Speakers
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, May 26 | ||
| 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
Panel
The State of the Pet Industry: Growth Drivers and Predictions
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
Full Details →
Sean Kevelighan, Insurance Information Institute Claire Obertin, Cleveland Research Tracy Emberson, Willis Towers Watson |
Carolina Ballroom |
| Wednesday, May 27 | ||
| 8:40 AM – 9:35 AM |
Panel
Shaping the Future of Pet Health Insurance
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
Full Details →
Candise Goodwin, Outlier Advisors Christie Horvath, Wagmo Woody Mawhinney, Pawlicy Advisor Moderator: Steve Feldman, Human Animal Bond Research Institution |
Carolina Ballroom |
| 8:40 AM – 9:35 AM |
Roundtable
Shaping the Future of Pet Health Insurance
A facilitated dialogue with CEOs and industry leaders on AI, talent development, and cross-sector partnerships.
Kirk Haggard, Independence Pet Holdings
Full Details →
Candise Goodwin, Outlier Advisors Christie Horvath, Wagmo Woody Mawhinney, Pawlicy Advisor Steve Feldman, HABRI |
Carolina Ballroom |
| 9:40 AM – 10:35 AM |
Panel
Trends in Pet Health to Anticipate in 2026 and Beyond
Examining shifting disease patterns, advances in diagnostics, and how technology-enabled care redefines insurance risk.
Dr. Jennifer Sperry, Independence Pet Holdings
Dr. Aliyah McCullough, Fetch Insurance Representing Perr & Knight |
Carolina Ballroom |
| 10:40 AM – 11:35 AM |
Panel
Standardization in Pet Health Industry
Exploring consistency in medical coding and data sharing to improve care continuity and claim accuracy.
Dr. Lauren Olavessen, Bitwerx
Michael Sullivan, Clarus Technology |
Carolina Ballroom |
| 1:40 PM – 2:35 PM |
Solo Presenter
What Senior Dogs Teach Us About the Future of Pet Healthcare
Insights into longevity, quality of life, and the systemic needs of aging pets.
Dr. Monica Tarantino, Senior Dog Veterinary Society
|
Carolina Ballroom |
| 2:40 PM – 3:35 PM |
Solo Presenter
1990 Called: Managed Care’s Mistakes and Pet Insurance
How human healthcare’s past failures can prevent eroding consumer trust and deteriorating loss ratios in pet insurance.
Dr. Jules Benson, Tapetum Lucidum Consulting
|
Carolina Ballroom |
| 6:15 PM – 8:00 PM |
Networking
Charity Cocktail Hour
Benefiting the Charleston Animal Society. Meet recently adopted pets and the team behind their lifesaving work. 🐾
Charleston Animal Society Team
|
Colonial Ballroom |