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All set for the bright lights of Sydney
Insurance & Risk Professional, August 2009 Sydney is my hometown. That’s why I’m thrilled to have NIBA’s 27th Annual Convention being held right here in one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world. Sydney is everything you want it to be. It’s vibrant, historic, brash, bright and breezy – arguably there is no other place quite like it. Personally, I can’t wait to share the Sydney 2009 experience with all of our delegates, both new and old. Of course, most in our industry have visited Sydney at one time or another. These days it is the business heart of Australia, with around 40% of the insurance sector based in or around its busy, bustling CBD. Yet this is the first time in 27 years Sydney has hosted NIBA’s annual showcase event. Why? For as long as I can recall, delegates have preferred out-of-town locations that have provided add-on attractions usually associated with tourist spots such as Cairns, Hamilton Island and the ever-popular Gold Coast in Queensland. Last year we headed to Darwin and were rewarded with a convention that exceeded expectations as a spectacular and hugely appealing “Top End” meeting place for business and tourism alike. Adelaide and Perth have also provided distinctive capital city backdrops for previous NIBA conventions. Both were new venues with first-class facilities providing a variety of social events that captured the local flavour, making the long haul for most delegates, sponsors and exhibitors every bit worthwhile. In 2009 there are more reasons than ever before to head to Sydney. The events of the past year have highlighted the importance of proper insurance protection to the wider community. The impacts of the global financial crisis, bushfires and floods have had a ripple effect across Australian households and the business sector generally. It’s been a year like no other. What about the path to recovery? Has enough been done to stimulate economies and instil confidence? Or has it been a waste of money we don’t really have? Many have asked questions like this, and despite all the rhetoric there are no easy answers. Only time will tell. This year’s convention program is aimed at highlighting the key issues facing our industry, discussing the hot topics with the most respected speakers. Our intention is to engage as much dialogue as possible on all that is good and bad in the world right now, to make complex matters more easily understood and to provide as many answers as possible as to the way forward. You can check out the exciting list of speakers, events and facilities at www.niba.com.au. Regardless of age, size or affiliation it’s been demonstrated year after year that the NIBA Convention is where the industry comes together as one. It’s the place to meet up with old friends and colleagues, chat with the heavy hitters and develop a network of contacts that will prove invaluable in corporate life over coming months and years. Superbly located on the harbour foreshores, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre is the perfect place to stage the NIBA Convention. It’s all within easy walking distance from the CBD with a range of entertainment and business options nearby. Essentially, Sydney is where the financial services action is these days, and we’re aiming to attract more delegates than ever before. Some great special offers and discounts are available and new one-day and two-day corporate flexi-passes are guaranteed to make it easier and cost-effective to maximise staff attendance. Costs will also be slashed for the majority of attendees who live in or close to Sydney because no flights will be required – and what a bonus that will be! No unnecessary days out of the office, waiting at airports or dashing back on “red-eye” flights. As Australia’s largest city and number one destination for visitors, Sydney’s stimulating pace makes it the centre of professional life for our diverse industry. Put simply, there’s every reason to make a special effort to see the “Bright Lights, Big City” of Sydney in sunny September, where the famous harbour is an everyday focus. On behalf of everyone at NIBA, I look forward to welcoming you. Please join us, bring your staff and enjoy every second. |
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