From: Captive Insurance Times
Captive Insurance Times reporter Nicole Bennett speaks with Daniel Towle, president of the Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA), regarding the strategic choice of venue, professional development opportunities and navigating the networking landscape at the upcoming 2026 international conference
The CICA International Conference is a premier event. How does the choice of the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California strategically enhance the networking and focused educational environment CICA is known for, providing attendees with a blend of professional focus and a desirable backdrop?
Daniel Towle: When we select a venue for CICA’s annual conference, our decision is always driven by what best serves our members, attendees, and the captive insurance community. The JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert meets several critical criteria for us. First and foremost, it offers the scale and flexibility required to host one of the largest global gatherings of captive owners, regulators, service providers, and advisors.
As a domicile-neutral conference, we have the luxury of finding a venue that appropriately fits the size of our conference attendees. The resort’s extensive meeting space allows us to deliver a robust educational programme with multiple concurrent sessions, general session, and expansive exhibit hall networking, all under one roof.
Equally important is the ability to keep our community together on property. While you are at the conference, we want there to be organic networking everywhere you are. The JW Marriott enables meaningful networking beyond the meeting rooms.
Informal conversations at receptions, breakfasts, and social events are where many of the most valuable connections are made, and this venue naturally supports that experience.
The resort setting also aligns well with CICA’s culture. Our members have come to expect high-quality education, paired with opportunities to build relationships in a relaxed but professional environment. The Palm Desert location offers a destination that encourages attendance, supports spouse and guest participation, and provides a setting conducive to both business discussions and strategic thinking.
