What’s ‘Connected Intelligence’ and Why Was It a Focus at In2Risk 2022?

The CPCU Society’s captivating annual event In2Risk 2022 drew attendees representing 500 companies from Bermuda, Ghana, Guam, Hong Kong, Kuwait, India, Japan and the United States — including 237 new CPCU designation holders present to celebrate their achievements.

Held November 10-12, In2Risk included educational sessions, networking opportunities, a student program, a charity good works event and a conferment for all new CPCU designees. Close to 1,000 risk and insurance professionals, educators and vendors traveled to San Francisco for the event, which was supported by 19 sponsors.

“I consider In2Risk 2022 to be a tremendous success,” said Chris Hampshire, vice president, carrier practice with Gallagher Bassett, and president of the CPCU Society Leadership Council.

“It was terrific seeing so many old CPCU member friends again in San Francisco, and the energy throughout the conference was palpable. I especially enjoyed meeting all the new designees who came to enhance their knowledge in our education sessions, network with industry professionals, learn about the great volunteer leadership opportunities available at the CPCU Society and officially receive their designation conferment with their peers.”

Erica Dhawan, author, advisor and leading authority on 21st-century teamwork, collaboration and innovation

The opening general session featured Erica Dhawan, author, advisor and leading authority on 21st-century teamwork, collaboration and innovation, who presented her session, “Get Big Things Done — The Power of Connectional Intelligence.”

She spoke about how attendees can create a better normal through connections, and how that has changed since the pandemic.

Dhawan gave her framework for connected intelligence, which included these four steps: value visibly, communicate carefully, collaborate confidently and trust totally. She ended her presentation with a Bollywood-inspired dance-along and raised the energy level of the room.

Dhawan said, “Reading carefully is the new listening. Writing clearly is the new empathy. I was so honored to speak at CPCU on how we can all master how to connect intelligently in our modern marketplace.”

Educational Sessions Focused on Trending Thought Leadership Topics

The educational program at In2Risk 2022 was diverse, with trending topics competing for attention during the two-day event. With 32 sessions, there was truly something for everyone.

A new feature this year was the CPCUxIn2Risk talks — fast and informative 10-minute presentations by leading experts focused on a niche topic. Two popular CPCUxIn2Risk talks were held, one featuring leadership lessons and the other discussing Insurtech.

Other trending topics covered during In2Risk 2022 included a session about insuring the metaverse, one about the future of parametric insurance as a new risk management solution and one with industry experts discussing how artificial intelligence and machine learning are impacting the underwriting and claims processes. The future of commercial underwriting was addressed by a panel discussion about the digitization of commercial underwriting.

In a nod to traditional CPCU coursework, there were plenty of coverage deep-dive sessions offering CE credit to attendees.

One session was a mock summary judgment of complex litigation claims featuring the perspectives of the plaintiff counsel, defense counsel and claims adjuster. Other niche coverage topics included the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home program, handling E&O claims, and nuclear verdicts and letters of protection.

In2Risk 2022 offered a nice blend of leadership topics for attendees. This is especially important as the conference at

David Adugna, risk management and insurance student at CU Denver Business School

tracts many students, first-time attendees and new CPCUs who are in the early stages of their insurance careers. In addition to the CPCUxIn2Risk leadership series, attendees could attend sessions to improve their public speaking skills, learn about personal branding in the digital age and how to build neurodiverse teams.

Also new this year is the after-event replay. Several sessions were recorded over the course of the two days, and attendees received a link after the event. The replay is also available for purchase by anyone who wasn’t able to attend In2Risk in person.

Hampshire commented, “I thought the slate of educational sessions was the best we’ve ever had, with a broad range of industry topics combined with leadership training led by top-flight instructors. I had a very tough time deciding between the four or five topics in each time slot, so I’m thankful that many of the sessions were taped and are now available for online replay to all the conference attendees.”

Students who are selected to attend In2Risk participate in a program designed especially for them. They attend preselected educational sessions and have special networking opportunities with industry leaders. They are also encouraged to meet and engage with other professionals at the conference to build their networks and learn more about the industry.

“I learned so much from my In2Risk experience,” said David Adugna, risk management and insurance student at CU Denver Business School.

“One highlight for me was the breakout session about parametric insurance. It was exciting to see the different evolutions within insurance. Another great part of the conference for me was the camaraderie with the other students that were there. It was wonderful to see what other students are doing to prepare for their careers in insurance.”

Networking Opportunities, New Connections Made

Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons people keep coming back to conferences year after year is the networking opportunities. Seeing and reconnecting with old friends and colleagues feels especially important after the pandemic changed the world.

Natalie Banda, business strategy & planning director, auto & international strategy & planning at USAA and president of the CPCU Society’s Alamo Chapter

In2Risk offered unique experiences and opportunities for attendees to make new connections with people, including an on-site volunteer activity, a sunrise walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, trolley rides to the wharf and the Embarcadero, and drinks high above San Francisco at the hotel’s Cityscape bar.

Every year, the CPCU Society recognizes the two highest test score earners at In2Risk. One of the highest score earners was new designee Rafael Antonio Castillo, CPCU.

Castillo described his In2Risk experience: “I found In2Risk to be enlightening. I sincerely felt ‘love’ from a community I never met. To be among other passionate insurance professionals was inspiring and confirmed that I work in a great industry. I’ve already contacted my local chapter about how to continue my involvement in the CPCU Society.”

Natalie Banda, Business Strategy & Planning Director, Auto & International Strategy & Planning at USAA and president of the CPCU Society’s Alamo Chapter, said: “This investment in my development is so critical in my professional aspirations and mental health, which truly allows me to bring my best self to work.

She continued, “As we position talent acquisition and retention at the forefront, we are called to become ambassadors in this new era by becoming agents of change to advocate better for the industry. Finally, I leave you with the quote that resonated with me the most at this year’s event: ‘We restore lives and livelihoods. What an honorable mission to be a part of. What an honorable message we can be better at driving.’ ”

The CPCU Society will gather next in the spring of 2023 in Tampa, Florida, for its annual leadership summit. Watch for registration to open soon.

Hampshire concluded, “I am thankful for everyone who helped make In2Risk a memorable and positive experience. I look forward to carrying that momentum forward at In2Leadership in Tampa this upcoming March, as well as In2Risk 2023 in Washington, DC, in October.” &