Lights, Cameras, Connections: Gearing Up For the Greatest Event in P&C Insurance

  • Brian Desmond

November 10, 2023

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Connections, the annual Guidewire customer conference and the biggest P&C tech conference in the world, kicks off on Sunday, November 12 - just two days away! More than 3,000 attendees will gather at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville to celebrate the Power of Community.

Connections brings together the P&C insurance industry’s largest community of esteemed carriers, product experts, and valued partners for three days of education, networking, and fun. Together, we’ll explore how technology and data are increasing agility in an industry that is critical to society.

If you’re not joining us in person, I invite you to participate in Connections by joining the event online. This year, it’s easier than ever to watch the mainstage keynotes – simply bookmark this page to access the livestream on Monday and Tuesday.

Preparations for the event have been underway for more than a year, and this will be the biggest Connections event to date. As the event host, it’s my privilege to offer you a quick tour of all that you can expect at this year’s conference.

🎙️ A Star-Studded Lineup

One of the highlights of this year's event is the exceptional lineup of Guidewire keynotes and guest speakers who will grace the Connections stage. Each will bring unique perspectives and insights to the moment, sharing remarks that educate, inspire, and motivate.

Guidewire Keynote

The keynote will showcase how Guidewire has set a new standard for P&C core platforms, and share exciting updates regarding the latest release, partner and customer success programs, and the increasingly imperative insights available with HazardHub data and analytics. Guidewire experts will also discuss how GenAI will augment insurance processes, bringing to life practical use-cases available today and casting vision for use-cases of the future.

Guest Speakers

Two fantastic guest speakers will be featured on the Connections main stage. With names you know and successes seen worldwide, these are two sessions that in-person attendees won’t want to miss.*

  • Reese Witherspoon - actress, producer and founder of Hello Sunshine, a platform for female story-tellers - will be interviewed by Guidewire CEO Mike Rosenbaum on Monday.

  • Scott Hamilton - Olympic Champion figure skater and cancer survivor - will share his inspiring story of triumph against huge odds on Tuesday.

*These sessions will not be broadcast via the live stream.

Customer Speakers

Four distinguished Guidewire customers will share their unique journeys and perspectives. From selections to implementations and measurable business outcomes, these main stage sessions give a clear voice to the Guidewire customer experience. You’ll hear from:

  • David Gwarda - AVP at State Farm

  • Tatjana Lalkovic - SVP and CTO at Definity

  • Jane Possell - EVP and CIO at CNA

  • Andrew Rose - President at OnStar Insurance

🚀 Breakout Sessions and Activities Galore

Guidewire Connections is about far more than stellar keynotes and product updates. It will also feature a plethora of breakout sessions catering to diverse interests from across the P&C insurance community. From technology and underwriting to claims and customer experience, you’ll have the opportunity to connect directly with relevant Guidewire leaders and product experts, and dive deep into your specific areas of interest.

Don’t miss these exciting in-person activities:

  • Attend your choice of 100+ breakout sessions. Hosted by Guidewire experts, customers, and partners, informational breakout sessions are designed to cater to business and tech personas across all Guidewire products.

  • Get to know all of the Connections 2023 sponsors in the bustling Partner Pavilion. Whether it’s meeting new partners, browsing current and emerging technologies, or connecting with colleagues, the Partner Pavilion is where the Guidewire Marketplace comes to life.

  • Choose to participate in a variety of activities promoting diversity, inclusion, and community. Connections will feature an Affinity Group program and luncheon on Monday. We invite you to join the Guidewire Gives Back snack-bagging event on Tuesday, presented in association with Hands on Nashville (HON), to benefit people experiencing food insecurity. And, don’t miss the reception on Sunday, celebrating attendees who are early in their P&C career. It’s sponsored by Deloitte and it’s sure to be one of the best networking opportunities at Connections.

  • The hottest ticket in Nashville is the Customer Appreciation Party on Tuesday night. Sponsored by PWC, this event will have everyone living their best “Nashville Nights” life! With music, food and beverages, and guests donning their best Western-inspired neon outfits, this party is sure to rock Music City and social media!

🙏 Thank You to Our Sponsors

In closing, I’d like to thank this year’s Connections sponsors.

There truly is power in community. From personal lines to commercial lines and all the claims in between, insurers make communities whole again by delivering exactly what they need when they need it. At Guidewire, we share that responsibility and support the demands of your business by powering innovation with the industry’s most trusted platform, shaped by a diverse community of experts – you.

And, we do that with the support and expertise of the largest partner ecosystem in P&C. These trusted and valued partners share our intense focus on customer success. They support our customers by helping you streamline, elevate, and accelerate your business with Guidewire. For that, we are deeply grateful.

I hope you enjoyed this quick look at all of the excitement ahead at Connections. I look forward to seeing you there - boots, hats, and all!