The Best part of our industry? The people.

I was a little concerned when setting this year's conference theme ‘Back to Basics’ that it would be misunderstood. I needn’t have worried, as is apparent in the excellent thought piece in this edition of Airmic News from Andreas Berger, group CEO, Swiss Re, who is also one of our keynote speakers in Birmingham.Alongside the enduring foundations of risk management, Andreas talks about the value of partnerships. I couldn’t agree more, and with the Airmic annual conference upon us, it is a time when the risk and insurance industries come together for the serious business of managing risk and building resilience, and the not so serious business of building relationships, sharing stories and connecting.

The value of partnerships, and the relationships that support them, comes through strongly in all my conversations with members. In the best and worst moments, they matter.

Registrations for the conference are running higher than last year, which means we are choosing to leave our offices, desks, WFH set-up, to engage, discuss, share, and grow our knowledge and our network.

In the face of a domestic and international news landscape that has felt a little bleak, we will turn at conference to the time-honoured tradition of humour and camaraderie, including our inaugural sock competition and the first ever Airmic Game Show.

Not only will you win prizes, but also the respect of your peers and the notoriety of being the first winners in these historical moments. The gauntlet has been laid down, and I will see you there!

Diane Maxwell, CEO