Recognizing leaders in claims

Face-to-face education provides a level of communication and experience unmatched by other types of learning.

Insurance professionals do their best work during the most trying times. Claims magazine wants to honor those accomplishments. Consider nominating someone today for the Trailblazer of the Year, Customer Champion or Claims Luminary of the Year.  (Photo: Stephen Spillman)

I started my conference circuit last month at the NAMIC Claims Conference in Arizona, and will continue my sojourn to three other conferences before the end of this month. As I visited with claims professionals from across the country, I realized just how important it is to attend industry events.

In our technologically advanced society, the benefits of meeting and spending time with colleagues cannot be underestimated. Our industry is constantly changing — there are new risks to be addressed, new technology that will change the way we do our jobs, and new opportunities to pursue. Presentations, plant tours, field trips and other experiential learning events provide knowledge unavailable elsewhere.

In addition, there is something about face-to-face meetings that cannot be duplicated in any other venue. Sharing challenges, finding solutions and having a real conversation lets you learn more about someone and establish a real relationship.

Our America’s Claims Executive conference this June 24-26 in Las Vegas will give you the opportunity to meet other colleagues to learn how to manage claims in an ever-changing environment. Every company must learn how to handle risks such as cybersecurity, increased automation, artificial intelligence and fraud. Finding and keeping good talent is another issue carriers must address as a significant number of knowledgeable adjusters, claims managers, risk managers and others retire or reduce their work commitments.

We will also take the opportunity to recognize excellence in our industry. I invite you to consider nominating outstanding colleagues for one of our three awards:

Deadline for nominations is May 1, and you can find the information on the America’s Claims Executive event website. Please help us honor the truly exceptional claims professionals in our industry.

Patricia L. Harman

Editor in chief

pharman@alm.com