NYIA 2018 Annual Conference…Working Together Toward Tomorrow

There is something special to be said about Saratoga Springs, New York. The amulet of the historical city of Saratoga Springs is deeply rooted in “health, history and horses” and has been a curious tourist’s destination for over 200 years. The pivotal travelers that stayed and shaped this city so many years ago can be credited with providing the alluring backdrop that continues to bring people together. Fittingly, the New York Insurance Association hosted their 2018 Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs this year, like it has many years in the past. The association feels that the city provides the perfect setting to work Together Toward Tomorrow. The conference is an ideal time for the New York property and casualty industry to gather and discuss ways we can work together for the betterment of our policyholders.

Nearly 250 industry representatives came together this year on May 30 through June 1. The event generated great discussion on a variety of topics and featured renowned industry experts as well as representatives from the New York State Department of Financial Services and legislators from the Capital District.

The 2018 Annual Conference featured a myriad of topics and industry leaders. Kicking off the enlightening sessions was global industry leader at Mercer, Duane Bollert, whose discussion, To Infinity & Beyond: The Digital Future of Tomorrow, provided inspiring ideas that will help bridge the gap between talent and tech.

His opening discussion was followed by an insightful conversation led by Norman Orlowski, of Erie and Niagara Insurance Association. The Tax Tango: Strategies to Avoid Potential Pitfalls panel was comprised of tax experts whose collective experience totaled nearly 100 years. Albert DiGiacomo of Crowe Horwath, LLP, Richard Litchfield of Opus Investment Management, Inc., William Scannell of Johson Lauder & Savidge, LLP and moderator Orlowski engaged in a dynamic discussion on the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017.

Later that morning Maria Vullo, Superintendent of the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), delivered the keynote address outlining the Department’s priorities for 2018 and beyond. One of those priorities includes keeping up with the impact of technology on the financial services industry and the creation of the Office of Financial Information.

The morning sessions concluded with “a journey unlike any other,” 2021: The Insurance Odyssey—Emerging Trends and Real Applications led by moderator, Charles Makey of Merchants Insurance Group and panelists: Eric Cernak of Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Coompany, Michael Cronin of Cronin Consulting Services, Inc., Stephanie Gould Rabin of Holborn Corporation, and Kevin Gregson of Willis Towers Watson. Our voyaging panelists explored important trends surrounding technology and big data and how it is impacting the insurance industry.

NYIA was proud to honor Steven Coffey of Broome Co-operative Insurance Company as the recipient of the Chair’s Distinguished Service Award. Steve’s unwavering patience, unprecedented insight and notable experience have made him an asset to NYIA and a cherished principal of the property and casualty insurance industry.

The day concluded with an evening banquet and live entertainment. Steven Brundage—magician, entertainer and former contestant on America’s Got Talent, put on an enchanted show for attendees. He even shared the trick that garnered him international fame in 2014 when his YouTube video of him successfully getting out of a traffic ticket by charming law enforcement officers with only a Rubik’s Cube and a creative imagination went viral.

The Town Hall Meeting was first up on the agenda for the final day of the conference. This year’s program, moderated by William Melchionni of American International Group, Inc., was joined by Capital Region legislators Senator Neil Breslin, Assemblymember John McDonald, and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner. These legislative leaders answered questions about their priority issues and provided perspective on property and casualty legislation being considered.

Charles Chamness, president and CEO of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies switched gears from New York State to the federal landscape and provided an astute analysis of the federal legislative environment. To wrap up the program was the annual Small Company Roundtable moderated this year by Matthew Benedict, of Midstate Mutual Insurance Company. NYIA finds that our members thrive when given the chance to look to each other as peer resources and this roundtable discussion always provides the perfect platform for rewarding conversations.

The NYIA Annual Conference is always a must-attend for anyone who wants to stay abreast of the issues occurring in one of our country’s largest, and often most challenging, insurance marketplaces. Save the date now for next year’s event that will begin on May 29–31 at the Sagamore in Bolton Landing, New York.