Allianz, CGU, Chubb and QBE have been revealed as the contenders for the National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) general insurer of the year award.

Nearly 1000 NIBA member brokers rated insurers’ products and services in a range of categories as part of the annual broker market survey, with the winner to be announced at the NIBA Convention in Sydney next week.

“The vote was again extremely close this year and our finalists are to be commended for ensuring their services and products meet the needs of brokers and their clients,” NIBA CEO Dallas Booth said.

The convention aims to examine immediate challenges for the industry, and to keep the discussion relevant for all members.

Topics at the three-day event, at the International Convention Centre, include the environment for broking, relationship-building, compliance and regulation, emerging risks such as technology, and career progression.

 “Our theme, ‘ignite your thinking: here and now’, is reflected in our program, which offers great food for thought for brokers at all levels of experience,” NIBA says.

“We’ll be outlining strategies and learnings to help make sure you know what’s in store for our industry in the coming years – and how you can adapt to succeed in it.”

Explosives expert Darren Flanagan, who played a pivotal role in the 2006 Beaconsfield mine rescue, will discuss resilience under extreme pressure in his keynote address.

NIBA will also unveil winners of the broker of the year awards.

And one broker stands to win $5000 of gold bullion if they obtain stamps or signatures from at least 25 of the 39 participants at the Underwriting Agencies Council-Lloyd’s Village.

For more information on the program, click here.