You know how some industry conferences can feel a bit… well, stuffy? You shuffle between beige rooms, collect a tote bag, and try to make small talk over lukewarm coffee. I get it. But every now and then, an event comes along that just has a different kind of energy.
That was my feeling walking away from the CPCU Society’s In2Risk 2025 conference in New Orleans.
Maybe it was the city itself. New Orleans is the ultimate comeback story—a place that knows a thing or two about resilience, rebuilding, and finding joy after a catastrophe. It was the perfect backdrop for the 1,200 of us from 10 different countries who gathered to talk about, you guessed it, risk and resilience.
The whole thing kicked off at Mardi Gras World (yes, where they build the giant floats) and wrapped up with a party that included New Orleans-style food and an actual alligator named Gumbo. You can’t make this stuff up. But between the parades and the gator, we had some incredibly important conversations.
So, What Was Everyone Actually Talking About?
A big hallmark of In2Risk is that they don't shy away from the topics that are really on our minds. With 44 sessions and 90 different speakers, there was a lot to take in, from deep dives on technical coverage to workshops on leadership.
Of course, the big buzzword on everyone’s lips was AI. You couldn’t walk ten feet without hearing about it. But what I found so refreshing was that the conversations weren't just about the tech itself. It was about what we can do with it.
Rajesh Narayan, a VP at Value Momentum, put it perfectly. He said that while everyone’s focused on the latest AI tools, the real win is how we use them to transform the industry. He said the discussions were about real-world goals, like:
- How can we develop new products faster?
- How can we free up underwriters from admin tasks so they can actually focus on understanding risk?
- How can we build real relationships with our agents and customers to close the protection gap?
That’s the stuff that matters. AI is the tool, not the end goal. It was a great reminder to focus on the "why" behind the technology.
More Than a Conference, It’s a Community
Here’s the thing that really stood out to me: the people. This event does an amazing job of bringing everyone into the fold, especially the next generation of insurance pros.
They have a whole program for Risk Management and Insurance (RMI) students, pairing them with mentors and giving them incredible opportunities. We’re talking speed networking sessions and even spots on panels alongside industry leaders.
I heard a fantastic story from Tessa Lodewyk, a student from the UCD Business School. She talked about how intimidating it can be to be a student in a room full of seasoned professionals. But the supportive vibe gave her the courage to face one of her biggest fears: public speaking. She got up on stage and spoke on the ‘Talent at Risk’ panel. That’s a huge deal, and it’s exactly the kind of growth these events should be fostering.
The Iron Cowboy and the Power of Consistency
Speaking of courage, let’s talk about the keynote speaker, James Lawrence. You might know him as “The Iron Cowboy.” This is the guy who completed 100 IRONMAN-distance triathlons in 100 consecutive days.
Yes, you read that right.
His story about managing the physical, mental, and financial risks of such an insane goal hit home for a room full of insurance people. He said something that I think everyone studying for a designation can appreciate: “The secret to success is doing a lot of little things consistently over a long period of time.”
It’s not about one heroic effort. It’s about showing up day after day. For anyone who has spent months grinding through CPCU material, that message lands loud and clear. And in true CPCU fashion, James even led a 5k run/walk along the riverfront for 48 early risers. Talk about walking the walk.
Celebrating the Wins and Finding Your People
At its heart, In2Risk is a celebration. It’s where we officially welcome the new class of designation holders, and this year, the numbers were seriously impressive:
- 1,726 new CPCU designees
- 1,539 new AIC designees
- 1,317 new ARM designees
- 459 new AU designees
That’s a mountain of hard work and late-night study sessions right there.
But beyond the official ceremonies, the real magic happens in the hallways. Networking can feel like a chore, but here it felt natural. Alma Crump, a new CPCU and Senior Commercial Surety Underwriter, mentioned how blown away she was by the diversity of the attendees. She said, “This wasn’t ‘just’ an insurance event.” She met risk managers, consultants, authors, and academics. It was about making real connections that will last a career.
Another first-timer, Patrick O’Mara, a Subrogation Analyst at State Farm, put it simply and powerfully: "Thanks to In2Risk for helping me find my tribe!"
And isn't that what we're all looking for? A place where we feel like we belong, surrounded by people who get it.
If you missed out this year, or if you’re feeling inspired to join the tribe, you’re in luck. The planning is already underway for next year. Mark your calendars for In2Risk 2026, which will be held October 19-21 in Las Vegas. I have a feeling it’s going to be another one for the books. Hope to see you there
