Hundreds of insurance industry professionals had a lot of fun at the recent annual Insurance Business Australia Awards. Host, comedian Merrick Watts (pictured immediately below), set the tone during his opening welcome speech:
“This industry is not viewed as sexy enough,” said Watts, claiming he was referencing an ABC News report. “Looking around this group, I can honestly say that’s the first thing the ABC has got right in a while.”
Very early in the evening, SongDivision (pictured immediately below), who provided live music throughout, inspired compelling singing from several insurance professionals. Arguably most memorable, a passionate but off-key version of John Farnham’s You’re the Voice.
After more jokes - sometimes risqué but always well received - involving cyberattacks, Russia, Scott Morrison and the threat of artificial intelligence (AI), Watts ushered in the night’s main event.
The night unfolded with trail blazing insurance professionals, including brokers, insurers and underwriters receiving awards across 25 categories. Attendees enjoyed a banquet dinner with wine in the classy surrounds of Sydney’s The Fullerton Hotel.
At the media wall, Insurance Business enjoyed interviewing winners and sponsors. The vibe, captured in the photos below, was always engagingly positive in a spirit of camaraderie and celebration.
On behalf of Key Media, congratulations to all the winners and thanks to the sponsors who helped make it all possible.
Here are some of the night’s winners. For a full list including a photo gallery of the night’s fun please visit the Insurance Business Australia Awards website.
Tate Harris (pictured below) from allinsure with his award for Young Gun of the Year – Independent (1-19 staff).
Sponsor Drew Schnehage from Innovation Group Australia with the team from Shielded Insurance (all pictured below), winners of the award for Innovation Group Best Digital Strategy – Brokerage.
Matthew Bates (pictured below), from Bell Partners Insurance, with his firm’s award for Brokerage of the Year (6-20 Staff).
Poppy Foxton (pictured below), from Honan Insurance Group with her firm’s award for Brokerage of the Year (20+ Staff).
Sponsor AAMC, represented by Daniel Lukich with Barbara Stenning (both pictured below) from Berkley Insurance Australia with her firm’s AAMC General Insurer Claims Team of the Year award.
Thanks to this year’s Awards Premium Partner: the Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC), the sponsor of two awards. Appreciation also goes to all of the awards sponsors: AAMC, AXA XL, CHU Underwriting Agencies, Innovation Group, QBE and Wilbur. SongDivision was the Entertainment Partner.
Did you go to the Insurance Business Australia awards? What did you enjoy most? Please tell us below
