2026 Annual Conference Agenda
This year's conference Keynote Sessions are crafted specifically for benefit agents and brokers seeking to elevate their advisory role and grow in a competitive marketplace. Thank you for joining us! If you have any questions or need additional information, email us!
Continuing Education Credits: All credits have been posted, if you do not see yours. Contact usl
Wednesday, May 6
11:00 am Experience Sightseeing on the Mississippi River!
1:00 pm Registration Opens!
1:30 pm Self-Funding 101: A Primer for Agents & Brokers 2 Credits of CE
Speakers:
- Liz Dannenberg, Self Fund Health, and NABIP-WI President
- Daniel R. Meylan, Independent Healthcare Risk Financing Consultant & Author
Self-Funding 101 is designed for agents and brokers who are new to the business or exploring self-funded health plans for the first time. This session breaks down the fundamentals—how self-funding works, key terminology, common plan structures, and the roles of stop-loss, TPAs, and cost-containment strategies—so you can build a strong foundation with confidence.
3:30 pm Direct Primary Care & Walking Tour of VIARO Corporate Headquarters
5:00 pm Welcome Reception
Thank you to all of our exhibitors and sponsors!
6:30 pm Dinner on Own | Restaurant Recommendations
Thursday, May 7
7:30 am Breakfast and Visit Exhibitors
8:30 am NABIP-Wisconsin Annual Membership Meeting | 2026-2027 Board of Directors Elected
Keynote - PowerPoint Presentation, Click Here
9:00 am Who You Are: The Hidden Identity Shift Behind Higher-Value Clients 1 Credit of CE
Speaker: Matt Anderson, Referral HQ
Most benefits professionals are doing advisor-level work — but still being perceived as insurance people. The gap isn't skill. Its identity. In this session, Matt Anderson walks you through the three-part Relationship Revenue Engine: the mindset shift that unlocks confidence, the focused relationships that open the right doors, and the one power habit that makes growth predictable — not accidental. Because knowing what to do was never the problem. Doing it consistently is.
10:00 am Exhibit Hall
Make the most of your break with a quick visit to the Exhibit Hall. Connect with exhibitors who bring the tools, products, and insights you need to stay competitive. It’s your chance to ask questions, explore new solutions, and discover resources that can help you better serve clients and grow your business.
Breakout Sessions
Self-funding PowerPoint Presentation, Click Here
10:20 am What's Working – Self-Funded Case Studies That Won (and Lost) and Why! 1 Credit of CE
Speaker: Daniel R. Meylan, Independent Healthcare Risk Financing Consultant & Author
Success leaves clues—and so do setbacks. In this candid, real-world session, Daniel R. Meylan walks through self-funded case studies that thrived and those that fell short, breaking down exactly what made the difference.
Designed for agents and advisors, this discussion highlights underwriting decisions, client fit, communication strategies, and implementation missteps that impacted outcomes. Walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately to position self-funding more effectively, avoid common pitfalls, and improve your win rate with the right groups.
Level-funding PowerPoint Presentation, Click Here
11:20 am Level Funding: Why Main Street wins 1 Credit of CE
Speaker: Thomas Stein, CEO, American Trust Administrators
Small and mid‑sized employers across the country are asking the same question at renewal: “Our rates went up again — and nothing changed. Why?” For many Main Street businesses, the fully insured market has become increasingly unpredictable, with rising premiums that rarely reflect a company’s actual claims experience. This session will walk through how level funding works and why it is gaining momentum as an alternative funding strategy for employers with 10–100 employees. We’ll break down the mechanics of level‑funded plans, including expected claims funding, administrative costs, and stop‑loss protection, and explain how this structure allows employers to maintain predictable monthly costs while participating in the financial outcomes of their own plan. Attendees will learn how level funding can create greater transparency, improved cost control, and alignment between plan performance and employer spending—helping Main Street businesses move beyond the traditional renewal cycle and take a more strategic approach to managing health benefits.
Benefit Track - HSA PowerPoint Presentation, Click Here
10:20 am HSA Groups: Employer and Employee Responsibilities 1 Credit of CE
Speaker: Ruste Pontenberg, SVP and HCS Sales Manager, UMB Healthcare Services
This session provides an overview of Health Savings Account (HSA) compliance for brokers and HR professionals, including program structure, account ownership, tax benefits, and Section 125 requirements. Participants will also learn about contribution comparability, non-discrimination rules, business owner contribution guidelines, and financial reporting, gaining practical knowledge to confidently administer HSA programs and support employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans.
Benefit Track - HSA PowerPoint Presentation, Coming Soon
11:20 am Beyond Medicare: What Top Agents are Doing (That Others Aren't) 1 Credit of CE
Speaker: Melinda McNett, ACA Growth Specialist, LeClair Group
The Medicare landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the past decade, driven by regulatory changes, carrier shifts, and evolving consumer needs. These changes have directly impacted agent compensation, product offerings, and long-term business strategies. This course explores how the role of the Medicare agent has evolved, from a primarily Medicare-focused advisor to a more diversified, holistic insurance professional. Attendees will gain insight into how industry changes are reshaping opportunities across Medicare, under-65, ancillary products, life insurance, annuities, and group coverage.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of why diversification is essential, how to adapt to ongoing market shifts, why the Medicare market remains strong despite these changes, and why the agent-client relationship is more important than ever.
12:15 pm Lunch
Keynote - PowerPoint Presentation Coming Soon
1:00 pm Different Clients, Same Goal: Communicating Effectively Across Generations 1 Credit of CE
Speaker: Brad Gingras, Owner, Superior Strategies
Benefit insurance is complex—and how you communicate it can make or break client trust. Today’s agents and brokers work with a wide range of generations, from clients who prefer face-to-face conversations and paper documents to those who expect fast, digital, and simplified communication. Understanding these differences is critical to building relationships, increasing enrollment success, and improving long-term retention.
This session explores how generational experiences shape communication preferences, trust in systems, and decision-making behaviors around healthcare coverage. Participants will learn how to adapt to meet clients where they are—whether they want a deep dive or just the highlights. Brad will share practical examples and real-world applications. This session equips agents and brokers to communicate more clearly, build stronger client relationships, and confidently serve every generation.
2:00 pm Break: Visit Exhibit Booths
Breakout Sessions
Self-funded
2:15 pm Self-Funding Panel 1 Credit of CE
Moderated by Liz Dannenberg, Self Fund Health, and current NABIP-WI President
Panelists:
- Daniel R. Meylan, Independent Healthcare Risk Financing Consultant & Author
- Bob Pfeiffer, National Sales Executive at ScriptiSourcing
- Terry Shook, President, Primum Risk Strategies, Inc.
Building on previous discussions, this panel will dive deeper into two important aspects of self-funding. First, we’ll explore what happens after implementing an effective self-funded plan—specifically addressing the real concerns and apprehension employers often experience when making the transition from fully insured models. Panelists will share insights on managing risk, building confidence in the strategy, and supporting clients through the shift.
Second, the panel will examine the role of Direct Primary Care (DPC) and how it compares to traditional primary care. Discussion will highlight what DPC offers in terms of cost transparency, patient access, and employer value, and how it can complement a self-funded health plan.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of both the emotional and strategic considerations of self-funding, along with practical insights into integrating Direct Primary Care into a modern benefits strategy.
Benefit Track - PowerPoint Presentation, Click Here
2:15 pm ICHRAs - Using Alphabet Soup to Heal Your Group Health Plan 1 Credit of CE
Speakers: Caleb Schulz and Jason Gensler, Diversified Benefit Services, Inc.
Rising healthcare costs are squeezing employers and frustrating employees—making traditional group plans harder to sustain. As premiums climb and workforce needs grow more complex, businesses are looking for smarter, more flexible solutions. Enter ICHRA.
This session breaks down how Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) help control costs, simplify administration, and give employees more choice—without sacrificing quality coverage.
Keynote PowerPoint Presentation, Click Here
3:15 pm Future Proof: The Art of Succession 1 Credit of CE
Speaker: Amy Atherton, ActionCOACH Business & Executive Coaching of Dane County
Somewhere in the back of your mind, you already know that the business you're building today is either creating options for your future or quietly closing them. When you allow yourself to think about what you really want, from your business, your wealth, and your time- something shifts. Decisions get clearer. Priorities align. The business starts working for you.
- Discover the #1 Myth that keeps you stuck.
- Learn a proven 3-step model to build a business that runs and sells without you.
- Get ahead. Stay in Control. Future Proof Your Success.
4:15 pm Thank you, and looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2026 Medicare/ACA Summit