Texas exudes an in-your-face, larger-than-life persona. It's debatable as to whether everything really is bigger there, but it seems fitting that the annual Property Loss Research Bureau/Liability Insurance Research Bureau (PLRB/LIRB) conference, one of the industry's most substantial and vibrant claim-oriented events, will take place at San Antonio's Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center March 21-24, 2010.

Earnest claim professionals will head to the city dubbed, "the heart of Texas," to bolster existing claim knowledge and proficiencies, gain new insights, network, and obtain CE credits. This year's conference boasts 12 curriculum areas, with more than 110 sessions and nearly 240 presenters. In addition, the committee expects a bustling exposition with around 300 vendors covering a range of specialties, from restoration and adjusting to engineering.

The healthy number of attendees and vendors reflect the value and relevance of an event that, despite a sagging economy, continues to enable its core constituency to thrive. Indeed, Scott Powell, assistant vice president of educational and technical services, and Valerie Berka, meetings manager, PLRB/LIRB, are optimistic about this year's turnout.