Edmiston on Expo – "a tangible example of what NZUAC does"

The New Zealand Underwriting Agencies Council (NZUAC) is gearing up for the 2024 edition of its Auckland Expo – the second iteration of last year’s inaugural gathering of NZUAC members, brokers, and support partners in the city.

Following a successful first run, the non-profit representative body has since held a version in Christchurch as well. The South Island event took place in May, ahead of next month’s Expo at the Grand Millennium Auckland.

Lifting the lid on what is to be expected this time around, NZUAC executive director Nigel Edmiston told Insurance Business: “We are sticking with the same format, as this was well regarded last year.

“We want to maintain consistency so that our members know what they will get for supporting the events and brokers will spread the news that such events are worth attending, so we hope to get even larger attendance this time.”

In fact, this year’s Auckland Expo continues under the same “Challenging Markets and Innovative Solutions” theme, which NZUAC believes will remain a significant area of discussion in the coming years.

“Having quality speakers and a panel session that were of interest to the industry was key to getting the brokers along,” Edmiston noted. “This will be the case again for this year’s Expo.”

NZUAC Auckland Expo 2024 speakers

Taking part as keynote speakers are Financial Markets Authority (FMA) deposit taking, insurance, and advice director Michael Hewes and Wotton + Kearney special counsel Michael Cavanaugh. Hewes will discuss the FMA’s regulatory focus and objectives; Cavanaugh, the Insurance Contracts Bill.

Meanwhile the panel consists of Paula Sheppard-Jones (DUAL New Zealand), Tim Warren (Ambit), Dan Xu (ElementX), and Igor Shadoff (Rothbury Insurance Brokers). Their discussion will focus on technology’s impact on the insurance industry, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).

Edmiston said: “We hope our speakers and panel session will improve all attendees’ understanding of current regulatory changes and, also, what role technology will play in the insurance industry. Many just don’t know what AI may mean for them, and we hope this will be better understood after the panel session.

“The Expo is a tangible example of what NZUAC does for its members and how we add value to their business aspirations.”

This year’s NZUAC Auckland Expo is happening at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Auckland on August 27. Those who wish to attend can register here.