Program Schedule

7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

South Counter Registration

Conference Registration

7:30 – 8:45 AM | Breakfast

Sinatra Salons 7-14

Networking Breakfast

Sponsored by:

SINATRA SALONS 4-6

First Time Attendee Breakfast & Orientation

New to the CICA Conference? Join us for a First Time Attendee Breakfast & Orientation for a brief introduction to CICA and how to make the most of your International Conference experience. Bring a business card to enter the drawing for a VISA gift card!

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9:00 – 10:45 AM | Education Sessions

SPRINGS BALLROOM A-G

Opening General Session, Awards & Keynote Presentation

Join CICA’s leadership for welcome remarks, along with recognition of this year’s CICA award winners and CICA Student Essay Contest finalists. After the Opening Session and Awards presentations, join us for an inspiring keynote address from Noelle Pikus Pace.

Dan Towle
President, Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA)

Heather McClure
Board Chair, Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA); Managing Partner & General Counsel, Helio Risk LLC

Noelle Pikus Pace
Keynote Speaker

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10:45 – 11:10 AM | Networking Break

Sinatra Salons 7-14

Morning Networking Break

11:10 AM – 12:00 PM | Education Sessions

SPRINGS BALLROOM F

101 | Captive 101: The Roadmap to Captive Insurance †

This session offers a foundational overview of captive insurance, guiding attendees through the essential steps of evaluating, implementing, and managing a captive. Panelists will explore the five key stages of a captive’s lifecycle, emphasizing the critical roles played by service providers at each phase. Participants will gain insight into where captives can deliver the greatest strategic impact and where owners must conduct thorough due diligence to ensure long-term success.

SPRINGS BALLROOM G

201 | Strategic Use of Captives in Employee Benefit Design † * ‡

As costs for benefits continue to rise, employers are looking to captive programs to help bend the cost curve and create sustainability in the marketplace. This session explores how organizations can optimize employee benefit arrangements through captives for cost savings, greater flexibility, cost predictability, and long-term sustainability. The session will go beyond the basics of adding coverages to captives and talk about how the programs evolve over time. Attendees will learn about emerging trends, regulatory updates, and innovative captive structures that align financial risk management with organizational goals. The session provides practical strategies for HR and risk teams to work together, using captives not just as protection, but as a proactive tool to manage healthcare costs effectively and build out a robust benefits plan. Through verified case studies and real-world examples, participants will see how organizations have enhanced program design, improved risk transfer, and strengthened financial outcomes. Professionals will leave with actionable insights to turn stop-loss programs into strategic, sustainable solutions that support long-term healthcare financing objectives. This session is designed for risk managers, HR leaders, and captive owners seeking to elevate mature programs while demonstrating expertise and leadership in the evolving stop-loss landscape.

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SPRINGS BALLROOM A-E

301 | Rethinking Captive Reinsurance Strategy: Balance Sheet Protection Beyond the Primary Program † *

This session explores how to strategically reframe captive reinsurance to do more than just participate in global towers. It focuses on using reinsurance to directly shape portfolio risk, stabilize earnings, and optimize capital by protecting the captive’s own balance sheet. We will examine how alternative structures like stop-loss and parametrics can be deployed to create a true “insurance of the balance sheet.” Drawing on a live project, experts will demonstrate how this approach adds value and new diversification for the buyer.

12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch

Sinatra Salons 7-14

Networking Lunch

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1:00 – 1:50 PM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

101 | Creative Solutions with Fronting † *

This session will cover the fundamentals of fronting—when it’s needed, how it fits with captives, and what makes a strong fronting partnership. Experts will share key considerations for captive owners and fronting carriers, followed by real-world case studies demonstrating creative solutions through fronting arrangements.

Springs Ballroom G

201 | It Takes a Village – A Team Approach to Captive Success † *

Captives typically do not have any employees and instead rely on an extensive team of service providers to help operate the captive. In this session, a captive owner and representatives from several key service providers will detail how they work both independently and collaboratively to support the captive operations. The panel will cover their primary responsibilities and how they work with and depend on the risk manager and other members of the service provider team in their support roles to the captive. They will also offer up some suggested best practices to the audience to help them achieve long-term success with their own captive programs.

Springs Ballroom A-E

201 | Group Captives – From Niche to Norm † *

Explore the evolution of group captives from their niche beginnings to their growing role in today’s market and beyond. This session examines what makes successful groups thrive, common pitfalls and lessons learned over the years, and emerging trends shaping the future of group captives. Attendees will gain practical insights for forming, joining, or optimizing group captive programs.

Sinatra SALONS 4-6

Small Session 101 | Women in Leadership – Driving the Future of Captive Insurance † * ✰

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking panel discussion featuring accomplished leaders who are driving change in the captive insurance industry. This session will explore critical topics such as effective leadership strategies, achieving work-life harmony, the power of mentorship, and fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Our panelists will share personal experiences, practical insights, and forward-looking perspectives on what the future holds for the industry. Whether you’re an emerging professional or a seasoned leader, this conversation will provide valuable takeaways to help you navigate your career and contribute to shaping a more inclusive and innovative insurance landscape.

Sponsored by:

Sinatra Salons 1-3

Regulator Training Session †

Note: you must be a Domicile Regulator who is registered for the CICA Conference to attend this session.

Read more here.

2:00 – 2:50 PM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

101 | A Beginner’s Guide to Captive Insurance Tax Basics † *

This panel will provide a practical introduction to the basic tax principles that apply to captive insurance companies. Designed for attendees without a tax background, the session will explain how captives are generally taxed, why insurance status matters, and the difference between being taxed as an insurance company versus a regular business. Panelists will also cover common tax elections, how premiums and losses are treated at a high level, and frequent misconceptions to avoid. The discussion will focus on concepts, not technical rules, so participants leave with a solid foundation and a better understanding of how tax fits into captive planning and operations.

Springs Ballroom G

201 | Is it the Right Time to Include Property Coverage in Your Captive? † *

Our experienced panelists will discuss the challenges and considerations in placing property coverage in a captive. Topics covered will include the structural, regulatory and financial considerations for new and existing captive programs. We’ll discuss some of the unique requirements for the management of property risks within a captive including how to mitigate against catastrophe loss events and asset management, specifically in relation to building a portfolio that matches the payout patterns of property claims. The panel will share what has historically worked and what has not, based on their experiences, and will review the factors that all captive boards need to consider when assessing property coverage as an option.

Springs Ballroom A-E

201 | Connected Intelligence: Where Underwriting Meets Claims Strategy † *

In today’s multidimensional risk environment, aligning casualty underwriting with claims management is more critical than ever. This panel brings together an underwriter, a claims management executive, and a captive owner to explore how collaboration across these disciplines can drive better outcomes for insureds. From social inflation and litigation funding to AI-driven claims strategies and ESG exposures, panelists will share insights, innovations, and real-world examples that highlight the power of integrated risk management. Attendees will gain actionable strategies to bridge the gap between underwriting intent and claims execution.

Sinatra Salons 1-3

Regulator Training Session †

Note: you must be a Domicile Regulator who is registered for the CICA Conference to attend this session.

Read more here.

3:00 – 3:30 PM | Networking Break

Sinatra Salons 7-14

Afternoon Networking Break

3:30 – 4:20 PM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

101 | Advocacy Matters: Captive Support of Parent Mission † *

In an era where captive insurance continues to grow and evolve, understanding the crucial role played by advocacy in fostering a supportive legislative environment becomes paramount. This dynamic session will include a discussion of first-hand experiences and insights into the innovative ways panelists have collaborated to promote effective captive legislation and advocated for the best interests of their captive, clients, and diverse sectors. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge about the challenges faced by captive insurance professionals as they navigate through the regulatory landscape and the strategies employed to successfully address these hurdles.

Springs Ballroom G

201 | Captive Applications and Business Plans: Best Practices † *

In the evolving landscape of captive insurance, submitting a well-structured captive application and effectively communicating business plan changes are critical to regulatory approval and long-term operational success. This session provides a comprehensive overview of the key components, common pitfalls, and strategic considerations for both initial captive applications and business plan amendments. Participants will gain practical insights and tools to streamline submissions and enhance the quality of interactions with regulators and stakeholders.

Springs Ballroom A-E

101 | Cultivating the Next Generation of Leaders: Attracting and Mentoring Young Talent † * »

The captive insurance industry continues to face a widening talent gap, with younger professionals entering the field at a slower pace. How can we better attract and engage the next generation of leaders? This panel will explore innovative strategies and initiatives aimed at raising awareness of career opportunities in the captive and risk management space. The panel will also focus on the benefits and importance of mentorship, both formal and informal, and how experienced professionals can guide emerging leaders while gaining fresh perspectives and renewed purpose. Panelists will share their efforts to promote industry visibility, foster mentorship, and create pathways for emerging talent to thrive. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, participants will gain insights into finding and retaining high-caliber candidates and building impactful mentor-mentee connections that support long-term success in the captive space.

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4:30 – 5:20 PM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

101 | The Captive Elevator Pitch: How to Explain to Your Grandma What You Do for Work † * ♢

Service providers across the captive industry are frequently in positions to suggest a captive solution to clients who may or may not have considered or even encountered the idea before. Unlike a typical 101 session, this panel will focus on communication skills for explaining what a captive is and how it could benefit a client in terms that are easy to understand for industry outsiders. Attendees will enjoy this interactive session and leave with their own unique “captive elevator pitch” that they can use to offer added value to their clients, regardless of their role in the captive industry. They’ll hear from both service providers and captive owners about the most effective ways to spread the captive gospel from both sides of the table.

Sponsored by:

Springs Ballroom G

201 | Taxing Times: Federal, State and Cross-border Tax Considerations for Your Current or New Captive † *

This session offers a deeper dive into the evolving tax landscape impacting captive insurance structures. Our subject matter professionals will provide a broad update across federal, state, and local/indirect tax regimes, as well as international considerations. Key topics include recent U.S. developments, Bermuda corporate income tax considerations, and critical issues arising during mergers, acquisitions, and insurance reorganizations such as spin-offs. We will also address compliance updates and outline practical guidelines for effective tax planning within the captive space—highlighting common pitfalls and best practices to ensure strategic alignment and regulatory adherence.

Sinatra 1-3

Domicile Regulator Meeting (Invitation Only)

DIRECTOR A

CALC Meeting (Invitation Only)

5:30 – 7:00 PM

Sinatra Salons 7-14

Networking Reception

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8:30 – 11:00 PM

JW ENTERTAINMENT ZONE

CICA After Hours

Sponsored by:

7:00 AM – 4:00 PM

South Counter Registration

Conference Registration

8:00 – 9:00 AM | Breakfast

Sinatra Salons 7-14

Networking Breakfast

9:00 – 9:50 AM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

101 | Three Roads, One Destination: Choosing the Best Captive Route † *

Selecting the right captive structure—single-parent, group, or cell—requires careful alignment between organizational needs and structural fit. Each model offers unique advantages, limitations, and strategic trade-offs, and choosing the one that’s “just right” depends on capital availability, risk tolerance, operational priorities, and long-term goals. This moderated panel will compare three primary captive models across key dimensions, including: initial capitalization and collateral requirements; governance and ownership control; profit distribution and surplus management; cost sharing vs. autonomy; and scalability, flexibility, and exit strategies. Attendees will gain a decision-making framework to evaluate which structure fits today—and when it might make sense to transition to another model down the road. Whether you’re forming your first captive or reassessing an existing one, this session will help you navigate three main captive “roads” and find the route that leads to long-term success.

Springs Ballroom G

201 | How Captives Drive Enterprise Value † *

Captive insurance companies have evolved far beyond their origins as alternative risk financing tools. Today, high-performing captives operate as strategic enterprise platforms—enhancing financial performance, strengthening governance, enabling growth, and reinforcing long-term organizational resilience. In this session, a captive consultant will moderate a candid discussion with two captive owners and a captive insurance attorney, offering complementary operational, strategic, and legal perspectives. Together, the panel will explore how captives drive enterprise value across finance, governance, operations, workforce strategy, ESG, M&A, and corporate decision-making. The conversation will highlight how legal structuring, regulatory strategy, and governance design when aligned with business objectives can expand what a captive is capable of achieving. Attendees will gain practical insights into how captives can be positioned as enterprise assets, how legal frameworks enable innovation rather than constrain it, and how organizations can evolve their captives to deliver value well beyond traditional risk management.

Springs Ballroom A-E

201 | Defining Investment Risk (and Opportunity!) for Captive Insurance Companies † *

Captives first and foremost are a risk management and financing tool. However, prudent investments play a critical role in supporting the long-term success of the risk management function captives serve. How should a captive owner consider investment risk as it pertains to the long-term health of a captive? What opportunity costs exist by not having a robust captive-specific investment policy and how to quantify risk in a way that captive stakeholders can understand? We’ll examine some common portfolio themes and define risk in ways that won’t require a PhD in economics.

Sinatra Salons 4-6

Small Session 101 | From Doubt to Confidence: Breaking Through Imposter Syndrome † * ✰

Even in a highly specialized field like captive insurance, professionals at all levels can struggle with imposter syndrome—feeling like they don’t belong or aren’t qualified, despite their achievements. This session will explore how imposter syndrome shows up, especially among emerging leaders, women, and those transitioning into new roles. Successful strategies in overcoming these doubts and feelings will provide you with the tools to achieve your goals.

Sponsored by:

SINATRA SALONS 1-3

Regulator Training Session †

Note: you must be a Domicile Regulator who is registered for the CICA Conference to attend this session.

Read more here.

10:00 – 10:30 AM | Networking Break

Sinatra Salons 7-14

Morning Networking Break

10:30 – 11:20 AM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

101 | Let’s Take a Look Under the Hood – Captive Examinations † *

In this session, captive professionals will provide a case study into captive examinations. The audience will learn what an examination is, why they are conducted, and what is included in an examination process. The panel will also discuss the necessary preparation that should take place in advance as well as best practices for making the process smooth and efficient. In addition, the panel will discuss the value of the examination and how it can help shape the future of the captive.

Springs Ballroom G

201 | Beyond the Basics: How to Utilize your Captive Strategically † *

If your captive board is asking, “What’s next?,” it may be time for a strategic review. This process helps organizations assess how their captive can be best utilized today while setting meaningful goals for the future to ensure continued relevance and avoid unexpected challenges. In this session, panelists will identify the key triggers that signal when a strategic review is needed. They’ll also present a captive case study that recently underwent a review, sharing insights into the challenges faced and the outcomes achieved. Attendees will learn why strategic reviews should be a recurring part of captive management and how ongoing goal-setting can prevent stagnation and drive long-term success.

Springs Ballroom A-E

201 | Unlocking Efficiency: Integrating Employee Benefits & P&C Captives for Strategic Risk Management † * ‡

As organizations adapt to evolving risks, the need for more dynamic and comprehensive risk management strategies becomes critical. In this session, we explore how integrating employee benefits captives with property & casualty (P&C) captives can unlock new efficiencies, reduce costs, and create more resilient risk management structures.

Through a detailed case study, we will illustrate the practical benefits of this integration, showing real-world examples of how companies have successfully merged these captive models. Attendees will walk away with actionable insights on the strategic, operational, and financial advantages of integrating their employee benefits and P&C captives.

Sponsored by:

Sinatra Salons 4-6

Small Session 101 | Building a Personal Brand † * ♢

In the captive insurance industry, your personal brand is more than just a professional image—it’s a reflection of your values, expertise, and the impact you bring to your work. Whether you’re just starting out, navigating mid-career transitions, or leading at the executive level, your brand should evolve alongside your experience and priorities. This panel will explore how professionals at all stages can build and refine their personal brand to stay relevant and aligned with their goals. Panelists will share strategies for increasing visibility, leveraging strengths, and adapting your brand as your career progresses. A key part of this journey is learning from others. The session will highlight the value of being a mentee and how to actively seek guidance and feedback. Additionally, panelists will discuss how to build a personal “board of directors”; a trusted group of mentors, peers, and advisors who can help guide your career decisions, challenge your thinking, and support your growth.

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11:30 AM – 12:20 PM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

101 | Forming Effective Relationships with Captive Service Providers † *

As captives continue to grow in sophistication and strategic importance, the relationship between captive owners and their service providers has never been more important. Whether you are exploring the use of a cell captive for the first time or are far along in your captive journey, optimizing relationships with the captive managers who oversee the day-to-day, fronting carriers who provide the paper, actuaries who underpin your financial integrity, and investment managers who guide your asset portfolio is essential to your captive’s value proposition. This session looks at how to build and sustain effective long-term partnerships with service providers at each stage of the captive lifecycle. Discover best practices for selecting, hiring and managing these partnerships in ways that align goals and drive the best outcomes for your stakeholders, especially your members. Learn more from captive experts and established service providers on clarifying roles, fostering communications, establishing accountability through KPIs and collaborating with your partners in integrated ways that create value-driven relationships to minimize headaches and maximize your potential.

Springs Ballroom G

201 | Beyond the Buzz: Real AI Applications in Captive Insurance † *

Panelists will discuss and explore how artificial intelligence is being used today within captive insurance programs. From underwriting support and claims analytics to risk modeling and reporting, this session will separate practical applications from hype, discuss implementation challenges, and share lessons learned for captive owners and managers considering AI adoption. The discussion will also address data readiness, integration with existing systems, and governance considerations unique to captive structures. Attendees will gain practical insights into where AI can deliver measurable value today and how to evaluate opportunities for responsible, scalable adoption.

Springs Ballroom A-E

101 | Global Trends and Strategic Outlooks of Insurance Association Leadership † *

This panel features leaders of four prominent international insurance associations discussing key issues, trends, challenges, and opportunities across the global marketplace. It will cover current industry challenges, and strategies for improving advocacy and addressing misconceptions about the captive insurance sector. Discussions will also include global collaboration and partnership on industry issues. The distinguished panel will also discuss their outlooks for the future of captive insurance.

Sinatra SALONS 4-6

Small Session 101 | Closing the Deal: How to Make Your First Pitch † * »

New captive professionals spend many hours building knowledge and technical skills. But in order to be successful, they must also learn how to network and sell their services. Making a client pitch for the first time can be intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be! This panel will feature speakers who have spent years building their professional reputations and their books of business. The session will offer practical tips on how to gain and keep new clients, make an elevator pitch, identify prospects, and ultimately, how to close the deal. Panelists will offer perspectives from their corner of the industry, and will include a captive owner moderator who will offer valuable insight into the client’s needs.

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12:30 – 1:30 PM | Lunch

Sinatra Salons 7-14

Networking Lunch

Sponsored by:

THE GROVE

Amplify Women & NEXTGen Luncheon

Note: an RSVP is required to attend.

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1:30 – 2:20 PM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

101 | CICA Student Essay Contest Presentations

For the CICA Student Essay Contest, two-person teams of undergraduate risk management, insurance and business students are asked to demonstrate how to establish a captive for their specific case study, select policy options, determine underwriting, pricing and more. Finalist teams receive cash prizes, have their essays published by Captive Insurance Times, and present their essays at the CICA International Conference.

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Springs Ballroom A-E

301 | Developing an Extended Warranty Program † *

Extended warranty programs are one of the best ways to acquire third party business while insuring products closely linked to your organization and increasing the brand connection with customers. As a manufacturer or retailer, you typically have a competitive advantage with greater product knowledge than third party competitors. Subaru and Caterpillar are two organizations who utilize captives to support their extended warranty programs to protect customers, generate third party business and profits. Leaders from these organizations will discuss their long term successful programs and current challenges due to inflation and tariffs. A consultant will present the frameworks of a alternative program structures and the process to design and implement a program.

2:30 – 3:00 PM | Networking Break

Sinatra Salons 7-14

Afternoon Networking Break

3:00 – 3:50 PM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

201 | IRS and Captives – Today and Tomorrow † *

The Courts have issued more small captive opinions, at least one of which leans closer to the taxpayer than ever before. Is this better case a harbinger of favorable rulings in the future, or does it evidence how hard it is for a taxpayer to win in this environment? Moreover, the opinions have language that the large captives have to heed. Some, but not all, of these small cases imposed penalties. The Treasury has issued micro-captive regulations labeling many arrangements as listed transactions or transactions of interest. The IRS increased its headcount, but it has receded. A new tax bill has passed. The panel encourages questions from the audience, as we discuss what this all means for large and small captives, both now and in the future.

Springs Ballroom G

201 | The Power of Diversification: Strengthening Captives Across Risk Types † *

Explore the strategic advantages of multi-line captives in this session. Participants will see firsthand how organizations have successfully incorporated medical stop-loss, property and casualty (P&C), life and disability, retirement benefits, warranty coverage, and other specialized risks into a single, unified program. By combining diverse lines, captives can spread risk more effectively, enhance financial stability, and provide organizations with greater control over claims management and cost predictability. As complexities grow, we will explore cell structures and other program design tools that allow growth without compromising the balance sheet. Leveraging our extensive experience in the captive industry, we will share insights supported by verified real-world examples from organizations we have assisted. These case studies highlight both quantitative outcomes such as improved budget forecasting, claims efficiency, and risk distribution and qualitative lessons including governance, operational integration, and cross-department collaboration. Participants will also gain context on regulatory considerations, demonstrating how multi-line captives can be structured to comply with evolving guidelines while maintaining flexibility and scalability. Attendees will leave with actionable guidance for evaluating which risks to include, designing cohesive multi-line structures, and leveraging diversification to increase resilience across all aspects of their captive. This session is designed for risk managers, HR leaders, and captive owners seeking to expand program scope while maintaining oversight, long-term sustainability, and strategic alignment with broader organizational objectives.

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4:00 – 4:45 PM | Education Sessions

Springs Ballroom F

101 | Global Captive Podcast Live

Join Richard Cutcher, Host of the Global Captive Podcast, and an extensive line-up of special guests for a live recording of GCP. An alternative, fun session to finish your CICA conference, guests will go head to head on captive trivia and answer thought-provoking questions on the captive landscape and their own careers and personal journeys!

5:00 – 6:30 PM

San Jacinto Ballroom / The Pointe

Tuesday Networking Reception

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