A panel of climate change and catastrophe modeling experts, insurance specialists, and risk managers will discuss insurance company response to climate change risks, RIMS said.

The society said the group will address emerging issues and challenges in projecting potential hurricane activity and insured losses; sources, nature and impact of climate change uncertainties on catastrophe modeling and estimates of insured loss; and challenges in integrating this type of information into risk management and ratemaking decision-making processes.

Speakers include Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, who will explore what risk managers can expect from the next pandemic crisis.

David Maurstad, director of FEMA's Mitigation Division and Federal Insurance Administrator, will talk on successes and lessons learned in the wake of 2005's unprecedented storm season.

David Holcombe, CPCU, director of risk management for International Speedway Corporation (NASCAR), will address his company's efforts to manage risk in Driving Risk Management on the Speedway.

A panel of chief executive officers of leading insurers and brokers will discuss key issues affecting risk managers in today's business environment.

Panelists include the CEOs of ACE USA, AIG, Aon Corp., Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., FM Global, Marsh & McLennan Cos., Willis Group Holdings and Zurich.

According to RIMS, a main focus of this year's conference will be enterprise risk management, with approximately 20 sessions focusing on the topic.

Experts will give talks on claims management, employment risks, ERM, finance, insurance, legal legislation, loss control and risk management, RIMS said.

Additional sessions will be customized for various industries and aspects of doing business and managing risks internationally.

The conference marks the organization's 45th anniversary.

The RIMS Exhibit Hall will feature close to 400 exhibitors, with more than 55 new companies exhibiting this year. The annual event attracts up to 10,000 senior-level risk and insurance professionals, brokers, insurers and solution providers, RIMS said.

Other events include the Spencer Educational Foundation Inc. annual golf and tennis tournament fund-raisers. RIMS has also organized two special events to provide support for the rebuilding efforts of New Orleans and the neighboring communities.

Full details and registration are available at www.RIMS.org/RIMS2007. Friday is the deadline for an early registration discount.