Earlier this month, I was excited to join fellow members in Dallas for the ACN Summit, marking the return of our in-person meetings. This event was a significant milestone for our community, being the first face-to-face gathering in a while. The energy and enthusiasm could be felt and heard. It was wonderful to reconnect with many of you in person.
Returning to in-person events is incredibly important for ACN and the profession at large — so much so that we’ve prioritized it as a strategic initiative this year. These gatherings provide unique opportunities to reconnect and reach new agencies and brokerages, developing relationships that are crucial for our community’s growth and success. I was particularly glad to see strong Canadian representation as well, showing the strength of our membership across borders.
During the Summit, experts led sessions on several hot topics shaping our industry. Discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and robotic process automation were at the forefront. These sessions provided attendees with invaluable opportunities to level up their skills, get ahead and gain a competitive advantage in the field, empowering us all to stay at the forefront of industry advancements.
One standout moment was the keynote address, “AI Trends for 2025 and Beyond: Macro Implications for the Industry.” Delivered by Heidi Bailey, senior vice president of innovation at DAS Group of Agencies, the presentation explored cutting-edge AI technologies reshaping global markets. AI will redefine how we work, but there are ethical frameworks necessary for responsible adoption. The power of this technology is transformative, and I’m eager to see how ACN members continue to lead in the field.
Dallas was just the beginning of our return to in-person events. Looking ahead, we’ll gather in Toronto May 7-8, followed by a West Coast summit this summer (dates and location to be announced), and will close out the year with a summit in Orlando, Nov. 11-12. We’re excited to build on momentum from Dallas, with more opportunities for learning, networking and collaboration.
The year is just beginning, and I encourage all members to participate in any of our future events. Your involvement is key to our collective success. Together, we can navigate challenges and seize opportunities that lie ahead.