Life Accelerated Summit 2026: Lighting the Way Forward

If you're traveling to Tampa, we recommend arriving the day before and checking in at your preferred hotel. For accommodation options, visit this page.

Dave Shively, COO of Equisoft, opens the summit with reflections on Equisoft's journey, building market-leading solutions that are purpose-built for the insurance industry, and what that relentless focus on innovation means for the carriers we serve. Luis will set the stage for the morning's exploration of how Equisoft is lighting the way forward for insurers navigating complex transformation journeys.

Mike Allee, President of UCT, explores the philosophical and practical foundations of insurance. Mike examines why an integrated platform approach is essential for organizations seeking to remain promise keepers while adapting to rapid technological evolution.

Ghassan Karam, AVP, Core Insurance, Equisoft, takes a deep dive into current trends around AI adoption in insurance, where the industry is heading, what's real, and what's still hype. This session sets the broader foundation, examining practical implementation patterns, the role of integrated analytics engines, and how AI can provide genuine horsepower to your workforce rather than serving as standalone tools disconnected from core operations.

Ghassan Karam, AVP, Core Insurance, Equisoft presents a detailed look at what constitutes a next-generation insurance platform versus collections of systems glued together with middleware. Learn what sets a purpose-built architecture apart and why AI demands a dedicated UI/UX to deliver real value. Discover how cohesive platform architecture enables carriers to break free from the data gravity that weighs down legacy environments, and what differentiates Equisoft's approach from competitors lacking these integrated capabilities. A background demo loop will accompany the presentation.

Join a candid conversation with insurance executives who are actively managing multiple transformation initiatives. Panelists will share their experiences navigating the real business challenges facing carriers today. Hear how they're balancing the "six balls in the air" that define modern insurance leadership, the collaborative partnerships that make progress possible, and the organizational dynamics required to succeed in an era of constant change. Moderator: Olivier Lafontaine, CPO, Equisoft

Panelists include: Matthew Busbee, Chief Data Officer at Pan-American Life Insurance Group; Richard Wiedenbeck, former Chief Information Officer & Chief AI Officer at Ameritas, now Principal Advisor Avatar Solutions LLC; John Brabazon, SVP & CFO at SBLI; and Sherriff Balogun Jr., Head of Insurance and Wealth Technology at MassMutual.

We conclude with an invitation to continue the conversation at our LIMRA Life insurance conference roundtable session on Day 2 for those seeking deeper technical discussions and product demonstrations. Stay for a networking lunch where you can connect with Equisoft leaders, industry analysts, and fellow carriers.

This session offers a hands-on demonstration of Equisoft/amplify for attendees looking for a deeper technical dive. See the platform in action and explore how its AI-powered capabilities translate into real operational impact.