If you didn't have the opportunity to attend the 18th Annual America's Claims Event or ACE as it's known to many, you missed a great program. It provides professionals with the opportunity to learn about the major issues impacting the insurance industry, network with colleagues and see all of the latest tools that will help you better serve your clients. The opening keynote speaker, Paul Stachura of QBE North America, reminded attendees that claims professionals "need to honor, love and fight for the profession." He explained that every single interaction is an opportunity to represent the insurance industry and how people view the industry will depend upon their experience.

Building on the successful ACE model, Summit will be launching its ACE Technical Conference in New York City on November 18th at the Westin Times Square. Technology and claims are intertwined, and it is impossible to run a successful claims operation without the most up-to-date and practical technologies. This will be a unique opportunity to look at how technology, innovation, and data are being used to tackle the issues that keep you up at night. For more details, visit ACETechShow.com.

In his Iconoclast column, Ken Brownlee talks about professionalism and licensing in the insurance industry. He maintains that licensing alone does not make adjusting a profession and that there are a number of criteria that must be met for it to be considered one. His in-depth look at licensing provides an excellent overview for any adjusters traveling into other jurisdictions during a catastrophe.