James Armstrong anticipates the GIRO 2016 conference, outlining the programme and networking opportunities
With GIRO 2016 getting ever closer, Dublin awaits the arrival of the general insurance actuarial community with eager expectation. The conference is always a great way to mix actuarial research with networking opportunities, and this year is no different.
The excellent facilities at Dublin's Convention Centre will help to make GIRO 2016 a success. The committee is looking forward to welcoming you in Ireland, so please visit the IFoA website to book your place at bit.ly/28OZf9a.
Building our knowledge
As technology continues to shape the general insurance market, the GIRO committee continues to look at innovative ways to communicate with delegates. The conference app will again help to make plenaries and workshops more dynamic. The app not only contains all the information that delegates need but it also helps with networking throughout the conference. It is also the best way to provide real-time feedback on the conference to help shape future GIROs.
During the conference, delegates are invited to participate in the 'knowledge hub', which will build on the 'knowledge café' concepts of GIRO 2015, offering delegates the chance to share thoughts on key subjects throughout the conference. Also, new research topics for working parties will be explored as they are suggested and then discussed over the working party lunch, to which all will be invited.
This year, we'll be launching 'core topics' as a new opportunity for delegates to select two out of three plenaries during the first afternoon. Taking on board feedback from previous years, this format will enable presenters to go into more detail on the core areas of pricing, reserving and capital. The two sessions will be run back to back.
There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and debate. So we hope that this new format will be a welcome addition to the conference in 2016.
Not to be confused with the ever successful 'hot topics' session, where once again delegates can tailor their GIRO experience with a selection of relevant presentations to attend, the hot topics' plenary gives a number of presenters the opportunity to pitch their session to the entire conference before delegates choose which session to listen to.
Our keynote speaker, Paul Mason, completes the programme with a thought-provoking plenary to inspire delegates. He is a writer, broadcaster and film-maker who speaks on the area of economics, globalisation and the future of capitalism.
As economics editor for Channel 4 News from 2013-2015, he covered all aspects of the UK and global economy, markets, labour and commerce. Prior to his role as economics editor, Mason was Channel 4's culture and digital editor, examining the social, cultural and business impact of the new age of digital and online.
As if all that wasn't enough to entice you, we have the traditional workshops that provide great opportunities for new and emerging research to be shared.
The workshop selection this year is once again extensive, and delegates will have up to 10 options per workshop. Some of these will be run as roundtable discussions, so make sure you check what one you select as you book your place on the IFOA's website. But it's not just about the research, learning and continuing professional development...
GIRO is well known for the great networking opportunities it offers. We have allowed plenty of time during the conference to meet up with colleagues, friends and peers across the market.
There are also the excellent evening events, which provide delegates with a relaxed atmosphere to discuss the day's events.
This year, we'll be heading to the Guinness Storehouse on Wednesday evening before the usual conference dinner on Thursday night. So hopefully there are some great times to look forward to during the busy conference schedule.
This year's GIRO, therefore, will represent nothing less than a celebration of research and knowledge within our general insurance membership. Invitations to participate in the events will be made to the delegates throughout the conference. Responding generously will help us bring back to the office new ways of thinking about future challenges.
Sign up to GIRO 2016 and join us in Dublin from 20-23 September.
James Armstrong has chaired the GIRO committee for the past two years and has been a member of the committee for five years
James Armstrong is a Fellow of the IFoA and is chief risk officer for Admiral Group
