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The premier virtual conference for independent agencies looking to advance their knowledge of using available cutting edge tools and best practices to meet their clients where they are at today, tomorrow, and beyond. Register today!
New conference environment! Exciting speaker line-up! Connect with other independent agents. And...it's free!
As SIAA’s Chief Information Officer, David oversees a sophisticated, multi-platform and multi-state IT system that encompasses computing, telecommunications, networking, security, and acquisition integrations. Recognized as an international executive and business leader, David has over 20 years of tangible results in applying business acumen, technical expertise, and commercial and financial knowledge to ensure IT creates business value, supports corporate vision, improves the customer journey, and drives strategic initiatives through innovative technology leadership. Prior to joining SIAA, David served as CIO and Vice President of Information Technology at TÜV SÜD America, a subsidiary of the Munich-based TÜV SÜD AG, a global inspection, testing, and certification company. In that role, he was responsible for developing and executing IT strategy, operations, and security across multiple entities in several countries. He was also involved in seven acquisitions, including the largest acquisition in TÜV SÜD's 150-year company history. David holds a Master of Science degree in International Economics from Eastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Gordon College where he was a member of the Delta Mu Delta National Honor Society for Business Administration. In addition, he earned a Certificate in Strategy and Innovation from the MIT Sloan School of Management and has completed their Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy Program. He has also attained both ITIL v3 Certification and CISSP Certification.
Karamarie Morton, a Marketing & Organizational Development expert at Eastern Insuring Agency, brings over 25 years of experience in crafting impactful marketing strategies and leading business development. Known for her success in boosting customer engagement by 30% and enhancing operational efficiency by 40%, Karamarie excels in insurtech integration and innovative solutions. Previously, she founded Markovent, where she built strong client relationships across diverse sectors. Based in North Carolina, Karamarie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, boating, and volunteering in her community.
Tamara, originally from Riverview, Michigan, is the Principal and Owner of the Champagne Agency. With over 22 years of experience in the insurance industry, she began her career on the financial side, helping educators secure retirement plans. Over time, Tamara expanded her expertise to offer insurance solutions, assisting her community in protecting their homes, autos, and lives. Her passion for connecting with clients and providing personalized solutions has been the hallmark of her career. Tamara’s deep-rooted commitment to her community extends beyond her profession. She is an active member of her local American Legion, where she volunteers and serves on the board, advocating for veterans and their families. Outside of work, Tamara enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband, children, and grandchildren and loves creating memories with them, especially during trips to northern Michigan.
Tony Veteto is a seasoned professional in the insurance industry, with a deep passion for the dynamic and ever-evolving world of Property & Casualty (P&C) insurance. He is vice president of Tague Alliance, which is a SIAA Master Agency consisting of 115 independent insurance agencies in Southern California. For the past twenty years Tony has worked closely with carrier and wholesale partners, vendors, staff, and the SIAA team to ensure Tague Alliance is providing the resources necessary for their new and existing members to grow and develop. As a self-described "creative analytic," Tony brings a unique blend of people skills and a love for data and macro trends to bring context around the trends impacting member agencies. Tony Veteto is extremely bullish on the P&C industry and excited to be a part of the evolution the insurance industry is undergoing and the opportunities it presents for all the people working within it. When not immersed in the insurance world, you will find him surfing, bodyboarding, or bodysurfing in his favorite ocean, the Mighty Pacific, whether in San Diego or the beautiful shores of Costa Rica. Tony is married and has two children in college.
Matt is an entrepreneur with the unique ability to bridge tech platforms. In 2012, Matt co-founded Insurance Agent App - the premier client service platform for independent insurance agencies & brokerages. Insurance Agent App connects policyholders with their agency and carriers BEFORE, DURING & AFTER events happen, and automates digital convenience to increase agency retention & profitability. The award-winning Insurance Agent App is available on Apple’s App Store and Google’s Play Store and continues to innovate with deep API integrations with agency management systems including EZLynx, QQCatalyst, Hawksoft, NowCerts and several planned for 2025. Recent feature enhancements also include custom agency app icons, online client portal access for policyholders and multiple language options. Prior to Insurance Agent App, the bulk of Matt’s career was in media and entertainment with Paramount Pictures and CBS Corporation. Matt is an alumnus of Brown University, earned his MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School, and resides in Charlotte, NC with his wife and two sons. Contact info: Matt Aaron Co-founder Insurance Agent App Charlotte, NC 980.288.7723 [email protected]
As SIAA’s Chief Data Officer, Anurag is responsible for developing and executing the overall Data, Analytics and AI Strategy across the organization. This includes deploying data platforms across members as well as Master agencies and strategic carrier partners. He is also responsible for developing the analytics and AI roadmap that will help the organization achieve its vision.
Anurag has over 25 years of experience of building and scaling technology products and services. Before joining SIAA, Anurag was the CEO and Co-Founder of DONNA.ai (Aureus Analytics) where he led the organization's overall growth, product roadmap and execution strategy and the eventual sale to SIAA. At DONNA ai he worked closely with a large number of independent insurance agencies across the US and helped them grow their businesses using AI and Data.
Anurag started his first technology venture – ESI, at the age of 24, which was later acquired by Omnitech, where he served as the COO & Head of Global Operations. Prior to ESI, he worked for IBM & CBay systems.
Anurag's strengths lie at the intersection of business and technology, focusing on artificial intelligence and machine learning.
He is a co-author of two patents: Network Analysis and SentiMeter®.
Anurag is an engineering graduate from the University of Mumbai and has studied management at NMIMS in Mumbai and executive management from the ISB, Hyderabad. He has also studied Machine Learning from Stanford.
As a technology entrepreneur and artificial intelligence subject matter expert, Anurag is continuously thinking of disruptive ways to connect the evolution of AI and its application to various industries, including insurance.
Anurag lives in Connecticut with his wife and two sons.
Chris Langille is Founder of Advisor Evolved, a digital marketing and website development firm who specializes in helping independent insurance agencies expand their digital footprint and drive more revenue online. Chris, a former SIAA agency owner himself, has been in the marketing space for 16 years, and has been a trusted vendor partner with SIAA for the past 8 years. Advisor Evolved is one of the industries most trusted digital vendor, having consulted and developed sites for thousands of agencies across the US, Canada, and even the U.K.
Michael Rabinowitz brings nearly 30 years of experience in serving and developing solutions for the independent insurance agent channel. He began his career as a commercial insurance agent before transitioning to insurtech in 2000, where he pioneered one of the earliest online commercial rating platforms. Over the years, Michael has designed insurance solutions for organizations such as Bolt Insurance, Liberty Mutual, The Hartford, Wells Fargo, American Express, LexisNexis, IIABA, and others. In his current role as Product Manager at EZLynx, he oversees commercial workflows within the EZLynx AMS and leads initiatives to transform the end-to-end commercial submission and application process.
Bobbie Collies is an insurance junkie that comes from an extensive background in the P&C insurance industry. She is currently the Chief Insurance Officer at Coterie Insurance and a passionate servant leader who loves to help drive strategy and execution. Bobbie has successfully led many teams in underwriting, marketing, distribution, technology, and user experience for multiple organizations.
She currently sits on the advisory board for the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh’s College of Business and is a champion for innovation, customer experience, and a change agent. In March of 2025, she was recognized as one of the top 25 Trailblazing Women in Insurance by Reuters Events.
Bobbie has been described as an “intrapreneur,” always looking for ways to improve the organizations she works with by bringing new ideas to the table, and more importantly, seeing those ideas come to life. Her passion for changing the paradigm in the insurance industry through technology and data drove her from working with traditional carriers to the insurtech world where innovation is prioritized.
Bobbie holds both AIS and CIC insurance designations and earned her BBA from the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh.
Jack Hertvik started in the insurance industry in 2000 when he began working at the Hertvik Insurance Group. Jack became a third-generation owner of Hertvik Insurance in 2004. He also serves as President of SIA of Northern Ohio (an SIAA Master Agency). During his career Jack has also created and managed other joint ventures in the insurance agency space including Engineered Insurance Services and Spedience Insurance Group. Jack works and resides in Medina, OH.
Jeff Magoon is President and CEO of Magoon Group, an independent insurance agency based in Colorado serving clients in more than 40 states. A subject matter expert in insurance, risk management, restoration, and IoT technology, Jeff has led both start-ups and global multi-billion-dollar companies in sales, marketing, product development, and risk management.
Over the last 25 years, he has helped insure more than 10,000 families and 1,000 small businesses, and has been involved in restoring over 100,000 homes and 10,000 businesses nationwide. His breadth of experience gives him a 360-degree view of the insurance and restoration industries, uniquely positioning him to share insights on risk management, technology-based solutions, and agency growth.
James Amezcua is the Sales Director at Lift Local, where he’s spent nearly a decade helping insurance agents grow their books through marketing and lead generation strategies. With a passion for teaching and a deep understanding of the insurance industry, James has worked with thousands of agents across the country to attract, engage, and retain clients more effectively. When James isn't working he loves golf, boating, black jack and spending time with his friends and family.
With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Jim is passionate about helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of risk management. Known for an entrepreneurial spirit that started at just 8 years old with a paper route, Jim has always been driven by a love for business. As a Certified WorkComp Advisor, Jim specializes in assessing underperforming workers’ compensation programs, identifying areas for improvement, and helping businesses reduce costs while enhancing coverage. His extensive insurance expertise, paired with a genuine interest in understanding the unique needs of business owners, allows him to develop tailored strategies that effectively manage risk and protect both assets and employees. Over the years, Jim has built a reputation for delivering exceptional customer service and thoughtful solutions that safeguard his clients’ personal and professional assets. When not working, Jim be found cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals, enjoying a round of golf, or checking another MLB stadium off his bucket list. He also shares his entrepreneurial journey with his daughter, working together to grow their family business. A self-proclaimed "foodie," Jim is always in search of the next great culinary experience—especially authentic street tacos. His love of travel allows him to explore new cities and cultures, further fueling his passion for learning and connecting with others.
Ray is the Head of Marketing at Canopy Connect. He has helped dozens of startups and growth companies over his 20-year career develop strategies and implement tactics that yield high-impact results. Over the last two years, he’s applied his marketing expertise to insurance agencies to unlock remarkable growth in hundreds of agencies.
During the 17 years I worked in an insurance agency, I learned the importance of having a strong team. Now, as a regional territory manager for HawkSoft, having a strong team is more crucial than ever. My office is 2400 miles away from the HawkSoft home office, yet I feel completely supported and involved. I am on the front line, serving as liaison between clients and HawkSoft. I see firsthand how clients use our software, what they like, and what they want improved. I nurture relationships and pass information along to the home office. I love reporting back to clients that their suggestions have been incorporated into the software and showing them the new features they dreamed up. It’s thrilling for them to know they are heard.
My favorite thing about HawkSoft is the support my clients and I get in the field. The whole culture of HawkSoft is positive and encouraging. Clients love that HawkSoft inspires them to implement solutions that will help them be more efficient and successful in their businesses. I see this every time I perform a demo for a prospective client. I never tire of hearing, “You can really do that? That’s so quick and easy! That will really help our agency.” I value the relationships I have with HawkSoft clients and love attending user group meetings and visiting agents in their offices.
Linda Anderson joined the HawkSoft Sales Team in 2007 after working for 17 years in an insurance agency in Ohio that used HawkSoft’s Client Management System. She has worked as an insurance customer service rep, as a producer, and as an agency manager. She also worked for 14 years as Vice President of Commercial Acquisitions and Leasing for Spector Development Corporation in Scottsdale, Arizona. She graduated from the American Institute of Business. Linda’s office is in Springfield, Ohio.
Dale Steinke leads the Agent for the Future Advisors team for Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance. Under his guidance, this crack team of small business consultants helps independent insurance agencies attract and retain more business. A skilled public speaker and a former journalist who enjoys discovering and sharing what works, Dale has more than 20 years of experience with digital- first marketing, sales enablement and other technology capabilities relevant to the independent agent channel. His specialties include agency technology, AI, business continuity and sales enablement strategies. When he’s not helping IAs thrive, you’ll likely find Dale on a long-distance bicycle trip or cooking something tasty for family and friends. https://www.agentforthefuture.com/advisor/dale-steinke/ Dale Steinke (pronounced Stein-key) Director, Agent for the Future Advisors Liberty Mutual Small Commercial | Safeco Insurance | State Auto Insurance he/him/his
Brenton joined Pie in April 2024 as VP of Product where he leads the product management, product design, and operational excellence teams. He brings nearly 15 years of leadership experience across product management, insurance, e-commerce, and market research. He was most recently a Sr. Director of Product Management for Global Supplier & Merchandising Platforms at Wayfair, where he led a team of 300+ technologists focused on the data, systems, and workflows that power a majority of Wayfair's end-to-end operations. Prior to Wayfair, he worked in innovation strategy and product management at Liberty Mutual Insurance, and led custom quantitative research engagements for many Fortune 100 clients with Kantar. He holds a B.A. in International Marketing and a M.S. in Resource Economics from UMass, Amherst.
As Chief Partnership Officer, Doug assumes responsibility for SIAA’s Revenue Manufacturing Department, focusing on working with the alliance’s Strategic Partners to build long-term relationships and drive multi-year distribution strategies. He is an accomplished executive with over two decades of experience in leadership roles across various industries and independent insurance distribution. Before his current role, Doug served as Executive Vice President, Head of Insurance Distribution at The Marketing Alliance, Inc., (TMA) responsible for driving top-line growth and profitability while managing its largest business unit. Under his leadership, the company successfully implemented solutions that resulted in premium growth, expanded distributor product offerings by negotiating the addition of life insurance and annuity carriers, and led company distribution expansion into Insurtech, FinTech, consumer-direct, and financial institution marketplaces. Before joining TMA, Doug worked at American Modern Insurance Group and the global reinsurance group Munich Re, where he led executive-level initiatives, including post-merger integration, strategic alliances, and operational efficiency-related initiatives. He also worked at the management consulting firm Accenture, leading teams that enabled clients to become high-performance businesses in various industries. In 2022, Doug received the ID 20 Award from the National Association of Independent Life Brokerage Agencies (NAILBA), honoring insurance professionals who are trailblazers, change-makers and architects shaping the future of independent distribution. In addition to his professional experience, Doug volunteers as a Level 4 USA Hockey Coach and serves as Assistant Junior Varsity Ice Hockey Team Coach for St. Louis University High School. He also provides on-ice instruction to blind hockey players at St. Louis Blind Hockey. Doug previously served as Vice President and Board Member of the NAILBA Charitable Foundation. Doug earned his MBA from the Mendoza School of Business at the University of Notre Dame, graduating with Cum Laude honors, and his BS in Business Administration from the Richard T. Farmer School of Business with a Major in Finance and a concentration in Risk Management and Insurance from Miami University. Doug resides with his wife and two children in St. Louis, MO.
John joined NatGen in 2015 as a product manager in the northeast. John has spent the last few years as a rising leader, innovator and strategic thinker, forging a new path for NatGen through his promotion to Senior Vice President of Product Management. In the earlier years of his career, John was a Commercial Property Line Manager for Allstate—making his current leadership role a true “full circle.” He is excited to have re-joined the Allstate family and have the opportunity to leverage NatGen's technology and operational power with Allstate's reputation and financial stability. His goal is to build a system and culture centered around technology that offers an agent-focused experience for our partners and superior coverage for their insureds—he and his team are well on their way.
John graduated from Northern Illinois University with BS in Economics and an MBA. His hobbies used to include paintball and MMA, but now mostly involve nerdy things he can do from home. He lives just north of Chicago with his wife and two daughters.
Mike joined Simply Business in April 2018 and is the Vice President of Insurance Panel & Partnerships and a member of the US Executive Leadership Team. In his role, Mike is responsible for driving product growth with new and existing panel insurance carriers as well as expanding Simply Business’ distribution reach via strategic partners. Collaborating with insurance carriers, Mike’s team helps bring new insurance products to market that benefit business owners while meeting the small business customer where they are via distribution partnerships.
Mike brings 20 years of commercial property & casualty experience to Simply Business, having had previous underwriting and distribution roles at Liberty Mutual Insurance. Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Bentley University in 2003 and his CPCU designation in 2009. In 2022, he authored an article for Carrier Management on his experiences modernizing small business insurance at Simply Business. Mike resides in the Greater Boston area with his wife and two sons.
September 16, 2025 11:00 am
David Meinen
Chief Information Officer, SIAA
Anurag Shah
Chief Data Officer, SIAA
IA Evolve 2025 kicks off with a look at this year’s theme, Empowering Agents. Accelerating Innovation. In this opening discussion, David Meinen and Anurag Shah will explore what it means to lead with innovation in a time of rapid change. From AI to business intelligence and beyond, they’ll share insights on how forward-thinking agencies are navigating what’s new, what’s next, and what delivers real value. The session will also touch on how SIAA is helping support this shift through the rollout of AgencyIQ and other technology-driven initiatives.
September 16, 2025 11:20 am
Bobbie Collies
Chief Insurance Officer, Coterie Insurance
Brenton Sellati
VP of Product, Pie Insurance
Doug Allenbaugh
Chief Partnership Officer, SIAA
John Nader
Senior Vice President, Product Management National General, an Allstate company
Michael Carvalho
VP, Insurance Panel & Partnerships, Simply Business
Fueling Growth in the Independent Agency Channel
How are today’s top insurance carriers using cutting edge technology to help independent agencies thrive? In this panel discussion, SIAA Strategic Partners share how innovations in underwriting platforms, APIs, AI tools, and data analytics are making it easier and faster for agencies to quote, bind, and serve clients. Discover how carriers are investing in the tools and technologies that are changing the way independent insurance agencies do business to help write smarter business and accelerate growth.
September 16, 2025 12:05 pm
Dale Steinke
Director, Agent for the Future™ Advisors, Liberty Mutual | Safeco Insurance
From CSR to CEO, whether you're new to AI, or already using it, discover how to more effectively harness the power of artificial intelligence to boost your personal productivity and drive agency-wide results. In this interactive session, you’ll hear firsthand how agencies like yours are using AI tools to be more productive, create smarter workflows, offer standout client service, and create more future-ready businesses. This session is designed for insurance professionals at all levels.
September 16, 2025 01:05 pm
James Amezcua
Senior Marketing Consultant, Lift Local
In today’s fast-changing insurance market, relying on just one or two marketing channels is no longer enough. This session breaks down how independent agencies can implement a practical multichannel strategy without complexity or high cost. Learn which channels matter most right now, how to execute across 3 to 5 platforms, and how to use marketing technology to stay efficient. You’ll also gain insights on tracking results and focusing your efforts where they’ll have the biggest impact.
September 16, 2025 01:45 pm
Tony Veteto
Vice President, Tague Insurance Alliance Services
Tamara Champagne
Agency Principal, The Champagne Agency
Jack Hertvik
President, Hertvik Insurance Group
Jeffery Magoon
President & CEO Magoon Group
Jim DeWitt
DeWitt Insurance Group, Fishers, IN
What does innovation actually look like inside a local independent agency? In this dynamic panel, four agency principals share how they are using AI tools, marketing technology, data insights, and automation to drive growth, improve efficiency, and better serve their clients. Hear what’s working, what they’ve learned along the way, and how they’re making smart tech decisions that align with their goals. Walk away with inspiration and actionable ideas to bring back to your own agency.
September 16, 2025 02:45 pm
Karamarie Morton
Marketing & Organizational Development, Eastern Insuring Agency
Matt Aaron
Co-founder, Insurance Agent App
Back by popular demand, this updated session builds on last year’s presentation with new data and deeper insights. See how real agencies are tracking the time and expense tied to common service tasks like policy changes, ID cards, COIs, and claims. Learn how the numbers have changed, what’s driving new efficiencies, and how agencies are using technology to turn service operations into a competitive advantage. If you joined us last year, you’ll want to see what’s new. If you didn’t, this is a great place to start.
September 16, 2025 02:45 pm
Linda Anderson
Sr. Agency Consultant, Hawksoft
Making the right decision today of who you will partner with, greatly affects where your agency will be in the years ahead. Get armed with the right questions to ask any tech provider before signing the dotted line.
September 16, 2025 03:25 pm
Chris Langille
Founder, Advisor Evolved
Significant changes are happening in search, and with the rapid adoption of new AI platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini, there are new ways consumers can find your brand when looking for insurance. Chris Langille, Founder of Advisor Evolved, an SIAA partner vendor for website development and digital marketing, will provide actionable tips and strategies so your agency can maximize its reach in the new world of AI.
September 16, 2025 03:25 pm
Ray Huang
Head of Marketing, Canopy Connect
The quoting process often feels like a delicate dance—one misstep, and you lose the rhythm. Many agents face a fragile quoting process, especially in the early stages, leading to lost time and frustrated clients.
This session cuts through the noise to tackle the real friction points. We’ll focus on the first three crucial steps: how you get Quote Requests, how you handle Intake of information, and the initial Client Consultation. These are the moments where things often slow down, where customers get annoyed, and where getting accurate information is absolutely vital.
We’ll explore how modern workflows can transform these early stages, helping you find the right balance between winning more business, keeping clients happy, and making your operations run smoother. It’s about building a stronger foundation for your entire quoting process, ensuring you’re efficient, accurate, and always ready to close the deal.
September 16, 2025 04:05 pm
Michael Rabinowitz
Lead Product Manager, EZLynx
Commercial lines submissions are often complex and tedious—but they don’t have to be. Join Michael Rabinowitz for a look at the new Commercial Lines Submission Workflow in EZLynx, launching this fall. With reimagined application screens and embedded commercial comparative rating (coming early 2026), EZLynx helps reduce errors, speed up submissions, and support best practices, regardless of your experience level in commercial lines.
