ITC Vegas 2024: Innovating the Conference Experience

In this episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast, host Josh Hollander sits down with Bill Harris, Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of ITC Vegas, to discuss how the event has evolved to support the continued growth and development of the InsurTech industry. With the 2024 event just around the corner, Bill shares exclusive insights into what makes ITC Vegas a must-attend experience and why those still contemplating attending should register for the 2024 event.

Key Insights:

• How ITC Vegas has transformed from a startup-focused event to the "CES of Insurance"
• The introduction of curated "neighborhoods" to enhance networking and discovery
• New additions like ITC Agents, and the importance of the broker and agent role despite predictions of disintermediation
• The influence of AI across insurance, from underwriting to customer experience
• How the shift in climate risks, particularly the impact of water-related events, is reshaping the industry
• A changing talent landscape: the rise of Gen Z and more diverse leadership
• Strategies for maximizing your ITC Vegas experience, whether you're a first-timer or a veteran attendee

Key Topics Covered:

• [00:15] Introduction to Bill Harris and ITC Vegas
• [02:49] What's new at ITC Vegas 2024: Cosmic theme and curated experiences
• [05:19] Evolution of networking opportunities at ITC Vegas
• [10:05] Growth and diversification of sponsorships and attendees
• [19:53] Tips for getting the most out of ITC Vegas (especially for first-timers)
• [32:50] Key industry trends shaping InsurTech's future
• [36:25] Adapting the event for younger generations in insurance

Notable Quotes:

• "We think of ourselves as the CES of insurance. We're here to explore innovation and create real value for the ecosystem." - [03:26] Bill Harris
• "AI dominates every conversation, from the front end of underwriting to the back end of claims." - [32:50] Bill Harris
• "The broker or the agent is really a key part of that selling process, that education process of insurance and how important it is to understand this is why your premium is what it is." - [42:30] Bill Harris 
• “Most of these weather events are now driven by water. And it's a completely different ballgame when you're talking about wind and fire versus water." - [41:33] Bill Harris
• "Gen X, because we're such a small cohort of the workplace, we're being quickly replaced by millennials. And now you see the up and coming Gen Zs." - [43:34] Bill Harris 

About Our Guest:

Bill Harris is the Co-Founder and Chief Customer Officer of ITC Vegas, known for hosting one of the largest Insurtech events in the world. With a unique background spanning digital marketing and event management, Bill has been instrumental in growing ITC Vegas from a startup-focused gathering to the world's largest InsurTech event and creating valuable opportunities for the community to connect, innovate, and grow.

Resources:

Bill Harris

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/billharris3ubiq/
• https://vegas.insuretechconnect.com/register/ (Registration Still Open!)
• https://vegas.insuretechconnect.com/app/ (Event App)

Josh Hollander

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuarhollander/
• https://www.horton-usa.com/
• https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/insurtech-leadership-show/
• https://www.insurtechassociation.org/
• https://innsure.org/