peopleNEWS

CQIB heads north for 31st convention

The Council of Queensland Insurance Brokers (CQIB) held its 31st annual convention in September at the Cairns Convention Centre.

About 240 industry professionals and 42 exhibitors attended, and CQIB President Danny Brandon thanked attendees for travelling to Cairns as it was the first time the event had been held outside of Southeast Queensland.

The Friday night was a highlight as attendees watched the sun go down from Salt bar and restaurant. On the Saturday night, a masquerade party finished off the conference, and $26,000 was raised for the Kindness Factory.

Insurance Advisernet conference heads to Hobart

Close to 600 delegates gathered in Hobart at this year’s Insurance Advisernet (IA) conference to see Vero crowned Insurer of the Year and 360 Underwriting Agency of the Year at a Monster Bash-themed gala dinner awards ceremony.

MD Shaun Standfield conducted an exclusive session highlighting the year’s achievements while former Liberal Party Deputy Leader Julie Bishop delivered a compelling keynote address to the audience of authorised representatives from Australia and New Zealand, and industry and service partners.

The IA Foundation raised more than $200,000 during the three-day event, and the Neville Grenfell Charity Golf Classic attracted 110 participants to the 2023 ‘IAthlon’ walking/running event.

Plans are already in progress for the 2024 IA conference, to be held in Cairns at the end of October.

CBN celebrates $1 billion milestone

Community Broker Network (CBN) held its annual conference over three days at Novotel Twin Waters Resort in Sunshine Coast in September.

CEO Richard Crawford announced in his opening speech that the network has passed more than $1 billion in gross written premium, a “testament to the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence displayed by the CBN network”.

The conference also saw CBN Executive Manager, Strategy and Culture Nese Akay unveil several new initiatives, including a new broker portal, real time data and analytics tools for the network, and an innovative online insurance brand aimed at providing growth opportunities for CBN authorised brokers.

The event concluded with a charity gala dinner and auction, with the attendees raising $101,100 for Foodbank, and award winners were announced.

AICLA, ANZIIF host claims convention

The Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters (AICLA) and the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) held its annual Claims Convention on September 28 at Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

The one-day forum is designed to give claims professionals the insights and knowledge they need to tackle the key issues facing their sector now and in future.

Panel discussions covered a wide range of topics such as cyber, environmental and navigating the natural catastrophe claims landscape, and were built around the convention’s theme, Insurance Claims – Proactivity in Reactive Situations.

Written feedback from more than 100 delegates who attended the event was positive, with 98% saying they are likely to return for next year’s convention.

Lloyd’s celebrates quarter century Down Under

Lloyd’s honoured the 25th anniversary of the opening of its Australia office on October 5 with an evening of celebration in Sydney, featuring canapes, refreshments, and live music.

Lloyd’s Chief of Markets Patrick Tiernan and Regional Head of Australia and New Zealand Chris Mackinnon joined more than 130 guests from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, including brokers, coverholders, service companies and National Insurance Brokers Association representatives to celebrate at Watersedge, Circular Quay West in The Rocks.

“After a quarter of a century, our market continues to thrive across Australia and New Zealand,” Lloyd’s says. “Among the many successes along the way include the establishment and growth of the Lloyd’s Development Group to over 750 members, and the announcement of the Lloyd’s Scholarship Program.”

Lloyd’s will be offering scholarships to help young professionals from diverse back-
grounds learn more about how to attain successful careers in insurance.

Hundreds attend NIBA Convention

The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) Convention returned to its “spiritual home” on the Gold Coast in October, with organisers estimating attendance at 750.

A welcome event took place on The Lawn at The Star Gold Coast, and NIBA President Gary Okely launched a packed conference program under the theme “Think Differently”. It was NIBA’s first full convention since 2019.

The event concluded with a gala dinner where national award winners were announced.

Finsura Insurance Broking Corporate Account Manager Barry Sonter won the QBE-sponsored Broker of the Year award, while East West Insurance Brokers Head of Client Services Taylor Burstow won the Vero-sponsored Young Broker of the Year award.

Edgewise Insurance Brokers Chairman Gary Seymour was presented with the 2023 Lex McKeown trophy in honour of outstanding service to NIBA and a significant contribution to the broking profession.