Brexit should be a done deal by May, which will make the speech by Boris Johnson at BIBA 2019 rather redundant, unless of course the UK simply doesn’t leave the EU, and the whole Brexit issue is essentially kicked down the road by a few years. In that scenario Bojo’s speech to UK insurance brokers, MGAs, underwriters, insurtech companies, software, FNOL, legal and other suppliers may well be a firecracker!
But we digress, let’s catch up with the news from the show organisers, because the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) has announced the speaker line–up for its 2019 Conference and Exhibition themed ‘Leading the Way’.
The conference which will take place at Manchester Central on 15 and 16 May 2019 is expected to attract around 8,000 attendees principally connected to the UK insurance sector. This year’s host will be BBC broadcaster Huw Evans, who will introduce an eclectic mix of speakers and panelists.
Baroness Manningham-Buller LG DCB, former head of MI5 will be the opening keynote. In what promises to be an enlightening session she will share her thoughts on leadership in these uncertain times from her own experience leading the Security Service amid the 9/11attack on New York and the threat from Al-Qaeda. During her time as Director General, MI5 doubled in size, opened eight new offices and developed a training academy to aid professional development.
A panel of key insurer leaders take to the stage in the afternoon keynote session, debating what future issues and opportunities face the sector. Speaking out will be; Jon Dye, Allianz, CEO; Tulsi Naidu, Zurich, CEO; John Neal, CEO of Lloyd’s and Rob Townend, MD, Aviva UK General Insurance. Asking the questions will be BIBA Deputy Chair, Julie Page, CEO of Aon UK.
Mental wellbeing returns to the conference agenda on Thursday 16th with an amazing collection of household names who have had direct experience of living with mental health issues and who lead the way in developing openness on the subject: ‘Freddie’ Flintoff – one of England’s most successful cricketers, Professor Green – award winning rapper, singer, songwriter, actor and maker of five critically acclaimed documentaries on mental health issues is also patron of anti-suicide charity CALM and Katie Piper – Strictly star, survivor of a horrifying acid attack and head of the Katie Piper Foundation. These people that can really share insight on the things that might trigger issues with mental wellbeing.
The conference will be closed by recent Foreign Secretary, Boris Johnson MP. He will talk about what’s next for the Conservative Party and the country following the latest twists and turns around Brexit. Not a session to be missed!
Elsewhere at BIBA 2019, the BIBA Hackathon makes a repeat visit following its successful appearance last year. Once again teams face challenges to create tech-led solutions for brokers and excitingly this year, on Thursday, delegates will be able to attend the pitches put forward by the three shortlisted Hack teams and take part in voting for the winning solution.
As in previous years the keynote sessions will be backed up by a seminar programme giving a choice of three sessions on each day. Subjects include; Claims, Innovation, Regulation, Brexit and Access to insurance.
The annual BIBA event is widely viewed as the leading insurance intermediary conference and exhibition. Brokers can, for free, visit more than 200 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services. All employees of BIBA member firms have free access to the exhibition, keynote and seminar sessions and, of course, the fringe programme.
The BIBA Conference & Exhibition is an unmissable, unique networking opportunity for all those involved in insurance. More information is available at biba2019.org.uk
Be the first to comment