NIBA moves major convention to 2022

The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has confirmed that the 2021.2 NIBA Convention, which was supposed to take place from September to October this year, was moved to early 2022 in response to the COVID-19 situation in Australia.

The convention was initially scheduled to take place from September 28 to October 28, 2021. However, NIBA announced that it decided to move the event to February 07 to 21 next year. During the five-day hybrid convention over the course of five weeks, the peak body will visit Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, and Sydney.

NIBA CEO Dallas Booth said the peak body has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country and taking note of the advice from health authorities to protect the health, safety, and well-being of its staff, delegates, sponsors, exhibitors, and suppliers.

“With the ongoing lockdowns and border closures, it is very unlikely that NIBA will be able to hold a face-to-face event in Sydney in October. Similarly, the situation in Melbourne and Brisbane is uncertain, and a face-to-face event may not be feasible during September and October,” Booth said.

“This uncertainty is likely to be reduced in the new year as the community reaches higher levels of vaccination, and as such, travel and events will hopefully become more feasible.”

Read more: NIBA reveals winners of NSW/ACT broker awards

Booth said NIBA considered proceeding with the convention in Perth and Adelaide this year. However, it found the option logistically challenging and explained that delegates from COVID-19 lockdown areas still cannot attend in person at this time.

Therefore, Booth believes that the decision to reschedule the convention will enable NIBA members, sponsors, and exhibitors to connect and enjoy the event face-to-face and attend a marketplace in their home estate while accessing the entire national program virtually.

The NIBA 2021.2 Convention will take place on:

• February 07, 2022: Adelaide;
• February 08, 2022: Melbourne;
• February 14, 2022: Perth;
• February 16, 2022: Brisbane; and
• February 21, 2022: Sydney, with a concluding dinner.

Commenting on the convention, which has the theme Professionalism + Resilience = Opportunity, Booth said: “As with all our conventions, the 2021.2 Convention will offer attendees a clear and unbiased view of the important topics of the day. Whether you're a principal member, senior broker, or young professional, the 2021.2 NIBA Convention promises to equip delegates with the tools to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities.”