CDS 2025: Wrangled, Rodeo'd, & Remarkably Successful
- IRES
- Nov 5
- 3 min read
The dust has settled in Houston, but the energy from the 2025 IRES Career Development Seminar (“CDS”) still lingers like the echo of a well-played fiddle. With boots polished and hats tipped, over two hundred sixty (260) attendees saddled up for the “Houston Rodeo of Compliance,” and what followed was a regulatory roundup for the ages.
From the moment guests arrived on Sunday, the Royal Sonesta Houston Galleria buzzed with excitement. Line dancing lessons kicked off the festivities, setting the tone for a seminar that blended professional insight with Texas-sized hospitality. The engaging theme was a hit, with attendees embracing the rodeo spirit in both attire and attitude.
“A big reason this year’s CDS was such a success was because participants embraced the theme wholeheartedly, adding energy, creativity, and a memorable atmosphere throughout the event,” said Robert McManus, CDS Co-Chair.
The six content tracks delivered a stampede of insights. Sessions like “Behind the Chutes” tackled captive insurers, while “Taming the ‘PBM’ Bronco” and “Branding the ‘PBM’ Herd” explored pharmacy benefit manager oversight. The IT Track’s “Virtual Rodeo” and “Bulldogging AI” showcased augmented reality and artificial intelligence, proving regulators are ready to ride into the future. Life & Annuity sessions such as “Taming the Bull” and “Cowboy Up” offered clarity on Compact-approved products and annuity trends, while “Stampede of Storms” and “Eight Seconds” helped P&C regulators brace for catastrophe modeling and exam resilience.
Dean Cameron’s keynote, “How to Fall Off a Horse,” offered a candid look at market regulation challenges, while the “Commissioner Round-Up” brought together state leaders for a dynamic panel moderated by John Huff.
“The Commissioner’s Roundtable was fantastic, with great dialogue between all the Commissioners and the moderator, John Huff,” said LeAnn M. Crow, 2025 IRES President.
Beyond the sessions, the CDS made a meaningful impact with its “Wrangling Childhood Cancer” charity drive, raising three thousand dollars ($3,000) for MD Anderson. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all who helped rope in this goal.
The new “call for presentations” process proved a game-changer, bringing fresh voices and ideas to the arena.
And let’s not forget the surprise meet-and-greet with Pake McEntire, brother of country legend Reba, who added a touch of star power.
“What a great experience it was for me to be with and entertain the CDS group. They put an exclamation point on what Texas hospitality is all about,” McEntire said.
“Since we knew Houston was going to be hot in July, we knew we had to make the CDS a cool event,” said Craig Leonard, CDS Chair. That cool factor came through in every detail—from sessions to social events, and especially in the camaraderie shared among attendees.
Looking ahead, excitement is already building. “Feedback from colleagues already reflects great anticipation for next year’s event in Pittsburgh,” said Dr. Tony Tailor, CDS Co-Chair.
Until then, hats off to everyone who made CDS 2025 a success.