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Emphasizing Data, Trust, and Collaboration at ACORD Connect 2026

In a significant gathering of insurance technology leaders, ACORD hosted its ACORD Connect 2026 event at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. This marked the first in-person conference since 2019, bringing together over 300 professionals from various segments of the insurance industry, including property casualty, life, annuity, and reinsurance.

John Kellington, the President and CEO of ACORD, opened the conference by underscoring the critical need for collaboration in enhancing digital data exchange. He stated, "As AI, automation, and digital ecosystems continue to evolve, quality consumable data is increasingly vital, and trust in that data can only be fostered through collaboration, innovation, and the establishment of standards."

The two-day event featured a community session that enabled participants to express their perspectives and address a central question: How can insurance data be trusted? Survey findings revealed that a mere 7% of attendees felt completely confident in their organization’s data quality, while 42% reported only partial confidence. Notably, 54% identified the need for "architecture and systems that allow for scalable, reliable, trustworthy data outcomes" as the paramount way to enhance data reliability, surpassing the importance of team training and data governance processes.

During the conference, lively discussions ensued regarding the construction and maintenance of trust in both data and AI. Attendees consensus highlighted that:

• - Standardized data exchange formats are essential, as competitive advantages lie not in proprietary labeling, but in underwriting expertise.
• - Sole human oversight is insufficient to maintain trust in AI, particularly when AI-driven decisions grow beyond manageable volumes for personal evaluations.
• - The landscape of fragmented systems and inconsistent terminology further complicates the establishment of trust, as identical data may be interpreted variably across systems.

Across numerous sessions, ACORD and its Solutions Group leaders engaged with industry experts to delve into the event's focal themes of "Data, Truth, Trust" in property/casualty, life, annuities, and reinsurance markets. Highlights of the conference included:

• - A keynote speech by AI neuroscientist Sarah Baldeo, enlightening attendees on enhancing resilience and collaboration in an AI-dominated sector.
• - A live recording of "The Future of Insurance Podcast" hosted by Bryan Falchuk, featuring discussions on data integrity and potential threats, with contributions from leaders such as Meredith Barnes-Cook (Datos Insights) and Russell Sommers (Baker Tilly).
• - The inaugural awards from the Women in Insurance Collective were presented, recognizing contributions to the field.
• - A motivational presence of over 20 students from local universities, who engaged with established professionals in the insurance technology sphere.

Reflecting on the event, Kellington remarked, "The spirit of collaboration at ACORD Connect was tangible. The urgent need for improved data quality in insurance was evident, and together we can create the cohesion necessary for progress. With the wealth of insights and dialogue generated, we eagerly anticipate future collaborations to tackle pressing challenges and positively shape our industry."

About ACORD

ACORD serves as the global standards-setting organization for the insurance sector, facilitating prompt, precise data exchange while promoting streamlined workflows through electronic standards and tools. With participation from over 36,000 organizations worldwide, including insurance companies, brokers, software providers, and more, ACORD plays a pivotal role in the industry. Maintaining offices in New York and London, ACORD continues to drive innovation and integrity in insurance technology. For more details, visit www.acord.org.