AzCIA repositions flagship symposium for greater impact in 2026

The Arizona Captive Insurance Association has announced a significant shift in timing for its flagship annual symposium, moving the 2026 event from its traditional February slot to October. The change, according to AzCIA President George Belokas, reflects evolving industry needs and a desire to maximise both attendance and practical value for captive insurance professionals.

The 2026 symposium is scheduled to take place on October 22 at the Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona, marking a milestone year as the association celebrates the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institution’s 25 years of captive insurance innovation.

Historically, the AzCIA symposium was held in February, a decision initially driven by Arizona’s favourable winter climate. “The initial genesis of hosting this symposium in February had a lot to do with the wonderful weather that we have in Arizona,” Belokas explained to Captive International. The idea was simple: attract attendees from colder regions seeking both professional development and a respite from winter conditions.

However, as the captive insurance industry has matured, so too have the priorities of its participants. A recent survey conducted by the AzCIA board revealed a clear preference for a later date in the year. The feedback pointed to a more strategic rationale tied to the operational calendar of captive insurance companies.

“One of the benefits of having this symposium here in Arizona is that captive insurance owners can come here and hold their board meeting at the same time as they attend the symposium,” Belokas said. Crucially, many captive owners prefer to hold board meetings after completing their annual audits, allowing boards to formally approve financial statements.

By shifting the event to the third or fourth quarter, attendees can align multiple key activities—audits, board meetings, and industry engagement—into a single trip. “It’s about not having to go to Arizona twice unless they want to,” Belokas noted.

October ultimately emerged as the optimal month, striking a balance between business efficiency and practical considerations. The timing avoids clashes with major industry events and the holiday season, while still offering favourable weather conditions in Arizona.

The AzCIA symposium remains a one-day event, but organisers emphasise that its impact lies in its carefully curated structure. Belokas outlined three core pillars that define the experience: education, networking, and regulatory access.

Educational sessions form the backbone of the agenda, covering topics relevant to captive insurance owners. These may include specialised areas such as medical stop-loss insurance, property risk management, and innovative uses of captive structures in response to evolving market conditions.

Equally important is the networking component, which brings together captive owners, service providers, and regulators in a single setting. This convergence is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across the industry.

Perhaps most distinctive is the direct access to regulators. Representatives from the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions will not only deliver presentations but also be available for one-on-one meetings with attendees. This feature has proven particularly popular in past events, offering both established captives and prospective entrants an opportunity for meaningful dialogue with regulators.

Event organisers also highlighted a dedicated segment focused specifically on Arizona’s captive insurance environment. This includes insights from policymakers and stakeholders involved in shaping the state’s legislative framework, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the jurisdiction’s advantages and regulatory landscape.

In conjunction with the announcement, the AzCIA has issued a formal call for speakers, inviting submissions for presentations and panel discussions. The association is seeking content that delivers practical insights and reflects current developments in the captive insurance sector.

Preference will be given to proposals that include captive owner participation, reinforcing the association’s commitment to real-world perspectives. 

The call also encourages submissions addressing emerging and pertinent topics, particularly those that explore how captives can serve as innovative solutions to current industry challenges. One area of specific interest is the role Arizona captives could play in supporting risks in Mexico and Latin America, signalling a growing focus on cross-border opportunities.

Proposals must include a presentation title, a short narrative, and details of proposed speakers or panellists. Submissions are open until June 30, 2026.

The 2026 symposium carries added significance as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of Arizona’s captive insurance framework. Over the past quarter-century, the state has established itself as a competitive domicile, attracting a diverse range of captive insurers.

By aligning the event’s timing with the operational needs of captive owners and enhancing its focus on practical engagement, the AzCIA aims to ensure that the symposium continues to deliver meaningful value.

As Belokas and his team look ahead to October, the message is clear: the evolution of the symposium reflects the evolution of the industry itself—one that increasingly prioritises efficiency, collaboration, and strategic insight.

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