NAIFA Partners with Connectiv to Reimagine Its 2026 Conference as “Protectors Vegas”

The National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) is taking bold steps to revitalize its annual convention — announcing a new partnership with Connectiv, the creators behind InsureTech Connect and Medicarians. The collaboration will give birth to a high-impact event: Protectors Vegas 2026, set to take place Nov. 9–11, 2026, at The Venetian Las Vegas.

With an expected attendance of over 1,500 professionals from across the insurance and financial landscape, Protectors Vegas aims to become the premier destination for advisors, carriers, innovators, and investors shaping the future of income protection and financial security.


A New Vision for Industry Events

Protectors Vegas will replace APEX, NAIFA’s traditional national networking and education conference. The goal is to deliver an event that merges professional growth with energy and innovation.

“Protectors represents our shared belief that this is a defining moment for life and annuity professionals,” said Jay Weintraub, Founder and CEO of Connectiv. “When the right people are together, ideas accelerate and possibilities expand.”

Weintraub emphasized that the partnership’s mission goes beyond hosting an event — it’s about building a platform for transformation, empowering Americans to live with greater financial confidence.

NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux echoed that sentiment, explaining that collaboration with Connectiv gives NAIFA an opportunity to evolve its event experience and reach a broader audience.

“Our members are financial professionals dedicated to helping families plan and protect their futures,” Mayeux said. “By joining forces with Connectiv, we’re ensuring Protectors Vegas becomes a catalyst for growth and innovation.”


The ‘FOMO Effect’: Bringing Excitement Back

Connectiv’s portfolio of live events has a strong record of success — attracting over 15,000 attendees annually across sectors such as healthcare, real estate, and logistics.

Notably, Medicarians, now in its fifth year, gathers more than 5,000 senior market professionals, while InsureTech Connect draws 9,000+ attendees and over 500 speakers across multiple stages.

Mayeux said NAIFA was inspired by the way Connectiv has infused “energy, excitement, and a bit of FOMO” into its events.

“What they’re doing is blending great content with great networking — and adding enthusiasm and sizzle,” he said. “That’s what draws people in. It’s the kind of energy we want for NAIFA’s community.”

NAIFA leaders began to reimagine their own event experience by asking: What’s the special ingredient that makes Connectiv events so successful?

Mayeux explained that Connectiv’s secret lies in how it designs conferences — combining high-value breakout sessions, motivational keynote speakers, and immersive networking experiences.

“If you have an event that draws that many people, it’s a win-win,” Mayeux said. “It energizes our members and introduces NAIFA to financial professionals who aren’t yet part of our association.”


Protectors Vegas 2026: What to Expect

Branded as “Protectors Vegas 2026: Powered by NAIFA”, the three-day event will feature:

  • Dynamic sessions led by top executives, innovators, and policymakers.

  • Networking opportunities connecting advisors, distributors, and investors.

  • An expansive expo hall showcasing cutting-edge products, technology, and partnerships.

Connectiv describes it as “a collaborative hub for shaping the next era of financial protection” — one that reflects the evolving needs of professionals and the clients they serve.

With this partnership, NAIFA hopes to turn its annual gathering into something more than a conference — a movement of collaboration, learning, and inspiration for the modern financial industry.