The extensive line-up of expert speakers has been revealed for Insurance News’ inaugural industry conference on March 19. 

Tickets for the Sydney event – titled “Where Is Insurance Going?” – are selling fast and are available here.

Insurance News Chairman and Publisher Terry McMullan says the conference is unique for its “non-aligned” approach and the sharp focus of its subjects. 

“By building better understanding of the industry’s issues and opportunities, we give businesses and insurance professionals the background knowledge they need to make more informed decisions,” he said. “We’ve been delighted by the calibre and enthusiasm of the industry leaders who have signed on to define and debate the things we all need to know about, and to chart the best ways forward.”

This year's event is made possible by gold partners Axa XL and Liberty Specialty Markets, and sponsors AAMC and Our Ark.

Attendees at the conference can acquire 6.42 Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance CIP points, and five National Insurance Brokers Association CPD points. 

Conference program 

How insurance got to where it is – insights

Susie Amos, Principal, Finity Actuarial  

Insurance is a balancing act performed on a base that’s always moving. Susie Amos is an insurance specialist who will set the scene for the rest of the conference as she dissects the industry’s past performance, the influences that continue to challenge us, and what we should expect in a world that’s increasingly risky.  

The wide world of insurance and where it’s going

Chris Mackinnon, incoming Regional Director for Lloyd’s Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa 

A former Sydney broker who rose to be a significant figure in the expansion of Lloyd’s international footprint, Chris Mackinnon is ideally placed to demonstrate how the Australian insurance market is so dependent on global capital to cover its myriad risks. The rising profile of the underwriting agency sector and competition for reinsurance in an unstable world are just some of the topics he’ll discuss in a sharp and concise presentation.

The Australian insurance industry – pressures and possibilities  

Panel discussion featuring Shaun Standfield, MD, IAA; Lisa Harrison, CEO Consumer Insurance, Suncorp; Noel MacCarthy, Global Product Leader, Casualty at Liberty Mutual Global Risk Solutions  

Understanding the business and social environment they’re operating in and making it work efficiently and effectively is a challenge our discussion panel members face every working day. The panel dig into their vast experience to discuss how Australian companies are preparing for the challenges of tomorrow while grappling with the realities of today.  

The friction points – relationships between insurers and brokers, regulators, customers, politicians etc, and how to improve/optimise them

Nigel Fitzgerald, COO, Steadfast  

The largest broker organisation in Australia, Steadfast has business relationships with all parts of the insurance world. Nigel Fitzgerald’s broad industry experience gives him an appreciation of just how the pieces in the insurance jigsaw all fit. How fit for purpose are the various distribution arms in 2024? How could we do better, and what should we expect as the insurance industry develops new approaches and systems in a rapidly changing business world?

Affordability, availability, viability, reliability – the customer and the industry in 2024

Scott Guse, Partner, KPMG  

A business specialist takes a deep dive into the business world today, examining where the opportunities are going to come for brokers, underwriting agencies and insurers. Using up-to-the-minute research, he’ll provide valuable insights into how insurance must adapt to capitalise on the challenges of a more complex world.

Technology: new tech v old tech, what the industry wants and what to expect 

Panel discussion featuring Paul George, MD, MGA; Frank Costigan, former MD, SafetyCulture Care; Simon Agar, Director, Zap Central; Jamie Smith, former CIO Hollard 

Technology, particularly insurtech, is at the forefront of insurance industry efforts to be more effective, efficient and nimble in meeting the expectations of a more demanding customer base. But is insurtech moving fast enough? Is it too fragmented and piecemeal, and what developments are around the corner that could revolutionise the entire industry? These experts come from different parts of insurtech, and they have the answers.

A vision for the future of Australian insurance

Greg Mullins, CEO, Envest 

Stand by for a tell-it-like-it-is speaker who’s not afraid to pinpoint where insurance and insurance people fall short of their potential. Greg Mullins is a compelling speaker who’ll offer advice on how to make the insurance experience smoother and more effective, and better suited to profit from future uncertainties. Greg had 20 years’ insurance experience when he set up Envest, a broking network that also invests in and nurtures brokerages. His success came from doing things better. You’ll be inspired by this plain-speaking and passionate insurance professional. 

The year ahead: where are we going? 

Panel discussion featuring Catherine Carlyon, CEO, Axa XL; Jenny Bax, CEO, UAC; Mike Emmett, CEO, AUB; Jarrod Hill, Head of Intermediated Business, IAG; Tony Robinson, MD, PSC; Gary Seymour, Chairman CBN 

What have you learned today? How will the new business, social and political changes sweeping the world shape the immediate future for insurance? We won’t succeed without adapting. Our expert leaders from a variety of distribution channels react to today’s presentations and give their own perspectives on what 2024 will bring.