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BrokerTech Ventures Announces BrokerTech Connect: Chicago 2026, Bringing Together Insurance and Insurtech Leaders

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DES MOINES, Iowa, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), the first broker-led convening platform and accelerator focused on insurance innovation, announced its second annual BrokerTech Connect conference presented by eventual will take place September 1–2, 2026 at The Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park.

BrokerTech Connect is a premier, intentionally curated event designed to bring together C-Suite executives, senior leaders, and decision-makers from insurance brokerages, carriers, wholesalers, startups, venture capital firms, and technology providers for two days of connection and forward-looking dialogue. Focused on quality interactions over scale, the event fosters collaboration across the insurance ecosystem through targeted programming, networking opportunities, and solution showcases — enabling attendees to exchange ideas, explore emerging technologies, and form partnerships that drive innovation forward.

“Chicago continues to be an important hub for the insurance industry, making it a natural place for this community to come together again,” said Dan Keough, Chairman & CEO of Holmes Murphy and Co-CEO of BrokerTech Ventures. “It creates a unique opportunity for important and timely dialogue, strong connections, and meaningful change.”

“The future of insurance will be driven by how effectively organizations leverage data and emerging technologies,” said Mohit Chawla, CEO of eventual. “BrokerTech Connect brings together the leaders who are rethinking how insurance operates, and we’re proud to support a forum that’s advancing innovation across the industry.”

2026 Sponsors
BTV is proud to partner with a strong lineup of sponsors that represent leaders across insurance and technology, each playing a key role in advancing innovation across the industry:

Presenting Sponsor: eventual — eventual is a modern technology company focused on helping insurance teams harness data and AI across middle and back-office workflows, accelerating processes, improving decision-making, and unlocking new growth opportunities.Happiest Hour Sponsor: FormativGroup, a Salesforce Consulting Partner, helps organizations maximize their investment in Salesforce through strategic advisory and implementation services, enabling smarter customer engagement and operational efficiency.Innovation Award Sponsors: The BrokerTech Fund — Launched in partnership between BrokerTech Ventures and ManchesterStory, the BrokerTech Fund is the first venture capital fund targeting technology startups developing solutions that specifically address the needs of insurance brokers and wholesalers to identify risks sooner and drive down costs faster.Lanyard Sponsor: Vertafore — Vertafore powers distribution velocity across the insurance ecosystem with software solutions built for the way insurance works. Combining core digital systems, specialized AI, and an unmatched data foundation, Vertafore helps organizations adapt faster and grow smarter.Breakout Sponsor: Fulcrum — Fulcrum provides insurance agencies and brokers with AI-powered automation for time-consuming tasks like proposal creation, policy checking, and coverage comparisons. By completing workflows in minutes instead of hours, Fulcrum helps teams reduce manual effort and focus on growing their book of business.Platinum Sponsor: StitchStudio — StitchStudio is an AI workflow automation platform built specifically for insurance carriers and brokers. It embeds explainable, agent-based AI to reduce manual effort and improve operational efficiency without replacing core systems.Gold Sponsor: Ascend — Ascend is the only complete financial operations platform purpose-built for insurance brokerages. Trusted by over 1,000 firms, Ascend replaces spreadsheets and manual workflows with a single system for invoicing, payments, cash application, payables, and commission reconciliation—cutting workload by 90%, improving EBITDA, and maximizing ROI on tech spend.Bronze Sponsor: Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) — Iowa is the #1 state for insurance (based on GSP) and is rapidly emerging as an insurtech hub due to affordable costs of doing business and living. The Iowa Economic Development Authority fuels this momentum by fostering a collaborative ecosystem and supporting insurtech innovation through a variety of programs.Bronze Sponsor: Cowbell — Cowbell is a pioneer in Adaptive Cyber Insurance, redefining risk transfer for the AI era. Its AI-powered platform unifies Cyber, Tech E&O, and Management Liability, enabling rapid policy issuance. Serving small and mid-market businesses globally, Cowbell combines broad coverage with resiliency services that help organizations strengthen cyber readiness and resilience.

Join the Waitlist
With attendance intentionally limited to preserve a high-quality experience, BrokerTech Connect is invitation only, but expected to draw strong interest from across the insurance and insurtech ecosystem. Those interested in attending or partnering are encouraged to learn more about the event by visiting the conference website and request their spot by joining the waitlist. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

About BrokerTech Ventures
Based in the insurance nucleus of Des Moines, Iowa, BrokerTech Ventures (BTV) is the first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program focused on delivering innovation to the insurance broker industry. Founded in 2019, BTV provides a venue for the best minds in insurance and technology to collaborate and bring to market leading-edge ideas and solutions. BTV invests in the research and testing for each of the chosen startups, provides access to veteran industry mentors, and helps scale the technology to market through broker distribution channels. Learn more at www.brokertechventures.com, or follow us on X (@BrokerTechVen), LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Contact: Emily Schultz
emily@brokertechventures.com 

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SOURCE BrokerTech Ventures

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Achieve Publishes New Online Guidance for Freedom Debt Relief and Achieve Customers

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SAN MATEO, Calif., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Achieve announced the publication of a new online resource designed to provide proactive, transparent customer guidance. As part of a broader financial wellness ecosystem, this newly launched initiative helps consumers understand the relationship between Achieve and Freedom Debt Relief in a natural and helpful manner.

As individuals explore ways to navigate their financial solutions online, they may encounter references to both the Achieve and Freedom Debt Relief brands. To ensure clarity, the new guidance explains that Freedom Debt Relief, a subsidiary of Achieve Company, continues to operate as an active, customer-facing debt relief program. By addressing both brands transparently, the resource supports distinct customer experiences without confusion.

A key feature of the new customer resource is account access clarification. The guidance clearly explains exactly where both Freedom Debt Relief and Achieve customers should log in to access their respective accounts and find dedicated support. While related, Achieve and Freedom Debt Relief maintain separate customer experiences, account systems, and support resources.

“Dealing with debt is personal, stressful and consequential,” said Achieve Senior Vice President of Marketing Layla Revis. “Consumers should know exactly which company provides their financial services, no matter where they begin their research. Whether someone is considering debt settlement through Freedom Debt Relief or exploring a personal loan or HELOC through Achieve, they deserve clear, accurate and accessible information before they make a decision.”

For more information and to view the new clarification and support resources, please visit:

Achieve: Understanding the Relationship Between Achieve and Freedom Debt ReliefFreedom Debt Relief: Understanding the Relationship Between Freedom Debt Relief and Achieve

About Achieve

Achieve, THE digital personal finance company, helps everyday people get on, and stay on, the path to a better financial future. Achieve pairs proprietary data and analytics with personalized support to offer personal loans, home equity loans, debt relief and debt consolidation, along with financial tips and education and free mobile apps: Achieve MoLO® (Money Left Over) and Achieve GOOD™ (Get Out Of Debt). Achieve is frequently recognized for providing top-rated customer experience and satisfaction by both consumers and leading personal finance review platforms and has 2,200 dedicated teammates across the country, with hubs in Arizona, California, Florida and Texas.

Achieve refers to the global organization and may denote one or more affiliates of Achieve Company, including Achieve.com, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #138464); Achieve Home Loans, Equal Housing Opportunity (NMLS ID #1810501); Achieve Personal Loans (NMLS ID #227977); Freedom Debt Relief (NMLS ID # 1248929); and Freedom Financial Asset Management (CRD #170229).

Contacts

Austin Kilgore
akilgore@achieve.com
214-908-5097

Elina Tarkazikis
etarkazikis@achieve.com

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SOURCE Achieve

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proof-it and The Tennessee Whiskey Trail Announce The 2026 TN Collective Tasting Notes Contest

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ATLANTA, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 Tennessee Collective, a collaborative effort between 11 Tennessee distilleries, and proof-it, a next-generation consumer authenticity and engagement platform, proudly announces a partnership to commemorate the release of the The 2026 Tennessee Collective American Whiskey, a delicately crafted new addition to the whiskey industry of Tennessee that will give consumers a unique look into the craft, process, and flavor of each bottle, and direct participation with those who made it.

Each bottle will come with proof-it technology, giving consumers the chance to see the passion in each bottle.

A celebration of the long and rich history of distilling in the state of Tennessee, this new American Whiskey from The Tennessee Collective is a bold testament to the dedication and alliance of the industry. WIth efforts from Big Machine Distillery, Gate 11 Distillery, Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Leiper’s Fork Distillery, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Old Dominick Distillery, Old Glory Distilling Co., Peg Leg Porker Distillery, Short Mountain Distillery, Sugarlands Distilling Co., and Tennessee Legend Distillery, this bottle is a new entry in the history and camaraderie of the Tennessee whiskey distilling industry.

“proof-it has become an integral partner in the Tennessee Collective, creating an exclusive digital experience that connects consumers more deeply to the bottle, the blend and the distilleries behind it,” said Charity Toombs, Executive Director of the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. “Just as importantly, their technology has given us a valuable window into our customers—helping us better understand who they are, how they engage with the Collective and what interests them most about the product and blend.”

The whiskey will be available starting September 1, 2026 at each of the participating distillery’s tasting rooms, as well as online for pre-order at www.tnwhiskeytrail.com/tn-collective. Each bottle will come with proof-it tag technology, giving consumers the chance to see the passion that went into each bottle, while also offering the chance to discover what makes this bottle unique. This year’s release unlocks a new way to engage with the story of each distiller involved, as each individual distillery’s allocation of bottles will come with a custom video and the story of their specific contribution to the whiskey, only accessible via the proof-it tag on the neck. Beyond a collector’s item, each bottle tells the story of its own existence in eleven different parts and celebrates the craftsmanship that went into this release.

To celebrate the launch, proof-it will also be hosting the Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest through January 7, 2027, offering buyers an opportunity to explore the whiskey’s depth. Simply tap an unlocked smartphone to the unique proof-it tag on each bottle, and users can offer opinions and notes on what they taste in the rich complexity of this unique whiskey. The best entry to the Tennessee Collective Tasting Notes Contest will win tickets to Grain and Grits Festival 2026!

About Tennessee Whiskey Trail

Where the whiskey meets the road. Seven years ago, the Tennessee Whiskey Trail was launched by the Tennessee Distillers Guild as a celebration of our state and its signature spirits. Today we host more than 30 stops across the state, offering a taste of Tennessee and a road map for adventure. Visitors to the Trail can soak up the sights and sounds that have been shaped by Tennessee whiskey, whether stopping by for a sip or making a weekend of it. For more information, visit www.tnwhiskeytrail.com and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail’s Instagram @tnwhiskeytrail.

About proof-it

The proof-it™ platform enables consumers to learn the stories behind the labels of the brands they love, and manage their collections in revolutionary ways. Combining authenticity, consumer engagement, and tamper-proof technology at once, proof-it™ is leading the way into the next generation of consumer engagement and brand building. Look for the proof-it™ Wings™ logo and simply tap it with your unlocked phone.To learn more about the ways proof-it™ can enhance your consumer experience and beyond, visit www.proofit.app.

proof-it™ is powered by Aware Technologies, Inc., providing complete visibility throughout a product’s journey, and enabling new ways for brands to interact with their customers.

Full contest rules are available here: https://scan.proofit.app/contests/rules/tennessee-collective-rules-2026

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SOURCE Aware Technologies, Inc.

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IDScan.net Data Breach: Edelson Lechtzin LLP Launches Investigation Into Exposure of Personal Information

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National class action firm offering free case evaluations to individuals impacted by IDScan.net cybersecurity incident

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Edelson Lechtzin LLP, a national class action law firm, is investigating data privacy claims arising from the IDScan.net data breach. IDScan.net experienced a data breach on or about September 1, 2026.

What Happened

IDScan.net learned around September 1, 2026, that an unauthorized party may have accessed or copied customer information stored in its cloud accounts. The company secured its systems and brought in outside cybersecurity specialists to investigate the incident, which remains ongoing.

Information Exposed

The IDScan.net data breach may have compromised certain personal information, including full names and driver’s license or other government-issued identification numbers.

Who May Be Impacted

Individuals who received a data breach notification from IDScan.net may face an increased risk of identity theft and fraud.

Your Legal Options

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is investigating a potential class action to pursue legal remedies for individuals whose sensitive personal data may have been compromised in the IDScan.net breach. The firm will evaluate your rights and potential claims at no cost.

Recommended Protective Steps

Review account statements and credit reports regularly and remain vigilant for suspicious activity. Confirm whether your information was involved in the IDScan.net incident and preserve any letters or emails you received about the breach. Consider placing fraud alerts and credit monitoring.

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Speak confidentially with a data privacy attorney today: Marc Edelson, Esq., Edelson Lechtzin LLP, 411 S. State Street, Suite N-300, Newtown, PA 18940; Phone: 844-696-7492; Email: medelson@edelson-law.com; Web: www.edelson-law.com. Or click HERE to request a free consultation.

About IDScan.net

IDScan.net is a technology company that provides identity verification and data capture solutions for businesses and organizations.

About Edelson Lechtzin LLP

Edelson Lechtzin LLP is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania and California. In addition to data breach litigation, the firm handles class and collective actions involving securities and investment fraud, federal antitrust violations, ERISA employee benefit plans, wage theft, and consumer fraud

Media and Partnership Inquiries: Use the contact information above to connect with our team regarding interviews, co-counsel opportunities, and referral partnerships.

Legal Notice: This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions.

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SOURCE Edelson Lechtzin LLP

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