Vermont Marks Milestone Ahead of VCIA 2025 Conference

The Vermont Captive Insurance Association (VCIA) will celebrate its 40th anniversary during the 2025 Annual Conference in Burlington, August 11–13, bringing together the captive insurance community for 3 days of education, networking, and industry updates.

The event will feature sessions led by Vermont regulators and industry leaders, beginning with "Captive Immersion" on August 11, presented by Peter Wernhoff, examiner-in-charge at the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation (DFR). That afternoon, Christine Brown, Jim DeVoe-Talluto, and Dan Petterson will host a members-only Q&A with Vermont DFR.

On August 12, Sandy Bigglestone, Vermont's deputy commissioner of captive insurance, will address attendees during the General Meeting and Newcomers' Orientation. On the same day, Brittany Nevins, Vermont's captive insurance economic development director, will lead an offsite Captive Owners' Tour of BETA Technologies, highlighting the role of captives in supporting emerging industries such as aerospace. Amber Walsh, insurance examiner at Vermont DFR, will join a panel for "Captives 101," covering the formation process and return on investment. Later in the afternoon, Ms. Bigglestone will lead the interactive "Situation Room" session on regulatory scenarios.

On August 13, Heidi Rabtoy, chief examiner at Vermont DFR, will take part in "Captive Examination Deep Dive," offering a case study-based look at Vermont's exam process.

In addition to educational programming, Vermont Captive will host a giveaway at Booth #40 for an $800 meeting room rental at Hotel Vermont. Attendees can enter by dropping off a business card, scanning a QR-coded flyer, or entering online. The booth will also offer dessert on August 12, featuring local Vermont ice cream from Island Homemade Ice Cream.

Preconference activities include a Burlington Brew Tour on August 10, featuring visits to three breweries, a food-and-beer pairing course, and round-trip transportation.

Vermont recently reached a significant milestone, licensing its 1,400th captive insurance company. State officials attribute the achievement to Vermont's regulatory strength, experienced workforce, and continued innovation in the captive sector.