More than 300 delegates, sponsors, and Ausure staff gathered at The Star Gold Coast from Feb. 23 to 25 for the Ausure 2025 Conference.
The event featured discussions on industry trends, business development strategies, and regulatory challenges, with a focus on professional networking and growth opportunities.
The conference commenced with a welcome dinner, supported by Chubb as a gold sponsor. The evening provided attendees with an opportunity to network and discuss the themes of the event.
John Mills, broking manager at Ausure, introduced the conference agenda and acknowledged industry partners.
Managing director Troy Brown welcomed delegates and expressed condolences for the death of Kurt Nilsen, managing director of Lion Underwriting.
Chubb’s national relationship manager, Danny Byrnes, addressed attendees, reaffirming the company’s support for the Ausure network.
“Chubb is excited to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2025 Ausure conference. We greatly value our relationship with the Ausure network and thank you for your support and trust, recommending Chubb to your clients,” he said.
The first official day of the conference featured a comprehensive update from Ausure’s head office, covering developments in education, compliance, and technology.
CEO Scott McCarthy noted the importance of adapting to market shifts.
“As the market conditions are different in 2025 to previous years, all businesses should review their approach to business development, which markets are utilised to place business and internal processes to ensure business practices are still appropriate,” he said.
Keynote speaker Dean Boxall spoke on perseverance and achieving success, drawing parallels between sports and business challenges. His presentation was well received, with Holly Butler from Market Lane Insurance Group commenting on its relevance.
“Dean Boxall was a great addition to the conference speakers – very engaging and motivating. The Ausure update was also very thorough, relatable, and entertaining,” Butler said.
Vikki Burcher of Abico Insurance Brokers cited the speech as a highlight of the conference.
“The conference was a great success, and I thank Ausure and all of the organisers for another great event – the highlight for me being guest speaker Dean Boxall,” she said.
Nicolle Edwards, CEO of RizeUp Australia, shared insights into the organisation’s work supporting families affected by domestic violence.
“The room had such great energy, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share the work we do with your team and colleagues. The support from leaders like Ausure helps us continue standing alongside families as they rebuild their lives after domestic and family violence,” she said.
Chubb representatives Danny Byrnes and Jeremy Boyle later introduced new insurance products and services. This was followed by the Market Stall, where 50 exhibitors, including QBE and Market Lane Group, facilitated discussions on emerging market opportunities.
Day two commenced with a keynote address by former Sydney Swans player Jude Bolton, sponsored by QBE QNect. Bolton spoke about leadership, workplace culture, and the role of artificial intelligence in business.
The conference concluded with the Awards Gala Dinner, sponsored by NTI, where brokers and insurers were recognised for their contributions to the industry.
The evening also included a fundraising initiative for RizeUp Australia, with the Z Zurich Foundation matching donations up to $10,000.
The Fastest Growing Branch Award, sponsored by Lion Underwriting, was awarded to Strelow Insurance & Wealth in Rockhampton.
The Young Achiever Award, sponsored by QBE, was presented to Tom Leis of Reg Leis Insurance Services.
Allianz was named the Mike Dunn Insurer of the Year, while NTI received the Underwriting Agency of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
The Jim McIlveen Award of Excellence was presented to Strategic Insurance Services. Accepting the award, operations manager Jo King stated: “Our team have taken on all the processes and business structure changes to make this happen.”
The conference concluded with discussions on business strategies, market conditions, and emerging opportunities, with plans already underway for Ausure’s 2026 conference in Sydney.
