  Senior Vice President
  APOLLO Insurance

  ×

  

  Siham Alibux

  Senior Vice President
  APOLLO Insurance

  Siham Alibux is a seasoned sales and operations strategist with over a decade of senior leadership experience in financial services working with brands such as Tangerine, Aviva and APOLLO. She has a proven track record of guiding business growth, inspiring purpose-driven teamwork, and delivering consistent record-setting results. She has effectively led contact centers and back-office operations through complex, manual-to-automated and digital transformations, consistently aligning with the needs of customers to improve the overall customer and employee experience.

  She is currently the Senior Vice President at APOLLO Insurance, where she oversees revenue growth and customer experience in the Direct-to-Consumer operations for both personal and commercial insurance lines. She holds an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University.

• 4:00 PM

  Panel: Risk Management in the cyber Insurance landscape

  As cyber threats evolve, the market for cyber insurance grows rapidly. Join us to identify underserved business types, gain key strategies for addressing client cyber risks, and get up to speed with the latest developments in cyber insurance. 

  • Identifying key business types and industries that are currently underinsured  
  • Latest threats companies are facing and how to mitigate that risk  
  • Exploring changing cyber trends: current cyber risk offerings and key challenges for brokers  
  • Strategies to encourage clients to adopt and maintain certain levels of cyber security maturity  
  • Additional features that come with cyber policies: Cyber training, dark web monitoring, active alerts, access to forensic experts  
  • How to prepare clients for cyber insurance: how brokers can better explain the importance of cyber insurance to their clients  

  Moderator

  

  David Leadbetter

  President & CEO
  Avail Group Of Companies

  ×

  

  David Leadbetter

  President & CEO
  Avail Group Of Companies

  David Leadbetter is a visionary leader and pioneer in the Insurance/Insurtech industry, serving as the Founder, President & CEO of the Avail Group of Companies. With nearly two decades of experience in the insurance sector, David established AVAILIEN Technology, which quickly made its mark by securing partnerships with top global insurance and accounting firms. The company’s innovative approach included a full Cyber Security Stack to ensure client security and effective risk management through Avail Risk Management & Consulting.

  David’s expertise in Ethical Hacking and Offensive security provides a unique perspective on cyber insurance risk management. In 2022, Avail and AVAILIEN Technology were launched, leading to significant partnerships with major insurance brokerage firms, accounting firms, and IT management companies. The success of AVAILIEN Technology’s flagship product, Availien Guard, has attracted investment capital, private equity attention, and recognition for David as a prominent figure in the industry.

  Under David’s leadership, Avail has become the first insurance-based social enterprise, dedicating a portion of revenue to support local charities annually. Through groundbreaking insurance technology solutions, David has revolutionized risk management for clients, earning him accolades as a top insurance and technology influencer. His leadership style, influenced by his martial arts background, blends discipline with a nurturing approach, fostering a culture of innovation and service within the Avail Group of Companies.

  As the Founder of the Avail Group of Companies, David Leadbetter’s commitment to excellence and community service drives the company’s mission to truly serve clients and the community through cutting-edge insurance solutions.

  Panelists

  

  Neal Jardine

  Global Cyber Intelligence & Claims Director
  BOXX Insurance Inc.

  ×

  

  Neal Jardine

  Global Cyber Intelligence & Claims Director
  BOXX Insurance Inc.

  

  Jonathan Weekes, CRISC

  Senior Vice President, Cyber Practice Leader
  Hub International Canada

  ×

  

  Jonathan Weekes, CRISC

  Senior Vice President, Cyber Practice Leader
  Hub International Canada

  Jonathan Weekes, Cyber Product Leader – Canada, is a recognized expert in the field of commercial insurance, specializing in professional liability and cyber. With over 15 years of dedicated experience, Jonathan is a seasoned professional known for his strategic insights and commitment to clients of all sizes, across diverse industry segments.  In his role as HUB International’s Cyber Product Leader, Jonathan is at the forefront of developing bespoke product solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. He provides invaluable counsel on issues pertaining to cyber risk, leveraging his extensive background in commercial insurance to negotiate effectively with insurers. Jonathan plays a pivotal role in educating both clients and colleagues on emerging technologies, ensuring a proactive approach to cybersecurity. 

  Jonathan is Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control by ISACA, a testament to his commitment to staying at the forefront of industry standards. This certification equips him to assist clients comprehensively in their efforts to assess, quantify, and effectively manage cyber risk. 

  Jonathan is a regular contributor to initiatives aiming to foster diverse, equitable and inclusive environments within the insurance industry and provides both professional and personal mentorship to young professionals. 

• 4:45 PM

  Closing remarks from chairperson 

  

  Paul A. Croft

  Chief Operating Officer – Canada
  Aon Insurance

  ×

  

  Paul A. Croft

  Chief Operating Officer – Canada
  Aon Insurance

  Responsibilities

  Paul is chief operating officer for Aon Canada. He is responsible for

  delivering optimal results through the successful deployment and the

  execution of initiatives that support the organizational strategy within

  Canada and across all solution lines. Paul works closely with the Aon

  North American and Global operations community to develop strategy

  and ensure operational excellence by driving key change and

  transformational initiatives.

  Experience

  Paul joined Aon in 1987 as a commercial broker. Over the course of his

  career Paul has worked in the position of Account Executive, Branch

  Manager, Regional Client Service Manager, Regional Broking Manager,

  and National Broking Leader.

  Expertise

  Paul ’s expertise includes the ability to work with and to lead highly

  successful teams in the design and execution of best-in-class insurance

  and risk management programs. Paul is experienced in delivering

  optimal results through implementation and coordination of business

  initiatives. Paul’s experience includes development and execution of

  business continuity strategy and compliance and governance programs.