Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® Celebrates Success After Regional Roadshow Event Series Kicks Off with Broker Event

On November 30th, 2022, at the Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey, the Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® held its Inaugural Regional Broker Roadshow. It was a who’s who of NE regional professionals representing some of the most recognized brokerage firms, carriers, and service providers in the US.

The event began with a cocktail party and networking reception along with some special guests. “Chilly Willy” the Penguin and “Mortimer” the Owl were front and center to meet our VIPs while delicious appetizers were passed among the attendees.

The dinner program commenced with a welcome from the Chairman & CEO, Rob Shestack, followed by presentations on Cyber Security from CJ Brunet, President & CEO of ACS, and an LTC regulatory update from Denise Gott, President & CEO of ACSIA Partners. We also had Conference Chair Dan Robinson and HVBA Executive Board President Lee Stokes, offering background information on the HVBA. Surrounded by a 550,000-gallon Shark Tank, presentations were relative to today’s insurance professionals, and attendees were astonished by some of the data and statistics shared by Denise and CJ. With many changes coming from our federal and state governments, we learned how these solutions could save employers and their employees financial hardship solutions. The festivities continued while our guests enjoyed coffee and dessert under the Octopus & Jelly Fish Realm Exhibit.

Another great aspect of the event was having Temple University’s Fox School of Business Risk Management & Insurance student guests. The Chairman introduced the 2022 case competition 1st and 2nd place winners, who represent the next generation of Consultants, Actuaries & Risk Managers for our industry. More importantly, these students, who have passed several of their actuarial and CEBS certification exams, were able to network with potential employers about internships and job opportunities.

I’d like to thank the entire HVBA team, as well as our Executive and Advisory Board members, who contribute their valuable time and intellectual property for the Association and the VB Industry. I also want to thank our generous sponsors who helped us complete an entire day of meetings and presentations, followed by a reception with over 100 of the Philadelphia region’s most influential insurance professionals.

Our sponsors included: 5Star Life, ACSIA Advanced Cyber Security, Aflac, American Public Life, ClickEnroll, Coherent, Fidelity Enrollment Services, Galileo Healthcare, healthCar, Juice Financial, PerksPlan, SuppRx, and Synolo USA.

We had an unheard-of 96% Attendance Rate for our Inaugural Broker Roadshow. Attendees walked away with knowledge relative to new legislation affecting their clients and ways to protect their clients both financially and physically through new health innovations. They garnered immediate solutions and were able to have relevant conversations during the networking and beyond, to determine how to roll out some of these strategies for their employer clients! Brokers are trusted advisors for employers, and these Road Shows provide continuing education and insight to further enable them to offer their clients the most up-to-date information and cost-saving solutions.

Upon departure, guests were given special gifts and a delicious dessert treat (sponsored by Cookies Bombs & Bites) to take home and enjoy later. There is nothing like receiving gifts on arrival and a gift on departure. We had so much fun welcoming all the attendees, seeing old friends, making new friends, and sharing information to advance the VB industry!

Once again, thank you to all attendees, and special thanks to our Executive Board, Advisory Board, and the Sponsors who helped us prepare for this star-studded event. For information on how the HVBA can host a Roadshow in your city, please contact our Managing Director, Jenny Jenkins, at jjenkins@vbassociation.com or call 561-398-1060. In early 2023, we will announce our upcoming roadshows to a city near you. We wish you and your families a Healthy, Safe, and Happy Holiday Season.

All the Best,

Robert S. Shestack, WBC, CVBS, CFF Chairman & CEO
Health & Voluntary Benefits Association® (HVBA)