Why In-Person Events Matter for Insurance: DKM 2023 Insights & New Formats

After two years of virtual meetings and digital conferences, you might be wondering: are in-person events still relevant for the insurance and financial industry? According to Jochen Leiber, Procurist at bbg, the answer is a resounding yes. In a recent interview for the #Nachgefragt podcast, Leiber emphasized that while digital tools have their place, they cannot fully replace the value of face-to-face interaction, especially in a field built on trust, complex products, and personal relationships. Whether you're an independent agent navigating German private health insurance (PKV) regulations or a financial advisor comparing US Medicare plans, the need for direct, personal exchange remains critical.

The Unchanging Core: Personal Exchange in a Digital Age

You operate in an industry defined by intricate calculations, detailed policy conditions, and nuanced client needs. In times of crisis—be it an energy crisis, geopolitical conflict, or inflation—this complexity only increases. As Leiber points out, "Consumers and businesses now more than ever need prudent guidance on financial and insurance matters." This guidance often requires the subtlety of a personal conversation, something a webinar or email chain can't fully replicate. The relationship between product providers (insurers) and intermediaries (agents, brokers) is moving back into the spotlight, and fostering this relationship "on equal footing" is a central goal of events like the DKM (Deutsche Kontaktmesse für Versicherungen und Finanzen).

Leiber is confident that the demand for direct exchange at trade fairs will persist. In fact, he suggests that large industry platforms facilitating broad networking might be in even higher demand than pure training seminars. The upcoming DKM 2023, celebrating its 25th anniversary, reflects this belief. It is expected to host 267 exhibitors, returning to a scale similar to its pre-pandemic 2019 edition.

Innovation Within Tradition: New Formats at DKM 2023

While championing the value of presence, the DKM is not simply returning in its "old guise." It's evolving. Leiber highlights two innovative new in-person formats designed to deepen engagement and provide tangible value:

• The "Decision-Maker Talk": This format facilitates high-level conversations between industry leaders, strategists, and key decision-makers, focusing on macro-trends and strategic challenges.
• The "Broker Round Tables": Here, independent insurance intermediaries can participate in small, moderated group discussions. These sessions are designed to tackle specific industry problems collaboratively, allowing for frank, peer-to-peer dialogue that is often more productive in a focused, in-person setting.

These new additions complement the traditional exhibition hall, creating a more dynamic and interactive experience for you as an attendee.

The Digital Companion: The Role of DKM365

This raises an important question for you: If in-person events are so crucial, what is the role of digital platforms like DKM365? Leiber addresses this in the full podcast interview. The key takeaway is that digital platforms are not replacements but powerful complements. They can extend the conversation, provide year-round resources, and offer accessibility for those who cannot attend in person. However, they serve to enhance, not substitute, the irreplaceable networking, spontaneous meetings, and deepened trust that occur when professionals share the same physical space.

Listen to the Full Podcast Interview:

#Spotify: [Link]
#Apple: [Link]
#Google: [Link]

Conclusion: A Hybrid Future with a Human Core

For you as an insurance or finance professional, the message is clear. The future is likely hybrid, leveraging the convenience and reach of digital tools. However, the core of the industry—building trust, understanding complex client situations, and negotiating nuanced partnerships—thrives on personal connection. Events like the DKM 2023, with its blend of traditional exhibition and innovative discussion formats, are designed to serve this fundamental human need. They remind us that behind every policy, premium, and portfolio, there are people who benefit most from looking each other in the eye.

Insurers and brokers are grappling with challenges in claims management, including backlogs, rising claim frequencies, a shortage of skilled professionals, and growing customer expectations. Manual processes are expensive and slow.