2026 IDIS Annual Conference Highlights & Survey

What a week! Thank you to everyone who joined us in Atlanta for the International DI Society’s 2026 Conference. From valuable conversations and fresh ideas to meaningful connections and memorable experiences, you helped make this year’s event a tremendous success!

Our goal was to bring together the best in the disability insurance industry and we hope you left Atlanta with new insights, renewed inspiration, and connections that will continue to make an impact long after the conference.

Celebrating Our Award Winners

Congratulations to our 2026 award winners! We’re proud to recognize those who are making a difference in the disability insurance industry and contributing to the continued growth and success of our profession.

Bob Herum Education Scholarship for DI Professionals

(Bob Herum & Recipient Rich Sommers)

Ron Cohen Producer's Scholarship


(IDIS President Kurt Braundmeier & Recipients Chris Martens, Ryan Mazurek, Jack Leavy Jr.)

William J. Barrett Distinguished Service Awards


(Mollie Montgomery, Recipients Kurt Braundmeier, Travis Christy, Michael Sir, and Executive Director Joe Pittman)

Harold Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award


(Matt Bloch on behalf of Recipient Ken Bloch)


(Recipient Don Schamay)

Totally Rad Times at Our ’80s Reception

We traded business attire for throwback style and took a trip back to the ’80s! Thank you to Petersen International Underwriters and everyone who joined in the fun to help make the reception such a memorable evening. 

An Unforgettable Evening at the College Football Hall of Fame

Our first-ever off-site Tuesday night reception was one for the books! The College Football Hall of Fame provided a fantastic backdrop for an evening of networking, interactive exhibits, and great company. A special thank-you to our premier Platinum Sponsor, MassMutual, for helping make this special event possible.

Thank You to Our Annual Partners

A special thank-you to our IDIS Annual Partners for supporting our mission and investing in the future of the disability insurance profession. This was the first year of our new Annual Partnership Program, and the results speak for themselves! We’re grateful for the enthusiasm, engagement, and commitment of our partners, whose support helps IDIS deliver meaningful value to our members and strengthen our industry year-round. Thank you for being part of this exciting new chapter! 

Relive the Highlights

Want to revisit your favorite moments or see photos of colleagues and friends? Browse the conference photos and download your favorites here:

Click Here for 2026 IDIS Conference Photos 

Click Here for 2026 IDIS Conference Recap Video

Help Us Make Next Year Even Better

Your feedback matters! Please take a few minutes to complete our conference survey. Your input helps us understand what you valued most and how we can continue delivering a valuable experience. 

Click here to complete the Conference survey

Save the Date: IDIS 2027 Conference

We’re already looking ahead to next year, and we hope you’ll join us!

September 27–29, 2027
Westin Dallas Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa 
Frisco, Texas

Thank you again to our attendees, speakers, sponsors, and Conference Planning Committee for making the IDIS 2026 Conference such a success. It’s the people who make this community special, and we’re grateful to be part of it with you.

Until next year - keep growing, keep connecting, and keep moving the DI industry forward!