Recapping the 2024 CICA International Conference

Earlier this week, representatives from Captive Resources headed to sunny Scottsdale, AZ, for the 2024 International Conference from the Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA). The conference was jam-packed with informative sessions, interactive panels, and ample networking opportunities.

This year’s International Conference was a record-setting event with 659 attendees. CICA also reported record membership numbers with 560 members, a 20% increase compared to last year. The impressive attendance and membership numbers are a testament to the explosive growth across the captive industry. A primary focus of this year’s conference was CICA’s continued efforts to develop and diversify the industry’s talent pool.

“A growing market needs top talent. That’s why I am especially pleased with CICA’s continued growth of our NEXTGen and Amplify Women™ initiatives,” said Nick Hentges, Captive Resources CEO and CICA Board Chair. “CICA has created a groundswell that is helping to move the captive industry forward. We have an opportunity to not only lead the captive industry but be a leading example for the entire insurance industry.”

The conference kicked off with a moving keynote speech by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney — an F-16 Fighter pilot, two-time Top Gun recipient, and the founder of Folds of Honor. This non-profit provides life-changing scholarships to the families of America’s fallen or disabled military veterans and first responders.

Captive Resources maintained its strong presence at the event this year, sending nine attendees (seen here with Lt. Col. Rooney) and participating in three educational sessions.

CEO Discussion – Global Challenges

Hentges piloted a panel discussion that included some of the top leaders in the group captive industry. The conversation was wide-ranging and insightful, touching on some of the industry’s most critical challenges and opportunities. Topics included:

• How to handle the ongoing hard insurance market: Each leader was bullish on group captives' role in helping companies manage risk more effectively across coverage lines, regardless of market conditions.  
• Why their companies remain committed to the group captive space: While there were a variety of reasons, each leader touched on the ability of captives to deliver innovative solutions that address unique challenges.
• How engaged and energetic group captive members are: Drawing from their diverse roles supporting group captives, each leader expressed how impressed they were with members’ commitment to sharing best practices and seeing one another succeed.

Safety First: Enhancing Risk Control with Captive Strategies

Captive Resources’ Dave Netti moderated a panel session that included a group captive owner, a National Safety Council (NSC) representative, and a captive risk control consultant.

In this dynamic session, the panelists leaned on their unique experiences to explore how risk control practices and captive strategies work together to enhance safety and reduce incidents. Panelists discussed how members can leverage the resources available in a group captive to improve safety initiatives. For example, the panel discussed how members can use Risk Control Assessments (RCA) and data insights to identify and address risks effectively and then use those learnings to implement proactive safety measures.

Combatting IRS Captive Challenges

In a session that has become a conference staple, Captive Resources’ Amy Lewis joined a panel to discuss the evolving tax regulations impacting the captive industry. During the interactive panel, Lewis and her fellow panelists also took audience questions to provide tangible insights into real-world scenarios.

Head to CICA’s website to learn more about the organization and its International Conference.