The options trading world turns its focus to the PGA National Resort this May as the 43rd Annual Options Industry Conference (OIC) convenes from May 6–8, 2025. Drawing a wide array of participants—from exchanges and brokerages to regulatory experts and fintech innovators—the event is poised to tackle some of the most pivotal topics shaping the future of derivatives markets. Traders Magazine caught up with Ed Modla, Executive Director, Investor Education, and Mat Cashman, Principal, Investor Education at OCC, to learn more.

What are the primary objectives of the 2025 Options Industry Conference, and how do they reflect the current trends in the options market?

Ed Modla: As usual, OIC will bring together the brightest and most innovative minds in the options industry. Speakers and attendees will have the opportunity to connect while sharing perspective on the latest factors that are driving volatility and offer their expectations of the next influential headlines that will impact the markets.

Mat Cashman: The 2025 conference is centered around the key theme of innovation in the options markets. As the industry evolves with advancements in big data, AI, and retail investor participation, the conference aims to highlight how technology, market structure, and education are shaping the future. Compared to previous years, there’s a stronger emphasis on emerging technologies and adaptive strategies, reflecting the industry’s focus on not just growth, but sustainable innovation.

Can you provide an overview of the keynote speaker, Maurice Conti, and how his insights into emerging technologies will benefit attendees?

Ed Modla: In addition to being a world traveler and highly respected innovator, Maurice is at the forefront of Futurism. The world is always moving and changing quickly, but there could not be a more perfect time to gain insight and wisdom from one of the most creative and inspiring minds in the world today.

Mat Cashman: Maurice Conti is a visionary leader in the fields of AI, immersive reality, advanced robotics, and sustainability-focused technologies. Given our focus this year on technological innovation, Maurice’s insights will provide attendees with a broader, future-facing perspective that directly ties into how the options industry is evolving.

Can you highlight some of the most anticipated panel discussions?

Ed Modla: As an educator, I am drawn to “Shaping the Future of Options Education.” The appetite for options knowledge has never been greater, and this panel will provide the audience with speakers from different sides of the industry who will discuss their characterization of today’s options user and how to connect with them.

Mat Cashman: Several sessions stand out to me this year. “The State of the Industry” will focus on how firms are using big data, AI, and analytics to shape trading and risk management strategies. The Emerging Technologies, Advanced Analytics and Automation in Options Trading session will be a deep dive into how innovations are impacting decision-making and ethics in options trading.

How does the conference address the evolving role of retail investors in the options market?

Ed Modla: The presence and influence of the retail investor in the market continues to expand. OIC will address this topic directly by kicking off day 2 with a panel discussion, “The Evolution of Retail Options Trading,” which will be on the increasing sophistication level of retail participants along with their behavioral tendencies during periods of market stress.

What impact do Defined Outcome ETFs have on options and futures markets, and how will this topic be explored during the conference?

Ed Modla: Defined Outcome ETFs can provide a path for investors to gain indirect exposure to the derivatives markets. A key feature of these products is the calculated risk-reward profile which is largely accomplished using options contracts. OIC will highlight this topic in the morning of day 2 in “The Rise of Defined Outcome ETFs” when a panel of industry experts will weigh the benefits of simplicity against the extent to which investors should understand the construction of these products to help determine their comfort level.

How are advancements in big data, artificial intelligence, and automation transforming trading strategies and risk management in the options industry?

Ed Modla: Sophisticated trading systems have incorporated the element of AI for quite some time. However, the speed and capability of this technology is expanding at a rapid pace today. Traders and investors are always looking for ways to gain an edge, and being at the cutting edge of this remarkable evolution will be critical to the long-term success of any business.

Mat Cashman: This year’s panels are packed with conversations on this topic, particularly in “State of the Industry” and “Emerging Technologies in Options Trading.” These sessions will address how data-driven modeling, automation, and AI tools can enable market participants to trade more efficiently, manage risks more dynamically, and even approach market analysis in new ways.

How is the 2025 Options Industry Conference advancing the conversation around options education, and why is this important for the future of the market?

Mat Cashman: Education has always been critical to the health and growth of the options market, and this year’s conference is placing an even greater spotlight on it. The panel “Shaping the Future of Options Education” will explore how innovative educational platforms, AI-driven learning tools, and expanded outreach efforts are shaping a new generation of options traders, both retail and institutional. Compared to 2022-2024, when education was a secondary theme, it now has a central place in the conference agenda, reflecting the industry’s recognition that sustainable growth depends on empowering investors with better knowledge and tools.

Beyond the sessions, what networking opportunities and social events are planned to facilitate connections among industry professionals?

Ed Modla: The OCC & Exchange Welcome Reception at OIC is always unforgettable. With live music and delicious hors d’oeuvres served within the magnificent facility at PGA National Resort, this will surely be another night to remember.

Mat Cashman: This year, there will be several formal and casual networking opportunities, including the “Surf’s Up” Networking Event on Wednesday, and the golf outing and a pickleball mixer on the final day.