Focusing on the big issues

By Resolve Editor Deb Eccleston

September not only heralded the start of Spring but conference season for AILA and NZILA.

The impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI), natural disasters, climate change and the cost of living on the insurance industry were hot topics at both events.

Regeneration

First up was NZILA’s Regeneration 2024 Whakahounga in Christchurch, which still bears the scars of the 2011 earthquake. As New Zealand’s south island continues to rebuild, the north island is recovering from extensive flooding caused by Cyclone Gabrielle last year.

The insurance industry’s response to these events provided plenty of talking points for speakers, which included Sir William Young KC, the Honourable Dr Duncan Webb and Insurance Council of New Zealand Chief Executive Kris Faafoi.

The Regeneration 2024 conference was Kavita Deobhakta’s last as NZILA President as she handed over the reins to Petra Lucioli (pictured right) at the 2024 Annual General Meeting.

Conference organiser Nicky Remkes said they had received more than 350 registrations for the event.

“We were blown away with the upbeat and high-spirited attendees, speakers and sponsors,” Ms Remkes said.

“The great vibe also ran through to the four social functions where the organising committee had nailed the brief and secured fantastic venues which beautifully showcased the vibrant city.

“With 27 speakers across 18 sessions the programme was varied and there was definitely something for everyone.”

NZILA welcomed John Archer and John Swan as Honorary/Life Members during the conference, in recognition of their service to the industry.

Sunny Side Up

AILA’s 2024 National Conference, Sunny Side Up, on Queensland’s Gold Coast kicked off with an insightful keynote address by The Honourable Chief Justice Helen Bowskill.

From the risks and responsibilities of using AI, burning issues in insurance law, managing disaster to navigating psychiatric injury claims, the subject matter was as wide-ranging as it was informative.

Conference Chair Monique Moloney said from the Queensland AILA Committee’s perspective, the 2024 event was a resounding success.

“With a great mix of representatives from the industry and service providers, and a strong presence of sponsors and exhibitors, it really showcased the importance of collaboration and engagement in the field,” Ms Moloney said.

“The 23 incomparable speakers, all leaders in their respective areas, brought a wealth of knowledge and insights, making the discussions even more valuable.

“The social events, the Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner, were also well attended and were such a great opportunity for professionals to reconnect and strengthen their networks.”

Award winners

2024 Ron Shorter Award winner Eliza Sinclair of Wotton + Kearney (pictured left) delivered her presentation about the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the insurance market, which featured “cameos” from Barbie and Ken, who she used to highlight the challenge of risk profiling.

The 2024 Life Membership Award was presented to Dallas Booth AM, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to AILA and the broader insurance industry.

The 2024 AILA Insurance Law Prize was awarded to The Honourable James Allsop AC in recognition of an extraordinary career dedicated to the field of insurance law.

Planning is already underway for the NZILA and AILA 2025 conferences – look out for details on the AILA and NZILA websites.   

Photo credit: AILA 2024 Conference photos supplied warringtonphotography.com.