Leading off the educational program was Gordon Lewis of the Fine Arts Conservancy of West Palm Beach, Fla. He brought attendees up to speed on the challenges and intricacies of adjusting fine-art claims. As Lewis succinctly explained, the majority of artwork can be successfully recovered with a minimum loss of value. By judiciously examining alternatives and diligently dealing with competent restoration professionals, claim adjusters can drastically minimize costs. Lewis demonstrated this by leading attendees through a visual introduction to the accomplishments of modern conservation and restoration industry, and the rules governing damage and loss to artwork and antiques.

The morning general sessions were capped off with a superb, often humorous presentation on the value of customer service, delivered by Dr. Dale Henry. Those who heard him may never know if his wonderful stories were all true, partially true, or fabricated to make a point. But make the point they did, and in a way that will be remembered by his audience for a long, long time.

The afternoon sessions consisted of four interactive breakout sessions. They were:

1. International Marketplace Changes in Contingent Business Interruption and Extra Expense, Above and Beyond, in Adjustment of Post-Hurricane Catastrophes
2. Appraising Large and Complex Losses
3. The Concept of Co-Mediation Utilizing Plaintiff and Defense Counsel as Co-Mediators and Getting the Most Out of Mediation
4. Earthquake Coverage and Building Code Upgrade Coverage.

The only drawback of the program structure lies in the fact that, no matter how you cut it, attendees could only attend two of the four breakouts. Considering the quality of the subjects explored, some attendees had a frustrating and difficult decision to make.