peopleNEWS

Insights galore at Insurance News conference

Industry professionals enjoyed networking drinks at the conclusion of Insurance News’ Outlook 2025 conference in Sydney.

Feedback from more than 200 attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, following an inaugural event last year.

Held at Doltone House Hyde Park, the conference was made possible by gold partners Finity and Liberty, and sponsors Allianz, AAMC and Australia Underwriting.

The program was packed with expert speakers and panellists, including Hollard founder Richard Enthoven, IAG’s Jarrod Hill and Suncorp’s Michael Miller.

Subjects tackled included an assessment of market softening, growth opportunities, home insurance affordability, transparency, and the challenges and trends we can expect for the rest of this year and beyond.

All attendees were presented with a printed copy of an exclusive market outlook report put together by Insurance News and Finity.

See a full report on the conference here.

Insurtech gathering a success

More than 300 attendees gathered in Sydney at this year’s InsurtechLIVE in February, where headliner experts told the crowd technology adoption in insurance is growing – but more is still needed.

Insurtech Australia CEO Simone Dossetor urged the community to work out how best to “really take advantage of the acceleration of technology that AI is bringing”.

International guests at the sold-out Doltone House event included Dai-ichi Life’s Stephen Barnham, and US-based Bryan Falchuk, who told the audience the “game has changed” for insurers as climate-related losses increase and the period between them shrinks. He urged a “rethink and reset” of decades-old core products.

Sydney start-up MyVal won the 2025 pitch competition. Its app uses artificial intelligence to accurately document the value of home contents, and highlights items exceeding policy sublimits. Also selected to pitch were ImpairEX, Lodgicl, Powour and Raindrop.

See a full report on InsurtechLIVE here.

UAC’s Sydney exchange brings the buzz

The Underwriting Agencies Council began this year’s Market Exchange tour in February at Sydney’s International Convention Centre.

More than 500 brokers turned up to see 156 exhibitors, making it the biggest Market Exchange so far. Five Sigma, a provider of AI-driven claims management solutions, was the naming rights sponsor.

UAC CEO Jenny Bax told Insurance News the event “was a resounding success from the minute the doors opened at 9am to closing at 2pm.

“The buzz around the room didn’t stop and the feedback from both members and exhibitors was extremely positive. Bring on the rest of the year.

“Each Market Exchange gets bigger and better, and we can’t wait for the year to unfold.”

Charity cricket contest raises thousands

Almost $29,000 was raised by this year’s Insurance Ashes charity cricket festival, which took place in March at the North Sydney Oval.

Organised by the Primary Club of Australia, the event featured teams from Austbrokers/Sura, CGU, Chubb and NRMA Insurance, which entered for the first time.

The Austbrokers/Sura team came out on top as the rain held off, with a dramatic last-ball victory over NRMA. The nominated charities for the event are Sargood, Making Waves Foundation, Aspect and Sailability.

Steadfast Convention raises record funds

The Steadfast Convention in March finished with a spectacular gala dinner where a record $512,000 was raised for charity Free 3D Hands.

Steadfast recognised “the generosity of our brokers, strategic partners and service providers” in raising the huge total.

The Melbourne convention began with a welcome event at the Showtime Events Centre at South Wharf and about 2000 attended across the three days.

Keynote speakers included Olympic champion and world record-holding swimmer Ariarne Titmus and her coach Dean Boxall, Lloyd’s chief commercial officer Dawn Miller, and Luxury Escapes co-founder Adam Schwab.

Next year’s convention will take place on the Gold Coast.