Given that the Risk and Insurance Management Society is an organization that helps educate insurance professionals on how to limit risks, it's not surprising that the first question RIMS President Michael Liebowitz often heard when planning this year's event was, “After all that has happened in New Orleans recently, why hold the annual RIMS conference there?” But he's ready with a response to this frequently asked question.

“If the insurance industry turns its back on that city in its time of need, then shame on them,” said Liebowitz. “New Orleans has been ready, well in advance to host a conference of this size, and we want to show our support. It's also the home of the first annual RIMS conference.”

As it turns out, this year is the seventh time that the annual conference has been held on the bayou. It will take place next week between Apr. 29-May 3, 2007, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and marks the 45th year that the Society has served up a valuable resource for the insurance community to utilize as an educational opportunity.

Schedule Highlights

The conference kicks off on Sunday with a number of special events, including the 16th Annual Spencer/Gallagher Golf Tournament at the Carter Plantation and The Oaks Golf Club. The RIMS 2007 Community Service Day, which is a joint volunteer project between RIMS and the Beacon of Hope Resource Center, also takes place on Sunday. Participants will have a chance to help residents of the Lakeview Parrish return home after Hurricane Katrina's destruction by clearing yards of dead shrubbery and tree branches, and by painting. Rest assured, though — it's not all work. Sunday evening offers the chance to reward yourself by taking in “Riverside Royale,” the opening reception at in the grand ballroom of the Hilton Riverside Hotel from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

On Monday morning, the opening session and keynote address will begin at 8:00 a.m. One of the most anticipated keynote speakers of the conference is Dr. Michael Osterholm, who is director for the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. His address, “Bracing for a Pandemic: What You Need to Know and How You Can Prepare,” will discuss the social and economic effects of a flu pandemic and how public health authorities plan to manage the threat.

“Dr. Osterholm's address will be interesting because it will bring an internal perspective to our audience that they will find helpful,” said Liebowitz.

Another highly anticipated event is the CEO Leadership Panel Luncheon, which takes place on Tuesday of conference week. This is the third year for the forum, which focuses on the key issues that risk managers are tackling today. This year the panel includes CEOs from highly recognized companies such as Zurich Insurance, Willis Group Holdings, AON Corp., Marsh & McLennan Companies, ACE USA, FM Global, Arthur J. Gallagher Co., and AIG.

“The CEO panel is important to risk managers because we get great guests answering the questions that come out of the sessions, and there are always some surprises,” said Liebowitz. “It is good to have that kind of open communication here.”

Beyond Breakouts

There are a wide range of topics covered at this year's RIMS conference and the entire experience can be overwhelming for someone who has never attended a conference like this before. That's why RIMS has chosen to reach out to those who are new to the business by offering the First Timers' Orientation, which will be available Sunday and Monday.

“We have seen an increase in those who are attending the conference for the first time,” said Liebowitz. “It is large and there is a lot of information out there so it can be daunting. We want to focus this gathering on education and networking.”

But count on breakout sessions to dominate the days. This year, there are 10 different categories of session topics:

Claims Management

Employment Risks

Enterprise Risk Management

Finance

Industry

Insurance

International

Legal Legislation

Loss Control

Risk Management

For the Risk Management, Claims Management, and Loss Control tracks, there will be a “hot topic” session, which will cover a subject that is viewed as an issue of significance to that area, but will not be revealed until the time of the presentation. “These sessions are nothing new to the conference, and they usually fill up fast for obvious reasons,” said Liebowitz. The three sessions are sure to address pertinent concerns of the selected topic and provide valuable information to assist the risk management community in the future.

According to Liebowitz, the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) track is the largest, and there is a big push to embrace ERM programs this year. Keynote speaker Dave Maurstad, director of FEMA's mitigation division and federal insurance administrator, will give an address titled, “Government's Role in Mitigating Risk: New Orleans and Beyond,” and will highlight efforts by the National Flood Insurance Program, as well as how to reduce risks related to natural disasters.

Take It Away

There is something new for everyone in the risk management industry to take away from this year's RIMS conference. The trick will be to choose sessions carefully to create an educational and enjoyable experience.

“In order to get the most out of this conference, ask yourself, 'Where can I advance my skills?' There is a variety of topics being presented and it is up to each member to decide that for themselves. Each year, we challenge them to take away more than they can carry,” said Liebowitz.

Interested in more risk management news and in-depth articles? Head over to Claims' risk management channel for more information.

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