Keystone Elevate 2026 | Complete Conference Guide
Your Essential Guide to Keystone Elevate 2026 in Minneapolis
September 20–22, 2026 | Minneapolis, Minnesota
Quick Answers
What is Keystone Elevate?
Keystone Elevate is the annual national conference hosted by Keystone Agency Partners, bringing together independent insurance agencies, carrier partners, technology providers, and industry leaders for three days of education, networking, and collaboration.
When is Keystone Elevate 2026?
September 20–22, 2026.
Where is Keystone Elevate 2026?
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Will TrustLayer be there?
Yes. TrustLayer is proud to attend as a Gold Sponsor and will have an exhibit table throughout the conference.
Who should attend?
Independent insurance agency owners, producers, operations leaders, account managers, carrier representatives, technology partners, and anyone focused on improving agency growth, operations, and client service.
Why Keystone Elevate 2026 Should Be on Your Calendar
Every September, Keystone Agency Partners brings together independent insurance agencies from across the country for three days of learning, collaboration, and relationship building.
Elevate isn't a massive trade show where you're trying to sprint between hundreds of booths. It's intentionally designed to bring together agency leaders, carrier partners, and solution providers who are all working toward the same goal—building stronger independent agencies.
Whether you're attending to discover new technology, strengthen carrier relationships, learn from peers, or simply reconnect with colleagues across the Keystone network, Elevate offers an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and focus on where the independent agency channel is headed next.
TrustLayer is proud to attend Keystone Elevate 2026 as a Gold Sponsor, and we'll have an exhibit table throughout the conference. If you're attending, stop by to meet our team and learn how agencies are modernizing certificate of insurance (COI) tracking, vendor compliance, and third-party document collection without adding more work to already busy teams.
This guide will help you:
- Plan your conference schedule
- Maximize networking opportunities
- Understand what makes Keystone unique
- Discover restaurants, hotels, and things to do around Minneapolis
- Make meaningful connections throughout the event
- Get more value from your time before, during, and after Elevate
Why Keystone Elevate 2026 Matters
Independent insurance agencies are navigating a rapidly changing landscape.
Technology is evolving faster than ever. Clients expect more transparency. Operational efficiency has become a competitive advantage. And agencies are looking for smarter ways to grow without adding unnecessary administrative work.
That's exactly why Keystone created Elevate.
Rather than focusing solely on product demonstrations or keynote presentations, Elevate brings together agency leaders, carrier partners, and trusted solution providers to share practical ideas that agencies can implement immediately.
Keystone has spent more than four decades building one of the strongest collaborative networks in the independent insurance industry.
Today, that network includes:
- 351 partner agencies
- 700+ agency locations
- 31 states
- $8.4 billion in written premium
- More than 40 years of supporting independent agencies
For many attendees, Elevate isn't just another conference—it's the one opportunity each year to connect face-to-face with agency owners, operations leaders, carrier representatives, and technology partners who are solving many of the same challenges.
Instead of attending dozens of separate meetings throughout the year, agencies can spend three focused days learning, sharing ideas, and building relationships that continue long after the conference ends.
Whether your priorities include improving operational efficiency, embracing new technology, strengthening carrier partnerships, or delivering a better client experience, you'll likely find someone at Elevate who has already tackled the same challenge.
Why TrustLayer Is Attending
TrustLayer is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of Keystone Elevate 2026.
We'll have an exhibit table throughout the conference where attendees can connect with our team, ask questions, and explore how agencies are modernizing certificate of insurance (COI) tracking and third-party compliance.
As a proud Keystone partner, we're excited to support an organization that shares our belief that independent agencies deserve better tools, stronger partnerships, and technology that helps them spend less time chasing paperwork and more time serving clients.
Too many agencies still rely on spreadsheets, email threads, and manual follow-up to collect certificates of insurance and vendor documentation.
Those workflows consume valuable time, create unnecessary risk, and make it harder to deliver the level of service today's clients expect.
TrustLayer helps agencies replace those manual processes with automated compliance workflows that improve visibility, reduce administrative work, and create a better experience for everyone involved.
If you're attending Elevate, we'd love to meet you.
Stop by our exhibit table to see how agencies are using TrustLayer to:
- Automate certificate collection and renewals
- Improve vendor compliance visibility
- Reduce manual follow-up
- Support stronger client relationships
- Create new opportunities for value-added advisory services
Make the Most of Keystone Elevate 2026
Keystone Elevate isn't a conference where success is measured by how many sessions you attend. It's measured by the conversations you have, the ideas you bring home, and the relationships you build while you're there.
With approximately 400–500 agency leaders, carrier partners, and industry solution providers in attendance, Elevate creates an environment that's intentionally smaller and more personal than many national insurance conferences. That means you'll spend less time navigating crowded exhibit halls and more time having meaningful conversations with people who understand the day-to-day realities of running and growing an independent agency.
Whether this is your first Keystone conference or you're a returning attendee, a little planning goes a long way.
Sunday, September 20: Arrive Early and Start Building Relationships
If your travel schedule allows, plan to arrive in Minneapolis early on Sunday.
The conference officially begins with early registration, giving attendees time to settle in before the educational programming starts Monday morning.
Sunday is also home to two of the conference's best networking opportunities:
- Women in Insurance Networking Hour
- Welcome Networking Event at Brit's Pub
The Welcome Reception is one of the highlights of the conference. Hosted at Brit's Pub, the event offers food, drinks, entertainment, and relaxed conversations with agency leaders, carrier partners, sponsors, and fellow attendees before the conference pace picks up.
Unlike scheduled meetings or exhibit hall conversations, Sunday evening provides a casual setting where introductions happen naturally.
Rather than trying to meet everyone, focus on having a handful of meaningful conversations. Ask agency leaders what challenges they're solving, what they're excited about this year, and what brought them to Elevate. Those conversations often become the most valuable part of the conference.
If you see the TrustLayer team on Sunday evening, don't hesitate to introduce yourself. We'd love to meet you before the conference officially gets underway.
Monday, September 21: Learn, Explore, and Visit
Monday is the heart of Keystone Elevate.
The day begins with breakfast before attendees gather for the conference welcome and keynote programming. Throughout the day, educational sessions and breakouts focus on helping independent agencies navigate changing markets, improve operations, strengthen carrier relationships, and position themselves for long-term growth.
One of the biggest advantages of Elevate is that nearly everyone in the room shares similar goals. Conversations tend to be practical, collaborative, and focused on what agencies are doing today—not theoretical discussions that never leave the conference room.
As you plan your schedule, don't feel pressured to attend every session.
Instead, choose sessions that align with your agency's biggest priorities this year. Maybe you're evaluating new technology. Maybe you're looking to improve operational efficiency. Maybe you're focused on growth, client retention, or producer development.
Quality conversations often provide just as much value as keynote presentations.
Monday afternoon wraps up with the Elevate Tradeshow, where agencies can meet with carrier partners, technology providers, and industry vendors.
Visit TrustLayer at Our Exhibit Table
We'll be in the exhibit area throughout the conference and would love the opportunity to meet you.
Whether you're actively evaluating compliance technology or simply curious about how other agencies are modernizing their workflows, stop by and say hello.
We'll be sharing how agencies are using TrustLayer to:
- Automate certificate of insurance (COI) tracking
- Simplify vendor compliance
- Eliminate manual follow-up emails
- Improve visibility across third-party documentation
- Create a better client experience through automation
If your team is still managing certificates through spreadsheets, shared inboxes, or manual reminders, we'd be happy to walk through your current process and share what's working for agencies similar to yours.
Tuesday, September 22: Finish Strong
Tuesday continues with another full day of educational programming before the conference concludes with one of the most unique networking events of the week.
That evening, attendees will head to U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings, for cocktails, dinner, awards, and one final opportunity to connect with agency leaders, carrier partners, and sponsors.
By Tuesday evening, you've likely attended multiple sessions, explored the tradeshow, and met dozens of new people.
Now is the time to slow down.
Reconnect with the people you enjoyed meeting throughout the conference.
Exchange contact information.
Schedule follow-up conversations.
Talk about ideas instead of products.
The final evening is often where casual introductions become lasting professional relationships.
Before heading home, take a few minutes to write down three ideas you want to bring back to your agency.
The best conference attendees don't simply collect notes—they leave with an action plan.
Why Keystone Is Different
Founded in 1983, Keystone has spent more than four decades helping independent insurance agencies grow through collaboration, shared expertise, and strategic partnerships.
Today, Keystone supports:
- 351 partner agencies
- 700+ agency locations
- 31 states
- More than $8.4 billion in written premium
Unlike organizations focused solely on aggregation, Keystone has built its reputation around helping agencies remain independent while providing the resources, relationships, and operational support needed to compete in a changing marketplace.
That philosophy aligns naturally with TrustLayer's mission.
Both organizations believe technology should strengthen relationships—not replace them.
For agencies, that means spending less time chasing paperwork and more time serving clients, strengthening partnerships, and growing their business.
Where to Stay During Keystone Elevate 2026
One of the advantages of attending Keystone Elevate is that you'll be staying in the heart of downtown Minneapolis. Whether you're walking to conference sessions, meeting clients for dinner, or exploring the city after the day's programming, you'll find most attractions, restaurants, and entertainment within a short walk or rideshare.
Minneapolis offers a wide variety of excellent hotels within walking distance of the conference area.
Some highly rated options include:
- Hyatt Regency Minneapolis – Modern accommodations with easy access to downtown attractions.
- The Royal Sonesta Minneapolis Downtown – Conveniently located near Nicollet Mall and Minneapolis' Skyway System.
- The Westin Minneapolis – A beautifully restored historic property with spacious rooms and excellent walkability.
- Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Ideal for travelers looking for a premium boutique experience.
No matter where you stay, downtown Minneapolis is compact enough that most restaurants, networking events, and attractions are only minutes away.
Best Restaurants Near the Conference
Conferences are about relationships as much as they are about education, and some of the best conversations happen over dinner.
If you're planning client dinners, partner meetings, or simply looking for a great meal after a full day of sessions, these local favorites are excellent choices.
Brit's Pub
The conference's Sunday Welcome Reception takes place at Brit's Pub, making it a natural gathering place throughout the week.
Known for its rooftop lawn bowling, British-inspired menu, extensive beer selection, and welcoming atmosphere, Brit's has been a downtown Minneapolis staple for years.
Spoon and Stable
One of Minneapolis' most celebrated restaurants, Spoon and Stable, offers seasonal Midwestern cuisine in a beautifully restored horse stable.
It's an outstanding option for hosting clients, agency partners, or carrier representatives during the conference.
https://www.spoonandstable.com/
Murray's Restaurant
If you're looking for a classic Minneapolis steakhouse, Murray's has been serving guests since 1946.
Known for exceptional steaks and old-school hospitality, it's an excellent setting for business dinners and relationship-building conversations.
https://murraysrestaurant.com/
Coffee Shops Worth Visiting
Whether you're catching up on emails before breakfast or meeting someone for an informal conversation, Minneapolis has plenty of excellent coffee shops nearby.
Spyhouse Coffee Roasters
One of Minneapolis' best-known independent coffee roasters, Spyhouse offers outstanding espresso, comfortable seating, and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for early-morning meetings.
Dunn Brothers Coffee
A Minnesota original, Dunn Brothers roasts coffee in-house and offers ample space for casual meetings before conference sessions begin.
Things to Do While You're in Minneapolis
If you're arriving early or extending your trip after Keystone Elevate, Minneapolis offers plenty to explore beyond the conference.
Walk Nicollet Mall
Nicollet Mall is the heart of downtown Minneapolis and an easy place to spend an afternoon between conference events.
The pedestrian-friendly corridor features restaurants, public art, shopping, outdoor seating, and access to Minneapolis' famous Skyway System.
https://www.minneapolis.org/neighborhoods/downtown/nicollet/
Visit the Stone Arch Bridge
One of Minneapolis' most iconic landmarks, the Stone Arch Bridge offers beautiful views of the Mississippi River, St. Anthony Falls, and the downtown skyline.
It's especially enjoyable early in the morning, before conference sessions begin, or at sunset, after dinner.
https://www.minneapolisparks.org/parks-destinations/trails-parkways/stone_arch_bridge/
Explore Mill City Museum
Built into the ruins of what was once the world's largest flour mill, Mill City Museum tells the story of Minneapolis' industrial history while offering spectacular views of the riverfront.
It's a unique attraction for anyone interested in the city's history and architecture.
Walker Art Center & Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
The Walker Art Center and the neighboring Minneapolis Sculpture Garden are among the city's most recognizable cultural attractions.
If you've ever seen the famous Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture, this is where you'll find it.
Even if you don't have time to tour the museum, the sculpture garden is well worth a visit.
U.S. Bank Stadium
Tuesday evening's conference celebration takes place at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings.
If you're extending your stay, consider taking a public stadium tour to see behind the scenes at one of the NFL's premier venues.
https://www.usbankstadium.com/
Discover Minneapolis
Looking for even more ideas?
The official Meet Minneapolis visitor guide includes recommendations for restaurants, museums, breweries, shopping, live music, sporting events, and seasonal attractions.
Why Minneapolis Is a Great Conference City
Minneapolis consistently ranks among the best convention cities in the Midwest—and it's easy to see why.
The downtown core is highly walkable, connected by the famous Minneapolis Skyway System, and filled with restaurants, hotels, coffee shops, and entertainment venues within just a few blocks of one another.
That means less time commuting between conference events and more time having the conversations that make conferences worthwhile.
Whether you're meeting someone for breakfast, grabbing coffee between sessions, or hosting clients for dinner, downtown Minneapolis makes it easy to move from one event to the next.
For Keystone Elevate attendees, that translates into more networking, fewer logistics, and a better overall conference experience.
Why TrustLayer and Keystone Are Better Together
TrustLayer is proud to partner with Keystone, a platform built on helping independent insurance agencies thrive through stronger relationships, shared expertise, and smarter ways of doing business.
That makes this partnership a natural fit.
Keystone has spent more than four decades building a collaborative network that gives agencies access to resources, carrier relationships, operational guidance, and a community of peers who genuinely want to see one another succeed.
TrustLayer shares that same philosophy.
Our platform helps agencies, brokers, and their clients replace manual certificate tracking, spreadsheet-driven compliance, and endless email follow-ups with automated workflows that increase visibility, reduce administrative work, and improve the client experience.
Together, Keystone and TrustLayer are helping agencies spend less time managing paperwork and more time building relationships, advising clients, and growing their business.
Whether your agency manages dozens or thousands of certificates, we're excited to support Keystone's network with technology designed specifically for today's insurance professionals.
Learn more about TrustLayer's Broker & Partner Program and discover how agencies use compliance automation to strengthen client relationships and create new growth opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions: Keystone Elevate 2026
Q: What is Keystone Elevate?
Keystone Elevate is Keystone Agency Partners' annual national conference that brings together independent insurance agencies, carrier partners, technology providers, and industry leaders for three days of education, networking, and collaboration.
Q: When is Keystone Elevate 2026?
Keystone Elevate takes place September 20–22, 2026.
Q: Where is Keystone Elevate held?
Elevate 2026 will be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Q: Who should attend Keystone Elevate?
Elevate is designed for:
- Independent agency owners
- Agency principals
- Producers
- Account managers
- Operations leaders
- Carrier representatives
- Technology partners
- Service providers supporting the independent agency channel
Q: How many people attend Keystone Elevate?
Approximately 400–500 insurance professionals are expected to attend Elevate 2026.
Q: Will TrustLayer have a table?
Yes.
TrustLayer is attending as a Gold Sponsor and will have an exhibit table.
Stop by to meet the team, ask questions, and see how agencies are automating certificate tracking and vendor compliance.
Q: What networking events shouldn't I miss?
Some of the week's best networking opportunities include:
- Sunday Welcome Reception at Brit's Pub
- Women in Insurance Networking Hour
- Monday Tradeshow
- Tuesday evening celebration at U.S. Bank Stadium
Q: What should first-time attendees prioritize?
For first-time attendees, we recommend:
- Arriving Sunday
- Attending the Welcome Reception
- Visiting the exhibit hall
- Introducing yourself to agencies outside your region
- Taking notes throughout the conference
- Scheduling follow-up conversations before leaving Minneapolis
Q: What airport should I fly into?
Most attendees will fly into Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), located approximately 20–25 minutes from downtown Minneapolis.
Q: What should I wear?
Business casual is appropriate for most conference sessions, networking events, and the tradeshow.
Comfortable shoes are highly recommended, as you'll spend much of the conference walking between sessions and networking events.
Q: Why is Keystone different from other insurance organizations?
Keystone is one of the country's largest independent insurance agency platforms, supporting more than 351 partner agencies across 31 states.
Its emphasis on collaboration, shared expertise, agency independence, and long-term growth has made it one of the most respected organizations serving the independent insurance channel.
Make Your Keystone Elevate 2026 Trip Count
Keystone Elevate isn't simply another insurance conference—it's an opportunity to spend three focused days with agency leaders, carrier partners, and industry experts who are all working toward the same goal: building stronger independent agencies.
Arrive early.
Take advantage of the networking events.
Ask thoughtful questions.
Visit with a plan.
Step outside your usual circle of contacts.
Most importantly, leave Minneapolis with more than a notebook full of ideas. Leave with relationships, actionable insights, and a clear plan for helping your agency grow.
TrustLayer is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of Keystone Elevate 2026, and we're looking forward to meeting agencies from across the Keystone network throughout the conference.
If you're attending, stop by our exhibit table to say hello, see what's new, and learn how agencies are modernizing certificate of insurance (COI) tracking, vendor compliance, and third-party document workflows.
If you can't connect with us during the conference, we'd still love to continue the conversation.
Schedule a personalized TrustLayer demo and discover how smarter compliance workflows can help your agency reduce manual work, improve client service, and create more time for growth.
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