Broker cluster group Insight is continuing to grow beyond its Victorian rural origins, according to CEO Bill Friend.

Speaking at the Insight annual conference in Hobart at the weekend, Mr Friend told insuranceNEWS.com.au most members of the group are now from outside its original Victorian regional base.

This year’s conference, which attracted 234 delegates – 143 of them Insight members – marked a new chapter in the evolution of the former Regional Insurance Brokers Association, Mr Friend says.

“You have to contrast this year’s attendance of members and underwriter representatives with the turnout just four years ago, when 64 attended,” he said. “This year we have an exhibition area with 36 booths and we have 42 sponsors.

“And the executives who are attending are from a higher level.”

Speakers at the conference included Lumley Insurance CEO Vivek Bhatia, QBE GM Australian Intermediaries Shaun Standfield, Suncorp Executive GM Intermediated Distribution Andrew Mair, National Insurance Brokers Association CEO Noel Pettersen, Zurich Chief IT Architect Asia, Pacific and Middle East Rajat Taneja and Ibisworld GM Rob Bryant.

Mr Friend says he’s confident Insight will continue to grow steadily over the next year, with expressions of interest in joining the association “steady”.

Next year’s conference will be held at the Hyatt Coolum in Queensland from May 27-29.