It's happening: The industry is changing for the better
There’s been endless talk about the need for fresh blood and new faces in our industry, but the reality hasn’t always reflected that hope. Until now.
You know that GIF from “The Office” that shows Michael Scott’s reaction to a fire drill? “Oh my god! OK, it’s happening! Everybody calm down!”
That’s kind of how I felt standing on stage at the 2023 Broker Expo and looking out at an audience significantly transformed from just a few years ago. For a long time, there’s been endless talk about the need for fresh blood and new faces in our industry, but the reality hasn’t always reflected that hope. Until now.
And I’ve been flooded with feedback from attendees who also noticed. In fact, Erin Issac brought it up unprompted during our Face of Change interview (page 6): “I have so much hope coming out of the BenefitsPRO Expo. Looking around the rooms during sessions and in the hallway, it became obvious that the face of our industry is changing and so are the conversations we’re having.”
Here are a few more of my favorite comments so far:
• “The energy at the 2023 BenefitsPRO #BrokerExpo was official! We have entered into a new era in health care & insurance. The people are being centered … I witnessed hope for this industry! That’s something I can get behind!”
• PROGRESS – props to the strides being made, as I noticed a #younger crowd and definitely more color in the audience —
• Do you see that packed room? It was over 50% #female! I see a retirement party ahead for our industry slogan #palemaleandstale. Kudos for working to make a change. It’s visible.”
If you weren’t able to join us in Atlanta or you’d just like to relive your favorite moments, be sure to spend some time with our Expo Recap (page 16). It includes coverage of keynote speakers Molly Bloom and Daymond John, our 2023 BEN Talks, as well as some great advice from speakers, Broker of the Year finalists, and lots of fun photos.
Speaking of the future, our cover story examines the results of the 2023 Health Care Survey and provides a glimpse into issues and challenges that are top of mind for benefits professionals heading into the second half of the year. As Alan Goforth writes, “This year, the federal government has issued a barrage of regulatory changes, from enacting sweeping SECURE 2.0 legislation to ending the COVID-19 public health emergency. Perhaps the biggest current challenge for advisors is sorting out how these changes will affect their clients and their own business.”
Related: 9 in 10 employers plan to change health and wellbeing vendors in 2023 or 2024
Challenges are a constant part of this business, but I’ve never been more optimistic that our industry is prepared, energized, and ready for whatever comes next.