Conference Agenda

Conference Sponsor Guide

NABIP SW VA Conference 2026: Policy, Practice, and the Path Forward

  August 05, 2026

  2:00 PM

  The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilton

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Virginia's insurance professionals are facing new opportunities and challenges. Stay ahead of the curve at NABIP SW Virginia's 2026 Conference, where you'll connect with respected industry experts, learn practical strategies, and earn high-value CE credits.

This year's program covers policy and regulatory updates, self-funding, pharmacy benefits, market trends, ACA, Medicare, and commercial group strategies.

Why Attend?

  • • Gain practical strategies you can use with clients right away
  • • Stay current on policy, regulatory, and market changes
  • • Earn Virginia CE credits through high-value education
  • • Learn from recognized experts across the benefits industry
  • • Build your network with agents, brokers, and industry partners

Who Should Attend?

This conference is open to agents, brokers, benefit consultants, and industry professionals working in commercial group benefits, ACA, Medicare, ancillary benefits, compliance, and client service.

Featured Speakers & Sessions

Learn directly from experts who understand your business. Most sessions offer 1 hour of Virginia CE, with Amanda Brewton's session offering 2 hours and David C. Smith's Self-Funding Deep Dive offering 3 hours of CE. The Cassidy AI session is included as a practical business strategy session.

Amanda Brewton
Ethics, Client-First Standards & Compliance in Client Conversations 2-HR CE
Amanda will explore ethical frameworks for client conversations, industry standards for compliant practices, documentation requirements, and how to build trust through client-first decision-making across all product lines.
Cassidy AI Team
How Agents Can Use AI to Automate Client Support
Learn practical ways to use AI to respond faster, support clients, qualify leads, and free up your team for higher-value work.
David C. Smith, JD REBC CHVA
Self-Funding Deep Dive 3-HR CE
A nationally recognized ERISA expert, David will break down self-funded strategies, compliance requirements, and risk management in a clear, advisor-focused format.
David Swift
The Self-Funding Cheat Code: The Playbook Advisors Wish They Had Sooner 1-HR CE
David will walk through captive self-funded models, what makes them work, and how advisors can use this strategy to create better client conversations.
Justin Manning, PharmD
Turning PBM Strategy into Better Outcomes and Lower Costs 1-HR CE
Justin brings 20+ years of pharmacy and managed care experience. His session will help advisors cut through PBM complexity and identify cost-saving strategies.
Melissa Andel, MPP
CMS Policy & Regulatory Update 1-HR CE
Melissa will explain key CMS policy and regulatory updates and what they mean for Medicare, pharmacy strategy, clients, and your practice.
Melissa Back Tamburo, PhD, LCSW
The Evolving Role of EAP & Behavioral Health in the Workplace 1-HR CE
Melissa will discuss workplace behavioral health trends and how advisors can position EAP and wellness as part of a stronger benefits strategy.
Kendra Weindling
Virginia Health Benefit Exchange Update 1-HR CE
Kendra will cover marketplace updates, enrollment trends, compliance changes, and what advisors need to know for ACA and individual clients.

* Additional speakers and sessions to be announced. Check back for updates.

Policy & Regulatory Panel 1-HR CE

Join Senator Mark Peake, Holly Mortlock, David C. Smith, Doug Gray, and Christopher West for a practical discussion on what is coming from Richmond and Washington, and how agents should prepare.

Senator Mark Peake
Virginia State Senate, District 8
Bringing a legislative perspective on healthcare, business regulation, and policy issues affecting Virginia employers and insurers.
Holly Mortlock
Virginia State Corporation Commission
Offering regulatory perspective on insurance oversight, compliance, and policy implementation in Virginia.
David C. Smith, JD REBC CHVA
Panel Member, Policy & Regulatory Insights
Discussing how policy developments impact self-funding, compliance, and advisor business models.
Doug Gray
Executive Director, Virginia Association of Health Plans
Doug has led VAHP since 2003, bringing 20+ years of healthcare policy and advocacy expertise. He previously served on the staff of a U.S. Senator and Representative, and has deep experience with regulatory trends and market developments in Virginia's healthcare landscape. His perspective on what's ahead from both Washington and Richmond is invaluable to advisors navigating policy changes.
Christopher West
Panel Moderator, NABIP Virginia Lobbyist
Moderating the discussion and helping connect legislative developments to practical advisor strategy.

Hotel & Room Block Information

The conference will be held at The Virginian Hotel in Lynchburg, VA.

  • ✓ Special Room Rate: $145 per night
  • ✓ Valid Nights: Wednesday and Thursday
  • ✓ Group Code: NABIP
  • ✓ Deadline: July 15, 2026 or until the room block is full
  • ✓ Reserve Your Room Now
Parking: Complimentary day-use self-parking is available. Overnight self-parking is $12 per vehicle, per night in the Church Street garage.
 

NABIP SW VA Conference 2026: Policy, Practice, and the Path Forward

This premier event is designed for insurance professionals looking to gain industry insights, regulatory updates, and innovative business strategies to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.

 

 

 

 

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