Redefining what’s possible. Transforming challenges into opportunities. Empowering growth in uncharted markets. At Accelerate25, top performing agents went on a journey to understand the future of Orion180, looking beyond the horizon and into the new frontier!
We brought 150 insurance leaders together at the beautiful Andaz resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, creating unique opportunities for networking, education and celebration of our shared success. From our annual awards ceremony to desert adventures; from engaging panels to forthright Q&As with our CEO Ken Gregg; from poolside fun to an unforgettable private performance: Accelerate25 has shown that the sky isn’t the limit – it’s just the beginning.
Achieving Excellence
Orion180 is committed to building lasting relationships with our partner agents, and everyone invited to attend Accelerate25 was there because of a proven record of success. We kicked off the week with a celebration of achievement, honoring agents who leveraged their industry knowledge, community relations and specialized innovation to thrive this year. Congratulations to our 2025 winners:
Congratulations to Brightway Insurance, Goosehead Insurance, Field Insurance Agency of Surfside, Jacobs Insurance Agency, The Wiggins Agency, Goosehead Insurance – The Connors Group, Clover Insurance Services, Exceed Insurance, Oak Trust Insurance Group, Sheally Insurance Group, Meridian Capstone
Breaking from the Status Quo
Accelerate25 was a chance for agents to connect with Orion180 leadership, discover product and technology features, and understand our vision for the future. They also learned from each other’s successes, with illuminating panel discussions that explored real-world techniques for agencies of varied sizes and models.
Charting the Course: Where We Stand and Where We're Headed
Orion180 CEO Ken Gregg set the tone with a clear look at Orion180’s path to our current success, and how we’re laying foundations for the future. This wide-ranging discussion, which offered plenty of time for direct engagement with the agent audience, highlighted Orion180’s priorities and how we set the insurance experience apart, for agents and policyholders.
“The key is solutions not products. Winning is about finding solutions that work for both of us.” Ken Gregg, Orion180 CEO
Breaking Through: How Top Agents are Growing Smarter
Ryan Jesenik, our COO and President of Insurance, led the first panel discussion of Accelerate25, a session examining growth strategies. Giving agents concrete takeaways and strategies, this panel covered using data and automation tools, forging community relationships, and the importance of key partnerships.
“Carriers who help us make data-driven decisions and move in the right direction are the partners we grow with.” Matt Hunt, Goosehead Insurance VP of Corporate Sales
Moderator Ryan Jesenik, Orion180 COO and President of Insurance, and panelists Cyndi Tullos, SouthGroup Insurance CEO; Diana Fulton, Evertree Insurance Head of Carrier Relations; and Matt Hunt, Goosehead Insurance VP of Corporate Sales.
After the Bind: What Exceptional Service Really Looks Like
Exceptional support before, during and after the unexpected is one of our core values at Orion180. This panel discussion was moderated by Mike Gilmer, President of CITON Claims Solutions, the claims service provider for Orion180. It offered an honest look at the priorities and processes required to support clients in their most difficult moments. One key takeaway: communication is vital, and customer support teams need to be structured and incentivized to promote consistency.
“You can’t overcommunicate during a claim. Staying in touch is everything.” Mike Gilmer, CITON Claims Solutions President
Moderator Mike Gilmer, President of CITON Claims Solutions, and panelists Susie Long, Orion180 Director of Customer Experience; Joel Verdan, Lemon Mohler Principal Risk Advisor and VP; and Brad Sizemore, Sizemore Insurance Owner and CEO.
Tools of the Trade: The Platforms Built for Speed & Reliability
In today’s market, you’re being left behind if you’re not actively working to adopt new technologies. This in-depth discussion, moderated by Orion180 CUO Chris DiMartino, took a hard look at the platforms that are transforming the insurance industry, and how Orion180 is developing tools for better agent and customer experiences. Panelists discussed the importance of transforming large amounts of data into something digestible and actionable, and outlined where they rely AI and automation versus where a human touch is still needed.
“Technology isn’t ancillary for us. It’s part of everything we touch.” Gautam Moorjani, Orion 180 CTO
Moderator Chris DiMartino, Orion180 CUO, and panelists Gautam Moorjani, Orion 180 CTO; Dominic Tassi, Rate Insurance SVP of Operations; Gabriel Salazar, Westwood Insurance VP of Agency Support Services; and Kagen Cooksley, Hilb Group – Regency Insurance Group, Co-Founder and Director of Initiative.
Voices from the Front Lines: A Panel on Leadership and What's Next
One of the best things about Accelerate is the learning opportunities created by bringing together industry leaders. This panel distilled that experience and brought out the challenges and opportunities facing today’s insurance leadership. Moderated by Steve Crone, Orion180 VP of Strategic Partnerships, the conversation touched on changes coming to the market in 2026, and provided tactics that leadership can put in place.
“Having the right carrier with the right product makes a big difference.” Jay Wolfberg, We Insure President
Moderator Steve Crone, Orion180 VP of Strategic Partnerships, and panelists Aviad Pinkovezky, First Connect Insurance Services CEO; Carol Drake, Smart Choice SVP of Personal Lines; and Jay Wolfberg, We Insure President.
Beyond the Horizon: A Conversation with Ken Gregg
Every year at Accelerate, Orion180 CEO Ken Gregg closes off the sessions with an open Q&A – an opportunity for agents to get real answers to any questions they have about the industry and our vision for growth. With an electric atmosphere and a strikingly conversational style, this back and forth was a look into the strategies that drive Orion180. Above all, Ken stressed the importance of partnership, innovative products, and the supremacy of value over pricing.
“When we enter a market, we stay in it. We don’t leave. We want you to remember the company that was there for you during the hard times.” Ken Gregg, Orion180 CEO
Adventure Awaits
Accelerate25 had plenty of opportunities for one-to-one connections as well, forging bonds with fellow agents and Orion180 leadership and territory managers through unique experiences. This was not your average conference. Inspired by the stunning surroundings of the Sonoran Desert, this year showed the heights possible when inspiration meets excellence.
Into the Desert
Breaking out from the green oasis of Andaz Scottsdale Resort, attendees got to choose their own adventure as they explored the desert landscape. Each experience offered a unique view of the Sonoran’s arid beauty: from horseback, on an ATV, in a custom Hummer, floating on a river raft, in the thick of it with a desert hike, or from the lush surroundings of Grayhawk Golf Club. There was also the opportunity to relax in the curated sensoryscape at the Palo Verde Spa and Apothecary with a rejuvenating facial or massage.
Viva Orion180
This incredible evening was veradamente para morir (truly to die for)! Celebrating life, legacy, and a bit of mischief, we began with a candlelit path from the Tree of Life to a truly spectacular setting under the sunset sky. Mariachi performers, stilt walkers and folkloric dancers created a festive atmosphere, surrounded by bunches of marigolds and papel picado. With tequila and chocolate tastings, aura photography, great food and music, and gravity-defying stunts, Viva Orion180 was utterly unforgettable.
5 C’s Pool Party:
Arizona is known for its 5Cs: Climate, Citrus, Cattle, Cotton, and Copper. As it turns out, these are the perfect ingredients for a pool party. With sunny vibes, friendly connections, and themed snacks, drinks and giveaways, this was a great way to soak in everything Arizona has to offer.
The New Frontier: The grand finale. This event was a jaw-dropping culmination of our biggest Accelerate to date, and it did not disappoint. Arriving for the evening, guests were greeted with cocktails in front of a literal backdrop – a giant curtain that later parted to reveal the evening’s entertainment. After a delicious dinner, attendees enjoyed a private performance by the Earth Harp Collective. This riveting quartet is anchored by William Close playing the string instrument he created: a giant harp with strings stretching 50 feet, that makes the entire venue part of the performance. Complemented by flowing dancers, a sword swallower, and a vocalist with a custom score, this event pulled out all the stops.
The Big Reveal: At the end of our last evening, Orion180 CEO Ken Gregg announced the destination for Accelerate26 – with the help of some Irish dancers! That’s right, next year Accelerate is going overseas. We’ll be announcing qualification requirements soon – may the road rise to meet you on the way to Ireland!
