More than 100 industry professionals attended Insurance News’ half-day strata seminar in Sydney on Thursday to hear from a strong line-up of expert speakers.

The event, which sold out a week in advance and follows a successful inaugural conference in March, explored current trends and future challenges in the expanding strata sector.

CHU CEO Kimberley Jonsson discussed growth trends and challenged affordability assumptions, before principal of climate analytics at Finity Consulting Sharanjit Paddam looked at the impact of insured and uninsured perils.

A panel session on affordability featured principal at Taylor Fry Jonathan Cohen, CEO at Whitbread Insurance Brokers Michael Giansiracusa, consultant John Trowbridge and Australian Consumer Insurance Lobby chair Tyrone Shandiman.

Specialist Bronwyn Weir spoke on the critical problem of building defects, while NSW strata commissioner John Minns addressed concerns around maintenance and repairs, and the need to rebuild trust.

“At a minimum, strata insurance we know has a perception problem,” he told the audience. “Not saying it’s anyone’s fault, it’s just the reality of being insurance. It’s rarely seen as a hero, and often cast as a villain.

“I want to share some of my views on what we need to achieve together to ensure all stakeholders benefit from the strata sector in the future, which is just going to be so important to all of us.”

The event was supported by main sponsor CHU and coffee cart sponsor Morse Building Consultancy, and attendees are entitled to four NIBA CPD points and four ANZIIF CIP points.

See Analysis.

From Insurance News magazine: All the best photos from our inaugural conference in Sydney