Forging the Future: CDS 2026 Demonstrates the Power of Inspiration, Innovation, and Improvement

The 2026 Insurance Regulatory Examiners Society (IRES) Career Development Seminar (CDS) will be remembered as one of the most successful conferences in the event's history. Held in the heart of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the seminar brought together a record 280 regulators, industry representatives, and subject matter experts for two days of learning, collaboration, and professional development centered around a timely theme: "Forging the Future: Inspiring, Innovating and Improving Market Regulation."

Inspired in part by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners' focus on the modernization of market regulation, the CDS Committee selected a theme that recognized an important reality: market regulation cannot remain static. Just as Pittsburgh's steel industry transformed raw materials into something stronger and more resilient, regulators and industry professionals must continuously refine their approaches to meet emerging challenges, embrace new technologies, and better serve consumers.

From the moment attendees arrived in Pittsburgh, the iconic Steel City, the conference successfully connected its theme to the city's rich industrial heritage. Attendees enjoyed an opening reception overlooking the city skyline, met local steelworkers, learned about the steelmaking process, and discovered striking parallels between forging steel and strengthening insurance regulation. The setting provided a memorable backdrop for meaningful conversations about the future of the profession.

CDS 2026 achieved several historic milestones. The seminar recorded its highest attendance ever, with 280 attendees representing a broad cross-section of regulators, industry professionals, and consulting organizations. Sponsorship support also reached a new record, with more than $52,500 raised to support the event. These achievements reflect not only the continued value of CDS but also the strong commitment of organizations that invest year after year in professional education and regulatory excellence. The support of the IRES Foundation, Risk and Regulatory Consulting, Examination Resources, LLC, The INS Companies, and TeamMate by Wolters Kluwer helped ensure that the conference remained accessible, affordable, and impactful.

One of the most notable innovations of CDS 2026 was its reimagining of the traditional keynote structure. Rather than relying on a single keynote presentation, the program was intentionally organized around the conference theme. Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner, Michael Humphreys, opened the event by discussing Inspiring Market Regulation, encouraging attendees to embrace their role in shaping the future of consumer protection and market oversight. Regulatory attorney, Fred Karlinsky, followed with a thought-provoking presentation on Innovating Market Regulation, highlighting the importance of forward-thinking leadership. Finally, an industry panel led by Jennifer Stephen of MassMutual Ascend explored Improving Market Regulation, emphasizing practical collaboration between regulators and insurers to strengthen outcomes for consumers and the marketplace alike.

The conference agenda reflected one of the most diverse and forward-looking programs in CDS history. More than 45 breakout sessions covered topics ranging from market conduct examinations and consumer complaint analysis to artificial intelligence, data privacy, pharmacy benefit manager oversight, annuity regulation, mental health parity, student health insurance, emerging fraud schemes, and supervisory technology. Attendees chose from tracks dedicated to Property & Casualty, Life & Annuity, Health, Market Regulation, PBM oversight, Information Technology, and interactive hands-on workshops. Whether attendees were seasoned regulators or new professionals entering the field, the program offered valuable opportunities to expand knowledge and challenge traditional assumptions.

The quality of the educational program was no accident. For the first time, the CDS Committee utilized a formal call-for-presentations process, generating more than 50 proposed sessions. A dedicated Speaker Selection Subgroup consisting of Shelly Schuman, Rick Nelson, and Kelly Wylie carefully reviewed submissions and worked to ensure balanced representation among regulators, consultants, and industry experts. Their efforts created a fair, transparent selection process while producing a robust agenda that reflected the interests and needs of attendees. The strong response also led to the creation of a new PBM Mini-Track, demonstrating how innovation in program development can directly respond to emerging regulatory priorities.

Another conference highlight was the ever-popular Commissioners' Roundtable, moderated by former Connecticut Insurance Commissioner and former NAIC President, Andrew Mais. The distinguished panel featured Pennsylvania Commissioner Michael Humphreys, Illinois Director Ann Gillespie, and Missouri Director Angela Nelson. Their discussion offered attendees valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing insurance departments across the country and reinforced the importance of collaboration as the regulatory landscape evolves.

The CDS concluded with a panel of chief examiners and senior market regulators led by Commissioner Humphreys. The panel challenged attendees to consider what they could do differently in their own work based on the information, ideas, and practical strategies they gained at the CDS.

While educational content remained central to the conference, attendees repeatedly cited several features as standout successes. The customized IRES "Terrific Towel," inspired by Pittsburgh's famous Terrible Towel tradition, quickly became a symbol of conference unity and enthusiasm.

Beyond its educational programming, the CDS included numerous social and networking opportunities designed to encourage meaningful professional connections. These informal interactions gave attendees time to exchange ideas, build relationships, and return home with new individuals in their professional networks.

CDS 2026 also demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. Through charitable efforts supporting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, attendees raised $2,500 to help combat food insecurity within the local Pittsburgh community. The initiative served as a reminder that the values of public service and consumer protection extend beyond regulatory work itself.

As CDS Chair, I came into this year with a simple goal: to help make CDS one of the best seminars in its history. Accomplishing that required more than strong attendance, excellent speakers, and innovative content. It also required ensuring that the track leaders, presenters, sponsors, committee members, and attendees operated within the guardrails established by the CDS Committee.

Like many volunteer organizations, some of those guardrails had gradually weakened over time. Well-intentioned volunteers sometimes developed their own processes and interpretations, leading to inconsistencies that could create confusion and make planning more difficult. The Co-Chairs and I made a deliberate effort to clarify expectations, apply rules fairly, and ensure that everyone operated under the same standards. We understood this would not always be easy. We also recognized that some individuals might feel they were being singled out when longstanding practices changed. Nevertheless, we believed that consistent expectations were essential to maintaining the long-term integrity, fairness, and success of the seminar.

The success of CDS 2026 was made possible by an extraordinary team of volunteers, planners, speakers, sponsors, and track leaders. Special recognition belongs to CDS Co-Chairs, Brett Bache and Chris Heisler, along with the dedicated track leaders who transformed ideas into educational experiences that benefited hundreds of attendees.

As attendees departed Pittsburgh, they carried home far more than conference materials and continuing education credits. They returned with new professional relationships, fresh perspectives, practical tools, expanded networks, and renewed motivation. CDS 2026 demonstrated that market regulation does not advance through complacency. It progresses when professionals are willing to learn, collaborate, question assumptions, and embrace change.

After two years as CDS Chair, I am stepping away from CDS leadership with tremendous confidence in the future of the seminar. CDS is in excellent hands with Brett Bache and the dedicated volunteers who will continue leading the committee forward.

My hope is that CDS never becomes satisfied with simply repeating what worked in the past. The seminar should continue forging new ideas, embracing technology, cultivating future leaders, strengthening professional networks, and delivering the latest information and practical tools to attendees. Just as important, it should continue ensuring that state regulators remain at the center of shaping its future direction while fostering meaningful collaboration across the broader regulatory community.

If Pittsburgh taught us anything, it is that the strongest products are never truly finished. They are continually refined, strengthened, and improved. CDS has accomplished remarkable things over the years, but its best days are not behind it. They are ahead of it. I am excited to watch future leaders continue forging new ideas, new opportunities, and new successes. The future of CDS remains bright, and I have no doubt that it will continue to be forged, strengthened, and improved for many years to come.