With the New Year just around the corner, we offer a preview ofa dozen topics and trends that will be a focus of NU’scoverage in 2012.

12. Talent Show: We all know we face a loomingsuccession crisis as Baby Boomer retirements sap the insuranceworld of a wealth of wisdom and experience. Next year, we’ll zeroin on what’s being done to address this brain drain. We’ll giveprogress reports on efforts at the industry-wide level—and takesome in-depth looks at individual companies with effective programsto lure and secure tomorrow’s leaders.

11. All Abroad: Whether you work as anunderwriter, producer or risk manager, it’s a safe bet yourbusiness is becoming ever-more international. In 2012, look for usto explore where the opportunities are overseas for carriers; todeliver case studies on how small and midsize agencies aresuccessfully expanding to other countries; and to feature profilesof risk managers who handle global portfolios with aplomb.

10. Good Source of Cyber: It’s clear that cyberliability is moving swiftly from the “emerging” risk category tomainstream coverage. We’ll keep you apprised of how forms areevolving; where prices are headed; who the key players are; and thelatest developments on the frontier of data protection.

9. The Green Scene: While it can be argued thatthe growth potential of green-related insurance products has beenoverhyped, we’re cautiously confident that green will be the newgreen in 2012—and we’ll offer up colorful coverage of companiesthat are finding profitable policy pockets in the eco-friendlyniche.

8. Socialism: No, not any sort of reference tothe 2012 elections (see No. 3). Rather, you’ll see NU andits sister Web site, PropertyCasualty360.com, make a majorcommitment next year to making it much easier for you to contributecontent to our industry conversation—and to connect with peers whoshare your business interests.

7. State of Independents: Tough times inspireinnovative solutions, and we’ll regularly highlight small agenciesthat are adopting creative approaches to compete with, and beat,direct carriers and captives.

6. The Middle Road/Urge to Merge: With theadvantages of scale enjoyed by the insurance giants, especially inthe area of technology, regional carriers will feel increasingpressure to reinvent themselves—or to, willingly or not, joinforces with others. Look here for the details on any deals.

5. The Cat Walk: The full impact of RMS Version11.0 is still filtering through the industry, and we’ll keep youconstantly updated about its effect on pricing—and RMScompetitors.

4. Smarter, Safer: What are the top minds inthe worlds of insurance and science doing to make the world atleast a slightly less risky place? We’ll investigate throughout theyear.

3. Washington Watch: Systemically significant.FIO. FSOC. NFIP. And a little event on the first Tuesday inNovember. Our D.C. bureau, led by industry veteran Arthur D.Postal, will be all over the important news events in the capitaland on Capitol Hill.

2. The “Harft” Market: Hard, soft or flat? It’sthe multibillion-dollar question of the year, and we’ll bemonitoring market conditions—and canvassing analysts and experts—ona daily basis.

1. Tech, Tech, Tech: Technology is thetrend/topic likely to trump all others in 2012. From predictivemodeling to telemetrics to mobile apps, we’re looking forward tothe chance to geek out on what’s sure to be a steady onslaught ofcool, new products to tell you about.

Bryant Rousseau
Editor in Chief
201-526-2329
[email protected]