USTIA 2025 conference showcases innovation, industry insights and growing engagement

As interest in travel protection continues to grow, the USTIA Conference has evolved into a key industry event, bringing together leaders, innovators and experts from across the sector for three days of insights, networking and collaboration.

Educational session highlights

The 2025 USTIA Annual Conference featured a robust line-up of speakers and sessions that tackled some of the industry’s most pressing topics.

United Airlines 787 Captain Krissie Katte delivered a compelling session titled Perspective on the Airline Industry. Drawing on nearly 30 years with United and two decades of international flying, Katte shared insider insights into the causes of delays, high-risk routes, and the realities of airline operations. Her stories – equal parts informative and entertaining – underscored the value of travel insurance in mitigating the unpredictable nature of air travel.

Aaron Proietti led an interactive session on the practical application of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in business operations. Rather than relying on slides, he brought AI tools to life through hands-on demonstrations that showed how strategic prompt engineering and AI-powered frameworks can enhance decision-making across underwriting, policy research and customer service. His key message: generative AI is not a replacement for human intelligence, but a co-intelligence tool that forward-thinking leaders must learn to use responsibly and effectively.

In a panel titled AI: Implementation/Operations – Potential Risks, moderator Derek Witte was joined by Jack Zemp (Allianz), Scott Schutte and Scott Harrison to explore the legal, operational and governance challenges of integrating AI into insurance operations. Panellists discussed how companies can develop sound strategies to implement AI across claims, underwriting and marketing – while managing emerging risks along the way.

Finally, the AI: Cybersecurity Insights session, presented by US Secret Service agents Patrick Beyer and Derek Booth, gave attendees a behind-the-scenes look at how AI is reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. From threat detection to risk prevention, the session highlighted both the promise and the perils of AI in protecting sensitive data and digital infrastructure.

Networking activities and a look ahead to next year

Networking, business development and client engagement remain central to the USTIA Annual Conference experience. Throughout the three-day event, attendees connected during lively evening receptions, dynamic breakout sessions and dedicated networking activities. This year also marked the launch of USTIA’s Future Leaders Network, providing a space for emerging professionals to engage with the Board of Directors and each other in the new Young Professional Lounge. Attendees also turned out in strong numbers for the off-site experiences, including a private tour of the Denver US Mint.

With momentum continuing to build, USTIA looks ahead to what promises to be another standout event in 2026. The next USTIA Annual Conference will be held on 12–14 April 2026 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate in Florida. Led by the Association’s active Conference Committee, planning is already underway. Details on hotel accommodations, networking activities and programming will be announced later this year.