For brokers there was networking across a marketplace floor, listening to keynote speeches and the chance to get industry insights from broker-only meetings.
However, the event coincided with an ASX announcement by the host that likely surprised some delegates:
“Steadfast Group’s chief operating officer (COO), Nigel Fitzgerald (main picture, right side), has advised his intention to step down from his COO role on July 1, 2025, to pursue a personal business venture.”
“I am fully supportive of Nigel as he embarks on his personal business venture and I’m pleased that he will remain within the Steadfast family,” said Kelly in the announcement.
In the same announcement, Noelene Palmer was revealed as the COO replacing Fitzgerald and Tim Mathieson was promoted to the role of CEO Australasia Broking.
Back at the Convention, keynote speakers, apart from Kelly and Fitzgerald, included Dawn Miller, CEO of Lloyd’s Americas (pictured immediately below). Insurer presentations covered topics including property and casualty insurance for the middle market, debunking myths about the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) and diversity and inclusion.
Sydney-based Austin Rosier (pictured immediately below) was there for his brokerage Omnisure.
“There's always a good buzz and a good murmur,” said the senior risk adviser. “No-one's getting grumpy, I'll put it that way.”
He said the Convention was also an opportunity to get a sneak preview of new industry initiatives and technology.
“You get a lot of insights into how the market is performing and, more generally, how people are feeling,” said Rosier. “As an example, Steadfast has made some announcements around bringing out a much more extensive technical platform, a hybrid between a CRM and a workflow platform.”
He said this was showcased during the Convention.
“Seeing that and being able to talk to the people who are actually rolling that out and have meaningful conversations with them is obviously quite beneficial,” said Rosier. “And hopefully that means that we can get access to it and use it before others might be able to.”
Apart from a small selection of industry heavyweights, keynote speeches were by former athletes or successful business leaders not directly related to insurance.
Rosier said he got a lot out of these presentations.
“The most interesting one to me – partly because I was a high-level swimmer growing up – was by Ariarne Titmus [Olympic swimming champion] and Dean Boxall [Olympic swimming coach],” he said. “They were absolutely fantastic.”
He said there were significant lessons for insurance professionals to learn in the rapport and understanding between Titmus and Boxall.
“I've got a team that reports to me and you're expecting excellence from them but you need that level of understanding that gives you permission to give feedback that is not necessarily harsh, but feedback that is truthful, so that you can ultimately be better,” said Rosier.
Another presentation was given by Adam Schwab, CEO of travel business, Luxury Escapes.
“I think the single biggest thing that I took away from that was when he said something to the effect of how his firm views the customer experience as a marketing expense,” said Rosier.
He said Schwab’s position in his sector as a travel business is not dissimilar to the broker’s in the insurance industry.
“I really appreciated his insights around some of the things that they had done to ensure that their customers were ongoing and to look at how they could provide those customers with a benefit,” said Rosier.
Insurance Business asked about the Steadfast leadership shake-up.
“Steadfast is a fantastic organization, both myself, and obviously brokerages around the country and the world, have benefited significantly from the framework that they have put forward, and continue to do so,” he said.
Did you attend the Steadfast Convention in Melbourne? What stood out for you? Please tell us below.
