NAPHIA ENGAGE 2026 – Sessions and Speakers

This foundational session will unpack the larger state of the pet industry in the U.S. and Canada. Speakers will analyze macroeconomic trends, consumer behavior shifts, and competitive dynamics shaping future growth opportunities. Will also include a preview of the 2026 State of the Industry Report.

• Chris Winter, S&P Global
• Sean Kevelighan, Insurance Information Institute
• Claire Obertin, Cleveland Research
• Tracy Emberson, Willis Towers Watson

A facilitated dialogue with CEOs, association leaders, and strategic partners on high-impact opportunities and persistent challenges across the industry. Topics may include the impact of AI, talent development, cross-sector partnerships, and association priorities. Attendees will participate in Q&A.

• Kirk Haggard, Independence Pet Holdings
• Candise Goodwin, Outlier Advisors
• Christie Horvath, Wagmo
• Steve Feldman, HABRI
• Woody Mawhinney, Pawlicy Advisor
• Sharon Brown, Pet Equine Insurance Association (UK)

This session examines the major trends shaping pet health in 2026 and beyond, including shifting disease patterns, advances in diagnostics, and the growing influence of technology-enabled care. It highlights how evolving consumer expectations, preventive care innovations, and demographic changes in pet ownership are redefining utilization and long-term healthcare needs. The session also explores what these trends mean for pet insurance—from product design and pricing to risk management and opportunities for expanded coverage.

• Dr. Jennifer Sperry, Independence Pet Holdings
• Dr. Aliyah McCullough, Fetch Insurance

This session explores emerging opportunities for greater standardization across the pet health and pet insurance industries, from terminology and medical coding to data sharing and interoperability. It highlights how consistent frameworks can improve care continuity, enhance claim accuracy, and strengthen collaboration between veterinarians, insurers, and industry partners. The session also examines how standardization can drive efficiency, reduce friction for pet families, and support more predictable and sustainable insurance products.

• Dr. Lauren Olavessen, Bitwerx
• Michael Sullivan, Clarus Technologies
• Craig Scott, ACORD

This session explores cutting-edge technological innovations across the pet industry—including AI‑driven diagnostics, wearable health monitoring, telehealth platforms, and data‑enhanced veterinary tools—that are reshaping how pets receive care. It highlights how these advancements are transforming clinical decision‑making, care accessibility, and the volume and type of data available throughout the pet health ecosystem. The session also examines the implications for the pet insurance industry, from new opportunities in product design and risk assessment to improved claims processing and customer experience.

• Jonathan Bensamoun, Fi Collar
• Kristen Johnson, Vetster
• Clay Bartlett, Teletails
• Tammie Wahaus, Elias Health

This session explores how caring for aging pets is reshaping veterinary medicine, product design, and the broader pet healthcare ecosystem. Insights into the unique medical, emotional, and systemic needs of senior dogs—and what they reveal about where pet healthcare must evolve next will be discussed. This session offers a thoughtful, forward looking perspective on longevity, quality of life, and preparedness as pets live longer than ever before.

• Dr. Monica Tarantino, Senior Dog Veterinary Society

This session offers a timely and thought‑provoking perspective on the future of the pet insurance market through the lens of human health care’s managed‑care era. It includes an examination of why managed care emerged, where it initially succeeded, and how structural product flaws ultimately led to deteriorating loss ratios, aging risk pools, and a significant erosion of consumer trust. These challenges are not hypothetical for pet insurance—they are part of a well‑documented playbook the industry risks replaying. This discussion centers on the market forces that will drive change regardless of whether the industry chooses to act proactively.

• Dr. Jules Benson, Tapetum Lucidum Consulting

This session explores the evolving landscape of access to veterinary care, highlighting key trends affecting how pet families seek and receive care. It examines the financial, geographic, and systemic barriers that contribute to unmet veterinary needs. Participants will learn about emerging access-to-care models, including community based services, telehealth, and spectrum of care approaches. The session also shows how pet insurance and financial tools can reduce cost barriers and support earlier, more consistent veterinary care.

• Dr. Monica Tarantino, Senior Dog Veterinary Society
• Dr. Robert Parkins, MyBalto
• Jonathan Wainberg, Synchrony

Join us for a fun, feel good charity cocktail reception benefiting the Charleston Animal Society, where great drinks, great company, and an even greater cause come together for one unforgettable evening. Sip and socialize while members of the Charleston Animal Society team share stories about the lifesaving work they do every day—and enjoy some extra smiles thanks to recently adopted pets who will be onsite and ready to charm. This lively reception promises warm conversations, wagging tails, and the chance to make a real difference—one clinked glass (and cuddle) at a time. 🐾🥂