Attending LIMRA’s 2025 Workplace Benefits Conference in Boston was both energizing and enlightening. Surrounded by forward-thinking professionals from across the U.S. and Canada, I had the opportunity to dive deep into the key trends shaping our industry today. What stood out most was the clear and compelling theme woven throughout the event: Insurtech partnerships are no longer a luxury—they’re a necessity for growth.

Technology as a Differentiator

The conference’s theme, “Pathways to Growth,” felt especially timely. The recurring message was this: carriers that invest in meaningful, strategic technology partnerships are the ones poised to win in an increasingly competitive landscape. LIMRA research showed that nearly 40% of employers would consider switching carriers if their current provider couldn’t connect to their benefits technology platform. That statistic speaks volumes. It’s a wake-up call to modernize—or risk falling behind.

I walked away with a firm conviction: successful modernization isn’t about buying software—it’s about building the right relationships. As one group insurance executive emphasized during a panel discussion, long-term growth depends on finding the right technology partners who understand both the industry and the stakes involved.

The Human Side of Tech Partnerships

One of the most engaging moments came during a live poll where attendees were asked to share the words they associate with successful technology partnerships. The top responses? Collaboration, trust, transparency, and mutual benefit. Those aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the pillars of enduring business relationships.

Technology decisions in our space are high-stakes. As I looked around the vibrant Encore Boston Harbor Hotel conference venue, with casino tables just steps away, I was reminded of the gamble that carriers face when selecting tech partners. There’s risk involved, but also tremendous opportunity—if the partnership is built on shared values and clear expectations.

What Makes a Great Insurtech Partner?

Over the course of the conference, I kept coming back to three essential qualities that separate great tech partnerships from the rest:

  1. Deep Industry Knowledge: A tech partner needs to speak the language of insurance and understand the intricate processes of workplace benefits. Without this, even the best platform can fall flat.
  2. Consultative Collaboration: The best partnerships aren’t transactional—they’re transformational. We need partners who contribute ideas, challenge assumptions, and help co-create innovative solutions. This is not the time for passive vendors; it’s the time for active collaborators.
  3. Platform Agility: In a market that moves quickly, flexibility is everything. Tech solutions must empower carriers to adapt, iterate, and respond to change—without having to start from scratch.

A Clear Path Forward

At FJA, we deeply believe in the power of these types of partnerships. We’ve built our approach around delivering thoughtful collaboration, domain expertise, and flexible platforms that evolve with our clients’ needs. The conference only reaffirmed my belief that this model isn’t just working—it’s essential.

I’m incredibly proud of the role we at FJA play in helping carriers modernize and grow. I’m even more excited about what the future holds as we continue building strong, resilient partnerships across the industry.

If you’re exploring your own pathway to growth, I’d love to connect and share more about how FJA can help.

As Director of Group Business Solutions, Benjamin George manages the development and implementation of group insurance technology solutions for carriers, helping insurance leaders leverage automation to optimize operations, underwriting, actuarial, sales, and implementation processes. Connect with Ben on Linkedin here.

LIMRA workplace-benefits