Edinburgh in November, perhaps not the most enticing destination for sun seekers, but this year it's a hot destination for those with an interest in the life actuarial sector.
Over the last year the Life Conference Committee and other volunteers have given their time to produce a thought-provoking and entertaining conference programme. There is no particular theme this year, which has given the committee freedom to choose the strongest spectrum of workshop sessions ranging from data visualisation to what the life industry may look like in 2025.
The conference kicks off with Paul Moore; dismissed as head of group regulatory risk at HBOS, and subsequently labelled a whistleblower for speaking out. He will be arguing that control functions must be central to strategy, unhindered by sales culture or fear.
Previous conferences have seen dedicated blocks of soft skills workshops, but recognising that delegates may wish to have flexibility over access to softer skills sessions, we've now spread them throughout the conference.
For the final plenary session the committee has managed to secure Alistair Darling, former chancellor of the exchequer during the most turbulent and far-reaching economic crisis the world had seen for 60 years. It will be interesting to hear his thoughts on the current economic situation and prospects for the years ahead.
But it's not just about plenary and workshop sessions. There is evening entertainment from the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, a gala dinner at the National Museum of Scotland and many great networking opportunities available for the 900-plus delegates attending; this is probably the premier event for professionals interested in life insurance.
We hope those attending the conference look forward to this thought-provoking and insightful event. Those considering attending Life 2014 can receive a 5% discount before 20 November - visit: tinyurl.com/pw7yujz
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