The 2005 ACEoSCLA Expo+Conference adjourned last month in not-so-sunny Orlando, thanks in part to an impromptu visit from Tropical Storm Tammy. Among the show's highlights was the presentation of this year's Claims Professional of the Year Award. This year's award was presented to Vincent J. Armentano, senior vice president, commercial lines claims at St. Paul Travelers, and was sponsored by Smith Mazure, a liability defense law firm that focuses on civil litigation. The award recognizes an individual who is a catalyst for claim-handling improvement within his or her company, as well as someone who provides leadership that results in more efficient claim handling.

The three-day conference, held annually since 1997, is designed to aid in the education of claim executives, insurance carriers, independent adjusters, and risk and claim managers from self-insured organizations. This year's conference included sessions divided into five tracks: claim management, fraud, litigation management, special issues and technology, all designed to help guide attendees toward particular topics most relevant to them. As in the past, many sessions qualified for continuing education credits.

The conference is produced in conjunction with the Society of Claim Law Associates, and also featured a two-day exhibition of claim-related products and services.