Given the rigorous daily demands of the claims profession, it can be a marvel that anyone has time for continuing education, let alone travelling to a conference…..in Vegas. I know, right? Can you believe the sacrifices we make for this job?!
Throughout the course of our careers, though, we attend seemingly countless meetings (both informal and formal), to say nothing of the slew of conferences and courses to bolster our claims business acumen and connect with others in the field. So, why ACE? And why now?
Last year was marred by unprecedented disaster and rampant fraud. Yet, we persevered and made progress in a stifling economic climate, because that is what we do.
The Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) reports that U.S. P&C insurers cumulatively paid $408 billion in catastrophe related claims to their auto, homeowners' and business policyholders between 1990 and 2011. Despite these staggering claims payouts, the overwhelming majority remain well-capitalized in 2012, according to Dr. Robert Hartwig, CPCU, economist and the I.I.I. president.
Moreover, the strides in fraud detection and dismantling organized crime rings have been significant.
In conjunction with law enforcement and other agencies, claims professionals helped deliver a blow to one of most notorious and pernicious forms of insurance fraud, namely abuse of the personal injury protection (PIP) system. The high-profile busts in New York and Florida, along with the passage of Fla. HB-119, were brought to fruition through the tireless efforts of savvy, skilled, and informed claims professionals. 
These battle victories in the fraud fight underscore the importance of conferences such as ACE, which continues to be an essential pit stop for senior managers especially, as they set the gold standard. Those charged with inspiring and mobilizing the troops while innovating operations need viable strategies now.
This year, ACE returns to sunny Las Vegas for its 16th iteration. Taking place from June 27 to 29 at Mandalay Bay, a casino and resort fit for, well, P. Diddy, the conference will feature informative sessions, abundant networking opportunities, and roundtables intended to catalyze the claims workforce.
Specific Solutions
Comprising the 2012 lineup are four tracks—claims efficiency, modernization, integration & growth; claims litigation management; strategic claims talent; and claims technology and innovation. New this year, the claims litigation track will help you address your most vexing legal issues, from cost containment to the many flavors of subrogation. "The speakers will illuminate management strategies and outline case law updates, among other key issues," explains Debra Haym, director of program development at Summit Business Media (Summit is also the parent company to Claims Magazine).
Haym reports that this year's attendance is already outpacing that of last year and also the 2010 event at the Bellagio. The swell in participation, she says, is a testament to the show's ongoing relevance and valuable content.
"ACE has a proven track record of facilitating learning and collaboration in dynamic and exceptional ways," Haym explains. "This year, top-level execs from Liberty Mutual, J.D. Power and Associates, Chartis, the National Insurance Crime Bureau, as well as other experts will offer insights via keynote presentations, panels, and interactive workshops." In addition, the winner of this year's highly anticipated Claims Professional of the Year award will be revealed on Friday, June 29 at 9:00 a.m.
Leading by example is what this event is all about. So be sure to take advantage of this rare and exciting opportunity to transform insight into action and propel your own professional journey and those of your peers.
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