Western States Surplus Line Conference 1996
The consensus is that this year's Western States Surplus Line Conference (WSSLC) was one of the most successful efforts in the history of the conference. Most of the positive comments concerned the content of the sessions. We tried to not only make them interactive, including different viewpoints, but also topical, addressing new legislation and laws. Finally, we wanted the sessions to be fun. Attendance at the sessions this year was about 80% of those who came to the conference and we learned the following:
- Some people think we have done enough on "Fraud" and others, not enough!
- Most people enjoyed the "President's Panel," especially Mike Snead, President, Admiral Insurance Company. Thank God I found a sewing kit and sewed a button back on his jacket before he spoke. I had no idea that it was so important to his presentation.
- A very popular session was the "Legislators/Regulators Panel." Most felt that it was good to get them together on one stage.
- There were some complaints that audience participation should be controlled and that attacks on the participants, instead of questions seeking information, are counterproductive.
- "Lloyds-the Future" was presented by a list minute stand-in, Mr. Stephen Burnhope. He did a fine job of giving a positive presentation, but some wished he could have covered what may happen if the problems are not solved.
- "Reinsurance Update:" Some felt this session was one of the weaker parts of the program, yet very interesting.
We know there is room for improvement, and we will continue to refine the program. Nadine Watso, our Education Manager was instrumental in obtaining CEU credit approval (three for each half day session) from the California Department of Insurance for all of our sessions. She also helped other states in obtaining approval. Please assist us in improving future sessions by filling out the form on page 6 and faxing it to my attention (Cecilia Faber) at the SLA, (415) 434-3716.
|
Those of you who attended the dinner can reminisce by looking at the photo of our past chair of the Executive Committee, Mr. Jerry Sullivan and the venerable Mr. Donald Green from LeBoeuf, Lam, Greene & MacRae, as they performed, live, on stage with the "Capitol Steps." We: were fortunate enough to receive their consent to print this photo so that those of you not present could get a flavor of that spectacular evening. I truly believe they missed their calling.
I would like to thank all of you who participated in WSSLC '96 and hope you will join us in Utah next year. WSSLC '96 was very successful. Attendance was up from previous conferences with a total of 472 attendees. The following is a breakdown of those who attended:
Registrants 311
Spouses 154
Children 7
Breakdown of attendees by state:
Arizona 38
California 206
Colorado 31
Connecticut 1
Washington, D.C. 2
Florida 2
Georgia 9
Idaho 22
Illinois 11
Kansas 7
Massachusetts 3
Missouri 4
Montana 2
North Carolina 2
New Jersey 11
Nevada 2
New York 24
Ohio 3
Oregon 23
Pennsylvania 4
Texas 5
Utah 17
Virginia 5
Washington 38
California, of course, had the strongest showing of attendees. However, we should all help each state hosting the WSSLC to bring up the attendance from the other states. We can do this by offering better programs and assisting those requiring continuing education credits to retain their broker license.
I enjoyed my role in putting this event together. With your help, I will assist Utah in putting together an even more interesting conference next year. A reminder that you, too, can help by filling out the attached form regarding the California meeting so that Utah can build on our success.
- Cecelia J. Faber
[ Previous Page ] [ Next Page ] [ Back to Main ]
|
