You know that feeling when you sit in a new car: the new car smell, the shiny instrument panel, the chrome wheels. Well, that’s what I want you to think, sort of, as I hand you the keys to our conference coming up in just one month. That’s right, I am that pushy salesman, and I want you to all join us for a “drive” in Burlington, Vermont, next month.
This is the 30th year of the Vermont Captive Insurance Association’s annual meeting and international conference this August in Burlington. Today the VCIA conference covers three full days and is the premier captive insurance gathering for education and networking for over 1000 attendees and 100 exhibitors. This year, twenty one seminars will feature over seventy speakers providing attendees the opportunity to expand their knowledge of captives and connect with key players in the industry. Topics have been selected with the guidance of our Captive Owner Advisors – topics that include everything from Employee Benefits, Healthcare, Tax Updates and Big Data to Managing International and Challenging Risks. A number of popular peer-to-peer forums will present captive owners the opportunity to share their experience and knowledge on a one-to-one basis. Companies and organizations that are sharing their expertise range from Fortune 500 companies to small, nimble entrepreneurial enterprises, all of them leading the way into new areas of opportunity. Organizations like Global Rescue, which provides emergency services to travelers and business people overseas to iconic corporations such as Walgreens and Corning.
Captain Richard Phillips is the closing luncheon speaker, with his topic: “Steering Your Ship through Rough Waters: Lessons on Leadership”, and Hank Watkins of Lloyd’s North America will provide our industry keynote. And finally, what better place is there to be than August in Vermont by beautiful Lake Champlain, where attendees can ride in the VCIA Bike Tour (our scenic bike tour with a professional touring company), play in the VCIA Golf Tournament at the lovely Vermont National Country Club and join colleagues for a special 30th Anniversary reception at scenic Shelburne Farms.
So take us for a spin and make your plans to join us next month… I’ll throw in the floor mats at no extra charge! Thank you all very much, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Rich Smith
VCIA President
Captivated 