The Wind Insurance Network will host its 14th annual conference,WIND 2013, January 28-31 in Orlando, Florida. Well into its seconddecade as an educational event in the claims industry, and on theheels of a tumultuous year of wind damage, the timely content ofthe conference proves the words of executive director, MichelleGriffin: “No matter which direction the wind is blowing, WIND willbe there!”

“Our goal is to bring a fresh prospective to the ever-changingclaims environment in regards to windstorm while allowing divergentpoints of view to be presented in a professional and balancedmanner,” Griffin continues. “Each year, we hand selectprofessionals from the various niche audiences we serve inorder to have a fresh approach and constant pulse on what eachgroup wants to learn and explore.”

Q. How have the loss events of 2012shaped the industry and the conference this year?

A. According to Munich Re, the world's biggestreinsurance firm, North America is experiencing a tremendous risein extreme weather disasters, a nearly fivefold increase over thepast three decades. Specifically, Munich Re reported a 35-percentincrease in the size of storms in the Gulf of Mexico since 1995 andalso concluded this is because of climate change, which will unquestionably continue in thefuture.

Given these conditions, while staying current with theever-changing world of insurance, WIND attempts to integrate allfactors to the best of its ability to ensure the conference iseducational and that attendees are provided with the knowledge theyneed to excel in the field.

In light of recent events, the conference provides crucialinsight into the latest technological advances that may assist theinsurance professionals in their claims investigations, includingthose stemming from Sandy.

Q. What's new at the WIND conferencethis year?

A. In addition to the updated educationalsessions, CE offerings, and networking, WIND has added a classtitled, “Bayous, Bays, and Boroughs: The 'Money Pits' of theInsurance Industry” to address the new adjusting and insuranceclaims issues that are arising from Hurricane Sandy. WIND pridesitself on being at the forefront of trending/hot topic industryissues and Superstorm Sandy will undoubtedly impact our industryfor many years to come.

We have taken extra steps to ensure the entire Gulf Coast andEastern seaboard is involved in the discussion. We actively pursuedspeakers along the Gulf Coast and have involved many speakers fromthe insurance carrier side of the industry.

Q. What unique insights will keynotespeakers Reed Timmer and Dr. William Gray bring for claimsprofessionals?

A. We are excited to bring back one of thenation's prominent hurricane forecasters to our conference, Dr. WilliamGray. He will speak on “Past and Likely Future Variations inHurricane Wind Damage,” and briefly discuss the unusual hurricaneseason of 2012 (including Sandy) and offer an outlook for the 2013season. A discussion of the surprisingly large multi-decadal cyclesin U.S. landfalling major hurricane activity will also begiven.

Also helping round out the expert lineup is Reed Timmer, thestar of Discovery's “Storm Chasers” show. Timmer will bring afirst-hand look at his work as a tornado storm chaser and will alsobe displaying his specially designed chaser vehicle, The Dominator,at the conference.

Q. Why is the conference particularlyvital for P&C claims professionals?

A. It is essential for industry and claimsprofessionals to meet together to review and discuss the myriadissues that have significant effects on the insuranceclaims/recovery process. Working together not only promotespositive relationships between often opposing sides, but it alsocreates an enjoyable work experience, which helps the claimsprofessionals expedite the resolution of an insurance claim.

Our conference is not just a regional event—our reach isnationwide, with nearly three quarters of all 50 statesrepresented. We also have had attendees travel from Europe, Canadaand South America to attend our annual conference. The quality andmaterial we offer for the windstorm property insurance industry isreally unparalleled.

In addition, I do not know of any other conference that providesthe opportunity to obtain a large number and wide variety ofcontinuous education credits in one place.