Networking
Begin your 2026 Blue Ribbon Conference experience with an evening of connection and celebration at the Aloha Welcome Reception. Meet new peers, reconnect with old friends, and engage with company representatives—all while soaking in the breathtaking sunset over Ka’anapali Beach. Set against this stunning backdrop, this lively networking event with delicious hors d’oeuvres is the perfect way to spark new business relationships and set the tone for an unforgettable conference.
Join us for an unforgettable networking experience at our exclusive Sponsor Stroll, where agents and brokers can mix and mingle with sponsors in a relaxed island setting. Stroll through a lively atmosphere, strike up conversations, and build connections while enjoying the warm Hawaiian hospitality.
Calling all golf enthusiasts! The 2026 Blue Ribbon Conference features two exciting tournaments—the Tuesday Golf Scramble and the Thursday Stroke Play Tournament. The Scramble Tournament will take place at the Ka’anapali Kai Course, known for its scenic ocean views and inviting play for all skill levels, while the Stroke Play Tournament will be held at the Royal Ka’anapali Course, a championship design that has hosted legends of the game and PGA Tour events. Don’t miss this opportunity to compete, connect, and enjoy the game in paradise!
Join us for our closing dinner celebration in one of Ka’anapali Beach’s most stunning venues. Hosted at the Aloha Pavilion at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, this memorable evening blends Maui’s natural beauty with a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Enjoy lively music, a lavish buffet, engaging activities, and meaningful connections—all set against ocean views, tropical surroundings, and the magic of a Maui evening. It’s the perfect way to wrap up the conference and celebrate together.
Engaging with senior company officials is a cornerstone of the Blue Ribbon Conference experience, offering invaluable networking opportunities throughout the event. Company Sponsors will host an array of exclusive receptions, luncheons, dinners, and off-site gatherings, providing the perfect setting to connect in a more personal and dynamic environment. Many of these events are invitation-only, so be sure to keep an eye out for your exclusive access to these premier networking opportunities.
Education & General Sessions
Paul Epstein, Former high-level executive for multiple NFL and NBA teams and 2x best-selling author
Monday isn’t just another day. It’s the most reliable performance habit of your entire week.
In this keynote, former NFL and NBA executive and bestselling author Paul Epstein reveals the weekly habit that separates champions from everyone else — flipping Mondays from missed opportunities into momentum drivers that lead to lasting growth and success.
(Moderator) Harrison Brooks,Partner, Reagan Consulting
David Garcia, President, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Doug Shea, Partner, Construction Practice Leader, C3 Risk & Insurance Services
The nation’s top performing agencies are focused on a common core set of metrics, including but not limited to Sales Velocity, Weighted Average Producer Age, Weighted Average Shareholder Age, and Investment in Validating Producers. A relentless focus on these and other core metrics sustain the country’s leading agencies to consistently deliver top quartile growth and profitability. During this session you will hear from Harrison Brooks, Partner of Reagan Consulting, and top performing peer agencies to bring to life practical strategies to accelerate your firm’s performance. In a softening rate environment, your firm can consistently grow at double digits organically. It’s possible if you are focusing on the right metrics. Come join the discussion and take away practical solutions!
Neal Nakashima, Senior Vice President, Marsh USA
Jeff Okrepkie, CLCS, CRIS, Producer, George Petersen Insurance Agency
(Facilitator) Steve Young, IIABCal General Counsel
Catastrophic wildfires have become a sad reality of life in the West, as the devastation in Lahaina, only minutes away from the site of this year’s Blue Ribbon Conference, illustrates. What do brokers most affected by these disasters know now that they wish they’d known before? What are they doing to protect their policyholders and minimize their own professional liability from future conflagrations? Hear directly from practitioners who have lived and worked through these catastrophes, from start to finish.
Carey Wallace, Founder and CEO, Agency Focus
Growth and profitability don’t happen by chance—they come from intentional adaptation. This presentation highlights the ways independent insurance agencies are embracing change to increase operational efficiency, enhance client retention, and boost bottom-line results. Discover actionable insights, real-world examples, and practical steps to strengthen your agency’s foundation for the future.
Joan Woodward, Executive Vice President for Public Policy, Travelers
What do interest rates and inflation, complex labor force dynamics, and evolving geopolitical risks mean for your business? What pressing challenges will Congress and the White House face in 2026 and beyond? Drawing on her extensive experience as an economist on Capitol Hill and an analyst on Wall Street, Joan Woodward will share her economic, public policy and political outlook in this data-driven, analytical and nonpartisan presentation. Woodward, the Executive Vice President for Public Policy at Travelers, will explore how the White House and Congress’ decision-making may impact insurance, tax and trade policy, and the broader economy all leading up to the 2026 midterm elections. Also, as President of the Travelers Institute, she will preview their latest programs and educational initiatives