Dan Towle Highlights Advocacy and Talent Development at CICA 2026 Conference

The Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) opened its 2026 International Conference with record attendance and a message emphasizing advocacy, industry education, and the continued development of the next generation of captive professionals.

During opening remarks at the conference held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, CICA President Dan Towle highlighted the strength and growth of the captive insurance community, noting that the event had already surpassed the previous year's attendance record.

According to Mr. Towle, more than 725 participants registered for the conference, representing 43 US states; Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; and multiple international jurisdictions. He also noted strong regulatory participation, with 68 government regulators and 36 captive domicile and association partners in attendance.

Expanding Advocacy and Industry Visibility

Mr. Towle said the industry's continued growth brings greater visibility and, in some cases, increased scrutiny, underscoring the importance of advocacy and education efforts.

"As our industry continues to grow … with that growth comes greater visibility," Mr. Towle said. "We must continue to be proactive. We must educate, we must advocate, and when necessary, we must defend our industry."

CICA increased its federal advocacy activity during the past year, organizing multiple trips to Washington, DC, where members and captive domicile representatives met with policymakers to discuss the role of captive insurance in risk management. The association indicated it plans to further expand these efforts in the coming year.

Membership and Global Engagement

CICA reported continued membership growth, surpassing 685 members for the third consecutive year of record participation. The organization also expanded its international engagement through partnerships and events, including cohosting the European Captive Forum in Luxembourg and supporting industry events around the world.

Mr. Towle said these initiatives reflect CICA's role as a global convener for the captive insurance sector.

New Education for Regulators

A new initiative introduced this year was a dedicated educational track for captive insurance regulators, developed in collaboration with CICA's regulatory committee. The program is designed to strengthen regulatory understanding and collaboration across jurisdictions.

The conference itself featured 35 educational sessions and more than 125 industry speakers, addressing topics including emerging risks, evolving risk financing strategies, and workforce development.

Building the Industry's Talent Pipeline

Mr. Towle also highlighted CICA's talent development initiatives, including the NextGen and Amplify Women programs, which focus on mentoring, networking, and professional development. The programs now reach more than 600 participants through educational content and industry events.

"These initiatives help attract, develop, support, and mentor professionals entering the captive insurance field," Mr. Towle said.

The conference also highlighted industry talent development through CICA's annual college essay contest sponsored by Hylant. During the opening session, the association announced that Temple University students Sajjad Alloo and Gabriel Albertson won first place in the 2025–2026 contest, "Captive Insurance Solutions for Today's Risk Management Challenges." Teams from St. Mary's University and the University of Wisconsin—Madison placed second and third, respectively, with finalists presenting their work during the conference program.