Events

Jamieson Freageau
Co-Founder, Quandri 

Jamieson co-founded Quandri with his brother, Jackson, to transform operational efficiency and drive intelligence in the insurance industry. With a solid foundation in computer engineering, Jamieson has been instrumental in establishing Quandri as a vital partner for insurance agencies aiming to implement smarter, AI-driven solutions, particularly within their personal lines business.

Danielle Fiola-Robles
Insurance Industry Expert

Danielle has over 22 years of experience working in the Canadian insurance industry. She has a strong background in executing strategies to launch new products and delivering innovative customer-driven solutions. Danielle has a passion for advancing real-time digital capabilities in both Personal & Commercial lines of business.

Ben Isotta-Riches
Chief Distribution Officer, Aviva Canada

Ben Isotta-Riches is Chief Distribution Officer for Aviva Canada and is responsible for sales, marketing, communication, and distribution across all products and channels. Prior to this role, Ben was the MD of Strategic Partnerships and has held the roles of CIO, CMO, and Chief Digital Officer at Aviva Canada since joining the Executive team in 2015. Before moving to Canada in 2015, Ben worked for Aviva since 2003 in roles in the UK General Insurance Business, IT, and group head office, working with Aviva’s insurance businesses across Europe. Ben led the development of the technology capability in Aviva's digital innovation garage that built several industry award-winning web and mobile propositions for customers.

Brian Langerman
Chief Executive Officer, Applied Client Network

Brian Langerman is a business management executive with over 20 years of experience in technology, corporate leadership, and association management. His expertise includes business development, operations management, strategic marketing, and process implementation. As CEO of Applied Client Network, he leads a global technology community for Applied Systems' independent insurance agents and brokers, focusing on optimizing system utilization and enhancing agency value.

Daniel Metcalf
Keynote
Co-founder & President, CyberFin

Daniel Metcalf is a seasoned speaker and cybersecurity expert, known for his engaging and informative presentations tailored to the insurance industry. Over the years, he has spoken at numerous industry events, helping independent insurance agencies and financial professionals navigate cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI). His approachable style and ability to simplify technical concepts make him a sought-after voice in the field.

Lindsay Stradeski
Principal Product Manager, Applied Systems Canada

As the Principal Product Manager for Applied Systems Canada, Lindsay combines deep industry insight with next-level tech know-how. With a decade of experience as an insurance broker, followed by 12 years as a Solution Consultant, she’s mastered the arsenal of tools used to optimize processes. Leveraging that expertise, her aim is to help shape the product roadmap to deliver solutions that users actually need and continuously collaborate with brokers to ensure they can maximize their tech investments and unlock their full potential.

Jessica Traynor
Vice President of Intelligence and Technology, Platform Insurance Management

Jessica Traynor, Vice President of Intelligence and Technology, leads the Business Intelligence and IT teams at Platform Insurance Management with over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry. Platform is a Canadian-owned brokerage that stands at the forefront of navigating complex risk landscapes. Prior to Platform, Jessica held various roles, starting out in the finance department before launching the business analyst team at a brokerage with over 500 employees. She has extensive knowledge in data migration, accounting, analytics, project management, and data strategy. Jessica has been a long-standing Applied Client Network member, currently volunteering as the Alliance Leader for the Canadian Alliance and has participated on several committees with ACN.

Dave Vetuschi
IT Director, Lawrie Insurance Group Inc.

As a results-driven IT Leader with more than 25 years of experience, Dave Vetuschi delivers strategic technology solutions that boost performance, efficiency, and drive profitability. Through his expertise in ITIL standards, customer service protocols, and full-cycle project management, Dave has established a proven track record of matching technical solutions to business objectives. Through his collaborative leadership style and decisive approach, Dave leads cross-functional teams to implement innovative, cost-effective technology solutions that drive transformation. His technical expertise encompasses a wide range of IT communications, security, and infrastructure from virtual environments, cloud, networking, firewalls, and VoIP systems.

The combination of technical expertise with strategic vision, along with his passion for helping others and promoting self-improvement through technology, makes Dave stand out.

Steve Whitelaw
Senior Vice President & General Manager, Applied Systems Canada

Steve Whitelaw manages Applied Systems' Canadian sector, overseeing client and partner relationships. With extensive experience in technology-driven processes for brokers and insurers, he previously served as VP of IT Planning & Execution at Travelers Canada. He has contributed to multiple industry boards, including the Centre for the Study of Insurance Operations (CSIO), where he served as Chairman. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree in science and a master’s in kinesiology from the University of Waterloo.

Melissa Zornes
Senior Vice President, Practice Leader of Employee Benefits, OneGroup

Melissa Zornes, SVP and Practice Leader of Employee Benefits at OneGroup, brings over 14 years of experience in group benefits and HR management. She has held key roles in insurance agencies, including Account Manager, Benefits Practice Manager, and Director of Client Services. Her expertise spans client relations, consultative support, benefits program design, project management, and strategic development. She plays a vital role in agency growth, operations, and technology initiatives, driving innovation and company performance.