Posted: 12/22/2011

NAMIC HR & Finance Summit, August 20-23, 2013, San Antonio


Event Contact

Crista Hassett

Crista Hassett
Director - Meetings & Special Projects
317.876.4207

Lauren Spencer

Lauren Spencer
Meeting Planner
317.876.4255

General Information


Share your insights, gather valuable information on current issues, and learn more about industry trends at this annual two-and-half-day seminar for financial, operational, and human resources professionals in property/casualty insurance companies. Keeping the best from the annual Human Resources Seminar and the annual Financial Focus Seminar, the HR & Finance Summit features traditional presentations by leading consultants and industry experts, roundtable discussion, and ample networking opportunities. The comprehensive agenda offers general sessions relevant to all aspects of the property/casualty insurance industry and concurrent sessions concentrated on human resources, financial, or operational challenges.

We specifically develop our educational programming with our members in mind. NAMIC is comprised of a diverse membership and there are a variety of events to meet your needs. This workshop is designed for marketing and communications executives from property/casualty insurance companies.

“The conference again exceeded my expectations. The content was spot-on with hot topic trends in the industry and was substantively meaningful. The presenters were top notch, the NAMIC staff was outstanding, and the hotel and accommodations were superb! I would come again to this conference.”

-Robert Christian
Vice President, Human Resources
Pharmacists Mutual Insurance Company

This event is intended for:


Senior HR Professionals
Senior Finance Professionals
Human Resources Directors & Managers

COO, CFO, CEO
Accountant
Controller
General Counsel


HR & Finance Summit Committee Members


John Campbell
Vice President
Gen Re

Suzanne Chan
Director, Human Resources
Auto-Owners Insurance Company

Phil Frazier
Chief Financial Officer
Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company

Casie Grau
HR Manager
Ohio Mutual Insurance Company

Jeffrey R Kargus CPA, CPCU
Controller
SECURA Insurance

Mark King
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Harford Mutual Insurance Company

Marilyn Paquette
Human Resources Manager, CHRP
Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan Inc.

Barb Rauh, SPHR, CBP, CCP
Human Resources Manager
West Bend Mutual Insurance Company

Paul Taliaferro
CFO & Treasurer
Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance Company

Connie Turner
Vice President – Human Resources
Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits

Staff Liasion
Crista Hassett
Director – Meetings & Special Projects
NAMIC

Staff Liasion
Lauren Spencer
NAMIC
Meeting Planner

CPE Credit


NAMIC is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Please click here for more information.



Workshop Registration Fees


Registrations recieved on or before Tuesday, July 23, 2013 are applicable to receive the early bird discount.

 

On or before
July 23

July 24
and later

Member

$675

$725

Non Member

$725

$825

PFMM*

$540

$580

Member - Multiple Attendee Discount**

$525

N/A

*To qualify for the PFMM Designates registration rate, you must have earned the Professional Farm Mutual Manager (PFMM) designation and be current in the program. This discount only applies to individuals with the PFMM designation and is not transferable to others within your company.

**Available for 2 or more members registering from the same company

First Time Attendees


We want to know if this is your first time to participate in the NAMIC HR & Finance Summit so we can get to know you and provide you with some valuable networking opportunities. Don’t be shy, so please indicate on your registration form if you are a first-time attendee. We are excited to meet you!

Registration Confirmation


You will receive a detailed e-mail confirmation upon successful completion of the registration process for this event; please make sure to enter a valid e-mail address on the registration form. If you have any questions regarding your registration, please e-mail registrar@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642.

Registration Cancellations


All registration cancellations and transfers MUST be made in writing. Cancellations received on or before July 23, 2013 are 100 percent refundable. After July 23, 2013, a $25 processing fee will be deducted. Refunds will be issued within 15 business days after receipt of the cancellation notice. No refunds are available after August 6, 2013, so please plan accordingly. You may substitute a participant at no additional charge. Please forward all requests to registrar@namic.org or fax (317) 876-6213. Cancelling a seminar registration with NAMIC does not cancel a hotel reservation.

Accommodations


In accordance with Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we invite all registrants to advise us of any disability and any requests for accommodation to that disability. Please submit your request as far as possible in advance of the program.

What to Wear


The suggested attire for this meeting is business casual.

Questions?


If you have any questions regarding your registration, e-mail registrar@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642, ext. 1000. If you have any questions regarding the seminar, e-mail lspencer@namic.org or call (800) 336-2642 ext. 1055.

Agenda


“Great overall session. Great location. Great events. Very well run overall.”

-Paul Taliaferro
CFO
Farmers Alliance Mutual Insurance Company

Subject to change without notice.

Tuesday, August 20

7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Registration

8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Optional Workshop: When Geezers and Whipper Snappers Collide – Surviving Today’s Multi-generational Workplace*
This workshop will go beyond the typical discussion of differences among the generations to focus on organizational strategies that help you maximize talents and skills unique to each group. Participants in this session will learn to leverage the strength that comes from creating a workplace based upon Generational inclusion. They will learn tools and techniques that can reduce friction from differing perspectives and create respectful dialogue between generational groups.

Tom Meier, HR Consultant
Equis Consulting
Indianapolis, Ind.

*Separate registration required

1:00 - 1:15 p.m.

Welcome and Introductions

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Keynote Address: Industry Outlook
This information-packed presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the outlook of the property/casualty insurance industry and insight on what has happened in our industry and economy during the past year as well as what might be in store for the years ahead.

2:30 – 2:50 p.m.

Break

2:50 – 3:50 p.m.

General Session: Healthcare Reform & the Impact to Your Organization
This session will provide insight on the key healthcare reform issues impacting businesses.

3:50 - 4:10 p.m.

Break

4:10 – 5:30 p.m.

General Session: Embracing Change
Because change is an inherent part of an organization, successful negotiation of the change curve has become a major part the of contemporary business world. During this interactive session, attendees will learn how to cope with change and help others adapt to the changing world around them. By understanding the four distinct phases of the change continuum, participants will be able to recognize the characteristics of each phase and develop strategies for each one.

After this session attendees will be able to:

  • Identify your stage in the change continuum – denial, resistance, exploration, or commitment (DREC)

  • Increase awareness of the change model’s impact on productivity

  • Identify “limiting beliefs” created by change

  • Create an opening for the possibilities created by change

  • Help set a positive emotional tone for other peers, direct reports, and customers

Tom Meier, HR Consultant
Equis Consulting
Indianapolis, Ind.

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

Networking Reception

6:30 p.m.

Summit adjourns for the day

7:15 p.m.

Optional Networking Activity

Wednesday, August 21

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Registration

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:00 – 9:15 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. HR-Focused: Raising Your Pay Scales

  2. Financial Focused: Reinsurance Structures

  3. Management/Leadership/Industry Focused: Dealing with Difficult People

9:15 – 9:35 a.m.

Break

9:35 – 10:50 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. HR Focused: Emerging Legal Issues
    Join us for this important legal updates session led by Craig Annunziata, partner, Fisher & Phillips, LLP, During this informative session, Craig will discuss some of the most important emerging HR legal issues your organization should be aware of in the coming months.

    Craig Annunziata, Partner
    Fisher & Phillips, LLP
    Chicago, Ill.

  2. Financial Focused: Reinsurance Contracts Panel Discussion

  3. Management/Leadership/Industry Focused: Retirement Plan Design Strategies
    What plan design changes are plan sponsors doing to mitigate the increasing cost and volatility of their Defined Benefit Pension Plans? Consulting Actuary Gregg Rueschhoff, ASA, EA, MAAA, a principal with Milliman, Inc., will discuss strategies companies are considering when their end goal is to transition away from their Defined Benefit Pension Plans. He will discuss and explain the difference between and the consequences of:

    • Closing the plan to new entrants

    • Closing the plan and freezing for participating under a given age

    • Freezing the plan

    • Lump sum or annuity purchase for terminated vested participants (or retirees)

    In addition, he will review plan design strategies for the Defined Contribution (DC) Replacement Plan. With the limited dollars to spend, how can a company deliver the dollars spent most efficiently in the DC Replacement Plan? Graphic illustrations of various plan designs will be discussed.

    Gregg Rueschhoff, ASA, EA, MAAA, Principal
    Milliman, Inc.
    Omaha, Neb.

10:50 – 11:10 a.m.

Break

11:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. HR Focused: Talent Assessments
    In this session, Joanna Rock, Ph.D., will discuss different forms of talent assessment including interview based approaches, personality measures and assessment centers. She will discuss the pros and cons of each approach as well and the resources required to engage in each approach. The session will also explore succession planning from the stand point of assessing potential and differentiating performance from potential. The session will also touch on, what do you do with your high potentials once they are identified. Finally, the session will look at gender and race gaps and what you can do to begin to close the gap.

    Joanna Rock, Ph.D., Managing Partner
    Fisher Rock Consulting
    New York, N.Y.

  2. Financial Focused: NAIC Statutory Accounting and Regulatory Update
    During this session, Josh Keene, CPA, partner, Johnson Lambert, LLC, will provide the latest development in statutory accounting and regulatory developments from the NAIC, including recent changes to accounting for pensions (SSAP No. 102), accounting for other post- retirement benefits (SSAP No. 92), and corporate governance initiatives from the NAIC.

    Josh Keene, CPA, Partner
    Johnson Lambert, LLC
    Falls Church, Va.

  3. Management/Leadership/Industry Focused: TBD

12:10 – 1:15 p.m.

Lunch

1:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. HR Focused: Emerging Legal Issues (Repeat)
    Join us for this important legal updates session led by Craig Annunziata, partner, Fisher & Phillips, LLP, During this informative session, Craig will discuss some of the most important emerging HR legal issues your organization should be aware of in the coming months.

    Craig Annunziata, Partner
    Fisher & Phillips, LLP
    Chicago, Ill.

  2. Financial Focused: Investment Yields

  3. Management/Leadership/Industry Focused: Developing High Potential Employees
    Developing a high potential by putting them in a one year program is common – but what comes next? How do you keep the momentum going? This session will focus on what to do with high potential employees once they have been developed. During this interactive session, Joanna Rock, Ph.D., will discuss the different types of leadership development programs, coaching, mentoring and action learning as options for developing high potentials. She will also touch on what success looks like and how might you measure ROI from these programs.

    Joanna Rock, Ph.D., Managing Partner
    Fisher Rock Consulting
    New York, N.Y.

2:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Break

2:45 – 4:00 p.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. HR Focused: Phased Retirement – Addressing Today’s Workforce Challenges
    Workforce demographics continue to impact the employer-employee value proposition. The organizational HR challenges are numerous and varied. This session will address the advantages, opportunities and challenges that a formal (and informal) phased retirement program may offer. Our speaker will discuss key considerations for designing such a program and whom you may want to partner with inside your organization when designing such a program. Phased retirement programs impact all elements of total rewards and the success remains with the employee-employer value proposition.

    Attendees of this session will learn:

    • Organizational strategic drivers for successful implementation

    • Key benefits of a phased retirement program (employer and employee)

    • How phased retirement fits into a company’s Total Rewards program

    • Considerations/challenges of a phased retirement program

    • How to handle the execution and communication of the plan

  2. Financial Focused: Defined Benefit Pensions Plans—What’s Our Funded Status?
    Well it depends on who is asking! It seems like a simple question, but we never seem to get a simple answer. Consulting Actuary Gregg Rueschhoff, ASA, EA MAAA, a principal with Milliman, Inc. will wade through the various Pension reporting requirements and compare and contrast the information required by each. After this session, you will have a much better understanding how and why these calculations are made, how they are used and where do the liabilities generally rank in size amongst the different calculations. The Pension Topic and related governing body that will be discussed are:

    • Minimum cash contribution—IRA

    • Company financial reporting—FASB & NAIC

    • Plan termination—insurance annuity markets, corporate bond rates

    • PBGC reporting—ERISA 4010, premium payment, section 4062(e)

    • Plan reporting—FASB ASC Topic 960

    Gregg Rueschhoff, ASA, EA, MAAA, Principal
    Milliman, Inc.
    Omaha, Neb.

  3. Management/Leadership/Industry Focused: TBD

4:00 p.m.

Summit adjourns for the day.

6:00 p.m.

Optional Networking Activity

Thursday, August 22

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Registration

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Continental Breakfast

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Concurrent Sessions

  1. Bridging the Gap Between HR & Finance
    Join, Wade Lindenberger, author of the article titled Forging a Strong Relationship Between HR & Finance, as he engages the group in a lively discussion on strategies for unifying these two disciplines for organizational success and health.

    Wade Lindenberger, CPA, Director, Finance & Administration
    The New Children's Museum
    San Diego, Calif.

  2. TBD

9:30 – 9:45 a.m.

Break

9:45 – 11:00 a.m.

Closing General Session : Engage and Inspire Your Workforce
As organizations continue to compete for top talent, they also seek to retain this talent, especially when in an increasingly competitive environment. This interactive session will showcase how to foster a culture where employees are engaged and inspired to do their best work. An engaged workforce is critical, because having employees who quit and stay, is far worse a problem than employees who quit and leave.

Throughout this program, Tracy will share 10 powerful strategies with interactive content that can be immediately applied throughout an organization. Learn how to create the conditions for engagement, influencing employees to commit extra effort, time and mental energy to actively and willingly contribute to an organization’s success.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Realize how an engagement strategy can greatly enhance the culture, productivity and overall revenue growth of an organization.

  • Learn how to measure the strength of your organization and implement a successful engagement strategy, which can be immediately and intentionally applied within your team and across your organization.

  • Discover 10 powerful strategies to leverage your organization’s talent to cultivate a culture that is rich in engagement, satisfaction, effectiveness and commitment.

Tracy Butz, Owner, Author, Speaker, Consultant
Think Impact Solutions, LLC
Appleton, Wis

11:20 a.m.

Summit Concludes

Where to Stay


The Westin Riverwalk

The Westin Riverwalk
420 West Market Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
Ph: (210) 224-6500
Fax: (210) 444-6100

Welcome to San Antonio’s Paseo del Rio, a pedestrian riverwalk of hidden gardens, shops, and sidewalk cafés one-story below downtown! Shaded by cypress and palm trees, The Westin Riverwalk graces this famous thoroughfare and celebrates the beauty and heritage of Texas’s oldest city.

Expect a warm welcome at The Westin Riverwalk, where guests are greeted with delicious dark chocolate imported from Venezuela. A beautiful, copper platter greets you at check-in, filled with El Rey Latin American specialty chocolates. Cinnamon-tinged-roasted Mexican coffees, hot cocoas, aguas frescas, and hojorascas (Mexican cookies) are served from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the hotel lobby. A Spanish classical guitarist plays Latin American ballads every Friday and Saturday.

Relaxing and convenient, the Alamo, La Villita, Market Square, and the Convention Center are all just minutes away. All guests will enjoy the soothing, comfortable rooms, most with balconies overlooking the river. Rejuvenate in the state-of-the-art WestinWORKOUT® Gym or relax with a soothing spa service. Dine at Caliza Grill, the award-winning riverside café serving a unique Southwest cuisine with influences from Mexico.

The 473 oversized guest rooms and 66 suites are all decorated in a style reminiscent of historic Texas. Take in the beautiful river and city views, and relax in the signature Heavenly Bed®. The spacious marble bathrooms feature the Heavenly Bath® and the junior suites have separate showers and soaking tubs for ultimate relaxation.

Event Hotel Rate And Cut Off Date


Rate: $179.00 plus taxes per night for single/double occupancy.

The Westin Riverwalk

HR & Finance Summit attendees are responsible for making their own travel and hotel arrangements. NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at the Westin Riverwalk. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Tuesday, July 30, 2013, or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. While NAMIC studies past attendance trends and the needs of our members, we cannot guarantee rooms will be available. Please plan ahead and secure your reservation as soon as possible to receive the group rate. Refer to the NAMIC group rate when making your reservation at the hotel.

Hotel Reservations


HR & Finance Summit attendees can make hotel reservations online or to make them by phone, contact the Westin Riverwalk Reservations Department directly at (210) 224-6500 and mention you are with the NAMIC HR & Finance Summit in order to receive our special group rate.

Please contact Lauren Spencer if you encounter any problems with making hotel reservations.

Airport Information:


The closest airport is San Antonio International (SAT) (link to http://www.sanantonio.gov/SAT.aspx), which is approximately nine miles (15 minutes) from the hotel. Already noted as one of the top airports in the nation for customer service, the airport services 13 domestic and international airlines with more than 30 nonstop flights daily.

Click the links below for more information.

Ground Transportation Options


Estimated taxi service is approximately $24 each way from San Antonio International Airport depending on traffic.

Shuttle service is available through SATRANS. The cost is approximately $32 roundtrip. Tickets are sold in the baggage claim area of the terminals or can be purchased in advance by calling (210) 281-9900. The shuttle is a shared ride and may make several stops at other destinations depending on the number of passengers.

Driving Directions:


Get customized directions to the Westin Riverwalk’s front door!

From San Antonio International Airport/From the Interstate 35 South

Follow signs for I-35 South. Take U.S. 281 South (Highway 37) into downtown. Take the Commerce Street exit and turn right onto Commerce Street. Turn left onto St. Mary’s Street and then left onto Market Street. The Westin Riverwalk is located on the corner of Market and Navarro.

From the East:

Take I-10 West into San Antonio. Merge onto I-37 North then exit at Commerce Street. Turn left onto Commerce Street, then turn left onto St. Mary’s Street. Take a left on Market Street. The Westin is located on the right at the corner of Market and Navarro.

From the West:

Follow I-10 into downtown. Stay on the upper level to I-35 South. Take the Cesar Chavez exit and follow the curve. Turn left onto Santa Rosa. Take a right onto Dolorosa. Dolorosa will turn into Market Street. The Westin is located on the right past St. Mary’s Street.

From Interstate 35 North:

Follow I-35 North into downtown and exit at Cesar Chavez. Turn left onto Santa Rosa. Take a right onto Dolorosa. Dolorosa will turn into Market Street. The Westin is located on the right past St. Mary’s Street.

From Interstate 37 North:

Take I-37 North into downtown. Take the Commerce Street exit and turn left onto Commerce Street. Turn left onto St. Mary’s Street and then left onto Market Street. The Westin Riverwalk is located on the corner of Market and Navarro.

Convenient parking!


The Westin Riverwalk offers valet parking for its guests at a rate of $25 per 24 hours with in and out privileges. Self- parking is also available at a rate of $12 per 24 hours with in and out privileges.

Area Attractions


The Riverwalk, Spanish colonial architecture, and fountain-laden parks and plazas make San Antonio one of America’s most picturesque cities. Today, this 17th century metropolis is the seventh largest city in the nation with contemporary venues and lavish accommodations, all while maintaining an Old World heritage exuded through diverse artistry, ethnic cuisine, and exquisite culture. With 300 days of sunshine a year, San Antonio is an ideal destination year round.

Use the links below to learn more about the wonderful city of San Antonio and all there is to do and see there.

The River Walk

San Antonio recently began a $345 million improvement project to lengthen the Riverwalk from 2 miles to 13 miles – making it the nation’s largest linear park. Currently, the Riverwalk runs through the heart of downtown connecting shopping, dining, hotels, and historic landmarks.

Additional Attractions

With a population of more than 1 million, San Antonio, Texas, is big in every way. With varied historical, cultural, and fun attractions, San Antonio sees more than 20 million visitors to the city every year. From its friendly residents, Texas home-style cooking, and renowned Mexican fare to exciting nightlife, it’s no wonder that so many people call San Antonio home and so many more travel to Texas to visit this timeless city on the river.

Sponsorship Opportunities


The HR Summit & Finance Summit is for CEOs and managers of small companies, CFOs, and financial professionals focused on financial, operational, and investment issues, and human resources professionals.

Our most popular sponsorships for this event include:

  • Refreshment Breaks: Starting at $500

  • Audiovisual: Starting at $1,500

  • Registration Packets: Starting at $2,000

  • Luncheon: Starting at $2,500

Please note this is not a complete menu of options and some opportunities may have been reserved. We will be happy to help you select a successful alternative or develop a custom option for your company.

For more information, contact Amy Thornburg, advertising, sponsorship and exhibit hall manager at (800) 336-2642, ext. 1026 or at athornburg@namic.org. If you would like to learn more about NAMIC's sponsorship and advertising program, please click here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the suggested attire for business and social gatherings?
Conference Sessions – Business casual
Meal Functions & Welcome Reception – Business Casual

What registration payment options are available?
The online registration system accepts credit card payments, check payments and multiple registrations under the same payment method.

When and how is registration confirmation sent?
Confirmation is sent via email so please enter a valid email address. If registering more than one person at a time you will need to forward the confirmation email to each delegate. You will receive your confirmation the quickest if you are paying online. Confirmation will be sent immediately after you submit your credit card information.

Does my registration include a hotel reservation?
No, you will need to contact the Westin Riverwalk to make a room reservation. NAMIC has contracted a room block for attendees at the rate of $179 per room. A set number of rooms are available at the group rate until July 30, 2013, or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first. While NAMIC studies past attendance trends and the needs of our members, we cannot guarantee rooms will be available. Please plan ahead and secure your reservation as soon as possible to receive the group rate. Refer to the NAMIC group rate when making your reservation at the hotel.

What does my registration include?
Registration fees include individual workshop resource materials and access to NAMIC-sponsored meal functions including the Welcome Reception, break service, breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday, and lunch on Wednesday.

How do I obtain an advance copy of the registration list?
In an effort to provide our sponsors, speakers, and attendees the best level of service, we will send an electronic list of current registrants for events* to the attendee or email listed as the main contact as follows:

  • Attendees: 30 days in advance of the event and with the pre-conference communication sent seven to ten business days in advance of the event

  • Sponsors and Exhibitors: bi-monthly once payment has been received

  • Speakers: 90 days, 60 days, and 30 days in advance of the event

NAMIC will post the list of registrants for all events including name, title, and company name approximately 30 days in advance of the event. Questions can be directed to the event's meeting planner or the Vice President of Member Development.