Keeping the Spirit of ICA Alive: Networking That Lasts Beyond the Conference

​Kizzie Masterson, Mark‑James Gill, Tyler Blake

“Was New Orleans always this fun?” we asked each other, weaving through a crowd of colleagues dressed in beads, grinning ear to ear.
​
Between the unforgettable food, the late‑night laughs, the second‑line parade through the French Quarter, the music pouring from every doorway, and the incredible culture surrounding us, ICA 2025 in New Orleans was an absolute blast. But as great as the gumbo and jazz were, the best part was the people.

And to be clear — the fun is a bonus. The real stars are the education you bring back and the connections you build while you're attending the Education Conference.

The conversations on the exhibit floor, the chance encounters in the hallway, the shared stories over dinner — those connections are what make the ICA truly special.

But here’s the thing: a conference lasts three days, while a professional network can last an entire career.

And that’s exactly what this post is about — how to keep the energy, the relationships, and the professional momentum alive between ICA conferences through intentional networking.

Why Networking Matters (Especially in the Claims Industry)
Networking often gets treated like a buzzword — something we all know is important but sometimes struggle to act on. But in the claims industry, networking isn’t optional. It’s a competitive advantage.

At its core, networking is about building and maintaining meaningful professional relationships. It’s the exchange of ideas, insights, introductions, and support. It’s knowing who to call when you need advice, a perspective check, or a new tool or resource. And it’s equally (or more so) about being that person for others.

In organizations like the ICA, networking creates:

Industry Connection & Visibility
Claims is a relationship‑driven field. Staying connected helps you understand what’s changing in the industry and who’s leading those changes.

Knowledge Sharing & Best Practices
The problems we face are often similar — but the solutions people discover vary widely. Networking gives us access to shared wisdom.

Professional Growth & Opportunities
Mentorships, job leads, partnerships, product collaborations, and panel invitations often start with a simple conversation.

A More Meaningful ICA Experience
When you stay engaged year‑round, every conference feels like a reunion instead of a first introduction.

Networking isn’t about collecting business cards. It’s about building a community — and the ICA is one of the few places in our industry where that community is truly global, collaborative, and deeply supportive.

Our Top 3 Tips for Effective ICA Networking
Here are the strategies we’ve found most valuable for staying connected:

1. Stay Visible, Not Just Present
It’s easy to disappear after a conference ends. Everyone gets busy. Emails pile up. Projects ramp back up.

But staying visible doesn’t require a huge effort. A short LinkedIn post, a comment on someone’s article, or sharing an industry insight keeps you on the radar and helps relationships naturally grow.

Practical ideas:

• Comment on ICA peers’ posts at least once a week
• Share one takeaway per month from industry updates or conferences
• Celebrate other members’ achievements publicly

Visibility = presence + consistency.

2. Add Value Before You Need Value
Good networking isn’t transactional. It’s relational.

Before asking for help, make a habit of providing help — share an article, introduce two people who should meet, send a useful resource, or simply check in.

People remember who helped them when they didn’t have to.

Practical ideas:

• Forward an article relevant to a conversation you had at ICA
• Introduce two claims professionals who share a common challenge
• Give a quick shout‑out to someone’s recent success

Adding value builds trust — long before you ever need to lean on it.

3. Build on Conference Connections Quickly
You know the rule: the longer you wait after a conference to reach out, the colder the connection becomes.

ICA conferences are high‑energy, relationship‑rich environments. Use that momentum. Follow up within a week (or even a day). Reference something memorable from your conversations.

Practical ideas:

• “I loved our conversation about beneficiary identification — here’s the link I promised.”
• “Great meeting you during the reception! Want to grab coffee next month to continue our discussion about automation?”
• “Sending the article we chatted about — looking forward to reconnecting in Texas!”

Small touchpoints create strong relationships.

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It: ICA Members Share Their Top Tips
We asked several ICA colleagues about networking. Here’s what they had to say.

What is your #1 tip for networking?

If I had to choose just one networking tip, it would be this: approach every interaction with genuine curiosity.
“What part of your work are you most excited about right now?”
Cole Daly‑Roentved, Global Senior Project Manager, Vice President, Swiss Re

Why is networking meaningful to you?

“Networking is meaningful to me because it creates opportunities for growth by connecting me with diverse experiences, ideas, and people.”
Jhenniffer Bartz, Claims Manager, SBLI

What do you wish you would’ve known sooner about networking?

“What I wish I would’ve understood sooner is how important it is to advocate for your own involvement...”
Timothy Quick, Head of Global L&H Claim Solutions, Swiss Re & Board President, ICA

Is the ICA a good place to network?

“The ICA is the ideal environment for networking because it brings together claims professionals across the spectrum...”
Maria Icaza, Director, Claims Operations — Life, Disability & Living Benefit Claims, Pan‑American Life Insurance Group

Two Challenges for You
Let’s turn this blog post into action. Here are two simple, high‑impact challenges.

Challenge #1 — Now: Reestablish a Connection Today
Before you move on with your day, take 60 seconds and:

• Send a LinkedIn message to someone you met in New Orleans
• Tag a colleague in the comments of this post
• Share a memory or photo from ICA 2025
• Or simply check in with a “How are things going?”
• Inquire about a claim topic or process you are interested in

Even one message can restart a relationship that shapes your career.

And who knows — you may just make plans today that lead to reconnecting at the 2026 ICA Conference in Texas.

Challenge #2 — Later: Make a Plan for 3+ New Connections in Texas
Don’t wait until the conference to wing it. Come prepared.

The Intentional Connector

• Identify three people you want to meet (roles, companies, or specialties)
• Attend at least one session or roundtable they’re likely to join
• Prepare two to three topics or questions to start meaningful conversations

​The Experience Chaser

• Join one ICA event outside your comfort zone
• Sit at a table where you know no one
• Ask each person one non‑job question (e.g., “What brought you to ICA?”)

Simple. Personal. Actionable. Effective.

Authors’ Note
New Orleans was unforgettable — but the magic wasn’t the food or the music.

It was the people.

More than half of the feedback from the 2025 Education Conference centered on networking, demonstrating both strong member interest and the significant opportunity ICA provides to build connections throughout the year, not just at conference time.

This is where true networking begins.

So, reconnect today. Make a plan for Texas. And keep building the relationships that make our industry stronger, smarter, and more connected.

And hey — if you’re looking for your first reconnection, our inboxes are open.

Kizzie Masterson, Mark‑James Gill, Tyler Blake

The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors in their personal capacity and do not necessarily reflect the official position, strategy, or views of Swiss Re or any of its affiliated entities. This article is provided for general informational purposes only. Swiss Re assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss arising from reliance on the content of this article.