The Dive In Festival, a global event focused on culture and talent in the insurance sector, has officially opened and runs through September 18.
Organisers report a rise in registrations, reflecting the industry’s ongoing interest in inclusion as a factor for innovation and collaboration.
This year, more than 40,000 professionals from the insurance and business industries are expected to participate, with over 70 hybrid sessions scheduled across six continents. The festival’s reach continues to expand, connecting a diverse audience through both in-person and virtual formats.
The festival, themed “Belonging Builds Tomorrow,” will connect audiences from six continents through more than 90 in-person and virtual sessions. Translation will be available in over 60 languages.
Many sessions are CPD-accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute, allowing participants to count attendance toward professional development hours, depending on local requirements.
The 2025 program features a range of speakers, including news presenter Maryam Moshiri, former rugby player Sam Warburton, inclusion & accessibility specialist Dr. Shani Dhanda, and TV personality Shaun Wallace. Topics will address how local cultures influence workplace experiences and industry trends, with a global perspective.
Sessions will examine how belonging supports high performance in the UK, the impact of neurodiversity in South Africa, mental health in high-pressure work cultures across Asia, and gender dynamics in South America.
Lorraine Harfitt, CEO at Asta, commented on the event’s role in industry dialogue, saying, “The Dive In Festival plays a crucial role in driving conversations around inclusion and belonging that resonate globally.”
Harfitt noted Asta’s participation as a first-time Global Festival Partner, supporting events on hidden disabilities and gender inclusion, and said, “By amplifying diverse perspectives, we’re helping to build a more resilient industry for the future.”
The festival’s #WhereIBelong campaign encourages professionals to share where they feel most connected, whether with colleagues, in their community, or through their work. The campaign aims to highlight how a sense of belonging can strengthen teams and foster more inclusive workplaces.
Martyn Worsley, chief people officer at Lockton, said, “As workplace cultures evolve, supporting inclusion remains essential to building resilient teams and a stronger industry.”
The Reverse Mentoring program, now in its fourth year, will also return as part of the festival. The initiative pairs junior professionals with senior leaders, encouraging the exchange of experiences and perspectives. With over 700 participants from more than 40 countries, including executives and underwriters, the program seeks to strengthen inclusive leadership and address generational gaps.
The Dive In Festival celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2024, breaking previous attendance records with over 45,000 registrations from 81 countries and featuring 133 events in 46 countries.
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