Vertafore Revolutionizes Insurance with AI at Accelerate 2026 Event

Vertafore Revolutionizes Insurance with AI at Accelerate 2026

On April 20, 2026, the city of Denver saw a gathering of over 2,000 insurance professionals at the Accelerate 2026 event, orchestrated by Vertafore, the frontrunner in insurance technology. This substantial assembly, hosted in collaboration with the Network of Vertafore Users (NetVU), ignited discussions about the potential transformations within the industry powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

During the event, Vertafore's CEO, Amy Zupon, and Chief Product Officer, James Thom, laid out their ambitious vision for the future of insurance, aiming to enhance Distribution Velocity across the insurance value chain. They outlined how agencies, Managing General Agents (MGAs), and carriers can leverage advanced digital technology, invaluable data, and insurance-specific AI to streamline processes and achieve intended objectives with greater speed and precision.

One of the highlights of the keynotes was the introduction of the Velocity™ AI Platform, along with the launch of ReferenceConnect AI™, which promises to deliver reliable insights to the users. Furthermore, Vertafore presented six new AI agents designed to minimize manual labor, thereby improving operational efficiency. The introduction of AgencyOne® Certificates was another significant announcement aimed at simplifying certificate management and enhancing client service.

Rick Warter, the Chief Customer Officer at Vertafore, expressed his enthusiasm about the response to the event, noting, "This Accelerate was our most impactful event yet, and our customers brought incredible energy. They're ready to put AI to work." His comments reflect the positive atmosphere and eagerness within the community to embrace AI tools to foster adaptability and intelligence in business growth.

Engaging with AI: Practical Learning Experience

The collaboration between NetVU and Vertafore brought practical AI applications to life during the event. Attendees engaged in hands-on sessions that were tailored to convert AI concepts into actionable strategies. They delved into real-world use cases, as well as receiving training on incorporating AI into crucial workflows such as submissions, quoting, servicing, and client engagement. This experience allowed participants to significantly reduce manual tasks while enhancing their operational speed and insight gathering.

A combination of technical insights from Vertafore's experts and experiential learning led by NetVU volunteers ensured that professionals left the event equipped with practical knowledge and improvements they could implement immediately in their day-to-day work.

The momentum around AI was palpable throughout the event, and Shyla Lankford, chair of the NetVU Board of Directors, commented, "You could feel the momentum around AI in every session and every conversation this week. At a time of rapid change, the community plays a critical role in helping us collaborate on best practices and stay connected."

Celebrating Leadership and Community Contribution

The event also served to recognize excellence within the Vertafore user community, with NetVU presenting its annual awards to notable leaders in the industry. Carl Schlotman III from CAI Insurance Agency received the Leadership Award for his ongoing contributions, while Joyce Sigler from SeibertKeck was honored with the Insurance Technology Advocate Award for her efforts in advancing automation. Sarah Dinwiddie from Charles M. Moore Insurance Agency took home the Volunteer Service Award for her commitment to strengthening the NetVU network.

Beyond the awards, the spirit of community service was evident during the event's Day of Caring initiative, where nearly 200 volunteers gathered to assemble shelf-stable groceries benefiting The Just One Project's drive-through distribution program. This initiative provided up to 23,000 meals for 1,400 families in need, highlighting the event's focus on not only innovation but also on giving back to the community. Furthermore, the effort raised $30,000 to support hunger relief initiatives in the Southern Nevada region.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Accelerate

Participants and stakeholders are already looking forward to next year's event—Accelerate 2027, scheduled for May 17-20 in San Antonio, Texas. Registration has opened, and with the eyes of the insurance industry firmly set on integrating AI into their operations, the future appears bright for this community.

As Vertafore continues to lead as a trusted backbone in the insurance technology space, its commitment to empowering users with specialized AI tools ensures that innovation and community will always be at the forefront. With over 95% of top agencies and insurers relying on their comprehensive suite of digital solutions, Vertafore stands ready to transform the insurance landscape, promoting efficiency, speed, and a newfound confidence in business practices.