Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The TMPAA Annual Summit 2026 returns to Scottsdale, AZ, bringing together over 2,000 industry professionals. This event is designed for program administrators, carriers, and service providers to network, share insights, and explore new opportunities in the program business sector.
Attendees will benefit from educational sessions, networking events, and the chance to connect with key decision-makers. TMPAA Annual Summit 2026 takes place in Scottsdale, United States.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: TMPAA Annual Summit 2026 takes place from October 19-21 at Westin Kierland Resort, Scottsdale, AZ.
- 2Scale and Focus: The event expects over 2,000 attendees, uniting program administrators, carriers, and service providers.
- 3Organiser: Managed by the Target Markets Program Administrators Association, details available at targetmkts.com.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include program administrators, insurance carriers, and service providers.
- 5Entry: Registration is required for attendance; details available on the official website.
Why visit
Attending the TMPAA Annual Summit offers invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. Engage in discussions about the latest trends in program business, gain insights from expert speakers, and explore potential partnerships. This is a must-attend event for anyone involved in program administration and insurance.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the TMPAA Annual Summit provides unparalleled visibility to a targeted audience of program administrators and carriers. Showcase your products and services, connect with potential clients, and enhance your brand's presence in the program business marketplace. Meet qualified buyers and partners including Insurance technology providers, Risk management consultants, Program administration services. Position your offer across insurance products for niche markets,.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Program administrators (MGAs and program underwriting teams) evaluating carrier capacity and new program niches
Insurance carriers and capacity providers scouting program business and distribution partners
Insurance technology and data vendors selling into program administration workflows
Risk management, claims and compliance specialists serving niche program markets
Brokers, reinsurance intermediaries and consultants active in delegated-authority programs
Students and early-career risk and insurance professionals attending for education and recruiting
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Program administration and MGA service providers
Insurance carriers and capacity providers writing program business
Insurtech platforms for underwriting, rating, policy admin and claims
Risk management, actuarial and compliance consultancies
Marketing, distribution and program-branding agencies serving insurers
Claims administrators, TPAs and specialty reinsurance intermediaries
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Program administration and MGA services
Niche and specialty insurance programs
Carrier capacity and program underwriting partnerships
Underwriting, rating and policy administration technology
Claims administration and TPA services
Risk management, actuarial and compliance consulting
Program distribution, marketing and branding services
Location & Facilities
Venue
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Scottsdale, United States
Facilities
Parking
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General admission
Trade Show Fee
950
Who runs the show
Organisers
John Willemsen, _The new rules of MGA success with Farhin Lilywala!_
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Scottsdale, United States
Why it matters
Attending the TMPAA Annual Summit offers invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers. Engage in discussions about the latest trends in program business, gain insights from expert speakers, and explore potential partnerships.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Phoenix Sky Harbor
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
The Westin Kierland Villas, Scottsdale
4-star
Kierland, Scottsdale (about 580 m from the resort)Guest rating 4.7 and flagged in the capture as a value option versus the host resort. Amenities include breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), outdoor pool, hot tub, air conditioning, fitness center, and restaurant. Approximate October 2026 rate; confirm live availability.
The Westin Tempe
4-star
Tempe (about 22.5 km from the venue)Guest rating 4.2. Amenities include Wi-Fi (paid), parking (paid), outdoor pool, air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, breakfast, and bar. Longer commute to Scottsdale; rate is an approximate October 2026 band.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
rideshare / taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from PHX to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forPhoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
No official fare was captured; this is a planning band for the airport run. Use the signed rideshare pick-up zone at PHX and confirm the in-app quote before booking.
public transit
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.00 single ride; USD 4.00 all-day pass (confirm current Valley Metro fares)
Best forPHX Sky Train + Valley Metro bus/rail to Kierland
Requires transfers and is slower with luggage. Check Valley Metro routes and service hours before relying on transit for the airport run.
walk
Estimated costUSD 0
Best forThe Westin Kierland Villas to Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
The Villas are about 580 m from the resort per capture, so the host venue is walkable for able visitors.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 10-20 per day (confirm venue rate and event validation)
Best forWestin Kierland Resort & Spa event parking
The hotel lists parking as paid; rates are set by the venue. Arrive early on peak mornings and follow event parking signs.
rideshare (short trip)
Estimated costUSD 35–75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forKierland / Scottsdale hotel to Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Useful from nearby hotels that are not walkable; pool with colleagues where possible to reduce cost.
Plan your trip
Visa & entry documents
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Visa not required
ATA Carnet: check with organiser
Weather
October 2026 in Scottsdale is typically hot and dry: afternoon highs around 31-35 C (88-95 F), evening lows around 16-20 C (60-68 F), and low rainfall. UV remains strong, and air-conditioned meeting rooms can feel cool. Pack light layers, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle; confirm the forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Mobile coverage on major US networks is generally strong in Scottsdale; an eSIM or local prepaid SIM is useful for international visitors. The Westin Kierland lists Wi-Fi as paid, so budget for it or use a mobile hotspot. US power is 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs; bring an adapter for non-US devices.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm for meetings in Scottsdale; resort casual works for evening events. Meeting rooms are often heavily air-conditioned, so bring a light layer.
Tipping
Restaurant servers typically receive 15-20%; hotel housekeeping and bell staff are usually tipped a few dollars per service. Rideshare tips are added in the app.
Heat and hydration
October afternoons can still reach the low-to-mid 30s C (high 80s to mid 90s F). Carry water, use sunscreen, and avoid long midday walks between venues.
Time zone
Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round and does not observe daylight saving. Check the time difference against your home city before scheduling calls.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: PHX
Book into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) for the shortest transfer to Kierland. Compare refundable fares and allow a 45-60 min buffer for the airport transfer. If you land late, pre-book a rideshare or taxi; Valley Metro connections are slower with luggage. Check baggage fees and whether your hotel charges a resort fee.
Visa
Foreign nationals travelling to the United States to conduct temporary business must hold a visitor visa (B) unless they qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program, according to the U.S. Department of State. Business visitors who are otherwise eligible may be classifiable as nonimmigrant B-1 visitors, a category that covers business activities of a commercial or professional nature.
Processing: Varies by nationality; apply several weeks before travel.
Two official U.S. government routes are cited in captures: the State Department business visa page and the USCIS B-1 Temporary Business Visitor page (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-visitors-for-business/b-1-temporary-business-visitor). Applicants typically file the DS-160 electronic form and then book a consular appointment; visa fees and processing times were not stated in captured sources and should be confirmed on the official pages before booking travel to Scottsdale.
OfficialTransport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Allow road or rail time to Westin Kierland Resort & Spa; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Westin Kierland Resort & Spa: Kierland, Scottsdale (about 580 m from the resort): The Westin Kierland Villas, Scottsdale; Tempe (about 22.5 km from the venue): The Westin Tempe.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Phoenix and Scottsdale. At PHX, use the signed rideshare pick-up zone; at the Westin Kierland, use the main lobby or designated rideshare area. Approx. USD 55-75 for the airport run and USD 12-25 for short Kierland/Scottsdale trips; confirm the in-app quote before booking.
Public transit: Valley Metro operates buses and light rail across metro Phoenix. From PHX, the PHX Sky Train connects to the 44th St/Washington light rail station; reaching Kierland usually requires a bus transfer, so allow extra time. Approx. fares: USD 2.00 single ride, USD 4.00 all-day pass; confirm current fares and routes on Valley Metro. Rideshare is more practical with luggage.
Parking: The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa lists parking as paid. Self-parking and valet are typically available; rates are set by the venue, so confirm current daily rates and whether event validation applies. Arrive 30-45 min early on peak mornings and follow signs to event parking.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Typical October: highs around 31-35 C (88-95 F), lows around 16-20 C (60-68 F). Confirm the forecast before travel.
Seasonality: October is one of the driest months in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area; rain is uncommon, but brief showers are possible. Evenings cool down, and UV remains strong in the afternoon.
Packing: Pack light, breathable business casual, a light layer for air-conditioned rooms and evenings, sunglasses, a hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes for the resort and exhibit floor, and a refillable water bottle. International travelers need a Type A/B plug adapter; US power is 120V.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at TMPAA Annual Summit 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-14
confirm the October 2026 dates, venue, and registration tier on targetmkts.com; the listing shows a USD 950 Trade Show Fee, so verify what it includes before paying.
T-14
review the attendee or member directory if the organiser provides one, and pre-book meetings with carriers, MGAs, and program administrators you want to meet in Scottsdale.
T-10
prepare a one-page summary of your program or capabilities (classes of business, states, premium volume, capacity needs) for quick hallway conversations.
T-10
book flights into Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) and a refundable room in Kierland or north Scottsdale; the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa is the host venue.
T-7
check US visa or Visa Waiver Program/ESTA eligibility; B-1 business visitor status covers temporary commercial meetings, not employment.
T-7
confirm airport transfer plans; rideshare/taxi from PHX to Kierland is the practical option, with approx. USD 55-75 each way.
T-5
pack business casual, a light layer for air-conditioned meeting rooms, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for the resort venue.
T-3
save the venue address, your hotel confirmation, and the organiser contact page; check whether hotel Wi-Fi is paid.
T-2
download Valley Metro and rideshare apps as a backup, and share your meeting schedule with your team.
T-1
check the forecast; October afternoons can still be hot, and Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time year-round.
Day 1
arrive 30-45 min early for badge pickup, carry water, and use the first session block to set follow-up meetings.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2TMPAA Annual Summit 2026 registration concourse
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 950 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 950 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether TMPAA Annual Summit 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For TMPAA Annual Summit 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your book of program business needs new capacity, technology or service partners this cycle.
Best for
Program administrators, MGAs and carrier program teams who need carrier capacity, insurtech or TPA partners in one place at the Westin Kierland.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before 19 October 2026 for registration, flights to PHX and a Kierland-area room.
Risks
Detailed session times were not captured, so confirm the agenda before booking non-refundable travel.
exhibit
You want qualified meetings with program administrators and carriers rather than broad consumer traffic.
Best for
Insurtech platforms, TPAs, carriers and consultancies that sell into delegated-authority program administration.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for sponsorship or exhibit booking, freight to Scottsdale and meeting scheduling.
Risks
Booth and sponsorship pricing did not appear in captures - request the rate card from targetmkts.com.
skip
Your product line does not touch program underwriting, claims or distribution.
Best for
Vendors outside insurance program business, or teams with no US distribution plans for 2026-27.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Program administrator
- A specialty insurance firm that underwrites and distributes a defined book of business for one or more carriers, often with delegated authority for pricing, binding, and servicing.
- MGA (managing general agent)
- An intermediary that acts for an insurer under a delegated authority agreement, often handling underwriting, binding, and sometimes claims for a niche program.
- Binding authority
- Contractual permission from a carrier that lets an MGA or program administrator issue policies and bind coverage on the carrier's paper without case-by-case approval.
- Delegated authority
- A written arrangement in which an insurer gives an administrator or MGA authority to perform underwriting, pricing, binding, or claims functions for a program.
- Fronting carrier
- An admitted insurer that provides its licensed paper and policy-issuing platform for a program, usually while reinsuring most of the risk to the program's capital provider.
- Program business
- A specialized insurance book written for a defined class or niche, typically managed by a program administrator with carrier appointments and dedicated underwriting guidelines.
- Reinsurance
- Risk transfer purchased by an insurer or program from a reinsurer; program administrators may need treaty or facultative support before launching or expanding a book.
- Carrier appointment
- Formal authorisation from an insurance company that allows an agency or administrator to represent it and submit business in specified states or lines.
- Loss ratio
- Incurred losses divided by earned premium, a core measure that carriers and program administrators use to judge underwriting performance.
- TMPAA
- Target Markets Program Administrators Association, the specialty insurance program administration association whose domain hosts this event listing. Confirm membership and event access on targetmkts.com.
- Trade Show Fee
- The USD 950 per-person general admission figure in this listing's cost data; confirm what the fee covers and whether it applies to your registration type before paying.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- TMPAA Annual Summit 2026 Scottsdale
- TMPAA Annual Summit Scottsdale 2026
- TMPAA 2026
- TMPAA Scottsdale 2026
- Scottsdale United States
- Conference Scottsdale 2026
- Conference Summit Scottsdale
- Insurance products for niche markets
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.