2019 African Insurance Exchange: Final day for early bird rate

An improved format; more opportunity to do business; an excellent speaker line-up; coverage of a broader spectrum of the industry; an expanded list of leisure activities – these are just some of the elements that are being planned for the 2019 African Insurance Exchange (AIE).

(Professor Thuli Madonsela – pictured above – was the keynote speaker last year. Who will it be in 2019?)

“We considered the feedback from delegates at the 2018 event and have taken it all on board to ensure a conference that is engaging, educational, fun and – above all else – good for business,” says Carel Nolte of CN&CO, who has been appointed as event organiser for this year’s AIE. “Plus, if you reserve your spot on or before 31 January 2019, you’ll qualify for the early bird special – which we have kept at 2018 prices.”

So that’s more value for the same price.

“We understand that the conference is an investment, not only financial but also in terms of the time that people are away from the office,” says Carel. “We are planning an event that will provide outstanding value and surpass expectations on both fronts. With bookings at a similar rate to previous years and an improved registration process, I am confident that delegates will be delighted by their experience at this year’s conference.”

Conference hosts, the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) and South African Insurance Association (SAIA), have paid special attention to the scope of the conference to ensuring it has a broader appeal than “just short-term”.

“This year we looked for experts beyond the normal pool of short-term underwriting specialists to give delegates a fuller picture of what’s happening across the insurance industry,” says IISA CEO, Thokozile Mahlangu. “We have signed up speakers, facilitators and mentors to share their insights across a range of topics, including intermediaries, life and healthcare specialists… plus a few surprises! We’ve also planned a variety of platforms, from plenaries to small group discussions, to add diversity and personalisation.”

“The AIE (previously known as ‘insurance conference’) has long been a highlight on the industry calendar,” says SAIA chief executive, Viviene Pearson. “This year’s event promises to be the most diverse ever, with an expanded programme, improved networking opportunities, the chance to learn more about the current insurance environment and, of course, to have fun while doing it!”

Carel says that, apart from the formal indoor sessions, there will be plenty of opportunities for delegates to participate in sporting activities on and around the Sun City grounds.

“Golf is always a big draw card at the AIE,” he says. “This year we’re promising an expanded outdoor programme to cater to broader interests. Being active and healthy is, of course, a form of risk management in itself. And participating in group activities offers yet another opportunity for networking and doing business.”

The 2019 AIE has received the endorsement of many big players in the industry. Lizelle van der Merwe, CEO of the Financial Intermediaries’ Association (FIA), says this year’s event promises to be ultra-memorable.

“We have collaborated very closely with the organisers of the conference to make sure that the topics covered appeal to a broader audience,” she says, “and are encouraging our members across the board – life, healthcare, employee benefits, short-term and financial planning – to join us at Sun City in July.”

Volker von Widdern, chief executive officer of Constantia Insurance, who wowed delegates in 2018 with its entertaining coffee stand, says the AIE is a great forum for engaging with channel partners and other stakeholders.

“We see the event as a strategic opportunity for networking and elevating the Constantia brand,” he says. “More broadly, AIE provides a platform for debate around issues of inclusivity and accessibility, for example, as well as the general value proposition of insurance to all stakeholders. We believe that by bringing everyone together for a few days, we can drive the industry forward to the benefit of all players.”

JonJon Smit, executive head of marketing and sales at CIB – which is celebrating its 25^th year in business – will again attend with members of his executive: “Like many industry players, CIB welcomes the opportunity to network and engage with quality content to improve the way we serve our brokers and their clients.”

Discovery, Old Mutual Insure, Santam, MunichRe, as well as a range of brokers, UMAs and other industry stalwarts have already secured their spots. Secure yours today!