Not one risk professional has seen it all. To elevate risk management in our organizations, it’s critical that the risk management community works together, that we share our experiences, as well as the strategies that have allowed our organizations to remain resilient. There is nowhere better to find that wealth of collective risk management knowledge than with RIMS.
Speaking of “nowhere better”…in just over 50 days, we will see the power of this amazing community in action at RISKWORLD® (May 5 – 8 in San Diego). RISKWORLD is the place to tap into the risk community, to learn about the latest trends, and access cutting-edge resources and tools. To make it even more special, RIMS has added some new twists and turns to this year’s program.
Some of those twists will be in the conference’s DEI programming. RIMS is dedicated to ensuring that RISKWORLD remains a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. As a testament to that commitment, we are thrilled to add the DEI After Dark: An Inclusive Networking Soirée reception, scheduled for May 7 from 9:00 to 11:30 p.m. We extend a warm invitation to all to register and attend this inaugural networking and social gathering.
Joining RIMS in hosting the reception is the event sponsor, WTW, and esteemed co-hosts: the National African American Insurance Association (NAAIA), the Asian American Insurance Network (AAIN), the Latin American Association of Insurance Agencies (LAAIA), Rainbow Risk Alliance, Insure Equality, and the Association of Professional Insurance Women (APIW). Together, we aim to raise funds for future DEI initiatives that will support this professional community. If you missed the option to purchase a ticket when registering for RISKWORLD, don’t worry. RIMS will be sending out a communication on how to get your ticket soon.
In addition to the soirée, the RISKWORLD Marketplace will feature a new DEI Studio, filled with Community Meetups, Peer-to-Peer Learning Sessions, and more. RIMS is also proud to introduce Wordly, an AI software tool that provides closed captioning in over 30 languages, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all attendees.
Worldly isn’t the only AI addition to RISKWORLD. Allow me to introduce you to: Ricky. Ricky is an AI powered chatbot designed to help attendees navigate RISKWORLD and answer questions via text message. A QR Code to get started with Ricky is on the front page of the RISKWORLD site. The conference will also feature an all-new Artificial Intelligence Track that explores AI approaches, tactics, and other insight about how AI is impacting risk management. All RISKWORLD sessions are now available online.
In that welcoming spirit, RIMS announced the 2024 Anita Benedetti Student Involvement Program (ABSIP) scholars. Twenty exceptional risk management undergraduates were awarded with the chance (and the funds) to travel to San Diego for RISKWORLD. Programs like the ABSIP are critical to ensuring that these up-and-coming risk leaders are ready to dive into the profession and succeed. When you see them at RISKWORLD, make sure to introduce yourself and welcome them to the profession.
There is a lot going on at RIMS beyond RISKWORLD. RIMS continues to advocate for the risk management profession. Each year, the Society’s Public Policy Committee identifies legislative priorities that have a resounding impact on the profession. The extension of the U.S. National Flood Insurance Program has been a longstanding RIMS legislative priority and something that RIMS members have lobbied for on Capitol Hill. The NFIP is set to expire on March 22nd and RIMS Public Policy Committee and the RISK PAC Trustees will continue to inform lawmakers about the consequences of its lapse. I want to thank both groups for their commitment to this issue and for ensuring risk professionals’ voices are heard.
Lastly, I want to congratulate an amazing risk professional, who also happens to be a longtime friend. Eamonn Cunningham has made remarkable contributions to the risk management profession and RIMS, including playing a key role in the formation of the RIMS Australasia Chapter. Eamonn is the 2024 Harry & Dorothy Goodell Award winner, RIMS’ highest honor presented for lifetime achievement in the field. We are looking forward to officially presenting Eamonn with the award at RISKWORLD.
There is so much more. From a wide selection of upcoming virtual workshops, webinars, and new reports, to podcasts, articles, and the latest RIMS-CRMP certification news, the list goes on. There truly is nowhere better than RIMS to strengthen your risk management skills and build your networks. RIMS’ success is a direct result of your contributions. Thank you!
Sincerely,
David Arick
RIMS 2024 President