7 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your RIMS 2019 Experience

Tips for the befuddled on how to get the most out of your RIMS conference.
By: | April 12, 2019
Topics: RIMS | Risk Management

For first timers and even veterans, the annual meeting of the Risk and Insurance Management Society can be overwhelming. So many meetings, so many sessions, so many dinners, lunches and parties. What to do?

Well, not to worry. The ever-thoughtful editors of Risk & Insurance®, who only want you to be happy, profitable and well-informed, put together this handy list for getting the most out of the conference, which this year takes place in the beautiful Atlantic Coast city of Boston from April 28 through May 1.

So here we go.

 1) The Sessions

We took a look at the lineup and here are some sessions we think should be engaging and informative.

Discussions on trends in D&O, analytics and the exposures of silent cyber are on the table and should leave you with pages, digital or otherwise, of good notes.

 2) The Big Picture

Well in advance of the conference, we quizzed some high-ranking executives and got their take on what issues will be top of mind for many.

Based on conversations with Liberty Mutual and Aon, we came up with four trends that should be top of mind for many brokers, carrier executives and risk managers.

Here’s a hint, problems in the general liability line is one of them.

3) The Parties

Go to at least one or two. Share an appetizer with a broker from St. Louis, slug chardonnay with a London underwriter.

Parties are a great way to meet a lot of people, bond and share the good medicine of laughter.

Just don’t go to too many parties; you don’t want to end up looking like this guy (especially in front of your colleagues).

4) Take a Nap: At Least One.

You want to be at your best. So actually schedule yourself some nap time.

No one is going to send a letter to the principal if you give yourself an afternoon nap of about 45 minutes on Tuesday. You will be so glad you did, and you will be that much more present when you sit down for meeting number five on Wednesday.

5) Don’t Overbook

Speaking of meetings at RIMS, don’t overbook yourself.

We’ve done it and it’s horrible. RIMS is a great place to meet with people, and leading up to the conference, you will get all sorts of invitations from all over the earth.

But the truth is, you’re no good to anybody if you’re so frazzled from too many meetings that you can’t concentrate or contribute.

You can always catch up to connections at other points in the year and there are a zillion technology platforms that will help you do that.

 6) See Boston

Boston in late April is bound to be beautiful. Don’t just hang out in the convention center staring at your smart phone, as fascinating as that is.

Take a stroll and do some shopping along Boylston Street in the Back Bay. Traipse the length of Boston Commons. Stop here and get something delicious and flaky to go along with your much-needed caffeine.

 7) Follow Up

That stack of business cards you’re going to wind up with represents knowledge and business acumen, in human form.

Reconnect with the people you meet in Boston, let them know you enjoyed their company and that you want to talk to them again. It will be the truth. &

Dan Reynolds is editor-in-chief of Risk & Insurance. He can be reached at [email protected].

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