About 460 delegates enjoyed three days on Hamilton Island last week for the sold-out annual Insurance Advisernet (IA) conference and awards.

Award-winners included Chubb as Insurer of the Year and NTI as Underwriting Agency of the Year.

The conference was attended by authorised representatives (ARs) from Australia, brokers from New Zealand, and insurer and service partners.

Rugby league legend Wally Lewis and Naomi Simson, celebrity founder of Big Red Group, inspired the attendees. Futurist Steve Sammartino was also a keynote speaker.

IA MD Shaun Standfield conducted a closed session outlining initiatives to grow adviser business, including new technology and marketing innovations.

Golf was enjoyed by about 120 attendees in ideal weather on the Hamilton Island Golf Course while another 120 participated in the “IAthlon” walking and running event.

Ian Carr provided an update on the IA Foundation and over the three days more than $200,000 was raised.

This year’s award winners are:

• Business Development Manager of the Year – Stephen Carey, Chubb
• Insurer of the Year - Chubb
• Underwriting Agency of the Year - NTI
• Employee of the Year – Priscilla Feehelly
• Chairman’s Award – Steve Dymond
• IA Region of the Year – Southern Region led by Andrew Borden
• Southern Region Practice of the Year - Astute
• Northern Region Practice of the Year – Clear Insurance
• Central Region Practice of the Year – BurMac Financial Services
• Overall Practice of the Year – Joint Winners: Astute and Clear