The Target Markets Program Administrators Association (TMPAA) Mid-Year Meeting is fast approaching, taking place on May 6–8 in Dallas, Texas, and attracting over 90 carriers and 1,500 program business professionals. The TMPAA is an organization of managing general agents (MGAs), program administrators (PAs), carriers, and service providers dedicated to the unique challenges of program specialists and focused on insurance products targeted at a niche market or class, generally representing a book of similar risks placed with one carrier.
Ahead of the event, we caught up with members of Gallagher Bassett’s (GB) Carrier Practice Team, including Jon Stambaugh, Caryn Siebert, Amy O’Brien, Amy Cooper, Julia Houk, Chris Hampshire, Jerilyn Kelly and Dennis Johnson to find out what they are looking forward to and why this event is a can’t-miss conference for our team.
What aspects of the Target Markets Mid-Year Meeting do you find most valuable, and what keeps you returning year after year?
Jon Stambaugh (JS): Target Markets represents a terrific opportunity for us to connect with several key MGA and carrier clients to discuss ways to strategically enhance our long-term partnerships. There is so much collaborative energy surrounding our meetings and the event in general. We’re very excited to showcase the progress we’ve made over the last 12 months, specifically in the areas of innovation and operational efficiency, which we view as potential game-changers for our clients.
Caryn Siebert: I enjoy Target Markets so much that I’m leaving RISKWORLD a day early to reconnect with many great contacts made over the years. Those contacts have become true friends in the industry, and we enjoy catching up on the latest trends and opportunities to partner. Most recently, the fact that GB has been in business for over 60 years has been a differentiator for various PAs. These MGAs or PAs can utilize our award-winning RMIS system, benchmark against our decades of data, and have a trusted brand to demonstrate to prospects that they focus on superior claims outcomes. Hence, we become an extension of their brand, even private labeling various tools for their clientele, allowing them to focus their resources on underwriting decisions and business development while we focus on their claims and safeguarding their reputation.
Jerilyn Kelly (JK): The value I see in being a part of Target Markets is the supreme focus on business relationships and holding in person meetings while in attendance. It is evident that this is the most important aspect of the conference, and it is refreshing. What has me returning year after year are the relationships that have been built and the way topics relevant to the program business are presented and discussed.
Julia Houk: I look forward to the TMPAA Mid-Year Meeting each year because it offers a unique opportunity to connect with program business leaders, expand my network, and gain exclusive industry insights—all of which contribute to business growth.
The conference provides unmatched access to program administrators, carriers, and service providers, creating high-impact networking opportunities that foster new partnerships and strengthen existing relationships. Beyond networking, the expert-led discussions on emerging risks, regulatory updates, and underwriting strategies help me stay ahead of market trends. Gaining firsthand knowledge from top industry leaders who shape the future of program business makes Target Markets an essential event for anyone looking to thrive in this space.
Amy Cooper (AC): I love how everyone is actively engaging in deals. People are open to discussions to explore potential collaborations. There truly isn’t anything else like it. What keeps me coming back year after year is the quality of the conversations and the strong sense of community. It’s not just about conducting business—it’s about building relationships and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving market.
What key industry trends and emerging opportunities are you most looking forward to discussing with fellow attendees?
JS: Innovation and the use of AI functionality to enhance operations and claim outcomes is top of mind for our carrier partners. Further, I always look forward to discussing the current and forecasted market challenges from the perspective of MGA/carrier partners. Headwinds such as managing the talent gap, legacy IT systems, supporting profitable underwriting growth into new products and services, and the ever-changing regulatory landscape are as relevant today as they were a few years ago.
JH: The rise of the gig economy, autonomous vehicles, and cyber threats has introduced new risk categories. Insurers are developing specialized coverage options to address these evolving exposures, presenting opportunities for program administrators to create niche products tailored to these markets. Staying informed about these trends and proactively adapting strategies will be crucial for PAs, carriers, and service providers aiming to capitalize on opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
JK: The sheer growth of program business is surpassing traditional insurance from an underwriting standpoint, specifically in terms of combined ratios, and the MGA market has been growing at a faster rate than the traditional insurance market. In 2016, the MGA market was an approximately $40 billion industry, and it has grown to more than $100 billion today. The opportunities are numerous, as MGAs offer more flexibility and can address newer, more niche markets with greater agility. This attracts private equity and venture capital, which continue to fuel growth.
AC: I’m excited to explore the evolving role of AI in the program business landscape. With advancements in AI, data analytics, and automation, our approach to risk assessment, underwriting, and customer engagement is rapidly changing. It’s crucial to understand how these innovations are reshaping the industry and to uncover the new opportunities they bring.
What exciting developments or initiatives from Gallagher Bassett’s Carrier Practice are you eager to discuss with fellow attendees?
Amy O’Brien (AO): Our Carrier Practice has introduced several forward-thinking initiatives that I am excited to discuss, including the following.
- AI-Driven Claims Management: GB has been at the forefront of integrating AI into claims processes. Our AI-enabled decision-support tools enhance claims processing, risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer service, leading to improved efficiency and outcomes.
- The Carrier Perspective, 2025 Claims Insights: Our comprehensive study, involving 150 global carriers, delves into pressing challenges such as employee retention, AI integration in claims processing, climate change impacts, and compliance hurdles. It offers strategic insights to help carriers navigate these complexities effectively.
- GB’s Acquisition of W K Webster: By acquiring this marine and transit claims specialist, we have expanded our global capabilities, particularly in marine claims management, strengthening our specialty services.
These initiatives underscore GB’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the programs space, and I cannot wait to discuss them with our carrier and MGA partners and prospects.
JK: What GB is doing with AI and other tools to assist with efficient claims management is something I appreciate and am prepared to discuss. There are tech companies coming to the forefront with AI and similar solutions as an overlay or adjunct to the claims process; however, that introduces yet another vendor for clients to manage. When they choose GB, we have already implemented these tools and have a great story to tell about how they are making a difference for our Resolution Managers and our clients’ claim outcomes.
How can having the right claims and risk management partner, like GB, help attending organizations achieve superior outcomes?
AO: I’m eager to discuss several exciting developments from our Carrier Practice that offer significant advantages for our partners. First, our data-driven decision-making approach utilizes advanced analytics to provide insights that guide claim handlers in setting reserves, identifying potential litigation, and optimizing medical interventions. This leads to more informed and effective decisions for our partners.
Additionally, our commitment to service excellence emphasizes collaboration, proactive problem-solving, and adherence to regulatory standards, ensuring high-quality service that protects and enhances our clients’ brand reputations. We also offer customized program design and scalability, providing highly tailored claims and risk management programs that grow with each carrier’s needs, allowing them to adapt to market shifts without sacrificing efficiency or service quality.
Our global reach, combined with local expertise, allows us to bring global best practices while tailoring strategies to local regulatory environments and cultural nuances. This is particularly valuable for multinational carriers managing diverse portfolios. Lastly, our dedicated Legacy Practice Group has demonstrated success in reducing claim durations by 20–34% compared to benchmarks, aiding carriers in managing legacy claims more effectively.
Overall, Gallagher Bassett’s comprehensive approach to claims and risk management empowers program administrators and carriers to navigate challenges efficiently and achieve superior outcomes.
Denny Johnson: Through our dedicated Carrier Practice service model GB has a strong track record of partnering with our clients to drive improvements including faster claims closure, reduction in medical expenses, and lower overall costs. Our extensive claim and medical data enable GB to help identify improvement opportunities that align with our clients’ growth plans.
Meet with GB at Target Markets Mid-Year Meeting
GB’s Carrier Practice is like no other claims and risk management partner. We are a boutique within the larger GB network, and our team is dedicated to serving programs and understanding the needs of every program stakeholder.
To connect with our team of experts and discover how we can help you achieve superior outcomes, book a free consultation here or reach out to our team members directly
