The Wind Insurance Network will host its 14th annual conference, WIND 2013, January 28-31 in Orlando, Florida. Well into its second decade as an educational event in the claims industry, and on the heels of a tumultuous year of wind damage, the timely content of the conference proves the words of executive director, Michelle Griffin: “No matter which direction the wind is blowing, WIND will be there!” 
“Our goal is to bring a fresh prospective to the ever-changing claims environment in regards to windstorm while allowing divergent points of view to be presented in a professional and balanced manner,” Griffin continues. “Each year, we hand select professionals from the various niche audiences we serve in order to have a fresh approach and constant pulse on what each group wants to learn and explore.”
Q. How have the loss events of 2012 shaped the industry and the conference this year?
A. According to Munich Re, the world's biggest reinsurance firm, North America is experiencing a tremendous rise in extreme weather disasters, a nearly fivefold increase over the past three decades. Specifically, Munich Re reported a 35-percent increase in the size of storms in the Gulf of Mexico since 1995 and also concluded this is because of climate change, which will unquestionably continue in the future.
Given these conditions, while staying current with the ever-changing world of insurance, WIND attempts to integrate all factors to the best of its ability to ensure the conference is educational and that attendees are provided with the knowledge they need to excel in the field.
In light of recent events, the conference provides crucial insight into the latest technological advances that may assist the insurance professionals in their claims investigations, including those stemming from Sandy.
Q. What's new at the WIND conference this year?
A. In addition to the updated educational sessions, CE offerings, and networking, WIND has added a class titled, “Bayous, Bays, and Boroughs: The 'Money Pits' of the Insurance Industry” to address the new adjusting and insurance claims issues that are arising from Hurricane Sandy. WIND prides itself on being at the forefront of trending/hot topic industry issues and Superstorm Sandy will undoubtedly impact our industry for many years to come.
We have taken extra steps to ensure the entire Gulf Coast and Eastern seaboard is involved in the discussion. We actively pursued speakers along the Gulf Coast and have involved many speakers from the insurance carrier side of the industry.
Q. What unique insights will keynote speakers Reed Timmer and Dr. William Gray bring for claims professionals?
A. We are excited to bring back one of the nation's prominent hurricane forecasters to our conference, Dr. William Gray. He will speak on “Past and Likely Future Variations in Hurricane Wind Damage,” and briefly discuss the unusual hurricane season of 2012 (including Sandy) and offer an outlook for the 2013 season. A discussion of the surprisingly large multi-decadal cycles in U.S. landfalling major hurricane activity will also be given.
Also helping round out the expert lineup is Reed Timmer, the star of Discovery's “Storm Chasers” show. Timmer will bring a first-hand look at his work as a tornado storm chaser and will also be displaying his specially designed chaser vehicle, The Dominator, at the conference.
Q. Why is the conference particularly vital for P&C claims professionals?
A. It is essential for industry and claims professionals to meet together to review and discuss the myriad issues that have significant effects on the insurance claims/recovery process. Working together not only promotes positive relationships between often opposing sides, but it also creates an enjoyable work experience, which helps the claims professionals expedite the resolution of an insurance claim.
Our conference is not just a regional event—our reach is nationwide, with nearly three quarters of all 50 states represented. We also have had attendees travel from Europe, Canada and South America to attend our annual conference. The quality and material we offer for the windstorm property insurance industry is really unparalleled.
In addition, I do not know of any other conference that provides the opportunity to obtain a large number and wide variety of continuous education credits in one place.
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