“Change” has to be one of the words we hear most often in the benefits world. And with good reason. For years now, health care and employee benefits has been buffeted by the ever-shifting winds of regulation, technology, demographics, consolidation and more.

But after so many years of upheaval, frustration and uncertainty experienced by benefits consultants, I've noticed a growing sense of confidence and enthusiasm among the brokers I speak with every day. Not only are they excited about the new solutions and strategies they're bringing to the table, they're focused on creating meaningful change for their clients—and doing it the right way.

The growing movement toward education and collaboration is contagious, and it's one of my favorite things about our annual Expo. Every year, I'm impressed and inspired watching hundreds of benefits advisors networking, learning and sharing their knowledge and experience with others.

Our 15th annual BenefitsPRO Broker Expo in Miami will continue to build on the industry's momentum. I'm very excited about our keynote sessions, featuring some of the top minds in health care, politics and technology:

Political experts James Carville and Mary Matalin will take a close look at the current political landscape and offer their predictions on what to expect heading into 2020—and what that will mean for the future of health care in the U.S. I've been trying to feature them at the Expo for years now and can't wait to hear their perspectives on the current, crazy state of U.S. politics.

• Entrepreneur, technology and digital media expert, professor and author Erik Qualman will discuss “Innovation by Design: Becoming the Disruptor Vs. the Disrupted.” Qualman's message as a digital influencer ties perfectly into what the benefits and health care industries are currently experiencing and will provide valuable takeways for benefits advisors.

• Former Assistant Surgeon General and internationally recognized health expert Susan Blumenthal will offer ideas on how to breathe new life into the health care system. Blumenthal's vast experience as a professor, advisor to the White House and her work on a broad range of public health and science issues facing the nation will provide important perspective on the current state of American health care.
• BEN Talks – Why Does It Matter? a rapid-fire series of TED talk-style keynotes from leading benefits visionaries discussing “Why It All Matters,” where they'll remind attendees about the personal side of health care and employee benefits.    

Attendees will also have the chance to learn from and collaborate with leading benefits consultants and other industry thought leaders as they discuss vital topics, including:

• Working with the C-Suite
• The intersection of benefits and technology
• Taking your practice to the next level
• The latest on single payer health care
• Leveraging a unique message to rise above the noise
• How resilience can be learned.

Be sure to check out the complete agenda.

It has never been more important to remain educated and informed about the tumultuous world of health care and employee benefits.

I can't wait to see you at this year's Expo as we continue to shape the future together.