The first day of the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) Convention in Melbourne will confirm the association’s determination to “make the whole event a more useful educational experience for brokers of all levels of experience”.

The convention – which has the theme “New Frontiers: Building Better Worlds!” – will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, from 13-15 October. 

Demographer Bernard Salt will tell the opening plenary session about generational trends and how they affect the insurance industry, and LMI Group MD Allan Manning will hold two sessions on industrial special risks and business interruption.

Chubb Specialty Asia-Pacific Practice Leader Andrew Taylor will discuss cyber crime and Accident & Health Underwriting Manager Tracy Thompson will cover kidnap and ransom.

Russell Burton, Product Specialist Liability at QBE, will talk about product liability, Dual Asia-Pacific CEO Damien Coates will address management liability and CGU National Manager Risk States Llewellyn Jones will outline workers’ compensation issues.

NIBA CEO Dallas Booth says the program aims to deliver a “tremendous learning experience for brokers, no matter what their level of experience”.

The second day of the conference will feature sessions on broking best practice, leadership, management, sales and presentation skills.

Entrepreneur and Labor Party proposed candidate Jason Yat-sen Li will discuss the importance of the Asian market and its impact on Australia.

Aon Chief Claims Officer Mark Ronan, Cunningham Lindsey Executive Loss Adjuster Bob Richards and Edgewise Insurance Brokers director Graham Stevens will present on best practice in getting claims paid.

Ben Roberts-Smith, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery in Afghanistan, will close the convention.

Entry to the expo hall for non-delegates will be free, so local brokers have an easy opportunity to network with underwriters. Early bird registrations close on Friday.