CONVERGE 2025 Combines Education, Connections and Fun

Learning and networking took center stage at CONVERGE 2025 in Indian Wells, CA, as more than 700 participants, sponsors and exhibitors came together to discuss the future of the dental benefits industry. Beginning with a day of focused workgroup and commission meetings and closing with an in-person consortium, CONVERGE offered general sessions, breakouts, “Discovery Zone” demonstrations, and social events to foster camaraderie and collaboration.

Partnerships between dental plans and practices were a focus at this year’s event. One general session panel discussed the partnership between NADP and the American Association of Dental Office Managers. The candid discussion touched on pain points and possible solutions, including establishing cross-association workgroups to explore ways to ease workflows and improve collaboration. Keynote speaker, Dr. Simone Ellis, challenged the industry to break down barriers, simplify workflows, and build strong relationships with our provider partners. Several breakout sessions focused on how to ensure value-based care works for both dental plans and providers, resulting in integrated, coordinated patient care. One participant commented that bringing together plans and practices is invaluable.

Advocacy remains a critical topic for NADP with upcoming issues and the current political environment explored during breakouts and a general session, including commentary on the effect of policy decisions on the dental benefits industry. Advocacy breakouts discussed current and anticipated legislative challenges in upcoming legislative sessions, emphasizing lawmaker education and partnering with stakeholders as keys to success.

This year’s exhibit hall – The Discovery Zone – served as a focal point for gathering and conversation. “DZ Demo” stages offered opportunities to learn about new industry solutions through a series of mini presentations by product and service experts. Attendees rated the Discovery Zone and opportunities to visit with company representatives and peers among their favorite aspects of the conference. We thank our exhibitors and sponsors for their support and contributions. They are integral to CONVERGE’s success.

We were pleased to honor several exceptional volunteers during CONVERGE, including Dr. Craig Amundsen, the recipient of this year’s Gabryl award, and Crystal McElroy, who received the Don Mayes award. Please take a moment to read about these two exceptional individuals in the Gabryl and Don Mayes Leadership Awards sections of NADP.org.

At a time when many association conferences are struggling, CONVERGE continues to grow. We were pleased to welcome 93 first-time attendees and 38 attendees from new member companies. Conference evaluations were enthusiastic and positive, with one individual remarking that CONVERGE is the definitive event of the dental benefits industry. We agree and know it is our members’ involvement and enthusiasm that make this conference a success. We have begun planning for CONVERGE 2026 and appreciate your feedback and suggestions to make next year’s event even more successful. If you have ideas for content or speakers, please share them with the Education Commission here. Additionally, a call for presentations and speakers will be issued in the NADP newsletter during the first quarter of 2026.

We look forward to seeing you in Indianapolis next September.