A day of innovation, deal-making, and purpose-driven networking at Ocean Casino Resort, November 20, 2025

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — September 25, 2025 — The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association (HVBA) today announced its 18th Annual HVBA event will take place November 19–20, 2025 at Ocean Casino Resort on the iconic Atlantic City Boardwalk. This year’s program features an Invite-Only VIP Dinner on November 19, followed by a full day of board programming, the HVBA Innovation Summit, and an evening Networking Reception with Leadership Awards Ceremony and Charity Component on November 20.

“Atlantic City has a legacy of big stages and bold moves—a perfect backdrop for HVBA’s 18th year of catalyzing partnerships that help employers and their people thrive,” said Rob Shestack, HVBA Chair. “Attendees can expect candid conversations, actionable strategies, and real opportunities to build their 2026 pipeline.”

“Our model is simple: quality content + curated connections = business outcomes,” added Jake Velie, HVBA. “We’re excited to welcome the industry to Ocean Casino Resort for two energetic days that combine learning, relationships, and purpose.”

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Event Highlights

• Invite-Only VIP Dinner — Wednesday, Nov. 19
  An intimate evening for HVBA leaders, sponsors, and select guests to connect and set the tone for the main event.
• HVBA Board & Leadership Programming — Thursday, Nov. 20 (AM)
  Focused sessions for HVBA Board Members and invited guests to align on 2026 initiatives and market priorities.
• HVBA Innovation Summit — Thursday, Nov. 20 (Afternoon)
  Fresh insights on growth, product innovation, compliance outlooks, and integrated health strategies—delivered by leaders building what’s next.
• HVBA Networking Reception, Awards Ceremony & Charity Component — Thursday, Nov. 20 (Evening)
  A premium, business-forward reception designed for real conversations that lead to real deals. Includes butler-passed hors d’oeuvres and open bars, plus a purpose-driven auction supporting Trinity Oaks Outdoors’ “Honoring Our Heroes.”

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Why Attend

• Deeper Connections, Faster: Intimate scale + curated introductions = time well spent.
• Right-Now Intelligence: What’s changing in voluntary, medical, and integrated solutions—and where growth will come from next year.
• Action Over Hype: Leave with new partnerships, clear takeaways, and a fuller pipeline.
• Complimentary Registration for Licensed Brokers & Agents (limited capacity).

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Preliminary Schedule* (All times ET)

Wednesday, November 19

• Evening – Invite-Only VIP Dinner

Thursday, November 20

• 8:00 AM–12:00 PM – HVBA Board/Leadership Programming (invite only)
• 1:00–3:30 PM – HVBA Innovation Summit
• 4:00–8:00 PM – HVBA Networking Reception, Leadership Awards Ceremony & Charity Component

*Final agenda and speakers to be announced.

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Venue

Ocean Casino Resort
A contemporary, oceanfront property offering panoramic views, elevated dining, and seamless access to the Boardwalk—pairing modern luxury with Atlantic City’s storied energy.

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Registration & Sponsorship

• Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-hvba-benefits-roadshow-event-atlantic-city-nj-tickets-1478689583349?
• Sponsorship & Corporate Membership Inquiries: events@vbassociation.com
  Early interest is strong; capacity is limited.

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Media Contact

Jenny Jenkins
Health & Voluntary Benefits Association (HVBA)
Cell: (561) 398-1060
Email: jjenkins@vbassociation.com
Website: www.vbassociation.com

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About HVBA

The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association (HVBA) unites brokers, agents, consultants, carriers, and solution innovators to accelerate better benefits for employers and the people they serve. Through executive roundtables, regional roadshows, and its annual summit, HVBA delivers practical insights, curated partnerships, and purpose-driven community impact. Learn more at www.vbassociation.com.

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Nashville, TN – September 3, 2025 – The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association (HVBA) hosted a record-breaking Benefits Roadshow in Nashville on September 3, 2025, bringing together industry leaders, innovators, and business professionals for a day of groundbreaking discussions, dynamic networking, and charitable giving. With standing-room-only attendance, the event marked one of HVBA’s most successful gatherings to date.

A Full Day of Impactful Programming

The day kicked off with a packed Board Meeting at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel, where board members and invited guests gathered for a half-day of strategic discussion. The morning set the stage for an afternoon of inspiration, learning, and connection.

At 1:00 PM, attendees filled the Music City Ballroom for the highly anticipated HVBA Innovation Summit, moderated by Mike Hirshberg, Division Sales Manager, MassMutual. The summit featured thought leaders and innovators from across the benefits and healthcare landscape, including:

• Robert S. Shestack, Chairman & CEO, HVBA – OBBBA 2025: Its Effect on Employee Benefits
• Mark Barbier on behalf of Mark Chibbaro, CRO, SGIC – Where Innovation Meets Impact
• Jeff Caldwell & Chris Davis, Claritev – Welcome to the New Claritev Broker Solutions
• Moshe Golomb, CEO, Juice Financial – Payment Solutions for Insurance
• Jim Senge, SVP, Ebix Health – A Digital Transformation Journey in Voluntary Benefits/Worksite Solutions
• Dr. Joseph Webb, CheckMySpot – When You’ve Got Skin in the Game, We Keep It in the Workplace

These sessions highlighted the innovations shaping the future of employee benefits, healthcare solutions, and digital transformation.

Networking, Partnerships, and Giving Back

Following the summit, the Networking Reception from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM delivered an unmatched opportunity for collaboration. With premium open bars, butler-passed hors d’oeuvres, and lively reception stations, attendees forged new partnerships and celebrated shared successes.

Highlights included:

• Jake Velie, Vice Chair & President, HVBA; Chairman & CEO, National Integrative Health – The New Era of Pharmacy Economics
• Jennifer Carter, CEO, Medzown – Science-Powered Cost Containment for Cancer & Complex Disease
• A Trinity Oaks Outdoors Live Auction, featuring trips to Ireland and other incredible experiences, raising funds to honor and support America’s heroes.

The evening concluded with raffle drawings, networking celebrations, and enthusiastic feedback from attendees who called the event “off the charts.”

A Resounding Success

“From a full board meeting to an innovation summit packed with expertise, and a networking reception buzzing with energy, Nashville exceeded all expectations,” said Rob Shestack, Chairman & CEO of HVBA. “HVBA exists to connect, innovate, and give back—and Nashville proved what can happen when this community comes together.”

“Collaboration was the theme of the day,” added Jake Velie, Vice Chair & President of HVBA. “The energy in the room showed that people aren’t just attending—they’re engaging, partnering, and leaving with actionable strategies.”

About HVBA

The Health & Voluntary Benefits Association (HVBA) is a leading industry organization dedicated to advancing innovation, collaboration, and professional growth in the health and voluntary benefits space. Through events, education, and strategic partnerships, HVBA empowers brokers, consultants, carriers, and service providers to drive meaningful change and deliver better outcomes for clients, employers, and employees.

Contact

HVBA Media Relations
Jenny Jenkins
Global Brand Ambassador
jjenkins@vbassociation.com