Windstorm Insurance Network Regional Symposium

Transcription

1 3rd Annual Windstorm Insurance Network Regional Symposium A one-day educational seminar on the current issues affecting windstorm insurance claims handling May 10, 2011 Emory Conference Center Atlanta, GA The Educational Association For Windstorm Claims Industry Professionals

2 Don t Miss the WIND Regional Symposium May 10, am - 5 pm Emory Conference Center Atlanta, GA Join professionals from all segments of the property insurance industry as they address the impact of the past hurricane seasons and important windstorm insurance claims issues. The Third Annual Windstorm Insurance Network Regional Symposium will provide an opportunity for professionals from many disciplines to discuss and educate themselves on a variety of subjects important to those engaged in windstorm insurance claims. The conference is designed to provide both general sessions and break-out sessions for windstorm insurance professionals, including company claims managers and adjusters, independent and policyholder adjusters, attorneys, engineers, accountants, contractors, salvors, vendors, and other related professions in the windstorm claims insurance industry. Industry-related hot topics will be offered to give you a chance to earn valuable continuing education credits for adjuster and attorney CE credits for multiple states. Break-out sessions will include the important windstorm claim hot topic issues, along with the latest Xactimate software class, and the WIND Umpire Certification. Register today for this one-day educational seminar on the current issues affecting windstorm claims handling, in addition to earning CE credits and the opportunity to network with industry professionals! Address Issues, Exchange Ideas, and Explore Solutions at the 3rd Annual WIND Regional Symposium Register online at or call

3 7:30am WIND Regional Symposium Program Registration 8:30-8:45am Welcome/About WIND WIND President, William Chip Merlin, Esquire, Merlin Law Group 8:45-9:45am Keynote Speaker: Keni Thomas, Ranger, in the Blackhawk Down Mission Train as you Fight. Fight as you Train. As a member of the Army s elite Ranger Task Force, Keni Thomas learned to train as you fight, fight as you train. Keni learned this first hand during the mission that resulted in Blackhawk Down. His presentation will illustrate how to develop leadership skills in any situation. Keni will share stories of his real life experience and the courage he saw demonstrated under the most dire of circumstances :15am General Session Layered Insurance Programs This session will examine the complexities in utilizing a layered insurance program. When a primary policy is followed by multiple excess layers and/ or with multiple insurers sharing in each layer, the insurers may not neces sarily follow the same policy terms and conditions. Different insurer forms and a labyrinth of endorsements and conditions can create gaps in coverage and/ or differences in terms and conditions.naturally, problems and conundrums pop up when claims are filed. The panelists will discuss the best practices of handling and negotiating complex claims through a multitude of insurers. Speakers: Harvey Goodman, GGG; John Intondi, AXIS; Matt Litsky, Esquire, Phelps Dunbar; Chip Merlin, Esquire, Merlin Law Group 10:15-10:45am Networking Break 10:45-12pm Breakout Session #1 Offerings:* Adjuster Ethics, Appraisal, Hail Damage, Xactimate :15pm Networking Lunch 1:15-3pm Breakout Session #2 Offerings:*Appraisal, Business Interruption, Property Law, Salvage WIND Umpire Certification (double session) 3-3:15pm Networking Break 3:15-5pm Breakout Session #3 Offerings:* Adjuster Ethics, Business Interruption, Property Law, Xactimate pm Conclusion *See the Sympoisum Breakout Session Page for complete details on class descriptions. Register online at or call

4 Continuing Education Offerings CE credits have been applied for all general and break-out sessions for the following states and bar associations. Updated Adjuster CEs Florida - Approved up to 7 hours (3 Hrs Ethics, 5 Hrs Optional, 7 Hrs Law, in any combination) Georgia - Approved up to 7 hours of General Adjuster Credit Louisiana - Pending Final Approval Mississippi - Approved up to 7 hours North Carolina - Pending Final Approval Texas - Approved up to 7 Hours Attorney CLEs Alabama - Approved, 6.5 hours of CLE, including 1.35 Ethics Florida - Pending Final Approval Georgia - Approved, 6.5 Regular CLE, including 1.3 hours of Ethics Louisiana - Approved, 6.5 hours of CLE, including 1.25 hours of Ethics Mississippi - Approved, 6.5 hours of CLE, including 1.3 hours of Ethics North Carolina - Approved, 6.5 CLE, including 1.25 of Ethics Texas - Approved, 6.5 hours of CLE, including.25 hours of Ethics Hotel Information Symposium Hotel Emory Conference Center and Hotel 1615 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA Room rate $165 plus tax Reservations Call or Group Code 2011 Windstorm Insurance Network Symposium Reservation Deadline Unitl Sold Out The Emory University Conference Center and Hotel is the site of the 3rd Annual WIND Regional Symposium. Register online at or call

5 Symposium Break Out Sessions Adjuster s Ethics The presenters will examine relevant Florida and Georgia statutes and case law applicable to insurance company adjusters, public adjusters, and others involved in handling property insurance claims. The presentation will focus on the shared ethical responsibilities of each perspective and highlight the differences. Topics will include recent developments, pending legislative changes, and the unauthorized practice of law. Faculty: Curtis Hutchens, Esquire, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation; Gary Miller, Esquire, Freemon & Miller Science & Law of Hail Damage This course will present a general background on the properties of hail stones and the effects of hail impact on roofing materials. Information will be presented on industry standards for the testing and performance of roofing products as well as expected results of hail impact on those materials. Examples will also be presented of roof conditions which are commonly mistaken for hail impact, and the actual causes of these conditions explored. Faculty: Paul Burke, Esquire, Drew Eckl & Farnham, LLP; Pete Craig, P.E., EFI; Jeff Diamond, Esquire, Law Offices of Jeffrey D. Diamond Appraisal from A to Z This workshop includes an overview of seminal cases on appraisal and discussions of recent decisions and their impact on the appraisal world. Issues such as the definition of appraisal and what is a coverage question will be addressed. Other topics include when appraisal is ripe and whether causation is a coverage question for the court or an amount of loss question for the appraisal panel. Issues such as waiver, selection of appraisers and umpires, as well as the procedure to invoke appraisal, will be covered. Post-appraisal issues such as challenging an award and whether attorney s fees, costs, and interest are awardable will also be addressed. Faculty: William Bill Berk, Esquire, Berk, Merchant & Sims PLC; Michael Duffy, Esquire, Childress Duffy, Ltd.; Jose Palacios, Peninsula Insurance Bureau; BI/Extra Expense: BI Losses for New and Unprofitable Losses This program will address the determination and calculation of business income losses for companies that were not operating at a profit before the loss occurred. It will include a discussion about calculating loss of earnings in situations where the company previously was losing money and/or the company was a start-up and there is a difficulty in utilizing historical data. Faculty: Stan Johnson, CPA and Chris Frederick, CPA, CFF, Navigant Consulting, Inc.; Howard Zandman, CPA, Habif, Arogeti & Wynne, LLP Property Insurance Case Law Update A review, explanation, and discussion of recent court decisions and legislative changes within the past twelve months affecting the interpretation of coverage issues and the adjustment of property/catastrophe claims from the perspective of both the insurer and the policyholder. Faculty: Maureen Pearcy, Esquire, Hinshaw & Culbertson; R. Hugh Lumpkin Esquire, Ver Ploeg & Lumpkin Salvage, Who Gets What Exploring the seldom discussed issue of who gets what? when inventories are damaged. The class will touch on the issue of salvage recovery when there isn t enough insurance to cover the loss, who has first rights to the salvage, and first rights to the salvage recovery check. Faculty: Jim Toukatly, Renaissance Adjusting; Kim Harris, Harris & Wilemon Company, Inc.; William H. Stanhope, Esquire, Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. Xactimate 27.3: The Best Just Got Better With exciting new tools like Aerial Sketch, Xactimate is simplifying the life of the estimator. Learn how the most complex roofs go right into Sketch with just a few clicks. Aerial Sketch, graphical estimating, and the most recent technological developments will be discussed. Note: If you plan on following along, please have Xactimate 27.3 LIVE or DEMO versions installed on your computer before the session begins. Follow this link to install the free demo version of xactware.com/solutions/claims-estimating. Faculty: Chris Hatcher, Xactimate Certified Trainer, Top Adjuster Xactimate Training WIND Umpire Certification This four-hour course will be taught in four components. The first segment will focus on ethics and professionalism as an umpire in the appraisal process. Case law will be the subject of the second segment. The third portion deals with the how-to of acting as an umpire and will include an open discussion of techniques. The final segment will address forms and awards. Faculty: Janet Brown, Esquire, Boehm, Brown, Fischer, Harwood, Kelly & Scheihing, P.A.; Jon Doan, Claims Consultants Group; Wayne Taylor, Esquire, Mozley, Finlayson & Loggins LLP; John Voelpel, Voelpel Claim Service REQUIREMENTS: This is a double-session. Part 1 and Part 2 MUST be taken together. Space is limited to 100 registrants per session and advanced registration is mandatory for admission. Upon check-in, attendees will be provided with a certificate in the conference materials that must be presented for entrance to workshop. Please note: To be included in the 2011 WIND Umpire Directory, a separate application process and $450 fee is required. Directory applications are available online and must be submitted no later than June 1, Visit for information and application forms.

6 3rd Annual WIND Regional Symposium Registration May 10, am - 5 pm Emory University Conference Center and Hotel Atlanta, GA Register online at REGISTRANT INFORMATION (one form per registrant) First Name Last Name Badge Name Company/Organization Title Address City/State/Zip Phone Fax CONTINUING EDUCATION InFormation CE credits have been applied for all general and breakout sessions for the following: (Adjusters: Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas) and (CLEs: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Texas). CEs are not yet approved. Updates will be posted on the Symposium CE page at For information on CEs, please contact WIND s CE Provider, PCCP, at or info@pcclaimpros.org. REGISTRATION FEES q Early: $125 q Regular: $150 q Walk-In: $200 HOTEL Information address required; registration confirmations are sent via . PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION (please check) q Accountant q Government q Agent q Independent Adjuster q Appraiser/Umpire q Insurance Company q Attorney q Public Adjuster q Consultant q Staff Adjuster q Contractor/Restoration q Underwriter q Engineer q Service Provider q Other Occupation How did you learn about the Symposium? (please check) q WIND member q Referral q q Internet Search q Website/Ad q Other WORKSHOP SELECTIONS Register early as many classes have size limitations. Break-out Session #1 q Adjuster Ethics q Appraisal q Hail q Xactimate :45am - 12pm 10:45am - 12pm 10:45am - 12pm 10:45am - 12pm Emory University Conference Center and Hotel 1615 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA Phone: Reservations: Room rates start at $165. Book today; the room block may sell out weeks in advance. Contact reservations at or and reference the Windstorm Insurance Network Symposium to receive the discounted room rate. This room rate is good through April 18, 2011 or until the room block is sold out. Payment AND MAILING Information q Total Payment q Check (payable to Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc., Tax ID # Check payments must be received by April 18, q Mastercard q Visa q AMEX Card Exp. Date Auth. Code Billing Address Name Signature Break-out Session #2 q Appraisal q Business Interruption q Property Insurance Law q Salvage q Umpire Certification (Double Session) Break-out Session #3 q Adjuster Ethics q Business Interruption q Property Insurance Law q Xactimate :15-3 pm 1:15-3 pm 1:15-3 pm 1:15-3 pm 1:15-5 pm 3:15-5 pm 3:15-5 pm 3:15-5 pm 3:15-5 pm Mail forms and payment to: 2011 WIND Regional Symposium c/o Meeting Management Group N 56th Street Tampa, FL Fax: (credit cards only) FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact WIND s meeting planner at or meetingplanner@windnetwork.com. Visit for news and updates. Register online at or call

7 3rd Annual Windstorm Insurance Network Regional Symposium A one-day seminar on windstorm claims handling May 10, am - 5 pm Emory Conference Center Atlanta, GA WIND Symposium 2011 Sponsorships Increase Your Company s Visibility at the WIND Reginal Symposium. Sign Up For a Sponsorship Today! Fill out this form or sign up online at Logo Sponsors ($250) Company logo on conference signage Company name in conference materials Silver Sponsors ($500) Company logo in conference materials Company logo on conference signage Company name/link on website Pre/post event full contact list roster One free event registration Gold Sponsors ($1,500) Company logo in conference materials Company logo on conference signage Company name/link on website Company banner in General Session Area Pre/post event full contact list roster Three free event registrations Table top area to display company materials (six-foot table in preconference area only, no trade show booths, maximum 10 Gold Sponorships/tables) Select A Sponsorship r Logo Sponsorship, $250 r Silver Sponsorship, $500 r Gold Sponsorship, $1,500 Payment Information r Check (Tax ID # ) r Mastercard r Visa r AMEX Number Exp. Date Auth. Code Billing Address Name Mailing Information Paying by credit card? Fax form to Send check payments to 2011 WIND Regional Symposium c/o Meeting Management Group North 56th Street Tampa, FL Contact Information Company Name Address City/State/Zip Phone Fax Company Website Co. Contact Name Sponsors: All logos must be ed in jpg. or giff. formats to meetingplanner@windnetwork.com. Gold Sponsors: Please ship your company banner to MMG at the address above no later than April 18, 2011 with a pre-paid label for return shipping. WIND is not responsible for lost or mishandled banner signs. Questions? Please contact WIND s meeting planner, MMG, at or meetingplanner@windnetwork.com. Thanks for your support of the 3rd Annual WIND Regional Symposium!

8 Thanks to Our Current Sponsors Gold Sponsors BCMG, Brown Catastrophe Management Group, LLC Middagh & Lane, PLLC EagleView Technologies Silver Sponsors Donan Engineering Become a Sponsor Today at Questions? Please contact WIND s meeting planner, MMG, at or meetingplanner@windnetwork.com

9 Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc. The Educational Association for Windstorm Claims Industry Professionals About the Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc. The Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc. (WIND) is the first educational member association devoted solely to dealing with windstorm insurance claims issues of interest to insurance practitioners. WIND was incorporated in 1999 with the goal to help professionals familiarize themselves with critical issues related to wind insurance claims and to remain current and knowledgeable on developments and trends in this ever-changing industry. WIND s mission is to offer industry insight and education for individuals and groups interested and employed in the windstorm-insurance-claims industry. Members come from across the United States and represent various companies and professional interests in the property and windstorm insurance industry. Educating and Informing the Industry WIND originated from the perceived need for education and training in dealing with insurance issues arising from Florida s hurricanes. From that initial concern, the idea grew to create an educational organization to address similar interests shared by other industry practitioners. The targeted group includes those responsible for adjusting, sales, marketing, and underwriting of windstorm coverages, as well those persons whose employment and professional responsibilities are directed toward windstorm insurance issues. In its inaugural year, WIND s Board of Directors consisted of 14 officers and board members from a diverse list of professional backgrounds in the insurance company, accounting, adjusting, agency, engineering, legal, reinsurance, residual market, and scientific communities. WIND s membership consisted of more than 200 professionals. As WIND developed, the idea grew and evolved into offering a first-class conference to educate insurance professionals from all professional representations. Bringing Windstorm Claims Professionals Together The inaugural Windstorm Insurance Conference was held in February 2000 in Orlando. Offering a line-up of keynote speakers, professional development workshops, continuing education credits, evening receptions, a vendor trade show, and golf tournament, the conference drew nearly 400 professionals. From the outcome of the first WIND conference, it was evident that there was a clear demand for a discussion forum to address windstorm insurance issues from a variety of industry perspectives. In 2003, the WIND Umpire Directory and WIND Umpire Certification Program were launched. Recognizing an industry need for a compilation of competent umpires in insurance appraisal matters, the umpire directory was introduced at the 2004 annual conference. The certification program, which is mandatory for WIND umpire directory applicants, has been taught to hundreds of professionals since the first class in As all umpires must adhere to important guidelines, a code of ethics written and adopted by WIND, and frequent certification renewal, the WIND Umpire Directory and Umpire Certification Program have quickly become an invaluable tool for professionals. Advancing Members Knowledge Through Education, Networking, and Professionalism Today, WIND boasts a sizeable membership with more than 1,000 professionals from across the nation and an impressive group of officers and board members. The annual Windstorm Insurance Conference attracts more than 1,000 attendees from across the United States, Canada, Germany, and Great Britain for three days of professional development and networking opportunities. Now in its second decade, long-range planning goals have been put into place to continue to grow and foster WIND as a premier educational association for windstorm insurance claims professionals. Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc Langley Avenue, Suite 203 Pensacola, FL Phone: Fax: info@windnetwork.com Visit us online

10 3rd Annual Windstorm Insurance Network Regional Symposium An educational form to address issues, exchange ideas and explore solutions. A one-day educational seminar on the current issues affecting windstorm insurance claims handling May 10, 2011 Emory Conference Center Atlanta, GA Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc Langley Avenue, Suite 203 Pensacola, Florida Phone: Fax: info@windnetwork.com