Every once in a while, an event brings together the kind of energy, ideas, and people that not only spark change but drive it forward. That’s exactly what happened at bswift’s Idea Exchange (IX) 2025.
Over two days in the sunny paradise of Hollywood, Florida, HR leaders, industry icons, and benefits experts gathered to tackle challenges and chart a future smarter future for employee benefits. They talked about making them simpler and more effective for employers and employees. From high-energy networking events to amazing sessions and panels led by top HR experts and world-class speakers, IX 2025 was buzzing. And attendees left with the kind of insights and connections that reshape industries.
If you missed the event, don’t worry—we’ve got the highlights, the standout moments, and even a peak at a few sessions right here.
bswift IX 2025: Bright Ideas at the Neon Night Kickoff
The Neon Night Welcome Reception was equal parts electric and inspiring. It was set gainst a backdrop of ocean views and a dare-devil jet skier flipping through the waves. There, attendees mingled and tucked into delectable food. They also had the chance to give back, decorating canvas bags filled with goodies for the kids at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
Things kicked into gear when a neon-lit drumline charged through the party. They gave a jaw-dropping performance that was more living light show than marching band. Then the night eased into a more reflective tone. Attendees listened in to a fireside chat between bswift CEO Ted Bloomberg and Justin Chen from Francisco Partners. It focused on the future of benefits administration technology, and how bswift is uniquely positioned for what’s to come.
Their insights and optimism about the road ahead set the stage for the packed days that followed.
HR Transformation and Benefits Administration: Leadership Panel Insights
This bswift conference kicked off the next morning with company leaders sharing perspectives on the shifts shaping benefits administration and service excellence. They tackled HR’s real-world challenges and emphasizing innovation and impact.
Sue Thomson, Chief Growth Officer, focused on rising healthcare costs and multi-generational workforce engagement. She highlighted bswift’s personalized, future-ready solutions. Amit Jain, COO, spotlighted client satisfaction and seamless HR tech integrations.
CEO Ted Bloomberg tied it all together. He talked about how bswift’s mission aligns with the needs of employers and employees. It was an optimistic and results-driven message.
Chief People Officer Natalie Atwood celebrated bswift’s vibrant culture. She touted more than 200 promotions and returning “boomerangers.” CISO Mitch Hood detailed robust data security, reinforcing bswift’s commitment to excellence.
Leadership Lessons for HR: bswift IX 2025 Keynote from “Wingman” Waldo Waldman
One of the most anticipated moments at IX 2025 was the keynote address by Lt. Col. Waldo Waldman. The New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, known as the “Wingman,” was captivating. He took the energy in the room sky-high with stories and leadership lessons drawn from a career flying F-16 jets.
He spoke passionately about building trust in teams. His talk drew parallels between the high-stakes decisions of a fighter pilot and the challenges HR faces, even if at a lower G-force.
His presentation was a powerful reminder that, whether in the skies or at work, it’s the human connection that matters most.
Inside the bswift Service Center Experience: Heartfelt Connections
The real standout experience of IX 2025 was the brand-new Heartfelt Connections pop-up, a fully immersive experience that gave attendees an insider’s look at the bswift Service Center and what drives bswift’s exceptional service.
At the pop-up, visitors got to explore how bswift’s Service Center works through fun, hands-on activities. They saw how technology and people work together to provide great customer care.
Attendees trained like bswifters through learning tools and interactive challenges, earning leaderboard spots and even stepping into Customer Service Representative (CSR) roles to take mock calls and experience the empathy and care that define every interaction.
Bringing it to life, CSRs from bswift’s High Point, NC, and Chicago offices shared real stories and answered questions, underscoring how the human element powers bswift’s standout service every day.
Networking and Fun for HR Pros: An Evening at the Carousel Club
After a packed day of education, attendees descended on the iconic Carousel Club. It’s a venue perched on the home stretch of the Gulfstream Park horse racing track. There they were treated to great food, a vibrant atmosphere, and a chance to test their luck at some casino tables.
Magician and mentalist Rodney Reyes worked the crowd, table by table. He dropped jaws with his mind-bending tricks and leaving people to shout, “How’d he do that!?”
And through it all, a live band kept the energy high. They played everything from nostalgic 90s anthems to indie gems, creating a perfect soundtrack for the evening.
bswift Beacon Podcast Live: Insights on Excellence for HR Leaders
The final session of the final day of IX was a live recording of the bswift Beacon Podcast, featuring special guest Scott Milson. He is a veteran of the benefits administration industry, leadership expert, and author of the book Frequency of Excellence.
Milson shared insights on how we can tune in to the excellence around us. He talked about why it’s important to get feedback from frontline workers and how leaders can use storytelling to inspire and guide. You can hear it all firsthand on this special episode of the bswift’s podcast!
The energy and insights on stage for this HR podcast underscored what this conference was all about. It’s one thing to talk about excellence but another to pursue it, share it, and amplify it.
IX 2025 Highlights and SHRM Credits for HR Pros
As we wrapped up this year’s conference, we joked that what happens in Florida ends up in your benefits strategy. It’s hard not to feel inspired by the energy, insights, and connections formed over these two incredible days. So, what better way to close than by giving you a taste of the action?
Check out the videos from a few of our standout sessions. They capture the passion, insights, and expertise that made IX 2025 great.
Make the most of these exclusive on-demand sessions while they’re available. Two of them are even available for SHRM recertification credits!
Where Is The Next bswift Conference?
The curtain may have closed on IX 2025, but there’s an encore coming—with a Music City twist!
From May 13–15, we’re bringing IX to Nashville, where big ideas and bold strategies will take center stage. Think groundbreaking HR insights, country charm, and the energy of a city that knows how to make things happen.
Mark your calendar, pack your boots, and join us in Nashville to create what’s next in HR.
