RIMS unveils 2008 programme

The Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) has announced the full schedule of events and educational sessions, including hot topic sessions, at RIMS 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition.

The biggest event for the risk management industry—gathering more than 10,000 risk professionals over five days—will take place in San Diego on April 27-May 1.

Mary Roth, RIMS executive director, said: ‘RIMS much-anticipated 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition is going to be a unique experience for the 10,000 participating risk practitioners. This year’s event boasts more than 130 sessions, 400+ exhibitors and networking events galore. The conference will bring together the industry’s brightest stars and next generation of leaders, and provides a platform for shared learning and peer networking—a necessary ingredient for successful business practices.’

RIMS Risk Leadership Keynote Luncheon features Lauralee Martin, CFO and COO of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, who will discuss risk management from the C-suite perspective of a leading global real estate and investment management firm with 160 offices worldwide, operating in more than 450 cities and more than 50 countries, and employs some 30,300 people globally. Martin will also explore managing risk as it pertains to profitability and operational cost, and examine the implications of S&Ps risk-based standards on a public entity. Previously announced keynote speakers include Christopher Gardner, the man behind the book and film, ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’, to share his ‘rags to riches’ story; and author Gert Cruywagen in a fascinating and amusing address on a breakout risk management approach that is based on risk management strategies used by animals in the African jungle.

“The conference will bring together the industry’s brightest stars and next generation of leaders, and provides a platform for shared learning and peer networking.

Mary Roth, RIMS executive director

RIMS 2008 Annual Conference & Exhibition will feature some 400 expert speakers that will lead 130+ educational sessions in the areas of claims management, employment risks, ERM, finance, insurance, legal legislation, loss control and risk management. Some sessions are customized for various industries, by risk management functions and responsibilities, and even cover international risk management. Recently identified ‘Hot Topic’ sessions are Green by Design: Insurance Coverage for Building Green, California Wildfires, Building Resiliency through ERM: Responding to the Call for Private Sector Preparedness and 2009 Medicare Legislation. These sessions offer attendees cutting-edge content based on timely topics and current events. Two offsite sessions take members of the Risk and Insurance Management Society to SeaWorld and PETCO Park for behind-the-scenes tours of these wildly popular and innovative San Diego destinations.

RIMS Awards Luncheon, honoring the risk profession’s leading movers and shakers, features the doo wop vocal group The Coasters who will entertain participants with old favorites such as ‘Yakety Yak’ and ‘Love Potion No. 9’. For a Wednesday evening entertainment spectacular, RIMS presents ‘Cirque Dreams’—a musical adventure that highlights mystery and suspense, and combines comedy and dance with acrobatic feats on stage. Due to the overwhelming success of last year’s event, RIMS will once again hold a Community Service Day, proudly supported by Aon Corporation. Other networking events include the opening reception, a wine and cheese reception, and Spencer Educational Foundation, Inc. golf, hockey and tennis tournament fundraisers.

RIMS 2008 Exhibit Hall is on the brink of selling out with more than 436 exhibitors, including 95 new exhibitors. This year marks the 46th anniversary of RIMS Annual Conference & Exhibition and the third time the event has been hosted in San Diego. The event attracts some 10,000 industry movers-and-shakers, including risk managers of all experience levels; IT, internal audit, legal / compliance and operations executives; insurance professionals; CEOs; CFOs; COOs; treasurers and finance directors; and brokers and insurers.

Online registration closes March 28.