The 2026 Calendar
2026 Self-Funded and Employee Benefits Conferences
At Ocozzio, we know industry conferences are where relationships are built, ideas are exchanged and future strategies take shape. We've curated this list to highlight the key events that matter most so you can connect with the right audiences, stay ahead of trends and maximize your impact.
Confirmed Dates
HBCE - Health Benefits Conference & Expo
JANUARY 20-22, 2026 | PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL
Who Goes: Mid- to senior-level benefits and HR professionals from private and public sector employers, hospitals, healthcare systems and universities (70% corporate, 22% government, 8% service providers). Roles include total rewards, wellness, population health, occupational health and workers' comp/absence management.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: HBCE is an educational event for health benefits and wellness innovation. Sessions are heavily case-study driven, focusing on practical strategies for regulation, cost containment and smarter health and wellness programs. Attendees benefit from a strong peer network, CE credit opportunities and access to an exhibit hall showcasing new solutions.
IBEW-NECA Employee Benefits Conference
JANUARY 25-28, 2026 | NAPLES, FL
Who Goes: Union trustees, administrators, consultants and service providers supporting IBEW/NECA multiemployer benefit funds.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: This conference is tailored to electrical workers' benefit fund leadership, with content focused on healthcare, pensions and compliance updates. It provides a specialized forum for networking among multiemployer plan stakeholders, making it valuable for those serving the labor fund space.
In·Value·Able Conference & Expo
FEBRUARY 3-4, 2026 | CLEVELAND, OH
Who Goes: HR leaders, benefits managers, brokers, consultants, and health plan professionals from across industries. Roughly 300+ attendees gather annually, including decision-makers actively seeking innovative benefit solutions.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: In·Value·Able delivers two days of programming with 20+ sessions led by nationally recognized experts. The event emphasizes innovation, best-practice sharing and actionable strategies to transform employee benefits. Attendees earn SHRM, HRCI, ODI and CEBS continuing education credits, while engaging in dedicated networking sessions and exploring a robust exhibit hall. With 95% of past participants saying they would attend again, the conference is positioned as a high-value, forward-thinking gathering for professionals driving the future of workforce health and benefits.
NLMC - National Labor & Management Conference
FEBRUARY 12-17, 2026 | HOLLYWOOD, FL
Who Goes: Trustees and directors of multiemployer health, welfare and pension funds; fund administrators; union leadership; senior corporate management; labor counsel; and labor relations professionals from both labor and management. Attendance typically exceeds 600 participants.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: NLMC has been a premier forum addressing the most pressing issues in labor and management. The conference combines frank conversations with national leaders, thought-provoking sessions, and peer networking. Topics range from pension fund infrastructure investment and cost-saving strategies for health plans to the use of technology and social media to better serve members. It is recognized as one of the most important national gatherings for Taft-Hartley fund managers, union leaders and management stakeholders.
NABIP Capitol Conference
FEBRUARY 22-25, 2026 | WASHINGTON, D.C.
Who Goes: TPAs, brokers, government officials, policymakers, vendors, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: The National Association of Benefits and Insurance Professionals (NABIP), previously known as the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU), holds this annual meeting that focuses on important industry legislation. Over the course of the four-day event, you'll hear from speakers, interact with colleagues and get a chance for facetime with your congressional representatives on Capitol Hill.
ViVE
FEBRUARY 22-25, 2026 | LOS ANGELES, CA
Who Goes: Healthcare providers, payers, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: While not as specific to self-funding as an HCAA or SIIA event, this conference brings together thousands of executives throughout the healthcare space. For TPAs, it's a good opportunity to network and find potential partnerships. As for vendors, you won't find as dedicated of a self-funded audience as you would with some of the others, but there is opportunity to get in front of some larger payers. There are numerous pre-show networking opportunities to ensure you make the most of the ‘larger' spend. Speaking opportunity applications for ViVE are typically due October or November of the previous year.
HCAA Executive Forum
FEBRUARY 23-25, 2026 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
Who Goes: TPAs, brokers, PE firms, service providers, captives, etc. (heavy TPA focus)
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: The Health Care Administrators Association (HCAA) is one of the leading industry associations and this event brings together top executives from the various sectors of self-funding. The Executive Forum was designed specifically to address today's TPA's financial and operational hurdles and always draws a large TPA, vendor and PE firm audience. Sessions, speakers and resources will be centered around the theme of “Deep Roots, Bold Leaders & Soaring Success.” Typically, HCAA Sponsorship/Exhibitor Contracts are due the 15th of the month prior to the conference.
IFEBP Advanced Trustees & Administrators Institute
FEBRUARY 23-25, 2026 | ORLANDO, FL
Who Goes: Experienced multiemployer trustees (those who have attended the New Trustees Institute or served more than two years), along with salaried and contract administrators. Attendees typically include representatives from over 500 funds, with 82% serving multiemployer plans.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: For nearly five decades, this Institute has been a cornerstone of trustee and administrator education. With 400+ participants, it is large enough to provide session variety yet small enough to allow meaningful networking. Developed by active trustees, administrators and advisors, the agenda covers legal and regulatory updates, governance best practices and reform initiatives. Attendees gain practical tools, case studies and checklists they can bring back to their funds. The event also includes an exhibit hall where exhibitors can connect directly with fund decision makers.
SIIA Healthcare Price Transparency Forum
FEBRUARY 25-26, 2026 | JACKSONVILLE, FL
Who Goes: TPAs (operations focused), captive managers, self-insured entities, service providers, brokers, data scientists, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: Transparency has been a big talking point in the space for the last few years. With the goal of bringing that topic to the forefront of the industry, this event brings together self-funded executives to discuss various updates involving new policy, the rising cost of care, prescription drugs and compliance deadlines. Like most Self-Insurance Institute of America (SIIA) events, you'll find some opportunities to connect with TPAs, brokers, vendors and other important stakeholders.
HIMSS
MARCH 9-12, 2026 | LAS VEGAS, NV
Who Goes: CIOs and top-level executives, healthcare providers, health IT professionals, government officials, consultants, market suppliers, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: HIMSS26 offers health IT educational programming and a gathering of many leaders in healthcare, all coming together to enlighten, inspire and lead discussions about health equity, AI, data governance, workforce challenges, digital health transformation, interoperability, cybersecurity, process analysis and redesign and all the latest in health IT.
NCCMP Annual Conference
MARCH 28 - APRIL 1, 2026 | HOLLYWOOD, FL
Who Goes: Trustees, administrators, union leaders, policymakers and service providers connected to multiemployer benefit plans
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: NCCMP is the policy and advocacy voice for multiemployer plans. The annual conference brings together regulators, fund managers, and labor/management leaders to discuss legal, legislative,and regulatory developments. It's a critical event for staying ahead of compliance and legislative changes impacting Taft-Hartley funds.
SPBA Spring Meeting
MARCH 30-31, 2026 | WASHINGTON, D.C.
Who Goes: TPAs, brokers, government officials, policymakers, vendors, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: The Society of Professional Benefit Administrators (SPBA) holds its regulatory-focused Spring Meeting each year. What's unique about this particular conference is the location, as it allows for attendees to meet with government officials who initiate and implement laws impacting the industry. Educational sessions will focus primarily on new and upcoming legislation impacting self-funded plans.
SIIA Spring Forum
MARCH 30- APRIL 1, 2026 | NEW ORLEANS, LA
Who Goes: TPAs, captive managers, self-insured entities, stop loss providers, brokers, MGUs, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: This is the largest SIIA event in the first half of the year. It's formerly a stop loss and MGU specific conference that has since undergone a rebrand. If you're only able to swing one SIIA event in the first half of the year, this should be the one. Take advantage of a sponsorship or advertising opportunity if you can and be sure your team does plenty of outreach prior to attending.
SIIA Future Leaders Forum
APRIL 13-14, 2026 | CHARLOTTE, NC
Who Goes: Self-insurance & captive insurance industry professionals, brokers, etc. (<40 years old)
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: Since the forum was created for executives under 40, it's a great event to meet with some of the current and future industry leaders in the space. SIIA always prioritizes networking, so you can be sure there will be ample opportunity to establish important relationships that will lead to tomorrow's success.
NABIP-TX Annual Conference
APRIL 14-15, 2026 | CORPUS CHRISTI, TX
Who Goes: Health insurance brokers, agents, consultants and benefits professionals (with a Texas/regional focus).
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: NABIP's Texas chapter annual meeting offers regional networking and state-specific legislative updates. It's valuable for brokers working in Texas markets, with sessions on compliance, plan innovation and local regulatory trends.
TABA Spring Conference
APRIL 14-15, 2026 | SAN ANTONIO, TX
Who Goes: TPAs, brokers, vendors, captives, self-insured entities, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: The Texas Association of Benefit Administrators (TABA) is another larger regional association that holds two events each year, a fall and spring conference. Track sessions are available for those that want to increase their knowledge and skills on specific components in the industry and there will be sessions dedicated solely to brokers as well as those new to self-funding. Plus, the cost of attendance is low compared to some of the other industry conferences.
ACA Health Summit
APRIL 20-22, 2026 | LAS VEGAS, NV
Who Goes: ACA industry executives, FMOs, agencies, agents, insurers and technology/service providers supporting the individual and small-group market. Attendees represent a significant share of ACA marketplace submissions, making this one of the most influential gatherings in the space.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: With ACA enrollment surpassing 21 million lives, this event is the central forum for the leaders shaping the future of the exchanges. Attendees gain insights into CMS compliance, regulatory shifts, pricing trends and best practices for growth in the marketplace. The agenda includes sessions on product design, consumer engagement, technology solutions and evolving plan categories. The Summit is also a strong networking platform, connecting agents, brokers and solution providers with ACA decision makers to form partnerships that drive enrollment and innovation.
Business Group on Health Annual Conference
APRIL 22-24, 2026 | NEW ORLEANS, LA
Who Goes: HR and benefits executives from large employers, along with industry innovators, consultants and policy experts. Attendance typically includes 700+ professionals focused on improving workforce health, well-being, and benefits.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: This three-day event is designed for large national employers seeking strategies to optimize benefits and manage costs. With 50+ curated sessions, the conference dives into emerging health care trends, workforce strategy and innovative solutions in care delivery and well-being. Attendees gain practical insights from peer case studies and policy discussions while building connections with leaders shaping the future of employer-sponsored healthcare.
BenefitsPRO Broker Expo
APRIL 28-30, 2026 | CHICAGO, IL
Who Goes: Hundreds of benefits advisors, agents, producers, brokers, consultants, planners, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: For three days each year, the industry's brokers come together to discuss solutions, trends, insights and other important topics as it relates to employee benefits. If you're looking to tap into a larger pool of brokers, this is the place to be. However, a large majority of the audience makeup will consist of vendors and service providers as well.
Employee Benefit Institute (EBI) Annual Conference
April 29, 2026 | Overland Park, KS
Who Goes: HR and benefits professionals, CFOs, plan administrators, attorneys, accountants, brokers, consultants and advisors. The event typically draws several hundred attendees from across a multi-state region.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: EBI's Annual Conference is a balanced forum covering both health and welfare benefit plans as well as pension and retirement plans. Sessions regularly feature experts from across the country, including officials from the IRS and Department of Labor, alongside leading consultants and practitioners. Attendees gain insights into regulatory changes, best practices and emerging trends while networking with peers and solution providers. The event is known for delivering high-quality, affordable education thanks to sponsor support, and offers continuing education credits to participants. For those seeking practical strategies across both health and retirement benefits, this conference provides a comprehensive and accessible learning opportunity.
Insurance Innovators USA
MAY 11-12, 2026 | NASHVILLE, TN
Who Goes: Senior insurance executives, insurtech leaders, regulators and solution providers. The event attracts 1,500+ attendees, with 75% at the C-level or director level and 50% from insurance carriers.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: As America's leading carrier-led insurance innovation conference, Insurance Innovators USA is a hub for thought leadership, digital transformation strategies and emerging market insights. With 200+ speakers and four stages of content, the program covers everything from customer experience to risk management and regulatory change. Attendees benefit from AI-driven matchmaking, one-on-one meetings and networking opportunities designed to spark game-changing partnerships. For vendors and insurtechs, the event offers direct access to top decision makers and an unmatched opportunity to showcase innovations to senior leaders shaping the insurance industry.
ICHRA Conference
MAY 13-14, 2026 | NASHVILLE, TN
Who Goes: Brokers, benefit consultants, ICHRA administrators, and voluntary benefit providers.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: This two-day event brings together around 400 attendees focused on the fast-growing ICHRA model. Sessions feature leading experts on flexible benefit design, regulatory considerations and innovative healthcare solutions tailored for employers and their teams. In addition to educational content, attendees can expect extensive networking opportunities and roundtable discussions aimed at shaping the future of ICHRA adoption.
SIIA Cell & Gene Therapy Stakeholders Forum
MAY 20-21, 2026 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Who Goes: Self-insurance & captive insurance industry professionals, stop-loss providers, brokers, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: Like the Corporate Growth Forum, this event was started within the last few years (2023). This is one of the more niche events SIIA hosts, but it was created after consistent feedback surrounding Cell & Gene Therapy (CGT) as being one of the most important issues impacting the industry. Network with this specific portion of the industry while learning more about the CGT pipeline, plan document guidance, value-based pricing consideration, financial risk strategies and more.
SHRM26
JUNE 16-19, 2026 | ORLANDO, FL
Who Goes: HR professionals, payers, brokers, technology providers, vendors, etc. (heavy HR focus)
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: This particular conference is more focused on HR as a whole compared to employee healthcare benefits exclusively. However, it does offer the opportunity to get in front of larger employers in addition to employee benefits executives. Packed with over 375 handpicked sessions, tons of speakers and plenty of advertising opportunities, it is definitely a conference worth considering.
NABIP Annual Conference
JUNE 27-30, 2026 | ATLANTIC CITY, NJ
Who Goes: Payers, brokers, vendors, technology providers, consultants, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: NABIP holds its Annual Convention in the summer each year. One thing that makes this event unique is that it is held in a different state annually, giving attendees a new venue to establish important relationships. Much like the Capitol Conference, you'll hear from speakers, gain access to professional development opportunities and have plenty of networking events to attend.
HCAA TPA Summit
JULY 27-29, 2026 | NASHVILLE, TN
Who Goes: TPAs, brokers, service providers, captives, etc. (heavy TPA focus)
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: Like the Executive Forum, this draws a large crowd of executives from TPAs and vendors/service providers. Though it's held in the summer, this is HCAA's last major event of the year and is in a more centralized location than that of some of the other large events later in the year. Though the cost is lower than some other events as well, if you can't swing a sponsorship, there are ample networking opportunities due to the layout of the conference.
RosettaFest 2026
JULY 28-31, 2026 |NASHVILLE, TN
Who Goes: Brokers, TPAs, vendors, service providers, captives, employers, unions, etc. (heavy broker focus)
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: Along with the BenPro Broker Expo each year, this conference offers a great opportunity to get directly in front of the key broker audience. With four curated program tracks, four packed days of exclusive industry content and plenty of sponsorship opportunities, RosettaFest 2026 is sure to be one of the key conferences of the summer.
ISCEBS Employee Benefits Symposium
AUGUST 23-26, 2026 | PHOENIX, AZ
Who Goes: CEBS, CMS, GBA and RPA designation holders; Society members; plan sponsors; consultants; and professionals from corporations, health systems, consulting firms, law firms and public/multiemployer plans. Widely recognized as one of the largest gatherings of credentialed benefits professionals in the country.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: The Symposium is the premier educational and networking event for benefits professionals, offering strategies to strengthen benefits programs in a dynamic labor and economic environment. Attendees gain actionable insights into plan design, compliance and employee engagement, while also staying current on legislative and regulatory changes. The event includes 50+ sessions across multiple tracks, peer networking opportunities and the annual CEBS conferment ceremony recognizing new graduates and specialty track designees. Whether advancing your career or enhancing your organization's benefits strategy, this Symposium delivers education, connections and tools that extend well beyond the event itself.
SIIA National Conference
OCTOBER 11-13, 2026 | PHOENIX, AZ
Who Goes: TPAs, captive managers, self-insured entities, service providers, brokers, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: SIIA's biggest and best event of the year. Like many of the other SIIA events, you can expect plenty of self-funded professionals, especially national TPAs, to be in attendance. There are numerous sponsorship, networking and advertising options available.
CAHP Annual Conference
October 19-21, 2026 | Palm Desert, CA
Who Goes: Healthcare payers, brokers, vendors, consultants, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: Though held by a regional association, The California Association of Health Plans (CAHP) Annual Conference gives a unique opportunity to network with some of the top payers and brokers in the country (specifically the Western US). Expect to see over 1,000 attendees come together for discussions on dealing with change, upcoming legislation, industry insights and more.
IFEBP Annual Employee Benefits Conference
OCTOBER 25-28, 2026 | NEW ORLEANS, LA
Who Goes: Taft-Hartley funds, HR professionals, public sector plan trustees, consultants, actuaries, stop loss providers, brokers, TPAs, carriers, coalition leaders, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: IFEBP is a very large union and benefit education organization and the annual conference provides a great opportunity for those looking to get involved in Taft Hartley and public sector side of the industry. Plan accordingly with plenty of pre-show outreach as this conference is very well-attended.
HLTH
NOVEMBER 15-18, 2026 | LAS VEGAS, NV
Who Goes: Providers, Health Systems, Payers, Insurance Companies, C-Suite Executives, Employers, Benefits Leaders, Investors, Startups, Pharma, Government Officials and Policymakers and more.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: A premier gathering for leaders across the healthcare ecosystem, offering invaluable insights into innovation, policy and industry trends. It's a unique opportunity to network with decision-makers, discover new solutions and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Expert Tip:
How to Maximize Sponsorship ROI
Sponsorships are more than logos, they’re investments. To get real return, align your spend with measurable business goals.
- Define your objective: Are you after lead generation, brand visibility or targeted executive meetings? Match your sponsorship to that goal.
- Secure early advantages: The best sponsorship tiers and speaking slots go fast, so commit early to maximize exposure and influence.
- Engineer your outreach: If attendee lists are available, start booking meetings 3-4 weeks in advance. Treat pre-show scheduling as part of the sponsorship value.
- Simplify your on-site strategy: Arm your team with a clear offer (e.g., badge scan + 60-second demo and takeaway). Assign a dedicated follow-up owner for every lead.
- Measure what matters: Skip vanity metrics like raw scans. Track success by quality meetings held, ideal customer profile (ICP) hits and pipeline created within 30 days.
This approach ensures your sponsorship dollars drive outcomes, not just presence.
Dates TBA
SIIA Artificial Intelligence Forum
TBD 2026 | TBD
Who Goes: TPAs, captive managers, self-insured entities, service providers, brokers, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: Conveniently held in the same location immediately after the Price Transparency Forum (PTF), this event will focus on AI's impact on the industry. How is it changing claim review or impacting analytics and population health management? You'll find the answers in Charlotte in late February. Also, expect a similar crowd as the PTF due to timing and location. However, you can expect a heavier PE firm attendance here due to industry speculation surrounding AI.
SIIA Corporate Growth Forum
TBD 2026 | TBD
Who Goes: Self-insurance & captive insurance industry professionals, investors, advisors, PE firms, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: The Corporate Growth Forum provides the perfect opportunity to learn about achieving, managing and sustaining growth in your business, specifically as it relates to mergers, acquisitions and capitalizations. Learn from top executives at PE firms about potential partnerships and growth strategies, all while networking with fellow self-funded leaders.
TABA Fall Conference
TBD 2026 | TBD
Who Goes: TPAs, brokers, vendors, captives, self-insured entities, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: The TABA Fall Conference tends to be a little better attended than the Spring Conference. So, if you're deciding between the two and timing isn't an issue, this is the best bet. Much like the Spring Conference, the cost of attendance is relatively low and attendees can expect to meet and network with some of the larger payers and brokers in the south.
National Tribal Health Conference
TBD 2026 | TBD
Who Goes: Tribal benefit administrators, TPAs, brokers, consultants, tribal-related business representatives (casinos, school boards, public service, healthcare providers, etc.).
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: This annual conference hosted by the National Indian Health Board (NIHB) provides the perfect opportunity for those looking to do business with Native American populations and business entities. Founded in 1972, the NIHB serves all 574 federally-recognized tribes and advocates on behalf of tribal health needs.
SPBA Fall Meeting
TBD 2026 | TBD
Who Goes: TPAs, brokers, technology providers, vendors, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: This SPBA Meeting is focused more on the operational side of running a TPA efficiently as well as new options and markets to offer clients. Members are surveyed throughout the year on topics they'd like to see covered, so you can be sure the educational sessions and speaker presentations are relevant to your business. Since SPBA is made up primarily of TPAs, you can expect a heavy concentration of TPA executives at both the fall and spring meetings.
TAHP - Conference + Expo
November 2-4, 2026 | TBD
Who Goes: Healthcare policy experts, payers, brokers, vendors, etc.
Details/Why You Should Consider Attending: The Texas Association of Health Plans (TAHP) brings together healthcare and policy experts at its yearly Conference + Expo, Texas Covered. Discussions are centered around important healthcare issues facing Texas, but attendees from all over will find the discussions and networking opportunities valuable.
About Ocozzio
We're Ocozzio, the experts behind some of the most effective marketing in the self-funded insurance industry.
Since 2000, we've specialized in high-impact B2B marketing for companies navigating the complex world of healthcare benefits and insurance. Our expertise spans the self-funded market, from third-party administrators and stop-loss carriers to PBMs, captives, MGUs, healthcare tech, brokerages and more.
We're known for turning industry nuances into competitive advantages to build brands, fuel sales pipelines, convert decision-makers and drive revenue growth.