Connecting with cocktails at the FIA Protea branch

Colourful cocktails and communication: the innovative theme of the FIA Protea Branch’s annual function, recently held at the Johannesburg Country Club. Johan Swart, chairman of the Protea Branch, says that the purpose of the event was to

provide a forum for members, insurers and product providers to interact and build on existing relationships. “Personal relationships will always remain an inherent part of the insurance industry – they need to be fostered and celebrated accordingly; something we at the Protea Branch wanted to make a point of doing.”

This year’s event was exceptionally well attended – with over 120 members, insurers and product providers present. Special guests included Brian Martin, the short-term ombudsman; John Arnessen, CEO of the Financial Planning Institute; and Alan Blem, president of the Institute of Loss Adjusters. Steve Legge, the general manager of Mutual and Federal, was the official speaker at the function. He emphasised the critical value of relationships and professionalism in these challenging times.

These sentiments were reiterated by Seamus Casserly (pictured right), FIA: vice-president, in his impromptu address. Reinforcing the transformation of the intermediary industry, Casserly reiterated the critical importance of a united intermediary body, speaking with reference to the upcoming merger of the FIA and LUASA.

With the majority of the evening reserved for “cocktails and communication”, guests were able to relax and enjoy the excellent company of peers, colleagues and new acquaintances. “We look forward to holding similar events in the future, where members, insurers and product providers are able to get to know each other and engage on a personal basis,” concludes Swart.