Conference Agenda
The Iowa Claims Conference agenda is designed to give attendees multiple opportunities for continuing education, certification-level training, networking, and vendor engagement throughout the conference. While some sessions run concurrently, the overall structure allows professionals to customize their experience based on their role, training goals, interests, and availability.
Pre-Conference Training Opportunities
Saturday & Sunday, March 21 -22
Pyr Logistics Tree Mitigation Insurance Training
The Pyr Logistics Insurance Coverage Seminar is a pre-conference, two-day training focused on tree mitigation and insurance-related considerations.
This session is ideal for professionals seeking specialized, hands-on education in addition to the main conference schedule.
Monday, March 23
Main Stage
Breakfast and lunch provided
Dedicated vendor time throughout the day
Happy hour vendor time
Welcome reception sponsored by Insurance Appraiser and Umpire Association
IAUA Training
Breakfast and lunch provided
Full-day training and certification sessions by the Insurance Appraiser and Umpire Association
Structured classroom-style learning
Monday, March 23, 2026 - Day 1 Agenda
The first day of the Iowa Claims Conference focuses on education, practical guidance, and emerging trends shaping the future of property claims. Attendees will hear from industry experts on policyholder education, ethics in claims handling, damage evaluation, claim documentation, and new technology impacting the industry.
Morning Sessions
8:00 AM - Educating Policyholders on the Claims Process
Speakers: Tristan Miles, Josiah Hollibaugh & Caeden Tinklenberg
Learn strategies for helping property owners better understand the claims process, improving communication, and setting realistic expectations during complex insurance claims.
9:00 AM - Ethical Obligations and Professional Standards in Property Claims Handling
Speaker: Angela Andrews
A discussion on the ethical responsibilities and professional standards that guide claims professionals when handling property insurance claims.
10:00 AM - How Commercial Roof Systems Actually Fail: Practical Guidance for Storm Damage and Claims Evaluation
Speaker: Garrett Brown
An in-depth look at how commercial roofing systems fail during severe weather events and how those failures should be evaluated during the claims process.
11:00 AM - How AI is Shaping the Future of Claims Negotiations
Speaker: Mathew Mulholland
Explore how artificial intelligence is changing documentation, analysis, and negotiation strategies in modern insurance claims.
12:00 PM – Lunch Break
Connect with sponsors, vendors, and fellow professionals across the claims and restoration industry.
Afternoon Sessions
1:00 PM - Breaking Down Coverage for Emergency Tree Mitigation
Speaker: Bruce Thibodeau
Understanding policy coverage and documentation requirements when emergency tree removal and mitigation are necessary after storms.
2:00 PM - Claim File Documentation Best Practices
Speakers: Larry Bache & Jonathan Bukowski
Learn how strong claim file documentation supports better outcomes and helps claims move forward efficiently.
3:00 PM - Window Evaluation and Documentation
Speakers: John Foster & Drew Foster
Best practices for evaluating window damage and properly documenting findings during property claims.
Evening Networking
5:00 PM – Happy Hour & Vendor Networking
Connect with sponsors, vendors, and fellow professionals across the claims and restoration industry.
7:00 PM – Welcome Reception
Sponsored by IAUA, this reception is the official kickoff event for ICC 2026 and a great opportunity to build connections with peers from across the industry.
Tuesday, March 24
Main Stage
Breakfast and lunch provided
Dedicated vendor time throughout the day
Happy hour vendor time
Evening networking event sponsored by SRS
BEI Repairability Training
Breakfast and lunch provided
Full-day training session led by BEI
Structured classroom-style learning with hands-on demonstrations
Latino Claims Academy
Breakfast and lunch provided
Full-day training sessions by Latino Claims Academy
Structured classroom-style learning
Tuesday, March 24, 2026 - Day 2 Agenda
Day 2 of the Iowa Claims Conference dives deeper into the legal, technical, and policy challenges professionals face when handling complex insurance claims. Sessions will cover carrier conduct, compliance requirements, coverage interpretation, business income claims, and evolving exclusions used by insurers.
Morning Sessions
8:00 AM - What To Do About Carrier Deceit
Speakers: Doug Quinn & Morgan Walker
A discussion on how claims professionals can identify and respond to misleading carrier practices, while protecting policyholders and maintaining compliance with policy language and regulations.
9:00 AM - Navigating HOA Claims with Large Deductibles
Speaker: Aaron Brooksby
HOA claims often involve complex coverage structures and high deductibles. This session explores strategies for evaluating coverage, managing expectations, and navigating these challenging claims.
10:00 AM - Licensing Compliance
Speaker: Holly Soffer
An overview of licensing requirements, regulatory compliance considerations, and common pitfalls that claims professionals should understand when operating across jurisdictions.
11:00 AM - Industry Advocate Panel
Speakers: John Senac, Mike Goldenstein & Tim Johnson
A panel discussion from the perspective of a roofing expert, code expert, and attorney. Topics covered will be code coverage, repairability and compatibility of roofing systems, and insurance coverage trends.
12:00 PM – Lunch Break
Connect with sponsors, vendors, and fellow professionals across the claims and restoration industry.
Afternoon Sessions
1:00 PM - Assessing Weather Event Damage in Forensic Engineering: Data Sources and Challenges
Speaker: Chad Williams
Forensic engineering weather evaluations help confirm whether a reported storm event occurred and what conditions were present. While NOAA’s SPC Local Storm Reports and NCEI Storm Events Database are useful references, they should be used alongside multiple other data sources because reported information can sometimes be incomplete or inconsistent.
2:00 PM - Presenting Your Claim in Accordance with the Policy
Speaker: Christina Phillips
Understanding how policy language shapes the claims process and how professionals can present claims effectively while staying aligned with the terms of the policy.
3:00 PM - Metallurgists and Cosmetic Exclusions: How Creative Are These Carriers Getting?!?
Speakers: Matthew Pearson & David Stolk
A deep dive into evolving carrier strategies involving metallurgist opinions and cosmetic damage exclusions, and how these approaches impact claim outcomes.
4:00 PM - Residential Fire Hazards and Damage Assessment Considerations
Speakers: Joe Nieusma & David Phalen
An examination of common residential fire hazards and key considerations when assessing damage and documenting losses after a fire event.
Evening Networking
5:00 PM – Happy Hour & Vendor Networking
Spend time connecting with conference sponsors, vendors, and fellow industry professionals.
Evening Networking Event – Iowa Taproom
Sponsored by SRS, this off-site networking event offers attendees an opportunity to continue conversations, build relationships, and unwind with peers from across the industry.
Wednesday, March 25
Main Stage
Breakfast and lunch provided
Dedicated vendor time throughout the day
Happy hour vendor time
Evening happy hour and vendor networking event
Orlo Forensics Training
Breakfast and lunch provided
Full-day training sessions by Orlo Forensics
Structured classroom-style learning
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Day 3 Agenda
The final day of the Iowa Claims Conference brings together industry leaders, regulators, and experienced claims professionals to discuss the broader trends shaping the future of property insurance claims. Sessions will explore storm claim disputes, effective collaboration with experts, communication strategies, appraisal challenges, and regulatory perspectives.
Morning Sessions
8:00 AM - Inside the Modern Storm Claim: What Drives Delays, Denials, and Payout
Speaker: Jack Hanks
An inside look at the factors that influence how modern storm claims are handled, including the common issues that lead to delays, denials, and settlement outcomes.
9:00 AM - Developing Well-Supported Claims with Legal and Technical Experts
Speakers: Michelle Cruff & Bridget Como
Learn how collaboration with attorneys, engineers, and other technical experts can strengthen claim documentation and support more effective claim presentations.
10:00 AM - Claim Communications: Can We Talk for a Minute? I Just Want To Know Your Claim
Speaker: Randolph Love
This session explores the role communication plays throughout the claims process and how clearer dialogue between professionals can reduce confusion and improve claim outcomes.
11:00 AM - State of the Industry
Speakers: Caeden Tinklenberg & Justin Skipton
A panel discussion examining the current landscape of the insurance claims industry, including regulatory developments, emerging challenges, and future trends.
12:00 PM – Lunch Break
Connect with sponsors, vendors, and fellow professionals across the claims and restoration industry.
Afternoon Sessions
1:00 PM - The Deweaponization of the Appraisal Process: Cutting the Infamous Green Wire
Speakers: John Robison, Steve Shannon, James Dombrowski, Toby Johnson, & Scott Webster
A discussion on the evolving role of appraisal in property claims and how professionals can navigate disputes while maintaining a fair and balanced process.
3:00 PM - Regulator Panel
Speakers: Deputy Insurance Commissioner Jared Kirby, Insurance Fraud Bureau Chief Matt Mortvedt, & Market Regulation Bureau Assistant Chief David Sullivan
Hear directly from regulators as they discuss oversight of the claims process, compliance expectations, and the role regulatory agencies play in protecting policyholders and maintaining industry standards.
Join Us As A Sponsor
Your support helps bring together professionals from across the claims industry to share knowledge, build relationships, and strengthen the community that serves policyholders. If your organization would like to be part of this year’s event, we invite you to join our growing group of sponsors. Click the link below to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how your company can get involved.
