Broker cluster group Insight presented its strategic growth plans to shareholders at its Gold Coast conference.

Chairman David Hosking told insuranceNEWS.com.au the group would be “burying its head in the sand” if it fails to address threats to its long-term survival in an increasingly competitive market.

“Yes, we can survive,” he said. “But we need to do some things differently. At the same time, we must make sure we do our own thing.

“One of the traps we can’t fall into is trying to emulate Steadfast.”

The conference, attended by 175 people, was held last week at the Marriott Surfers Paradise, with the theme “unlock your potential”.

Speakers included futurist Steve Tighe, IAG Marketing Manager Grant Pattison and LMI Group founder Allan Manning. insuranceNEWS.com.au Publisher Terry McMullan facilitated a panel of seven industry executives for a wide-ranging examination of the environment for brokers and insurers over the next year.

Other sessions concentrated on developing Insight members’ business skills, with experts showing how to devise the “perfect business plan” and how to use social media with confidence.

“All of the speakers were good, and people will have taken something from all of them,” Mr Hosking said. “The conference was a great success. All the Insight members and delegates had a terrific time.”