Earnest industry professionals will soon head to the city dubbed "the heart of Texas," to continue their claim education at this year's Property Loss Research Bureau/Liability Insurance Research Bureau (PLRB/LIRB) conference, which takes place at San Antonio's Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center from March 21 to 24, 2010.

As one of the industry's most substantial and vibrant claim-oriented events, the conference will span 12 curriculum areas and offer more than 110 sessions, 240 presenters, and close to 300 exposition vendors covering a range of specialties, from restoration and adjusting to engineering.

At last count, the planning committee said it anticipates a healthy turnout -- between 1,800 and 2,000 attendees compared to last year's crowd of about 1,500. The strong presence and variety of vendors reflect the value and relevance of an event that, despite a sagging economy, continues to enable its core constituency to thrive.