RIMS Confab To Address Financial Crisis For RMs

The Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) said its annual conference in April will focus on strategies and techniques risk managers can use to re-evaluate their exposures in light of the financial markets crisis.

The RIMS 2009 Annual Conference & Exhibition will take place April 19-23 in Orlando, Fla., at the Orange County Convention Center.

More than 400 speakers will lead some 120 workshops in 10 category areas: claims management, employment risks, enterprise risk management, finance, industry, insurance, international, legal legislation, loss control and risk management.

RIMS said sessions will include tactics to improve an organization's risk management approach and handling of risks involved in using products and materials from developing countries as well as traditional trading partners.

“Hot Topic” sessions will be announced in January to offer attendees forward-looking content based on current events, RIMS said.

Speakers include financial journalist and author Roger Lowenstein, who will discuss the downfall of U.S. hedge fund company long-term capital management and the issues facing the current global credit crises. Harvard Business School professor, change consultant and author John Kotter will discuss secrets of aligning business goals and embracing effective change management.

The keynote speaker scheduled for the general session is Dennis N.T. Perkins, leadership consultant and author, who will present 10 strategies for success based on effective leadership in demanding environments.

Mary Roth, RIMS executive director, said, “This is the conference for risk professionals to question industry partners about business tactics, learn from experts about the latest leadership strategies, and hear how peers are addressing challenges in their own organization.”

RIMS said it will host its third Community Service Day, once again supported by Aon, at Give Kids the World–a 70-acre resort that fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses and their families at central Florida's attractions.

Other events include the Spencer Educational Foundation's golf and hockey tournament fundraisers, a reception at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center, an evening entertainment at SeaWorld Spectacular, and an Exhibit Hall wine and cheese event.

RIMS said it will work with the Orange County Convention Center to support and execute an environmentally friendly event. To reduce energy consumption, the center's lights, heat and air conditioning will be turned off in rooms not in use and many conference materials such as banners, carpeting, signage and badge holders will use recyclable materials and soy-based inks.

An “early bird discount” is available for persons who sign up for the event by Feb. 20, RIMS said. More details and registration are available at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2009.