Views (June 01, 2007)

Canadian industry representatives at the Risk and Insurance Management Society’s 2007 Conference in New Orleans gathered at the JW Marriott for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Sponsored by CGI and RIMS Canada Council , the gathering allowed people to swap stories and compare notes on the week’s events while sampling culinary treats, and maybe even sipping a glass of wine or Canadian beer.

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The Insurance Brokers of Toronto Region (IBTR) welcomed industry guests to its 16th annual Friendship Night. Held at the Spirale Banquet & Convention Centre in Toronto, the event allowed hundreds of industry people – including brokers, underwriters, claims adjusters, support staff, sponsors, marketers and managers, to name a few – to get together to network and socialize over drinks, food and live music.

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More wishes will be coming true this year, thanks to the 13th Annual Insurance Charity Gala in support of Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation. More than 400 generous guests attended the black-tie event at the Hilton Toronto, helping to raise nearly Cdn$200,000 for the charity, bringing the cumulative total to more than Cdn$2 million.

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The Registered Insurance Brokers of Ontario (RIBO) celebrated its 25th Anniversary with a cocktail reception at Toronto’s King Edward Hotel. Founding president Donald Lambie regaled the crowd of brokers, RIBO staff and supporters with a speech about the organization and the impact it has had on the industry’s landscape.

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The Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) gathered in New Orleans for its 2007 conference. Kicking off the four-day event was RIMS: Riverside Royale Opening Reception at the Hilton Riverside Hotel‘s Grand Ballroom. The event was “licensed to thrill” thousands of participants who were treated to culinary delights, libation and table games. Other company-sponsored events included those hosted by AIG and Crawford & Company (both held at the House of Blues). Live bands played Cajun tunes while delegates danced and sampled local cuisine. At the opening session, RIMS president Michael Liebowitz presented William J. Kelly, president of WJK Advisory L.L.C. and former RIMS president, with the Harry and Dorothy Goodell Award. Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, delivered the keynote address about the risk and possible effects of a global flu outbreak.