101 FASB/AICPA Update
Session Leader
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Laurie Macklosky, Travelers
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Panel Members
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Dave Christensen, USAA
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Brad Hunkler, Western & Southern Financial Group
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This session focuses on recent GAAP guidance and interpretations adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Topics are timely for controllership and accounting staff and will include updates on recently issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (160-163), FASB Staff Positions specific to fair value and other-than-temporary impairment, recent EITF consensuses, and updates on current high profile projects centered on insurance contracts, revenue recognition, lease accounting and financial statement presentation.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to describe new accounting guidelines.
- Attendees will be able to plan for any needed accounting changes.
- Attendees will be able to differentiate between updates from the two organizations.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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102 My Auditors Aren't Happy, I'm Not Happy, What Can I Do?
Session Leader
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Mike Kollath, Kollath & Associates, CPA LLC
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Panel Members
Today, insurance companies need an external audit to help maintain regulatory compliance. Unfortunately, the mandated nature of external audits ensures they are not a “fun” project, and conducting an efficient external audit requires high levels of communication, oversight, management and persistence. Knowing the steps to take to make your external audit run more efficiently can help your company reduce costs and time spent on the process. This interactive course will present methods and techniques for ensuring a smooth external audit process while allowing audience members to discuss audit issues in an open environment with feedback from peers and the presenters as well. This session will include an open forum discussion about best practices in dealing with auditors and the audit process, and will cover the audit process from planning to wrap up.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to manage an efficient external audit process.
- Attendees will be able to facilitate better communication between auditors, management and team members.
- Attendees will be able to implement strategies to reduce their audit costs.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
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103 Economic Update and State of the Industry
Session Leader
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Daniel Towle, Parker Advisors, LLC
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Panel Members
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Harry Starrett, General Re New England Asset Management
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John Johnston, UHY Advisors
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The economic and insurance industry update will offer a broad overview of the economy, particularly the financial crisis. We will also provide perspective on how these economic trends may affect insurance companies. In addition, the presenters will highlight key trends developing within and impacting insurance companies such as the P&C pricing cycle, Life & Health issues including the troubled annuities sector and the emergence of risk management with the accompanying rise in enterprise risk management to name a few.
Objectives:- Attendees will leave with a broad understanding of the current economic trends and financial crisis.
- Attendees will further gain perspective into how these economic trends are likely to impact their company and segment of the insurance industry.
- Attendees will be given insight into potential strategies for mitigating or capitalizing on external economic and internal risks to the achievement of their company’s strategic and business unit objectives.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
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104 Fair Value Accounting Issues
Session Leader
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Michael Monahan, American Council of Life Insurers
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Panel Members
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Lincoln Morel, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
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Accounting and reporting at fair market value, rather than at historical cost, is now a reality. But fair value accounting continues to fall short in providing companies the flexibility to depart from mark-to-market pricing when those prices provide values at distressed sales level. We will discuss these and look at possible solutions.
Objectives:- To understand why our industry needs the ability to use mark-to-model accounting for securities in dislocated markets
- To discuss why our industry needs the ability to hold investments at amortized cost in the balance sheet and provide fair value data through disclosure.
- To demonstrate that insurers are largely cash flow investors and companies’ intent is clearly not the same as a total return investor, although the accounting is the same under both models.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
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106 Principles-Based Reserving - The Future for Life Insurers
Session Leader
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Stephen Sill, Security National Life Insurance Company
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Panel Members
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Mark Birdsall, Security National Life Insurance Company
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Norman Hill, Noralyn, Ltd
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Over the years, new reserving laws and regulations have been developed to address ever evolving insurance products. However, some insurers believe that current US reserving requirements for life insurance products are disproportionate, resulting in reserves in excess of economic reality and preventing US insurers from competing globally. Actuarial regulators have acknowledged that the current methodologies do not adequately address the benefits, revenues, and risk characteristics of insurance products being offered, and a more permanent, principles-based solution is needed. This session will provide an overview of what principles-based reserving will entail and the status of this life reserving conversion within the NAIC process.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to describe what the NAIC Principles-Based Reserving project entails.
- Attendees will be able to summarize the reasons for Principles-Based Reserving.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate their readiness to convert to Principles-Based Reserving.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
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107 Payment Strategies:Cost Control, Consumer Payment Trends & Expedited Payments
Session Leader
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Steven Kramer, Western Union Payment Services
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Panel Members
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Steven Kramer, Western Union Payment Services
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Given the current turmoil financial institutions and billers are looking for ways to generate revenue and to save their customers money, and expedited payments is one solution. A discussion of the demographics of current consumers and their behavior will be presented as well as the multi-channel nature of expedited payments and how the service can be marketed.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to evaluate their current bill payment offerings.
- Attendees will be able to improve their customers bill payment experience
- Attendees will be able to improve the cost flow of their current bill payment implementations.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
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108 Reinsurance Contract Structure
Session Leader
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Dotti Augustine, Aon Benfield
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Panel Members
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Timothy Corley, Paragon Strategic Solutions, Inc.
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Jon Morris, Paragon Strategic Solutions
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This session will outline the different forms of P&C reinsurance contracts and provide an overview of the mechanics and function of each type. The framework for each type of contract will be discussed, including the purpose or function that the reinsurance contract can serve. Understand why a company might choose one type of reinsurance contract over another based on desired benefits and financial implications. In addition, various provisions included in a reinsurance contract, including those typically required in various states and/or by codification, will be briefly discussed.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to differentiate between treaty and facultative reinsurance coverages
- Attendees will be able to determine loss recoveries at a basic level.
- attendees will be able to evaluate what types of reinsurance they may be interested in for their company
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
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121 Tough Time Tactics: Finding Opportunities in Difficulties
Session Leader
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Linda Paolucci, TIAA-CREF
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Panel Members
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Tim Ursiny, Advantage Coaching & Training
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There is no doubt that these are difficult times. Normal reactions to these challenges include avoidance, frustration and confusion. In this session we will help participants quickly work through these reactions to master their focus and efforts.
Objectives:- Participants will: Explore strategies for battling fear, anger, fatigue and distractions
- Focus on specific tactics for finding the opportunities that others are missing
- Study and practice specific techniques for moving clients, colleagues or subordinates from emotional reactions to wise decisions
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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171 The Rise of eDiscovery
Session Leader
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Darby O'Neill, Princeton Insurance Co.
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Panel Members
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Eric Offenberg, IBM Software Group
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Fernando Pinguelo, Esq., Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A.
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Carlos Correa, Liberty International Underwriters, Inc.
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Updates to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure have placed an increased burden on IT organizations to produce data as part of a civil or criminal “eDiscovery” request. With today’s volume of electronic data and “paperless” environment would your IT organization be able retrieve the appropriate information and supporting evidence needed in a timely manner? This panel of experts will discuss what this means to your organization and ways to manage your information and be prepared to meet this challenge.
Objectives:- Define the basics of eDiscovery and Digital Forensics.
- Identify the technical challenges that accompany an eDiscovery.
- Experience the eDiscovery pitfalls insurance companies and accountants have fallen prey to.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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172 Competing on a Level Playing Field: How PAS Can Help You Compete No Matter What Your Size
Session Leader
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Carolee Dagenais, St. Nick Media Services
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Panel Members
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Craig Lowenthal, NYMAGIC
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Chad Hersh, Novarica
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Dave Hanley, Insurance Systems, Inc.
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In the 1860s, Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves. In the 1920s, women were granted the right to vote. Affirmative action, equal pay for equal work and numerous other acts and movements have sought equality. In the insurance industry, however, differentiating factors are harder to regulate because they are the essence of each individual business, the right stuff that allows one company to fairly succeed over another. What if insurance companies of all sizes could compete effectively for business and win over big brand names? Policy administration is the core of your operation, so it only makes sense to look for a system that can help create a way to compete fairly with larger competitors. Operating smart, flexible systems allows you the agility to keep up with market demand and make adjustments quickly. This session will help provide an overview of how administration systems available today can help provide a level playing field for you to compete with the big guys. Proving size doesn’t matter!
Objectives:- Keep pace with larger competitors through implementation of smart systems
- Make product and rate changes quickly with a comprehensive PAS
- Identify the benefits of a fully-integrated solution for small to mid-sized carriers.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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173 Taking Advantage of Analytics
Session Leader
Panel Members
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Robbie Tanner, ISO
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Tom Nowak, AIG
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Rong Yi, Verisk Health
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The Workers Compensation Medical Data Explosion: As the availability of medical data increases so too are the regulations around reporting and protecting these data - but more importantly these data open the door to new business opportunities. This session will focus on recent changes in medical data reporting requirements - to the statistical agents, advisory organizations and to the workers compensation commissions, how insurers are adapting to these changes, associated data management issues, and new opportunities on the analytical front.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to list recent workers compensation medical data reporting changes and the motivation behind these changes.
- Attendees will be able to describe associated data management issues.
- Attendees will be able to describe analytical tools and processes that are being used on these data.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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174 Going Green
Session Leader
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Ron Boyd, Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company
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Panel Members
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Richard Habstritt, Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company
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How can you significantly reduce natural gas, electricity, fuel and paper consumption while at the same time reducing your expense ratio, increasing employee satisfaction and improving agent relationships? Being "green" environmentally can equate to being green financially.
Please join Ron Boyd, President and CEO of Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company, as he discusses how the company leveraged solid technology solutions to "go green" and:
* Reduce annual electricity consumption by 63%
* Cut natural gas consumption by 76%
* Trim paper consumption by 65%
* Reduce employee commute-related fuel consumption by 25,000 gallons per year
* Decrease expense ratio by 8%
....and more
Learn the types of technology needed to reduce consumption, save money and have a positive impact on the environment that you and your employees live and work in.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to begin working on a plan to become a green company both environmentally and financially.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate technology needs required to reduce consumption of paper, fuel, electricity, natural gas.
- Attendees will be able to present to their company the benefits of an employee work from home program.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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175 Using SOA to Improve Business Agility and Reduce Application Complexity
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
William Awad, Travelers Insurance Companies
|
Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty insurance and surety products and of risk management services to a wide variety of business and organizations and to individuals. Travelers faces a challenge shared by many established insures: how to keep their core products competitive and in regulatory compliance while continuing to shorten the "product-to-market' cycle. To address this challenge Travelers has undertaken initiatives to transform its application portfolio through service -oriented architecture (SOA). This talk will highlight some of the key challenges Travelers encountered as it travels the road to service oriented architecture.
Objectives:- Get an overview of SOA. What is it? How does it provide business value through speed to market?
- Find out how SOA can extend and modernize a company's legacy portfolio.
- Review SOA strategy and ways to manage SOA growing pains.
- Learn how SOA helped address Travelers challenges & promote agility.
- Review other factors that improved Travelers' business agility.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
176 The Emperor’s New Clothes: Do Your Solutions Really Fit?
Session Leader
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Jennifer Overhulse-King, St. Nick Media Services
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|
Deborah Smallwood, SMA
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Panel Members
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Mike Fess, Vertafore
|
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David Lawless, Magna Carta Companies
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In the classic children’s story, a slick sales pitch and the emperor’s overwhelming desire to be the best dressed person in the land led him to shame and embarrassment. In the world of insurance, there is always someone touting the “next big thing,” but technologies change so rapidly that today’s silver bullet may be tomorrow’s white elephant. Risk averse insurance organizations know this better than most. So, how do you keep from winding up like the emperor? This session will focus on choosing the right solutions for specific insurance company situation, by defining best practices and learning to evaluate technologies – for today and tomorrow. The strategies provided in this session will enable insurance companies to be able to effectively select new technologies and rapidly deploy them, thereby maximizing efficiencies.
Objectives:- Develop criteria needed for technology projects
- Effectively evaluate solutions and vendors based on company-specific criteria
- Determine if the solutions under evaluation really fit the needs of the company.
- Determine if the solutions under evaluation really fit the needs of the company
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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177 Lay Down Your Arms: A Business-IT Success Story
Session Leader
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Steve Discher, Robert E. Nolan Company
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Panel Members
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Eric Otterstein, Assurity Life Insurance Company
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|
Kim Wilkes, Robert E. Nolan Company
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Aligning business and IT is challenging even in the best of circumstances. Theories and strategies abound, but successes are few.
In this session, hear from life insurer Assurity Financial’s CIO how they successfully vanquished this perennial challenge to achieve a great working partnership between business and IT. Learn the techniques that led to IT delivering meaningful results faster and more specifically aligned to business strategies.
Objectives:- Implement a process to align IT and business strategies
- Deliver measurable business results faster that traditional methodologies allow
- Determine the types of projects that can benefit from rapid delivery
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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271 Data Security Challenges for the Insurance Industry
Session Leader
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Ara Trembly, Ara Trembly, The Insurance Tech Consultant
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Panel Members
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Craig Weber, Celent
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Tse Lim , Novarica
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Don Garvey, Chubb
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Piyush Singh, Great American
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Chuck Johnston, Oracle
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Judy Johnson, Patni Computer Systems
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Perhaps more than any other industry, data is the lifeblood of what we do in insurance, but in today's connected environment that data is being threatened as never before. Cyber criminals bent on compromising companies or just stealing valuable and sensitive information are targeting systems that contain lots of profitable data--and insurance systems contain prodigious amounts of data. What are the particular challenges for our industry and what are the steps we all need to take to protect our systems, our customers and their sensitive information? This panel will take on those questions and offer answers to the tough security questions that face this industry.
Objectives:- define the scope of the data security threat.
- offer insights into what is happening today in our industry.
- offer solutions and new ideas to fight data threats.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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272 Replacing your Policy Administration System: Keys to Successful Innovation, Transformation & Migration
Session Leader
Panel Members
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Wendy Gibson, Oracle Insurance Global Business Unit
|
|
Rick Laabs, Mutual Benefit Group
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Shawn Pate, Fidelity Investments Life Insurance
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John Roller, Duck Creek Technologies
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Legacy policy administration systems can slow the pace of an insurer’s business and hamper growth. While there are risks associated with legacy migration, the insurance industry has demonstrated that proven best practices can effectively mitigate this risk. This panel will discuss how to effectively migrate away from legacy policy administration systems, including “try before you buy” practices, phased implementations, the value of leveraging modern technology and business rules driven systems and others. Attendees will hear about real-world experiences in legacy migrations, lessons learned, and how newer technologies are helping support carriers’ growth and profitability.
Objectives:- Attendees will understand how to evaluate legacy replacement options to determine the best approach for their organization.
- Attendees will be better able to identify, source, and develop the required skills sets for a successful policy admin legacy replacement effort.
- Attendees will be better prepared to set proper expectations to meet budgets, deliverables, and timelines.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
273 One Version of the Truth: Using Business Intelligence Successfully to Get the Most Out of Your Data
Session Leader
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Carolee Dagenais, St. Nick Media Services
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Panel Members
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Gail DeLucia, Moore Stephens Business Solutions
|
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Karlyn Carnahan, Novarica
|
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Gerald Ayash, Western World Ins Group
|
Business Intelligence has so many more benefits than originally imagined. With the right system in place you can make your mountains of data meaningful turning insight into action. Even if your information lives in multiple policy systems and data marts, you can access all of it within your organization providing a single view to all of your departments as well as your distribution channel.
But, not all business intelligence projects are equal. Unfortunately, some companies have made mistakes and are not getting the full value out of their business intelligence implementations. Managing your internal and external data, getting your departments working in synch, trying not to do too much at once and poor training can all factor in to the success or failure of your BI project. Listen as our group of experts explain how to get the most out of BI with the proper steps, KPIs and visibility into your corporate performance. Getting the right information to the right people at the right time in the process is what it’s all about- one version of the truth for all.
Objectives:- Realize how integration can occur with all internal applications
- Hear real world examples about successful steps in co-coordinating data
- Better evaluate their existing data and look for new kpis
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
274 Achieving ROI through Better Underwriting
Session Leader
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Vincent Gagliano, Amerisafe
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Panel Members
|
Julian Pelenur, FirstBest Systems, Inc.
|
The insurance industry is under ever-increasing pressures to produce Return On Investment in the face of the lower premiums resulting from the 5-year soft market as well as the worldwide financial downturn. Carriers are challenged to grow or maintain premium written, improve underwriting quality, and do so while holding or squeezing expenses. They realize they can’t cut their way to growth, and they know from experience they can’t buy their way to a profitable book. Instead of trading off quantity and quality, they need more of both. Modernizing and optimizing underwriting processes can help insurers improve the accuracy and pricing of quotes, decrease policy production time, and enhance distribution channel relationships to allow for more timely delivery of customer communications. Clear winners are identified and quoted automatically, the clear losers are screened out automatically, and your underwriters can quickly and efficiently analyze and price the risks that require their experience and judgment with the best information, rules, and guidance at their fingertips.
Attend this session and learn how the implementation of an underwriting management system can help your company leverage all the components of your ROI: higher submission counts and quote and bind ratios, lower expenses per submission/quote/policy, rules-driven and –assisted underwriting quality, use of web resources and underwriting knowledge right at the desktop.
Objectives:- Attendees will learn how to improve underwriting operations and effectiveness by putting fast and accurate processes in place.
- Attendees will learn what quality and consistency means by incorporating web data resources, predictive analytics, underwriting knowledge and best practices into the underwriting process.
- Attendees will learn how to enhance distribution channel relationships through controlled agent quoting, collaboration, and faster service, delivery and communication.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
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275 CANCELLED SESSION - Strategic Sourcing-BPO
Session Leader
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Robert Firoz, Nippon Life Benefits
|
|
Robert Buhrle, AgileTech
|
Panel Members
Overall global insurance outsourcing is growing at a record pace and is expected to become a $24 billion industry in 2009, according to the Brown-Wilson Group, in the 2008 Black Book of Outsourcing. According to the report, nearly three-quarters of global insurers currently use at least one information technology outsourcer and one business process outsourcer. Other insurance industry analysts also support the premise that outsourcing, whether global or near-shore, continues to be an increasingly accepted operational strategy. This session will discuss the various strategic sourcing alternatives ranging from a single back office process or a single line of business approach, to full front and back office business operations. Whether it is a virtual insurance company where all business processes are outsourced in a resource freeing model with the carrier’s management team focusing on their core competencies of risk and capital management, or a single back office process of customer service or billing is outsourced, carriers are finding more alternatives and greater benefits with strategic sourcing.
Objectives:- Discuss the various strategic sourcing alternatives
- Provide industry statistics about outsourcing
- Share benefits of strategic outsourcing
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
276 Vendor Management: A Rapport for Results
Session Leader
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Jim Dean, Robert E. Nolan Company
|
Panel Members
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Mark Hansen, Horace Mann Insurance Companies
|
The complexity and cost of technology are on the rise, and those factors are amplified as carriers turn to vendors for more and more packaged systems. The fundamentals of vendor management are essential for meeting business requirements and achieving payback from technology investments. This session describes best practices for a successful and straightforward vendor management program, including handling such dynamics such as customization and system integration. Topics include:
- Ensuring objectivity
- Negotiation, procurement, contracting
- Setting the pace for decision-making
- “Disposable” technology
- Avoiding unnecessary complexity
- Measuring results
Learn the fundamentals and real-world results from an executive who is managing a successful systems renewal program using the techniques described in this session.
Objectives:- Implement vendor management practices
- Evaluate vendor performance
- Avoid unecessary complexity in vendor relations
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
277 Project Management: A Strategy for Insurance
Session Leader
|
Laurie Macklowsky, Travelers
|
Panel Members
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Karen Furtado, SMA Inc.
|
|
Beth Mercier, Travelers
|
|
Julie Trowbridge-Dillman, Travelers
|
The concept of a Project Management Office (PMO) is evolving and becoming more commonplace in today’s insurance industry as carriers look for ways to boost efficiencies, improve delivery and decrease processing times. However, there are many flavors of PMO, and many organizations still struggle when attempting to institute even the most basic PMO because some of the basic key elements needed to ensure success are neglected. In order to get ahead of the competition, insurance carriers must shift from tactical to strategic focus and goals. PMOs can play a big part in this transformation, performing a widening range of work managing the portfolio of business initiatives. PMOs are supporting business programs outside of IS, such as product launches and post-merger integration. And, they're helping ensure the enterprise invests in the best set of projects and programs—and achieves the most benefits.
This session will discuss the varying roles a PMO can play and the execution challenges. The evolving strategic role of a PMO will be examined from an organizational perspective and its ties to the underlying business structure. Defining a clear view of how the PMO aligns and integrates with operations, establishes its position and potential value in the overall architecture and strategy of the business.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to explain the concept and benefits of a Project Management Office (PMO) for an insurance carrier
- Attendees will be able to Identify the key elements needed to ensure a PMO will be successful
- Attendees will be able to establish definitive steps that will align corporate goals with PMO principles to improve overall operations.
- Attendees will be able to establish definitive steps that will align corporate goals with PMO principles to improve overall operations.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
278 CANCELLED SESSION-Tailoring an ECM Solution to Business Needs
Session Leader
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Jason King, Hyland Software
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Panel Members
|
Tom Andre, Information Services
|
It’s a never ending battle for insurance companies: many departments all needing access to a single document – usually at the same time. And they not only need to look at documents, they depend on certain ones for processes, processes that generate revenue no less. Departments and individuals sit and twiddle their thumbs, waiting with waning patience for the other party to finish using the critical data. This situation was much too familiar for the Cooperative of American Physicians (CAP), an insurance provider working with a group of California physicians to provide risk reduction and liability protection. In order to make processes more efficient for employees as well as for the doctors they serve, CAP decided that enterprise content management (ECM) would give them the most bang for their buck. The insurer wanted an ECM solution, that could significantly streamline workflows between departments and create a much more navigable and reliable system to manage documents. During this presentation, attendees will learn how CAP quickly deployed a solution that accomplished these efficiencies, with the end result being a much improved level of customer service from standardizing processes to effectively employing remote workers, CAP will share best practices for gaining maximum efficiency with an ECM solution.
Objectives:- Learn how to evaluate internal deficiencies – paper passing, regulatory risks, etc. – and create strategies to address them with ECM.
- Be able to identify a solution that can capture, manage, store, preserve and deliver content from multiple sources in order to achieve business goals.
- Realize how an ECM solution can increase collaboration between key departments and standardize processes to improve accuracy, time efficiency and customer service.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
279 Stat Reporting & Unexpected Benefits for your Company
Session Leader
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Ed Kruger, Indiana Fram Bureau Ins Co.
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Panel Members
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Theresa Szwast, National Independent Statistical Service
|
|
Mark Siwek, Independent Statistical Service
|
|
Moshe Hauben, ISO
|
Statistical reporting does not have to be as complicated as rocket science! This session will give a brief background of statistical reporting and why statistical reports are required, along with an update on current data reporting issues within the insurance industry. We will discuss the flow of data at a statistical agent from the time data is received from a company until the time when the data is compiled and sent to the state insurance departments. In this discussion, we will be highlighting: Calls, statistical plans, data submissions, and compilations. We will also give an overview of the data quality tools available and the Annual Statement reconciliation process.
Statistical reporting can also benefit a company in unexpected ways. We will discuss how stat reporting data can uncover potential problems or pitfalls in your company, and how stat reporting data can be used to take a pulse of your company as a whole.
Objectives:- Attendees will be now understanding the basic workflow and functions related to Statistical Reporting
- Attendees will find out the rationale and importance of quality statistical reporting
- Attendees (especially those involved with Stat Reporting) will be able to discover ways to make this process easier and simpler
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
301 NAIC Accounting Update
Session Leader
|
Teri Henry, Pendo Systems
|
Panel Members
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Dave Christensen, USAA
|
|
Milum Livesay, Genworth Financial
|
This session focuses on recent guidance and interpretations adopted by key
working groups of the NAIC's Financial Condition (E) Committee - the Emerging
Accounting Issues Working Group and the Statutory Accounting Principles
Working Group.
Topics are timely for controllership and accounting staff and will include updates
on SSAP No. 97 on valuation and accounting for subsidiaries, SSAP No. 98 related
to impairment accounting for structured securities, new pension and post-retirement
benefits accounting rules (SSAP No. 92 and No 100 recently exposed for comment),
and deferred tax assets, among others.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to describe new accounting guidelines applicable to their company.
- Attendees will be able to plan for newly exposed guidance and determine potential impact.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate current hot topics in regulatory accounting that may impact their company.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
302 CSI Insurance: Ins Co Fraud & Forensics
Session Leader
|
Kevin Sullivan, Amper, Politziner & Mattia LLC
|
Panel Members
|
Craig Sirro, Baker Tilly
|
|
Christine Anderson, Baker Tilly
|
Insurance companies are full of data - how do you translate this data into information for purposes of identifying concerning trends and issues that serve as indicators of fraud? What do you do once you suspect fraud - what are those critical next steps?
This session will be presented as a panel discussion with various insurance fraud teams using real world examples.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to understand potential fraud schemes.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate the Importance of a fraud response plan.
- Attendees will be able to understand concepts related to fraud detection.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
303 High Deductible Health Plans/Health Savings Accounts
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
Marc Kutter, PilotHSA, Systems, Inc.
|
|
C. Red Gillen, Celent
|
How can small and mid-size carriers compete with larger carriers in the HDHP/HSA market?
We will closely examine the rapidly expanding HDHP/HSA market from the vantage point of a multi-stakeholder framework. Emphasis will be placed on enabling small or mid-size carriers to level the playing field with value for all primary market participants including: carriers, employers, employees, banks/FSI firms, brokers and TPAs alike.
This session promises to reward participants with new insights and creative ideas while sharing knowledge through education of the core tools in consumer directed healthcare - namely HDHPs and HSAs.
Each participant will walk away with a better understanding of HDHPs and HSAs, as well as the current trends in the market and how to leverage some creative approaches that best suit the needs of your company's desire to enter the HSA market or expand its HDHP/HSA services.
Objectives:- Describe and discuss how HSAs/HDHPs work while offering perspective on key functionality and important differentiating capabilities required in the rapidly evolving CDHC market
- Discuss and share market trends and growth in the HSA/HDHP market to enable session participants to leverage these insights for greater share of mind and market
- Review the drivers of influence and key benefits for each of the major stakeholders in the HSA / HDHP Market
- Provide Legislative, Regulatory and Compliance Updates
- Offer session participants new resources and reference materials to assure greater success outcomes to drive change and create new value in consumer directed healthcare (CDHC).
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
304 Investment Strategies for These Changing Times
Session Leader
|
John Vercellino, SunGard iWorks LLC
|
Panel Members
|
Jeff Sims, Madison Scottsdale Investment Management
|
|
Anjanette Fowler, Madison Scottsdale Investment Management
|
|
William Fain, Madison Scottsdale Investment Management
|
Session Summary to be printed in Program Booklet:
With the financial and economic disasters of 2008 finally in the rear view mirror and the effects of the unprecedented government bail out programs and Fed actions beginning to have an impact on the capital markets …now may be a good time for insurers to reassess their investment strategies. In this session we explore this issue from a financial, investment and economic perspective.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to compare their investment management policy against the new realities of the market.
- Attendees will be able to improve their investment management strategy to take advantage of new investment vehicles.
- Attendees will be able to prepare to position their investment management strategy to take advantage of new trends in investment vehicles.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
305 SEC Update
Session Leader
|
Laurie Macklosky, Travelers
|
Panel Members
|
Gary Wicklund, Capricorn Research
|
|
Rachel Bott, Ernst & Young
|
A lot has been going on at the SEC the last twelve months. Get an update on reporting and accounting activities as well as an understanding of how things will change with the usage of eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) by the SEC. Find out about the 2009 filing requirements for 500 of the largest domestic public companies for financial statements beginning with their June 15, 2009, quarter. Over the next two years all public companies will be phased in to file using XBRL. Learn what is involved with XBRL reporting and how it is changing regulation and analysis.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to identify SEC hot topics.
- Attendees will be able to describe new SEC reporting policies.
- Attendees will understand the impact of XBRL on reporting.
- Attendees will be able to plan and implement any needed company changes.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
306 Impact of IFRS: What is the Future for Statutory Accounting?
Session Leader
|
A. Thomas Finnell Jr. , Invotex, Inc.
|
Panel Members
|
Ramon Calderon, California Insurance Department
|
|
William Boyd, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
|
|
A. Thomas Finnell Jr., Invotex, Inc.
|
IFRS is coming, and faster than many financial professionals in the U.S. realize. The SEC has issued an updated IFRS Roadmap including a timeframe for implementation and transition. IFRS is now less a matter of “if” for U.S. businesses, and more a matter of “when.”
What remains unclear, however, is the impact of IFRS on statutory accounting for U.S. insurers. The NAIC linked the SAP maintenance process to that for U.S. GAAP. If U.S. GAAP falls by the wayside in favor of IFRS, then the future of SAP as we now know it is very much in doubt. If fundamental changes to the SAP framework are then forthcoming, they will likely be significant, impacting all insurers – not just public companies – and virtually anyone involved in the financial reporting or auditing for insurance enterprises.
The agenda will cover an overview of the current timeline for IFRS adoption/transition; current views on the impact of IFRS on statutory accounting from the standpoint of the NAIC/states and of industry; factors to consider as regards the future of the SAP maintenance process; and potential implications to IASA members, e.g., on staff training and development, the re-tooling of systems and financial reporting processes, the potential impact on regulatory measures and capital adequacy, competitive impacts, and more.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to describe the timetable for IFRS implementation.
- Attendees will be able to summarize the potential impacts of IFRS on statutory accounting.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate how future changes in statutory accounting may impact their own work environment and the potential implications to staffing and staff development, systems, and key financial measures for their organizations.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
307 Life Tax Update
Session Leader
|
Thomas Gibbons, Pacific Life
|
Panel Members
|
Craig Provenzano, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
|
|
Stephen Baker, Smart LLP
|
|
James Hall, ACLI
|
|
Thomas Gibbons, Pacific Life
|
In this session, you will join an experienced panel of professionals from industry, consulting, and goverment relations in a discussion of the latest developments in federal and state taxation of the life insurance industry. The discussion will include recent legislation, case law, and administrative rulings that impact federal and state income, excise, premium, and retaliatory taxes.
Objectives:- Summarize developments in federal and state taxation of insurance companies since the last IASA annual conference.
- Understand the current status of significant industry tax issues.
- Gain insights on how tax developments impact tax accounting, planning, and compliance efforts.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
308 Basic Reinsurance Accounting
Session Leader
|
Dotti Augustine, Aon Benfield
|
Panel Members
|
Timothy Corley, Paragon Strategic Solutions, Inc.
|
|
Jon Morris, Paragon Strategic Solutions
|
The session will focus on the basics of accounting for property and casualty reinsurance on both a statutory and U.S. GAAP basis. The primary emphasis will include a discussion and examples of impact of reinsurance on a company's balance sheet. There will be an overall review of the Statement of Statutory accounting Principle (SSAP) No. 62 and FASB Statement No. 113 and how these rules apply. There will be discussion on the differences between the accounting guidelines and required disclosures under both statutory and U.S. GAAP reporting.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to determine whether a reinsurance agreement has transfer of risk.
- Attendees will be able to calculate the impact that reinsurance has on their balance sheet.
- Attendees will be able to identify the difference between GAAP and statutory accounting.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
309 Sourcing Capital in the Insurance Industry
Session Leader
|
Thomas Noh, Farmers Insurance
|
Panel Members
|
E. Meyers, National Capital Advisors
|
|
Alan Lyster, National Capital Advisors
|
This session is directed toward industry professionals engaged in M&A and related capital raising activities. Changing the financial course of a company usually involves non-insurance chores such as valuation, adopting an effective M&A strategy, producing an executive summary, and a host of due diligence exercises. Success in raising capital usually depends on your success in executing these steps. But even in the best of times, insurance is viewed as a mystery by conventional lenders and investors; a venerable industry never fully understood and seemingly lacking tangible collateral. This session will cover the typical underwriting process for insurance deals including credit analysis, human capital, market analysis and on-site due diligence. Also covered will be the building of projections and the sharing of special situations or “story credits” with lenders.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to assemble basic credit matrics for prospective lenders.
- Attendees will be able to compose an executive summary that addresses lenders' concerns (i.e., lack of collateral)
- Attendees will be know how to negotiate a loan agreement.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
310 Risk Focused Examinations: What Regulators Expect
Session Leader
|
Connie Jasper Woodroof, StoneRiver
|
Panel Members
|
Jaki Gardner, Minnesota Department of Commerce
|
|
Jan Moenck, RMS McGladrey
|
Beginning in 2010, all insurers will be subject to risk-focused examinations. Some states, however, have already implemented the new examination process. Hear from experienced regulators regarding what they expect when conducting a risk-focused examination. What do you need to know now to help with a smoother transition in the future?
Objectives:- Attendees will understand the difference in the new examination process.
- Attendees will be able to better plan for that first transition examination.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate changes in their company’s future examinations.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
321 Be the Change You Want to SEE
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
Carole Cowperthwaite-O’Hagan, Advantage Coaching & Training
|
The world of business is ever so changing both externally and internally. Some companies are expanding their business nesses while others are downsizing to stay alive and keep their doors open. With any or all of these changes occurring today many employees are wondering about their future employment and asking themselves: “ What do these new changes mean for me?” “What will my boss and my company expect from me now?” “How can I help my team embrace this and see the positives?” Fear naturally sets in but how do you get past it…Yes You Can!!!
Objectives:- Participants will walk away with:Tools to deal with the challenges of change: its patterns and perceptions
- How to thrive in change and the steps to get there
- Being a leader of change and how to help others move forward when this occurs
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
322 Managing / Building Relationships
Session Leader
|
Donna Cerpovicz, MassMutual Financial Group
|
Panel Members
|
Pat Van Wert, Paragon Strategic Solutions Inc.
|
|
Mark Stori, Paragon Strategic Solutions Inc.
|
The quality and impact of your work and the success of your career depend upon relationships. The goal of this participatory session is to provide you with insight into building new relationships and improving existing ones. This will include exploring the effective use of internet based technology to develop and manage relationships. The course objectives are to provide a process for creating clear communications, effective collaboration and relationships that achieve results in your current work environment and within your industry.
Objectives:- Provide a process for creating clear communications, effective collaboration and relationships that achieve results in your current work environment and within your industry.
- Leverage the collective energy and insight of the class to share best practices and the collective experience of the participants.
- Engage in a variety of exercises to give participants the opportunity to practice relationship development techniques.
- Explore a few of the popular internet based technology relationship sites that are being used to develop and manage relationships and to learn from participants how they are leveraging these new tools.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
401 NAIC Accounting Update
Session Leader
|
Teri Henry, Pendo Systems
|
Panel Members
|
Dave Christensen, USAA
|
|
Milum Livesay, Genworth Financial
|
This session focuses on recent guidance and interpretations adopted by key
working groups of the NAIC's Financial Condition (E) Committee - the Emerging
Accounting Issues Working Group and the Statutory Accounting Principles
Working Group.
Topics are timely for controllership and accounting staff and will include updates
on SSAP No. 97 on valuation and accounting for subsidiaries, SSAP No. 98 related
to impairment accounting for structured securities, new pension and post-retirement
benefits accounting rules (SSAP No. 92 and No 100 recently exposed for comment),
and deferred tax assets, among others.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to describe new accounting guidelines applicable to their company.
- Attendees will be able to plan for newly exposed guidance and determine potential impact.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate current hot topics in regulatory accounting that may impact their company.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
402 Are You Prepared for the Soft-Side of Control Assessments?
Session Leader
|
Steve Kramer, Western Union Payment Services
|
Panel Members
|
Ron Kral, Candela Solutions LLC
|
|
Dawn Witek, Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation
|
People-related weaknesses have proven to be the number one root cause of material weaknesses for public companies reporting problems to the SEC due to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX). The insurance industry only has one more year to prepare for their initial financial reporting control assessments, so insurance companies need to start now in mitigating people related risks. Entity-level controls often depend on people, and reliance of people introduces a series of company challenges. This presentation examines lessons learned from companies undergoing SOX-404 compliance in an effort to realize cost-efficiencies and increased success in executing control assessments.
Objectives:- Help attendees prepare for the SOX-like compliance triggered by NAIC's Model Audit Rule.
- Learn about a top-down, risk-based approach to assessing financial reporting and IT controls.
- Explore the leading causes behind material weaknesses.
- Learn an approach in conducting cost-efficient and effective control assessments.
- Understand pitfalls to successful control assessments.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
403 Employees Working From Home: Is a Virtual Insurance Company Possible ?
Session Leader
|
Richard Habstritt, Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company
|
Panel Members
|
Ronald Boyd, Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company
|
|
Richard Habstritt, Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company
|
We will be using Midwest Family Mutual Insurance Company as a case study of a virtual insurance company. Ron Boyd, President of MFM, will take us through the journey of becoming a virtual company and moving over 90% of employees from the office to working at home. The main question to consider is: Does your company want to invest In brick and mortar (company building) or employees and technology? We will discuss the benefits to both employees and the company. MFM has had over 90% of its employees working from home since 2006. In 2008, the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies made a short film on MFM's "Work from Home" process, which will be presented during the session. The film contains interviews with the MFM President, underwriters, and a claim examiner. The session will discuss how to keep your employees connected to the company and fellow employees, how to conduct departmental and employee meetings in a virtual environment, and how to manage employees that work from home. Traditional methods are being challenged every day.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to evaluate, if working from home is a viable solution for their company.
- Attendees will be able to implement and execute their own "Work From Home" plan.
- Attendees will better understand corporate and employee benefits and disadvantages of a being a virtual insurance company.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
404 No Session In This Time Slot
Session Leader
Panel Members
Objectives:
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
405 Enterprise Risk Management & the Rating Process for Ins Co's
Session Leader
|
Kevin Sullivan, Amper, Politziner & Mattia LLC
|
Panel Members
|
Stephanie McElroy, A.M. Best Company
|
|
Kenneth Pavlick, Selective Insurance Company of America
|
|
Kevin Sullivan, Amper, Politziner & Mattia LLP
|
Practical advice for dealing with the rating agencies and help to make the "E" in ERM efficient and effective.
A.M. Best has been educating the insurance companies they rate and third parties about the importance of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) in the rating process.
With risk-focused examinations part of the accreditation standard in 2010,
companies of all sizes are spending a great deal of effort and investment
on risk management, which can be utilized both internally and externally,
including as part of their rating agency reviews.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to evaluate the status of their current ERM program.
- Attendees will be able to improve their approach to implementing ERM in their organization.
- Attendees will be able to benchmark their ERM program against A. M. Best's methodology.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
406 IFRS:Insurance Company Implications & Practical Aspects of Implementation
Session Leader
|
James Stangroom, Invotex Group
|
Panel Members
|
Tim Foley, Invotex Group
|
|
Patrick Coyne, MassMutual Financial Group
|
|
James Stangroom, Invotex Group
|
|
William Hines, Milliman
|
IFRS is coming, faster than many financial professionals in the U.S. realize and the insurance industry will be affected by IFRS more than many other industries. This presentation will explain the implications of IFRS that are specific to insurance companies. The presentation will emphasize the practical and strategic aspects of implementation. It is not intended to be a theoretical accounting update. The presentation format will be a panel comprised of an insurance accounting expert and insurance company finance professionals with implementation experience.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to develop an IFRS implementation strategy.
- Attendees will be able to differentiate between IFRS, GAAP and statutory accounting concepts
- Attendees will be able to describe key insurance company issues and implications of IFRS
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
407 P&C Tax Update
Session Leader
|
Alice Lowry, Horace Mann Insurance Companies
|
Panel Members
|
Tom Wheeland, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
|
|
Craig Provenzano, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
|
This session will review current developments in federal income tax and state premium, retaliatory and income taxes, including legislation and litigation that may impact the P&C insurance industry. The panelists will also address potential planning and refund opportunities.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to summarize current tax developments for P&C insurance companies.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate the impact of recent legislation and litigation on their companies.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate planning opportunities for their companies.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
408 Reinsurance Accounting Advanced
Session Leader
|
Dotti Augustine, Aon Benfield
|
Panel Members
|
Timothy Corley, Paragon Strategic Solutions, Inc.
|
|
Bob Donohoe, Aon Benfield
|
This session will address issues related to reinsurance accounting include risk transfer; retroactive accounting and financial statement disclosures on both a statutory and U.S. GAAP basis. Refresher/update information will be covered on topics such as accounting for multiple-year retrospectively rated contracts, accounting for excess ceding commissions, and the revised requirements for completing the Reinsurance Attestation Supplement. Current topics, such as bifurcation, will be addressed as well. Included will be a forum on any issues or questions on reinsurance accounting which the audience would like to discuss.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to identify what determines whether a reinsurance contract ins considered retroactive or prospective.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate the impact of recording reinsurance contracts as either retrospective or prospective.
- Attendees will be able to improve their understanding of all transactions required for reinsurance on their financial statements.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
421 Leading through Hard Times
Session Leader
|
David Stanley, Di Mantova & Associates
|
Panel Members
|
Marc Ybaben, Advantage Coaching & Training, Inc. – West Coast
|
Now, more than ever before, it seems, businesses are changing rapidly – sometimes literally overnight! – and we are left to push ahead, leading an often confused and frightened workforce. Most leaders have not received adequate training to handle such rapid and intensive transitions (and experience alone is not the most helpful trainer!), so we must try our best to stay afloat, or probably keep doing “the same ol’ thing.” In this interactive and informative 3-hour workshop, participants will:
Objectives:- Identify the Seven Essential Elements to focus on during transition times, including the challenges of Acceptance and Resiliency
- Learn the Three Steps needed for negotiating and coaching others through failure – instead of avoiding it!
- Learn how the Three-C’s of Capacity, Commitment, and Character impact their roles, and more
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
422 CANCELLED SESSION - Feedback in the Real World Orlando
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
Cathy Ellwood, Nationwide Insurance
|
CANCELLED SESSION - SESSION NO LONGER AVAILABLE
We’ve all worked with individuals whose behaviors undermine the team’s performance. It’s not very fun and it’s energy draining. We often find ourselves going home at night frustrated and wishing we would have done something different. We knew we should have given the person feedback and yet we didn’t.
There aren’t many people who like giving negative feedback to others. It’s time-consuming and hard to do. Unfortunately, ignoring conflict doesn’t make it go away. It only makes matters worse.
An understanding of the different ways in which people handle conflict is essential to learning how to give feedback and it begins with understanding of oneself. This interactive session will help attendees improve their ability to deal with conflict in the workplace by increasing their effectiveness in giving and receiving feedback.
At the end of this session, attendees will have achieved the following objectives:
Objectives:- Understand the different ways people handle conflict and how these differences impact teams
- Understand techniques for giving feedback to others
- Learn tips for minimizing workplace negativity
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
471 The Changing Landscape of Requirements: How to Improve Compliance and Risk Mitigation through Automation
Session Leader
|
Jennifer Overhulse-King, St. Nick Media Services
|
Panel Members
|
Karen Furtado, SMA
|
|
Daryl James, Wolters Kluwer Financial Services
|
|
Lee Davidson, Hanover Insurance Company
|
Risk mitigation and compliance are on the forefront of every IT and operations executive's mind these days. With the continual changing landscape of requirements from all levels of regulators tracking and implementing changes in a timely manner continues to be a challenge. We plan to answer the question: How can automation assist with this challenge? We will explore the pragmatic approaches that insurance companies can deploy that will improve compliance from both a underwriting and claims perspective. How can you be sure that you have the most current state audit results available to those who settle the claims? How can you ensure that most comprehensive and correct data is available? We will answer these questions and provide a "real life" approach to improving the technical and business environment.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to leave with techniques to stay on top of current state audit results.
- Attendees will be able to automate and stay up-to-date with compliance changes within their organizations.
- Attendees will be able to see real life examples of automation improvements.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
472 Billing - Issues and Answers
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
Karlyn Carnahan, Novarica
|
|
John Dougherty, Great American Insurance
|
|
Craig Johnson, FCCI Group
|
Billing was once seen as simply a necessary “back-office” function, but not any longer. Billing systems and services have emerged as the new “it” tool for delivering the exceptional service policyholders want, expect and demand, while increasing the chance for insurance companies to personalize interactions with policyholders. While carriers increasingly realize the importance of getting billing right, they struggle to meet their objectives with existing processes and systems.
They recognize that new systems are required to meet these goals but they often struggle to justify billing system replacement projects, which tend to rank below policy and claims improvements on the list of IT initiatives.
This panel discussion will explore the trials and tribulations of identifying, obtaining and installing a new billing system, and the benefits to be received from doing so.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to describe how consolidating and modernizing billing can improve operational efficiency, lower costs, and improve cash flow and profitability.
- Attendees will be able to describe how new billing technologies can improve customer service, channel satisfaction and policyholder retention, and offer cross-sell possibilities.
- Attendees will be able to describe some of the approaches taken to obtain make the case to secure budget and strategic commitment from their organizations to replace existing billing processes.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
473 Leveraging Predictive Analytics in the Insurance Industry
Session Leader
|
Anthony O'Donnell, Insurance & Technology Magazine
|
Panel Members
|
Mark Gorman, Gorman & Associates
|
|
Rodney Griffin, StoneRiver, formerly known as Fiserv Insurance Solutions
|
|
Richard Vlasimsky, Valen Technologies, Inc.
|
Predictive analytics is a hot topic in the insurance industry, and this session will help the attendees to look and to learn as they consider a deeper dive into the predictive analytics pool. In reality, predictive analytics could impact every aspect of the insurance process in some way. Where there is data, there is a predictive analytics opportunity. One thing we have a lot of in insurance is data.
This impressive panel of insurance predictive analytics experts will review the adoption rate of predictive analytics in insurance, the potential areas of application, the differing ‘categories’ of predictive analytics offerings, as well as predictive analytics lessons learned from other industries.
The potential benefits of predictive analytics certainly sound attractive. After all, what insurer wouldn’t want to look into the underwriting crystal ball to identify some seemingly obscure variable that, when applied to the underwriting process, could improve loss ratios by multiple percentage points? What about the potential in claims and the possibility of getting and staying one step ahead of the always innovative fraud perpetrators?
When evaluating and investing in predictive analytics technologies and solutions, insurers first need to understand what they need in order to effectively evaluate what is available. What ‘category’ of predictive analytics is right for each insurer will depend greatly on their pocketbook and level of in-house expertise.
Objectives:- After participating in this session, attendees will:
•Understand the different categories of predictive analytics technology
•Be able to assess where their organization can benefit from the application of predictive analytics
- •Gain the benefit of the predictive analytics lessons learned by other insurers and industry experts
- •Know how get started in their successful predictive analytics journey
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
474 Best of Breed Software Selection
Session Leader
|
Jennifer Overhulse-King, St. Nick Media Services
|
Panel Members
|
Riki Fujitani, Blue Wave Technology
|
|
Karen Pauli, Tower Group
|
|
Andy Edwardson, Farmers Alliance Companies
|
At the forefront of all carriers’ minds is replacing core legacy systems. Insurers are facing competitive pressure to replace their aging legacy applications because they cannot be quickly modified to respond to changing business drivers. Learn from an executive panel how one carrier successfully selected, integrated and implemented best-of-breed solutions from different policy, billing, claims and document management vendors. Hear the valuable experiences, lessons learned and tangible results of selecting robust, modern, best-of-breed software.
Objectives:- hear real world examples of the system selection process
- how to successfully integrate best-of-breed components
- see strategies in implementing multiple best-of-breed components
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
476 Replacing Legacy Claim Systems-The Main Street America Group's Success Story
Session Leader
|
Brian Desmond, Guidewire Software
|
Panel Members
|
Mike Lancashire, The Main Street America Group
|
|
Donald Light, Celent
|
Join The Main Street America Group for a business and IT perspective of its 3-year transformational claim system replacement journey which took them from a series of multiple claims systems (of varying ages, architectures, and capabilities) to a single modern Web-based claims application.
The discussion will include: project objectives and roadmap, the decision to buy a system vs. build one in-house, challenges faced along the way, methodologies employed – including Agile, and lessons learned. Main Street America will also share its claims operational and IT success metrics.
Objectives:- Attendees will receive adoption insight into the move (by P&C carriers) from legacy to modern systems.
- Attendees will learn the components of a successful IT project.
- Attendees will gain a case study view of a legacy claim system replacement project - from both an IT and business perspective.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
477 IT Governance
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
Bill Jenks, Gartner
|
|
Deborah Smallwood, SMA
|
One of the most challenging issues facing the insurance industry today surrounds IT Governance. IT Governance - the problem that many business and IT leaders spend countless hours and dollars seeking to improve, to streamline, and just plan fix. With the industry spending over $40 billion annual on IT, any misalignment is costly. The goal of clear governance is to assure the investment in IT general business value and mitigate the risks that are associated with IT projects. This can be achieved by a formal organization structure of people, process and technology with well defined roles and responsibilities.
As this is an easy concept to understand why do so many organizations struggle with the implementation of a sound model. A model that provides the key linkage between business and IT that allows the company to implement the key programs necessary for business growth and expense reduction. The question is why do these problems still exist? This session will address the question of both why the problem still exists and how you can make this work.
highlighting best pratices and an action plan to create a simple IT governance model that works.
Objectives:- Gain an understanding of the best practices for IT governance from industry analysts and experts
- Listen to a proven case study highlighting that closing the gap is simple and straight forward with clear roles, accountability and process.
- How to make this work with and action plan and open panel discussion with audience
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
501 NAIC Reporting Update
Session Leader
|
Doreen Koning, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis
|
Panel Members
|
Mary Caswell, NAIC
|
|
Becky Fuller, NAIC
|
Be the most knowledgeable in your company regarding NAIC reporting! The NAIC will be here to provide the most up-to-date changes to statement reporting, including blanks and instructional changes. In addition, this session will provide the latest information on investment reporting, risk-based capital as well as updates on other NAIC activities and related hot topics.
(This session is held on Wednesday as well - see Session 601)
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to describe what reporting changes affect their company.
- Attendees will be able to comply with new investment reporting requirements.
- Attendees will be able to describe how risk-based capital changes or other related topics affect their company.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
502 The Essentials of Operational Metrics & Balanced Scorecards
Session Leader
|
Tim Corley, Paragon Strategic Solutions
|
Panel Members
|
Steve Discher, Robert E. Nolan Company
|
|
Dan O'Shea, Michigan Farm Bureau
|
|
Beth Kraemer, Paragon Strategic Solutions, Inc.
|
|
Bayard Gennert, Paragon Strategic Solutions, Inc.
|
The use of metrics and scorecards is an evolving area as companies drive performance improvement and develop operational risk practices within their organizations. Although metrics are essential to all insurance entities, for many companies, consolidating metrics across business units remains a manual exercise. The insurance industry has historically viewed benchmarking as a means of statistical data comparison for rating agencies and regulators. Best practices in the areas of people, process and technology will allow companies to assess their own organizations and work toward continuous improvement
This session will address issues and challenges in using metrics to support insurance and reinsurance operations for objective management, reporting, and process improvement
Objectives:- Learn about operational metrics and critical factors and how to measure performance against objective standards and accepted industry practices
- Identify key business processes and the standards which determine whether those processes are working effectively.
- Hear how companies are successfully developing and deploying metrics and balanced scorecards across their organization to drive performance improvement.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
503 OMG, My Talent Pool is Changing, What Should I Do?
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
Wayne Umland, Glatfelter Insurance Group
|
|
Bill Dochterman, LexisNexis
|
|
Ed Gray, FirstBest Systems, Inc.
|
|
Deborah Smallwood, SMA
|
We are all keenly aware of the challenges facing our industry with the talent pool shifts. These challenges are abound – from the loss of primal and systems knowledge, to how to attract and retain key knowledge workers, to supporting the differences in the work-life balance as viewed by the different generations. However, there is a wealth of opportunities that leverage the best attributes of each of the generations - Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers, and Millennials alike.
In this session, gain an understanding of the significance of this shift. Learn how the advances in tools and systems, methods and processes, as well as adding much needed flexibility to our daily work lives represents perhaps the most significant opportunity to reshape the insurance industry. Then specifically, this session will focus on underwriting. Learn how to capture and manage decades of underwriting experience and knowledge from the underwriter's heads, so it can be presented back to your new generation underwriters all with the benefit of guiding and directing risk evaluation, pricing, and referral processes and protecting your most valuable corporate asset.
This will be an interactive presentation – first with formal presentations, then a full panel discussion with industry experts and carriers.
Objectives:- Learn what innovation approaches coupled with technologies can be leveraged to flip these challenges into opportunities.
- Understand the advances in processes, tools and systems that are being used by carriers, specially in recruiting.
- Specifically, look at Underwriting for best practices in leveraging technology to harness the retiring underwriters knowledge for the new generation.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
504 Impairment of Securities
Session Leader
|
John Vercellino, SunGard iWorks LLC
|
Panel Members
|
Dennis Lebar, SunGard iWorks LLC
|
|
Maria Bifulco, Prudential Insurance Company
|
In response to the confusion and concerns regarding writing down impaired securities and recognizing losses on these securities, the FASB has recently issued new guidelines on when and how to recognize other-than-temporary impairments. The new rules significantly change the recognition and accounting for other-than temporary impaired securities. This session will explore the new GAAP accounting rules as well as recent pronouncements from the NAIC regarding impaired investments. See how insurance companies are dealing with these issues and benefit from the experience of others who are dealing with these new complex rules.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to evaluate securities for possible impairment.
- Attendees will be learn how to account for securities that have been impaired based on the new accounting rules.
- Attendees will be able to quantify how impaired securities will affect the financials of their organization.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
505 SOX Migrates to Non-Public Carriers: How to Gain Operational Efficiencies
Session Leader
|
Paul Jaouen, AEGIS Insurance Services, Inc.
|
Panel Members
|
Dave Schaefer, Infogix
|
|
Eric Carlson, WellPoint
|
According to Tower Group, compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 in the US insurance industry has cost the industry millions of dollars. Though the figure varies based on company size, it demonstrates the high cost of compliance to the industry. Some carriers have also reported significant increases in audit costs year over year.
In the insurance sector, SOX compliance previously applied only to public companies but now the National Association of Insurance Carriers (NAIC) has decided to step in and ensure nonpublic insurers get in the game. With six years of SOX learning lessons from the public companies at hand, non-public carriers should be able to stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before them.
Carriers that put time into developing a plan for meeting regulatory mandates while also tuning in to the lessons of those who have already made the journey can also turn the compliance exercise into a process for gaining operational excellence at the same time they comply. Regulatory reporting requirements and mandatory audits are often subject to the changing whims of legislatures but companies can stay on top by implementing an information controls solution – this can play a critical role in allowing them to meet regulatory goals and at the same time, advance business objectives.
Infogix, along with one of its leading insurance customers, will share how automated information controls help drive down the cost of compliance and greatly enhance financial and operational excellence.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to avoid repeating the compliance pitfalls of public companies that have implemented before them.
- Attendees will be able to summarize how leading insurers are gaining operational efficiencies and improving bottom line performance while simultaneously addressing regulatory demands.
- Attendees will be able to discover savings associated with automated information controls and evaluate how they can be deployed across the enterprise to enhance business practices and meet regulatory requirements.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
506 IASB Discussion Paper on Insurance Contracts
Session Leader
|
Leah Hollstegge, Ward Group
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Panel Members
|
Christine Anderson, Baker Tilly
|
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Rajiv Basu, Deloitte & Touche LLP
|
How fast is the train called IFRS coming? The insurance guidance under IFRS has been exposed, but has lead to more questions than answers regarding the implementation. Recent SEC guidelines put the tracks down to set a 2014 or 2015 implementation date. This session will discuss the impact of IFRS 4 on insurers and what you can do to prepare yourself and your company.
Objectives:- Attendees will understand IFRS 4 as issued at a summarized level.
- Attendees will be able to describe the proposed discussion paper.
- Attendees will be able to discuss the current status of emerging issues related to the discussion paper.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
507 Tax Financial Accounting & Reporting Update
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
Rob Finnegan, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, LLP
|
|
Gary Lau, Assurant, Inc
|
Federal income tax provisions in the financial statement continue to be a challenge. This panel will discuss and provide an update on the financial statement income tax accounting issues that impact the insurance industry. These will include tax updates on SSAP 10, FIN 48, IFRS, FAS 141R, APB 28/FIN 18 and more.
Objectives:- Attendees will be to evaluate their current compliance with GAAP financial statement tax provisions.
- Attendees will be able to account for the proposed(or possibly final) changes to SSAP 10.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate the tax impact for their company under IFRS accounting.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
572 Payments: What you don't know could be costing you (3:30pm - 5:00pm)
Session Leader
|
Bill Clausen, Prelude Software
|
Panel Members
|
Phil Johnston, Colonial Life
|
|
Eric Labiak, OnLine Resources
|
|
David Lawless, Magna Carta Companies
|
A common saying among sales organizations is "Nothing happens until someone sells something." To be accurate, the saying should probably be "Nothing happens until someone pays for something." With respect to the bottom line, nothing is really going to happen until currency exchanges hands. The insurance industry has always viewed customer billing and payments as a back-office necessity and not put much focus on it in terms of strategic development.
Most carriers are saddled by legacy billing and payment systems that do not support flexible billing and payment choices. New technologies have created an opportunity for differentiation for both inbound and outbound payments. Flexible payment solutions are essential for businesses striving to stay competitive. To compete in today’s market your payment solution must offer multiple payment options for consumers and straight through processing (STP) for efficient back office administration across your enterprise. In this session insurance company executives will talk about how they have used payment technologies to make their back offices more efficient and keep their loyal customers happier. Discussion will cover costs savings accrued by STP adoption, automation and compliance concerns. New payment technologies will be analyzed; electronic payments, debit cards, mobile payments, document management and imaging will be reviewed in detail.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to evaluate current payment workflow and recommend processing improvements to accrue cost savings and improve customer service.
- Attendees will be able to measure cost savings from implementing straight through processing, imaging and electronic payment conversion.
- Attendees will be able to reduce the impact of pending regulatory changes with the help of integrated and streamlined technology.
- Attendees will be able to describe how demographic changes will affect consumer demand for more payment choice.
- Attendees will be able to identify how payment processing can be a part of a corporate green initiative.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
573 Achieving Excellence with a Modern Agent Portal
Session Leader
|
David Gallagher, iter8 Inc.
|
Panel Members
|
Nort Salz, Deep Customer Connections
|
|
Bryan Bedford, York Fire and Casualty Inc.
|
|
Glen Piller, iter8 Inc.
|
Insurance carriers can develop modern agent portals that are easy to use and integrate to Agent Management Systems, yet provide accurate, eligible, complete information sought by underwriters, and result in agent loyalty, profitable growth, and cost containment.
This session will review how such success can be achieved.
Objectives:- Learn some of the findings of an extensive research project that examined - What are agents looking for? What are their top priorities? What Gaps exist with current carrier offers?
- See what one carrier has done to maximize portal effectiveness. Their story is a model for success as not only did the functionality meet the needs of agents and internal users, but also the underlying SOA technology has proved its modernity and flexibility as new carrier ownership necessitated a change in all elements of the carrier business
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
573A Improve Customer Service, Speed Product Delivery
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
Maria Jasinski, Michigan Millers Mutual Insurance Company
|
|
David Russell, State Auto Insurance Companies
|
Agents are always looking for ways to streamline processes, improve customer service and increase efficiency. Agents need a system that allows them to do business with carriers over the Internet. They need intuitive software that helps them sell and service P&C insurance policies, but they’re also concerned about how readily that software fits in with their current tools, environment and workflow. By offering a seamless, easy interface that will enhance the agents’ current environment, carriers can offer unique solutions to expand their distribution channels and product portfolio. The key features of an insurer’s agency system should include:
• Once and done entry and fast response
• The ability to connect behind the scenes to multiple third-party sources
• A seamless interface that is transparent to the end user
• Integration with host systems that eliminates duplicate data entry.
Objectives:- Discuss how carriers can entice agents to do business with them through ease of doing business.
- Discuss what agents expect from carriers when examining an insurer's agency system.
- Review how carriers can simplify complex processes to allow agents to quickly and easily service their customers.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
574 On Cloud Nine: Optimizing Resources, Security, Speed and Control with Cloud Computing
Session Leader
|
Jennifer Overhulse-King, St. Nick Media Services
|
Panel Members
|
Andy Scurto, ISCS, Inc.
|
|
Steve Boyd, Arrowhead Insurance Group
|
|
Brian Elsmore, Tower Hill Insurance Group (THIG)
|
If you haven’t heard already, cloud computing is the tool you need to break through the pearly gates blocking your entrance into IT heaven. It is an equalizing shift in computing that allows smaller companies access to the same technology, functionality and services via “the cloud” that larger IT shops have access to in-house. Cloud computing will level the playing field, enabling small to mid-size insurance companies to have 24x7x365 fully-redundant systems securely available to internal staff, agents and policyholders as well. This revelation is bringing more competition to the insurance industry, forcing better pricing for all and letting IT management rethink how to utilize and optimize resources. It’s time to dismiss the apprehensions of the past around data security and control and find out how your competitors are beginning to leverage this technology. Attend this sessions to find your silver lining in cloud computing.
Objectives:- After attending this session, attendees will be able to explain the benefits cloud computing can have for small to mid-size insurance companies.
- After attending this session, attendees will be able to access inexpensive computing resources and reduce IT costs. simultaneously
- After attending this session, attendees will be able to demonstrate real IT optimization and improve disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities through the use of offsite storage, redundant services and secure computing.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
574A Rich Internet Techniques
Session Leader
Panel Members
|
Thad DeBerry, Western World Insurance Group
|
Rich Internet Application (RIA) is an innovative, rich, immersive technology that takes full advantage of the Windows platform and .NET framework. Learn how the advancements of RIA are used to create a sophisticated – yet fast – customizable user interface. A case study on RIA and traditional web, using a common rating engine, will be presented. This session will show you that RIAs are a momentum-building advancement that will change the way you work.
Objectives:- After attending this session, attendees will be able to fully understand what rich internet application technology is.
- After attending this session, attendees will be able to explain the difference between a traditional web user interface and a RIA user interface.
- After attending this session, attendees will be able to understand the role in policy rating and administration.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
575 Enterprise Document Management
Session Leader
|
Ian Llado, Optical Image Technology, Inc.
|
Panel Members
|
Julie Porter, Frontline Homeowners Insurance
|
This session will directly target Frontline Homeowners' Enterprise Content Management implementation in underwriting, claims, and accounting and will provide a look at how the company assessed the strategic value of an enterprise wide solution. Julie Porter, who serves as Manager of IT at Frontline Homeowners Insurance, will present on how the company evaluated the impact on each department and how the Enterprise Content Management solution helped the various departments to collaborate more effectively and deliver greater value to both, the company and its customers. Julie will also cover some of the lessons learned from the implementation, provide tips for better planning and provide some guidelines for vendor and solution assessment and selection.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to list key selection criteria for evaluating imaging solutions.
- Attendees will be able to identify return on investment points from an enterprise perspective
- Attendees will be able to describe how each department improved customer service and employee morale
- Attendees will be able to list tips and tricks for implementing an imaging solution.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
575A Integrating ECM into your Business Processes
Session Leader
|
Ian Llado, Optical Image Technology, Inc.
|
Panel Members
|
Art Meadows, Panhandle Farmers Mutual Insurance Company
|
This session will provide a step-by-step approach to help insurers overcome typical barriers to digital automation and reach the goal of paperless processing efficiency. The insurance company where presenter Art Meadows serves as president and CEO initiated multiple paperless processes successfully within 12-18 months. They were able to cut expenses dramatically, improve productivity, enhance services, and raise staff morale with each subsequent success. The results demonstrate how a clear vision—coupled with detailed analysis, thorough planning, open communication, and commitment—can lead to astounding results. Art will discuss common barriers to implementation, tips to help ensure success, and guidelines to help insurers anticipate a substantial yet realistic return on investment.
Objectives:- To help attendees understand common barriers to successful ECM implementations, and learn concrete steps for overcoming them
- To provide concrete tips for evaluating and streamlining business processes and redesigning them for optimal automation.
- To help attendees understand how they can effectively involve agents, insurance departments and vendors in projects so they become partners, supporters, and advocates for the automation process.
- To provide helpful guidelines to assist staff in adopting and embracing changes in their work that result from the automation process.
- To show attendees how imagination, creativity, desire, determination, and a strong will interact to ensure success and enable ongoing process improvement.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
576 Maximizing Technology to Improve Agent/Broker Experience
Session Leader
|
Frank Sentner, The Council of Insurance Agency & Brokers
|
Panel Members
|
Robert Burns, LexisNexis
|
|
Kevin Costello, SPARTA Insurance
|
|
Kay Robinson, Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association
|
As carriers struggle to provide improved user experiences for their existing agents and brokers as well as trying to attract new ones, a variety of strategies and technologies are being employed. This panel session will examine strategies used by two carriers and address the potential for utilizing an array of existing and emerging technologies to improve "ease of doing business" with carriers.
Objectives:- Attendees will understand how carriers understand agent/broker needs
- Attendees will understand carrier experience in terms of solutions and strategies attempted
- Attendees will understand how new technologies can be used to improve the user experience for agents and brokers
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
576A Maximizing Technology to Improve Agent/Broker Experience (Repeat Panel Discussion)
Session Leader
|
Frank Sentner, The Council of Insurance Agency & Brokers
|
Panel Members
|
Bob Burns, LexisNexis
|
|
Kevin Costello, SPARTA Insurance
|
|
Kay Robinson, Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association
|
As carriers struggle to provide improved user experiences for their existing agents and brokers as well as trying to attract new ones, a variety of strategies and technologies are being employed. This panel session will examine strategies used by two carriers and address the potential for utilizing an array of existing and emerging technologies to improve "ease of doing business" with carriers.
Objectives:- Attendees will understand how carriers understand agent/broker needs
- Attendees will understand carrier experience in terms of solutions and strategies attempted
- Attendees will understand how new technologies can be used to improve the user experience for agents and brokers
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
577 An Agile Approach to Enterprise Project Delivery
Session Leader
|
Brian Desmond, Guidewire Software
|
Panel Members
|
George Grieve, CastleBay Consulting
|
Most system replacement projects miss deadlines and/or go over budget, and many fail altogether. Although there are a variety of reasons for these problems, many of them stem from the way the project is managed. Traditional project management approaches move from one phase (e.g. design) to another (e.g. construction) sequentially which means delays or changes early in the cycle can compound over time.
This session will feature a P&C carrier who used a more modern approach known as Agile in its core claims system replacement project. Agile promotes iterative cycles where functionality is built and tested in shorter time spans. This allows for more flexibility and shorter timelines. The carrier will discuss the challenges faced and benefits realized in adopting this implementation approach.
Objectives:- Attendees will understand the pros and cons of the Waterfall vs. Agile methodologies
- Attendees will learn how Agile shortens development cycles and gives greater project visibility
- Attendees will be exposed to some of the different flavors of Agile
- Attendees will be led through a successful core system replacement project that used Agile
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
577A Six Sigma - Practical Applications In Insurance
Session Leader
|
Nidhi Srivstava, Tata Consultancy Services
|
Panel Members
|
Nidhi Srivstava, Tata Consultancy
|
|
Lisa Sequin, Thrivent
|
Insurance companies are becoming more and more aware of the importance of high quality operations as a key factor in cost reduction and customer satisfaction. Customer retention is a critical factor for virtually all insurance companies now in any line of business - P&C, Life, or Health Care. Customers are intolerant of quality problems, and any quality issues erode the consumer's trust in the insurer. Quality problems are expensive not only in error correction, but in the potential for legal issues.
Six Sigma is a proven quality process - -well established in manufacturing - - and now becoming popular in financial services and insurance firms as it drives to the root cause of quality problems and provides solid, metrics based information on the insurer's quality and progress in improving it.
The process improvement practice head of a major consulting company and executives from two major insurers will speak about their success with Six Sigma and discuss how they started their programs, and the results they are seeing.
Objectives:- Show that fact that leading insurers are using quality programs, like Six Sigma, to help optimize their business processes and to reduce costs. and the very significant benefits of each Six Sigma program.
- Show the current trends in Six Sigma quality processes and how firms are implementing Six Sigma programs,
- Provide case studies of successful Six Sigma programs, discussing how they started up, what they are doing, and what benefits they have realized.
- Discuss how insurance companies can start their own Six Sigma programs .
- Respond to audience questions.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
601 NAIC Reporting Update
Session Leader
|
Doreen Koning, Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis
|
Panel Members
|
Mary Caswell, NAIC
|
|
Becky Fuller, NAIC
|
Be the most knowledgeable in your company on NAIC Reporting! The NAIC will be here to provide the most up-to-date changes to statement reporting, including blanks and instructional changes. In addition, this session will provide the latest information on investment reporting, risk-based capital, as well as updates on other other NAIC activity and related hot topics.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to describe what reporting changes affect their company.
- Attendees will be able to complete new investment reporting requirements.
- Attendees will be able to describe how risk-based capital changes or other related topics affect their company.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
602 Disaster Recovery • Pandemic Viruses
Session Leader
|
Thayne Atkinson, Security National Life Insurance Company
|
Panel Members
|
Anthony Maggio, SunGard Availability Services
|
Pandemic planning seems to be on everyone's minds lately. We are currently experiencing the Swine Flu, with no way of knowing it's magnitude. Pandemic is considered 2nd only to Global Warming in magnitude of impact. This isn't your typical disaster where you lose access to your IT Infrastructure or access to your Workspace. Some companies have been working for the past few years preparing for a Pandemic disaster. Find out how your company can prepare to deal with a potential loss of 30% of staff.
Objectives:- Attendees will have a better understanding of the status of the H5N1 virus.
- Attendees will able to evaluate the possible effect of a pandemic strike on their company resources.
- Attendees will be able to implement a recovery plan for a major pandemic strike.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
603 Company Wellness Programs
Session Leader
|
Patricia Saporito, Business Objects
|
Panel Members
|
Jenny Quinn, Accident Fund Ins. Co. of America
|
|
Shelly Gillis, Great American Insurance Group
|
This session will address the basics of wellness programs - various types of programs, how to structure them, and their value, both in reducing healthcare costs and in improving employee productivity.
Objectives:- To differentiate among various types of wellness programs
- To understand how different programs can be structured
- To estimate potential return on investment from implementing various types of programs
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
604 The Changing Financial Services Landscape and Its Impact on Insurance Companies
Session Leader
|
Teri Henry, Pendo Systems
|
Panel Members
|
Dennis Case, Pendo Systems
|
|
Rene Ramsey, Great West Insurance
|
|
Doug Sheehan, Investment Conversions & Consulting, Inc.
|
This session will review and highlight the numerous changes occurring in financial services, post sub prime, bank consolidation, government bailout, etc. We will also discuss the impact on the Insurance industry - and particularly the investment portfolio - as a result of these changes.
Objectives:- Attendees will leave with a better understanding of the changing financial services landscape.
- Attendees will gain additional perspective in the potential impact on the Insurance industry
- Attendees will be given insight into reviewing their investment portfolio in light of the ongoing changes.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
605 Model Audit Rule Section 16: What Did We Learn From SOX?
Session Leader
|
Sarah Saunders, Michigan Farm Bureau
|
Panel Members
|
Scott Copeland, Armanino McKenna LLP
|
|
Dave Davis, Armanino McKenna LLP
|
|
Dan Bowen, Armanino McKenna LLP
|
|
Todd Richards, Crowe Horwath LLP
|
|
Duane Profeit, Delta Dental of California
|
With the pending implementation date for the Modal Audit Rule Section 16, many insurance carriers are in the process of documenting, testing and remediating their internal controls over financial reporting. The proposed panel will discuss the relevant issues from both the company’s perspective and the consultant’s perspective and what the critical success factors are for a successful implementation.
Objectives:- Attendees will understand the differences between Model Audit Rule and Sarbanes Oxley requirements
- Attendees will learn effective risk assessment processes
- Attendees will be informed of documentation requirements
- Attendees will understand testing issues such as how much is needed, and who should be performing the testing.
- Attendees will be informed of critical success factors
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
606 Current Investment Accounting Issues: A Comparison & Contrast between GAAP/STAT/IFRS
Session Leader
|
Samuel Mejia, SS&C Technologies
|
Panel Members
|
Edmond Hardy, Deloitte & Touche LLP
|
|
Jerry de St. Paer, FASB Advisory Council, IASB Standards Advisory Committee, GNAIE
|
The session will address investment issues for GAAP/STAT and IFRS including marking to fair value. Topics will include the impact of reporting assets, disclosures, etc., during turbulent markets with illiquid securities and less frequent trading. Focused discussions will also cover the relevance of FAS 157, differences to existing standards in IFRS such as IAS 39, and insights about the convergence of IFRS and US GAAP (impact to STAT) as it is related to Fair Value measurement and reporting.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to list new accounting rules affecting their organization
- Attendees will be able to begin preparation for an accounting standards convergence for their invested asset
- Attendees will be able to understand the implications of marking to market for investment assets
- Attendees will be able to communicate to Senior Management the very fluid and changing regulatory requirement in the light of current market conditions and the potential implications for disclosures and reporting.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
607 Tax Return Preparation Basics
Session Leader
|
Mike Kollath, Kollath & Associates CPA LLC
|
Panel Members
|
Robert Llewellyn, TaxSation, Inc.
|
This session will be an a demonstration of how to prepare a basic tax computation for an insurance company. In addition, we will walk through the preparation of a tax return using tax return preparation software.
Objectives:- The participant will be able to understand a basic tax computation.
- The participant will gain an understanding of using tax software to prepare an insurance tax return.
- Thee participant will gain an understanding of a basic deferred tax computation.
| Draft reviewed:
Yes |
Presentation Materials Sent:
Yes |
|
608 Reinsurance: Market Trends and NAIC Update
Session Leader
|
Dan Gibson, Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation
|
Panel Members
|
Joseph (Joe) Sieverling, Reinsurance Association of America
|
|
Dan Gibson, Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation
|
Panel of industry experts will discuss recent developments at the NAIC and their impact currently as well as that which is expected immediately and within the next three to five year period. In addition, current developments in the broader reinsurance industry will be discussed at length. Audience participation is not only welcomed but encouraged and will certainly add to the depth and breadth of coverage of the topics discussed. Please come prepared to ask questions and add your remarks.
This description will be updated as specific topics are targeted by our panel. Check in for revisions.
Objectives:- Attendees will be able to summarize key issues being discussed by the NAIC, including recent changes that impact finance and accounting as well as changes being considered that will impact the industry in the near term as well as up to five years in the future.
- Attendees will be able to evaluate the potential impact that current issues, such as IFRS, will have on their organization and the industry overall.
- Attendees will be able to plan for internally for the industry and NAIC developments that will impact their organizations. Enough information will be discussed to allow participants to understand which issues will impact them. Participants will be provided data sources to do additional research on those topics that require more in depth review than what can be covered in the time allotted for this panel discussion.
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|
671 IT Town Hall
Session Leader
|
Rod Travers, Robert E. Nolan Company
|
Panel Members
|
Matt Josefowicz, Novarica
|
|
Deb Smallwood, SMA Inc.
|
|
Don Goodenow, Fiserv Insurance Solutions
|
|
Mike Sciole, IFG Insurance Companies
|
|
Piyush Singh, Great American Insurance
|
Economic uncertainty is upending many business and technology priorities. How have your operations been affected? What are others doing to maintain momentum while managing through today’s realities? Let your voice be heard in the IT Town Hall open forum discussion. A panel of industry professionals along with outspoken audience members will answer your questions and share their experiences managing insurance IT. Don’t miss this perennial favorite!
Objectives:- Summarize issues your peers are addressing
- Evaluate opinions from industry professionals
- Differentiate between hype and reality regarding management priorities
| Draft reviewed:
No |
Presentation Materials Sent:
No |
|