AIE draws some big industry names

There is no doubt that the African Insurance Exchange (AIE) Conference is one of the biggest insurance conferences in South Africa, and one of the top events for many on the insurance industry calendar.

Phenomenal plans under way 

Ahead of this year’s conference, some phenomenal plans are underway, and the organisers of this year’s AIE conference have assured delegates that the event will be the best conference ever. 

“Registrations are on track, at about the same levels as last year, and the exhibition space has already sold out. We are confident we will be able to deliver a conference that ticks all the boxes,” said conference organiser CN&CO’s Carel Nolte. 

“There will be plenty of opportunity for networking, doing deals, learning and celebrating our incredible industry over the three days of the conference,” continued Nolte. 

Growing. Learning. Together. 

The theme for the AIE 2019 Conference is Growing. Learning. Together. It speaks of the need for growing our businesses, the greater insurance industry and the economy as a whole, learning as much as we can in order to navigate a tricky business environment and coming together to create synergies and serve our clients in the best ways possible. 

The theme also engenders a far broader range of content to appeal to delegates across the industry spectrum – including life, wealth management, healthcare, short term, employee benefits and a whole lot more – and applies to service providers and intermediaries alike. 

Boasting a huge diversity of speakers and topics, the conference organisers have also included a variety of new outdoor activities to the programme, over and above the popular Sunday afternoon golf game, to ensure greater inclusivity and more opportunities for networking. 

It is no surprise, then, that #AIE2019 has attracted some leading players in the industry. Insurers, brokers, advisers, UMAs, ombuds, regulators, third-party service providers, institutes, associations and organisations will all be represented in full force. 

Industry players voice excitement 

A few industry members who will be attending the conference commented on what they are looking forward to at #AIE2019. 

“This year we looked for experts beyond the normal pool of short term underwriting specialists to give delegates a fuller picture of what is happening across the insurance industry. 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 have also planned a variety of platforms, from plenaries to small group discussions, to add diversity and personalisation,” said Thokozile Mahlangu, CEO of the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) – the IISA and the South African Insurance Association (SAIA) are joint organisers of the conference. 

“I am excited for this opportunity to participate in the AIE as I take over the helm of the Insurance Sector Education and Training Authority (INSETA). My vision is to bring my organisation a lot closer to the constituency it serves, i.e. the insurance and related services industry, and I see the AIE as a powerful platform for networking and establishing collaborative partnerships in pursuit of this vision,” commented Nadia Starr, CEO of Inseta. 

Peter Olyott, CEO of Indwe Broker Holding and President of the Financial Intermediaries’ Association of Southern Africa (FIA) added, “The annual AIE conference provides for the coming together of an industry to engage on the latest topics which dominate our daily discussions, whether these be around regulation, economic conditions, technology, the political landscape or the latest trends around global risks. At the AIE you will be able to enjoy the balance of business and social interaction and the camaraderie of the industry members. A highlight on the calendar each year, and this one promises to be bigger and better.” 

In anticipation of the possibilities 

“The AIE conference brings together many of Africa’s finest insurance minds – including insurers, intermediaries, reinsurers and our representative bodies. This is where the current realities and future possibilities of our industry will be unpacked, networks built and strengthened, and business opportunities explored.

As a leading player in and staunch supporter of the insurance industry, both in South Africa and abroad, we appreciate that what is good for all of us is good for Hollard as well. We are therefore looking forward to playing our part in one of our continent’s premier insurance industry gatherings,” said Nash Omar, Hollard Insure’s Managing Director: Broker Markets. 

Volker von Widdern, CEO of Constantia Insurance added, “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. 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.”  

“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,” commented Jon-Jon Smit, Executive Head of Marketing and Sales at CIB. 

Book your spot 

The 2019 African Insurance Exchange takes place from 14 to 17 July at Sun City. To book your spot click the following link: https://bit.ly/2AoAM7B Keep an eye on social media for updates on speakers and exhibitors. For more info, email Carel Nolte: carel@cnandco.com or contact him on 082 412 3241. 

Editor’s Thoughts:

We cannot wait to see which speakers will be lined up for this year’s conference. The conference has become an important event on the insurance calendar and presents a great opportunity for the different industry players to engage around the many challenges facing the industry. FAnews will be roaming the presentations and exhibition to bring you all the latest news and we hope to see you there. Please comment below, interact with us on Twitter at @fanews_online or email me your thoughts myra@fanews.co.za.