Time
Session
Location
08:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
Convention Centre
Convention Centre
09:00 AM
Members Meeting
Growth & Goals
Convention Centre
Get the latest on IBAO's strategic plans, advocacy wins and upcoming initiatives shaping the future of Ontario’s broker community.
Convention Centre
Colin Simpson
IBAO CEO
Shara Bierman
IBAO President
Dario Battista
IBAO Chair
10:00 AM
Networking Break
Convention Centre
Convention Centre
10:30 AM
Opening Keynote
Capacity, Clarity & Staying Power
Convention Centre
In a fast-paced industry, how do you stay effective? Burnout prevention expert Melanie Sodka explores the impact of chronic overcapacity and the importance of reconnecting with purpose, people and personal limits. Gain practical insights to manage burnout, set boundaries and build long-term resilience.
Convention Centre
Melanie Sodka
Capacity Management Expert
11:00 AM
Ontario Auto Panel
New Coverage, New Conversations
Convention Centre
Big changes are coming July 2026. From optional SABS coverage and consumer choice to compliance risk and client communication, our Ontario Auto panel will explore how upcoming reforms will redefine the value brokers bring their clients.
Convention Centre
Mark Abraham
CEO, RIBO
Elliott Silverstein
Director, Government Relations, CAA Insurance
Steve Whitelaw
VP & General Manager Canada, Applied Systems
Rick Orr
Owner, Orr Insurance Brokers
Michelle Dodokin
Head of Auto Insurance Supervision, FSRA
12:00 PM
Networking Lunch
Convention Centre
Convention Centre
12:30 PM
Series
BIP Talks
Convention Centre
From M&A trends and climate risk to political change, AI governance and global perspective, our BIP Talks lineup delivers sharp insights on the forces reshaping the broker landscape.
Convention Centre
Kenneth Pan
Managing Director & Partner, Dowling Hales
Denise Balkissoon
Executive Editor, The Narwhal
Paul Wells
Political Journalist
Nevina Kishun
CEO, MSA Research
Lauren Nickerson
AI & Litigation Associate, Torys LLP
Rick Da Costa
Partner | National Leader, Corporate & Regulatory Insurance & Reinsurance, BLG
Marisa Coggin
Partner, Dentons LLP
Graeme Trudgill
CEO, BIBA
Peter Braid
CEO, IBAC
02:00 PM
Networking Break
Convention Centre
Convention Centre
02:15 PM
Keynote
The Resilient Side of Funny
Convention Centre
Join us for a dose of Canadian humour with comedian, actor and host Gerry Dee, known for his hit sitcom Mr. D and Family Feud Canada. Blending standup with candid conversation, Dee shares behind-the-scenes stories from the classroom, the set and the stage, reminding us that finding humour in everyday chaos isn’t just entertaining—it's the key to staying grounded, connected and resilient.
Convention Centre
Gerry Dee
Actor & Comedian
03:00 PM
Spotlight Stage
Convention Centre
Convention Centre
Pete Tessier
Host, The Insurance Podcast
Curt Wyatt
Host, The Insurance Podcast
Tradeshow Reception
Convention Centre
A curated tasting journey showcasing the flavours of Niagara. Featuring new activations, dynamic tradeshow zones and pop-up experiences.
Convention Centre
05:30 PM
Recharge Break
Hilton Niagara
Hilton Niagara
07:00 PM
Gala Mixer
Fallsview Casino
Kick off the evening’s festivities at our Gala Mixer—refreshments, conversations and a chance to connect. Sponsored by Cassels LLP.
Fallsview Casino
Sponsored by
Cassels
07:30 PM
Awards of Excellence
Fallsview Casino
Honouring this year’s winners with a soulful performance by Leah Canali, bringing energy and heart alongside James Cunningham, whose comedy we know and love.
Fallsview Casino
Leah Canali
Singer & Entertainer
James Cunningham
Comedian & Television Personality
Time
Session
Location
08:30 AM
Networking Breakfast
Convention Centre
Convention Centre
09:00 AM
Economic Update
Rate Expectations
Convention Centre
Amid ongoing uncertainty, understanding how policy and economic trends affect insurance is crucial. In his outlook, Porter breaks down how forces like tariffs, trade and Canada’s economic direction are shaping interest rates, inflation and housing, and what it all means for our industry.
Convention Centre
Doug Porter
Chief Economist, BMO Financial Group
09:30 AM
Commercial Lines Panel
Commercial Reality
Convention Centre
From rising property risks and reinsurance shifts to cyber uptake, AI trends and the talent gap, Commercial Lines are evolving fast. This panel breaks down what’s shaping the market, where new challenges are emerging and how you can navigate growing complexity.
Convention Centre
Paul Fletcher
Managing Director, Aviva Business Insurance
Alyson Paisley
Deputy Senior VP, Ontario Commercial & National Distribution Teams, Intact Insurance
Obaid Rahman
Senior VP & Chief Underwriting Officer, Commercial Insurance, Definity
Marissa Teeter
Executive Coach & Advisor
Sarah Scott
Vice President of Commercial Lines – Product & Pricing
10:30 AM
Sponsor Marketplace
Convention Centre
Back by popular demand, this hub for connection and conversation is so much more than a tradeshow booth. Five top insurers are bringing experiences and presentations to explore, connect and continue meaningful collaborations.
Convention Centre
Featuring
12:30 PM
Spotlight Stage
Convention Centre
Convention Centre
Pete Tessier
Host, The Insurance Podcast
Curt Wyatt
Host, The Insurance Podcast
Tradeshow Networking Lunch
Convention Centre
Fuel your afternoon in the Diner District, serving up classic eats in a relaxed, retro-inspired setting.
Convention Centre
02:30 PM
Execs Take the Mic
Convention Centre
This year’s Executive Panel tackles the big questions—from trade barriers and AI to natural catastrophes, flood mapping, the future of MGAs and what they believe needs urgent attention next.
Convention Centre
Matthew Turack
President, CAA Insurance
Evan Johnston
President & CEO, Wawanesa Insurance
Paul MacDonald
Executive VP, Personal Insurance & Digital Channels, Definity
Peter Janzen
SVP, Ontario Division and National Distribution Teams, Intact Insurance
Paul Fletcher
Managing Director, Aviva Business Insurance
Marissa Teeter
Executive Coach & Advisor
Featuring
Tradeshow
Convention Centre
Featuring new activations, dynamic tradeshow zones and pop-up experiences.
Convention Centre
04:00 PM
Tradeshow
Convention Centre
Convention Centre
05:00 PM
Recharge Break
Hilton Niagara
Hilton Niagara
07:00 PM
Hospitality Night
Fallsview Casino
Fallsview Casino
Featuring
10:00 PM
After Party
Hilton Niagara
Close out IBAOcon in style with a video dance party and musical journey through the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. Host Rob Pagetto brings his trademark energy while DJ General Eclectic keeps the floor moving with legendary throwback sets. The perfect way to close out your experience.
Hilton Niagara
Rob Pagetto
Toronto Raptors On-Court Announcer
Jason Sanders
DJ