At the very start of 2024, I challenged the risk management community to dive into this profession and their careers. I encouraged them to get involved with RIMS and participate in the countless RIMS education experiences, at conferences, and in their chapters. What transpired was amazing.
This year, RIMS saw a surge in engagement across the board. RISKWORLD attendance exceeded pre-pandemic numbers with nearly 11,000 risk professionals joining us from around the world. Similarly, the participation by the 300+ solution and service providers there only validated RISKWORLD’s value and the significant role RIMS plays in bringing this community together.
The momentum continued at RIMS Canada Conference where we saw a record-breaking 1400 attendees in Vancouver. And, the same at RIMS ERM Conference with 400 attendees – the largest turn-out since the conference was launched in 2011.
RIMS marquee events had banner years but, so did our chapters. RIMS 80 chapters globally continued to deliver opportunities for risk professionals to gain thought-leading insight and important connections to help their organizations navigate today’s risks. We saw new RIMS Regional Conferences take flight this year and are eagerly anticipating even more in 2025.
The RIMS-CRMP certification also made great strides in 2024. Strategic partnerships and key relationships continue to keep this standard-setting mark of achievement moving in the right direction. Today, more than 1,400 risk professionals have earned it. And, I’m confident that number will continue to soar.
How did we do this? How was the RIMS community able to achieve so much in such a short period of time? Was it simply me asking the community to “dive in?”
Of course not. The visibility of risk professionals and the opportunity to add value has never been greater, and yet it continues to grow. This success, and that of RIMS, is because of YOU. This community is filled with tremendously smart and generous professionals who stop at nothing to advance risk management and support others in the field.
YOU are the reason I joined RIMS in the first place and the reason so many others have done the same.
Since my first days with my local Central Ohio RIMS Chapter back in 2001 to these final days serving as RIMS President, RIMS has provided invaluable opportunities for me to learn, grow as a professional, and build a network.
As President of RIMS, I got to see this from a unique perspective. From the passion demonstrated by RIMS volunteer chapter, committee and council leaders to the enthusiasm of the Society’s partners, to my brilliant colleagues on RIMS Board of Directors, and the expertise and dedication of RIMS talented staff…what I witnessed was truly remarkable. Thank you. YOU are the reason for this banner year and for making my term as RIMS President so special.
So what’s next? As great as 2024 was, I know 2025 will be even better. RIMS always finds a way to improve, enhance, and strengthen resources for us. I sincerely look forward to the New Year and celebrating RIMS 75th Anniversary with you.
Thank you for diving in with me.
Lastly, I wish everyone peaceful, happy, and healthy holidays, and best wishes for 2025.
Sincerely,
David Arick
RIMS 2024 President