Beyond
The Healthcare Twilight Zone: From Illusion to Innovation
Music City Convention Center
ASCEND is not another trade show. It’s the industry’s premier equipping conference for growth-minded advisers who refuse to play by BUCA’s rules. Across three days, you’ll gain the NextGen TOOLSET | SKILLSET | MINDSET to win bigger, mid-market groups from bigger – even national – brokers.
Step Beyond the Ordinary.
Message from the Founder
For over a decade, the ASCEND Agency Growth & Leadership Summit has been the benefits industry’s premier event for forward-thinking agency owners and advisers. Designed to transform brokers and drive measurable results, ASCEND attracts hundreds of top-tier professionals committed to reshaping the future of employer-sponsored health plans.
Don’t miss your chance to connect, influence, and lead.
— Nelson Griswold , ASCEND Founder & Chairman
Our Vision
OUR GOAL
Our Mission
BREAKOUTs
Guided Tours of the Exhibit Hall
DISCOVER. CONNECT. LEARN.
During breakout sessions, you’ll join small guided groups through the Exhibit Hall — every table is a stop on the tour.
At each rotation, exhibitors share a quick 2-minute snapshot of their solutions, innovations, or services. This format makes it easy for you to:
- Quickly understand who’s who and what they offer
- Compare options side-by-side
- Discover resources you may not have known about
The result:
You’ll walk away with a clear picture of the best tools, partners, and ideas available — without having to hunt them down on your own. It’s efficient, engaging, and ensures you leave with maximum value from the Exhibit Hall.
“Speed Networking” for ADVISERS
Expert Roundtables
MEET. LEARN. CONNECT.
Think of it as speed dating with industry experts. Over the course of two structured sessions, you’ll rotate through 16 Roundtables for briefings on key NextGen solutions and strategies.
In the Roundtables, you’ll:
- Get direct access to experts and thought leaders
- Ask questions and dive into real challenges you face
- Gather fresh perspectives and practical takeaways you can use right away
The result:
In an engaging high-energy format, you’ll expand your network, sharpen your insights, and walk away with actionable ideas you can apply immediately.
Built for Conversation, Not Clutter.
Open-Architecture Exhibit Hall
Say goodbye to the tired rows of pipe-and-drape booths. The ASCEND Exhibit Hall is reimagined with sleek, six-table pods designed for openness and interaction.
The result:
- An environment engineered for maximum engagement.
- More meaningful conversations in a dynamic, inviting space.
- High-energy engagement that ensures you discover the cutting-edge solution partners you need for greater success.
What Past Attendees Are Saying.
Case Study
ONLY AT ASCEND: DANIEL McCAULEY BUILT A $500,000 SELF-FUNDED BOOK FROM SCRATCH–IN JUST 20 MONTHS
Challenge
A former Air Force crew chief and software sales rep, Daniel entered the benefits world with no insurance experience—just ambition and a willingness to learn.
Approach
After attending ASCEND 2022, he dove into the NextGen playbook, mastered self- funded strategies and began having strategic, financial conversations with executives in the C-Suite.
Results
In just 20 months, Daniel built a $522K book of self-funded business with15 groups totaling 1,554 lives—a success not possible selling BUCA fully insured plans.
Venue and Accommodations
ASCEND 2026 will be held at the Nashville Music City Center
201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203Steps from Broadway
Steps from Broadway
- The Music City Center puts you in the heart of Nashville.
- While there isn’t a dedicated hotel block this year, there are many great hotels within walking distance of the venue.
- Nearby hotels fill fast — book early to lock in the best deals.
