The Australian Insurance Law Association is accepting applications for its annual Ron Shorter Award public speaking competition.

Applicants aged 35 and under with less than five years’ insurance industry experience should apply online before June 7, nominating an insurance-related topic on which they propose to speak. There is no fee.

Thirty applicants will be chosen for an online public speaking workshop with the Australian Institute of Management on June 28 and to deliver a two-minute presentation on July 19.

Three finalists will then be selected to receive intensive training and speak for 10 minutes before a panel of judges and industry professionals at a live final in Brisbane on September 10. The first prize is $1000, second is $500 and third $250.

“The competition provides invaluable training plus exposure to industry peers and luminaries for young professionals who are the future of the industry,” AILA president and Barry Nilsson Lawyers principal Melanie Quixley said.

The Ron Shorter Award, which honours a former practice manager at Colin Biggers & Paisley Lawyers who died in 2012, has benefited more than 550 young insurance professionals.

Last year, solicitor Rose Cavanagh won with her “It’s Phishing Season” presentation, while second place was taken by Sally Roxburgh and third prize went to Georgia Johnson.

Find more information on the award here.