Insurance is all about managing risk, whether it's protecting property from fires, earthquakes or floods; vehicles from deer or close encounters with other cars; providing payment for injured workers; securing business interruption coverage for dozens of possible perils; or guarding against a major data breach.

Policyholders purchase insurance to protect them against the unexpected. The risks keep changing — and so do the types of coverage required.

Over the past year, the number of data breaches from either malware or hacking rose substantially according to London-based Beazley, a provider of data breach response insurance. The Beazley Breach Response Services unit responded to 60% more data breaches in 2015 compared with the previous year, and the company says that 32% of all incidents in 2015 were caused by hacking or malware, compared with only 18% in 2014.

The America's Claims Event (ACE) conference sponsored by Claims magazine in Minneapolis June 22-24, will explore some of the emerging risks in the industry through its expanded education tracks. There will be sessions addressing Workers' Comp, automobile claims, legal issues, preparing for catastrophe season, and risk management.

The former ACETech conference has been combined with ACE through a technology track that will explore the issues involved with shedding legacy systems; look at technology's impact on claims management and big data analytics; offer tips for using Google Glass effectively; and address how to maintain quality control in vendor relationships.

With the advent of autonomous cars, product liability takes on new prominence with some manufacturers saying they will accept liability if their vehicles malfunction. Does this mean that a driver who is watching his phone while behind the wheel will not be liable in the event of an accident because his autonomous car failed to yield the right of way and he was oblivious to the oncoming car? Insurers are still providing insurance under an old model, but Jeremy Rogers, senior counsel, automotive defense with Smith, Freed & Eberhard P.C. in Portland, Ore., will look at how insurers can reduce their exposure while covering autonomous vehicles.

A new track called "Did you know?" tackles subjects either on the horizon that insurers need to prepare for now or issues that might not be encountered every day, but still require special preparation. One of those topics involves forensic restoration — crime scenes, hoarders, infectious disease scenarios, drug labs and other unsanitary dwellings. Jeff Jones of Oklahoma City-based Bio-Sheen Services will educate attendees on the risks these special scenes present and how to keep adjusters safe when they encounter them.

Dave North, president and CEO of Memphis, Tenn.-based Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc., will open the conference with a look at claims management strategies and new advancements in the industry.

Because the impending talent gap and changes a new workforce will require are a priority for every insurer, Caryn Siebert of Los Angeles-based Knight Insurance will lead a discussion on how to mentor your existing workforce.

The insurance industry is seeing more changes now than it has in the previous 20 years as technology, a multi-generational workforce and emerging risks force companies to meet a host of new demands. Education is a critical component to keeping insurance professionals prepared for these challenges and America's Claims Event provides the opportunity to learn from experts and peers. PC360 readers can register to attend and save $350.

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America's Claims Event to look at new risk challenges insurers will face

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