The theme of the 2024 LIC Annual Conference is Imagine! We chose this theme because that’s what it takes to thrive, compete and grow today and into the future. We have created an agenda and environment to catalyze forward-thinking imagination and discussion about new technologies, consumer perceptions, expectation and needs; plus new ways to manage in a world that seems to accelerate faster every year. We’ll hear from companies and individuals who have a unique perspective on growth and innovation, and we’ll engage in interactive sessions designed to send everyone home with practical ideas that can be implemented to help your company succeed.
After attending the LIC Annual Conference, you should be refreshed, excited, and equipped with new tools to help make 2024 your best year ever. Imagine that!
Itinerary
The 2024 LIC Annual Conference begins Wednesday February 7 with Opening Networking Reception 6-7 pm and dinner on your own. Thursday February 8 is a full day with meeting sessions and the Annual LIC Membership Banquet. The conference concludes at 11 am on Friday February 9 – plan to stay till the end to hear the closing presentation by renowned futurist and demographer Ken Gronbach – one of the key highlights of the program!
Insurance company CEOs and presidents: Plan to come early for the LIC Winter CEO Forum, starting at 8 am on Tuesday February 6. See www.loma.org/LICCEO for more information.
8:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.: Keynote - The Result: The Practical, Proven Formula for Getting What You Want
Dave Crenshaw
Founder & CEO, Invaluable, Inc.
As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave Crenshaw has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, including time management bestseller The Myth of Multitasking.
Tony Mravle has served as the President & CEO for KSKJ Life since 2018 after joining the organization in 2012. Specific to this presentation, KSKJ Life began utilizing AI in life insurance underwriting in 2021 as the first carrier partner of iCover for their e-app and underwriting solution, first with a Final Expense product but then expanding to traditional whole life and pending MYGA annuity. Tony has served on the Advisory Board of the LIC for a number of years and is grateful for the opportunity to serve as chair for 2024.
Christopher Belz is President/CEO of Catholic Life Insurance, a fraternal membership organization that provides life insurance and retirement products. He became CEO in December 2023, after joining the organization in 2022. He is part of a leadership legacy that his predecessor and father, who served as President/CEO for 39 years. Christopher spent 14 years in the investment realm before joining Catholic Life Insurance. His experience as an emerging leader and first-time CEO will provide insights on succession and building organizational trust, while offering a glimpse of what a new generation of insurance company CEOs believe are the opportunities and challenges for the future of life insurance.
Chris Campbell, CEO of BetterLife, has vast experience working with large FinTech and Financial Services companies with a focus on marketing and technology enablement. He was President-CEO of eFinancial, the nation's second-largest multi-carrier DTC life insurance agency. BetterLife is a member-owned, community-based society that provides life, annuity and accident products. With BetterLife as a new brand identity, Chris has focused on transformation through productive disruption.
Interim President-CEO of National Guardian Life Insurance Company
Kim Shaul is the interim President-CEO of National Guardian Life Insurance Company and formerly SVP & General Counsel for NGLIC. The organization is a multi-line mutual insurance company offering life and annuity products, LTC, and preneed, among others. Her deep understanding of the regulatory environment, combined with strong leadership skills, has helped her maintain her leadership team's focus on continuing growth, managing the risks of growth, and supporting the deeply held core values that propel her organization forward. Kim has a unique perspective on succession and adapting her core skills to managing the full enterprise.
What big-impact, game-changing result are you looking to achieve? In this interactive presentation Dave Crenshaw will unveil the secret, simple, and potent formula of The Result. You’ll gain a practical tool you—and others in your company—can use to consistently obtain success. Takeaways include:
A problem-solving solution that can drive organizational growth
How to develop a culture of effective coaching
Techniques to motivate and empower your team, anticipate roadblocks, and strategize your success.
As an author, speaker, and online instructor, Dave Crenshaw has transformed the lives and careers of hundreds of thousands around the world. He has appeared in Time magazine, USA Today, FastCompany, and the BBC News. His courses on LinkedIn Learning have been viewed tens of millions of times. His five books have been published in eight languages, including time management bestseller The Myth of Multitasking.
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Networking Break
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
Innovative Approach to Serving the 62+ Age Group: Charlie.com
Your meeting…your topics! A focus of every LIC meeting is a facilitated discussion featuring your requested topics of opportunities and challenges as leaders of small-to-midsize insurance companies. Here are some of the topics submitted so far:
Ways that AI is changing the industry
Geopolitical outlook and its impact on the industry
What if your company's innovative ideals could be the driving force behind its transformation and growth? In this dynamic session, we invite you to imagine that future. Carlos Rojas, an expert known for his relentless pursuit of understanding new trends and decoding human behaviors, will guide you on a journey toward “YOUR COMPANY 2.0.” His experience spans helping startups to Fortune 500 companies craft business strategies that enhance current reach and profitability while also fostering future growth.
Carlos will provide a glimpse into what the next evolution of your organization could look like by harnessing these ideals. He will share insights on leveraging innovative ideals, emerging trends, and shifts in consumer behavior to drive your organization's transformation.
LIC Community Engagement San Diego Food Bank: Virtual Food Drive
LIC strives to leave a positive impact on the local communities where our conferences are held. For the 2024 LIC Annual Conference & CEO Forum, we are supporting San Diego Food Bank, the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County. Last year, the Food Bank distributed 45 million pounds of food, and the Food Bank serves, on average, 400,000 people per month in San Diego County. For more information and to contribute, please visit our Virtual Food Drive.
Sponsored By Our 2024 LIC Elite Conference & Banquet Sponsors
LIC’s traditional annual banquet is a chance to enjoy fine dining, develop old and new friendships in the industry, and hear a light-hearted State of the Association address as the leadership changes from outgoing LIC Chair Steve Shaffer, CEO, Homesteaders Life Company, to incoming 2024 Chair Tony Mravle, CEO, KSKJ Life.
Many thanks to our Banquet Sponsors: Equisoft, iPipeline, Parkway Advisors, QLAdmin Solutions, Larson Certified Public Accountants, LIDP, thinktum, and Trilogy Actuarial Solutions.
Interim President-CEO of National Guardian Life Insurance Company
Moderator
Tony Mravle
CEO, KSKJ Life
Moderator: Tony Mravle, CEO, KSKJ Life
Join us in conversation with a panel of LIC Member CEOs, each of whom brings a unique experience and perspective as a company leader, facing opportunities and challenges we all have in common:
Chris Campbell, CEO of BetterLife, has vast experience working with large FinTech and Financial Services companies with a focus on marketing and technology enablement. He was President-CEO of eFinancial, the nation's second-largest multi-carrier DTC life insurance agency. BetterLife is a member-owned, community-based society that provides life, annuity and accident products. With BetterLife as a new brand identity, Chris has focused on transformation through productive disruption.
Kim Shaul is the interim President-CEO of National Guardian Life Insurance Company and formerly SVP & General Counsel for NGLIC. The organization is a multi-line mutual insurance company offering life and annuity products, LTC, and preneed, among others. Her deep understanding of the regulatory environment, combined with strong leadership skills, has helped her maintain her leadership team's focus on continuing growth, managing the risks of growth, and supporting the deeply held core values that propel her organization forward. Kim has a unique perspective on succession and adapting her core skills to managing the full enterprise.
Christopher Belz is President/CEO of Catholic Life Insurance, a fraternal membership organization that provides life insurance and retirement products. He became CEO in December 2023, after joining the organization in 2022. He is part of a leadership legacy that his predecessor and father, who served as President/CEO for 39 years. Christopher spent 14 years in the investment realm before joining Catholic Life Insurance. His experience as an emerging leader and first-time CEO will provide insights on succession and building organizational trust, while offering a glimpse of what a new generation of insurance company CEOs believe are the opportunities and challenges for the future of life insurance.
Kenneth W. Gronbach Author and Futurist in Demography and Generational Marketing
Ken has addressed the LIC Preneed Forum twice to rave reviews and his insights are crucial to understanding how America’s Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Y and other countries’ age curves interact to create the opportunities and challenges of the world we live in today. Speaking to our broader group of life insurance leaders in San Diego, this exciting and informative session will help you understand what the future will bring for people, profits and the planet. With this knowledge, IMAGINE how you would approach adapting or creating new strategies for enduring company success!
Spouse Fee: $250 enables your spouse/significant other to attend the Receptions, Banquet, Breakfasts and Luncheon.
Earlybird Discount: Register by January 11, 2024, and save $200!
Attention Fraternals: Fraternal organizations that belong to the American Fraternal Alliance are eligible for a discount of $150 sponsored by the AFA, by using the code AFAMEMBER. (Discount may be used only once per person, for either the Annual Meeting or the CEO Forum.)
Group Discount for Insurance Companies/Fraternals: After the first two paid registrations, additional registrations are $500 off - use discount code GRP500.
The Westgate Hotel 1055 Second Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
As of January 12, the hotel was sold out over some of the dates of LIC’s meeting. Try calling directly (800-522-1564) and mention LIC Annual and CEO Forum in case any rooms have opened up. Here is a map (powered by Stay22) with available alternatives nearby:Hotel Search.If you have any questions please contact Audrey Wittenburg at awittenburg@loma.org.
The Westgate Hotel, set in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, offers 223 spacious luxury guest rooms with panoramic views and a distinctively European ambiance accompanied by heartfelt hospitality. As an urban resort, the Westgate offers guests access to AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club, a full-service spa, rooftop gym and track, and a heated rooftop pool with poolside food and beverage service. On-site dining features the award-winning Westgate Room and Veranda; the intimate, vintage feel of Plaza Bar; and the time-honored elegance of Afternoon Tea.
Easily accessible by freeway, train, and trolley, The Westgate Hotel is a 10-minute drive from the San Diego airport and within easy walking distance of The San Diego Opera and Symphony, The Museum of Contemporary Art, The Civic Theatre, and the historic vibrancy of the Gaslamp Quarter.
For guests in the LIC Room Block the $30 daily resort/access fee will be waived, including in-room wi-fi and coffee, access to AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club, and the Business Lounge. Guests in the LIC block also receive a 10% discount on parking (discounted rate $45/night). Check-in is 4 pm and check-out is 11 am. Cancellations within 72 hours prior to arrival, and early departures prior to the check-out date, will incur a fee of one night’s room rate and taxes.
Sponsors
Thank you to the following companies for their sponsorship support of the 2024 LIC Annual Conference! Learn more about sponsorship opportunities here.
