Insurance in an Era of Possibilities: Julie Pearce on the Global Insurance Symposium

In this episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes Julie Pearce, co-chair of the 12th Global Insurance Symposium, to preview this year's event happening April 14–15 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. With the theme "Insurance in an Era of Possibilities," Julie shares how the program is designed by industry executives for industry professionals, balancing cutting-edge innovation with real-world priorities across P&C, life and health, risk management, and reinsurance. Expect deep dives into AI's impact on talent and operations, global regulatory perspectives (including digital assets and payments), and a must-see CEO panel moderated by Terri Vaughan. The symposium has evolved into a focused, day-and-a-half format that maximizes high-value networking with more than 500 executives and regulators from Iowa and around the world. 💡 Find this show on your favorite player: https://iowapodcast.com/global-insurance-symposium/ 🗞️ Be first to get new interviews: https://iowapodcast.com/subscribe/ 🐖 Get a free $30 gift card from Jethro's BBQ: https://iowapodcast.com/jethrosbbq Julie also spotlights two signature features: the Future of Insurance Showcase on day one—where startups deliver three-minute pitches, meet decision-makers at dedicated tables, and compete for Best in Show—and the Global Insurance Accelerator cohort's demo day on day two. Beyond founders, the event is a strong fit for young and mid-career insurance professionals, with programming shaped directly by carriers and brokers to address timely topics like bolt-on products and private credit. A Student Case Competition brings fresh thinking from universities nationwide, reinforcing the symposium's role in talent and ecosystem development. Tickets, sponsorships, and Showcase applications are available on the GIS website; innovators and sponsors can also connect with co-chair Cory McAnelly of Principal Financial Group. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome + Meet GIS Co-Chair Julie Pierce 01:10 - What is the Global Insurance Symposium (Dates, Scale, Theme) 01:54 - AI & Talent: How Tech Is Reshaping Insurance Work 02:59 - Global Insurance Accelerator: The 100-Day Program & Startup Pitches 04:29 - Future of Insurance Showcase: 3-Minute Pitches, Tables & Best-in-Show 06:38 - Julie's Background + Why GIS Hits the Sweet Spot for Networking 08:38 - Big 2026 Agenda: Stablecoins, Reinsurance, and the CEO Panel 10:35 - How to Network, Register, and Who Should Attend 13:32 - Panels for Every Insurance Track + A Customer-Driven Planning Committee 16:24 - Why GIS Works 17:29 - How to Get Involved: Tickets, Showcases, and Sponsorships 19:48 - Julie's Iowa Roots & Why Insurance Matters to Consumers 23:19 - How GIS Evolved 25:34 - Student Case Competition & Gen Z Ideas Shaping the Future 27:48 - Closing