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Numbers are critical to what we do. Risk professionals use them to understand history, to protect our organizations, and help our business leaders make strategic decisions. Sometimes, we even use them to predict the future. At RIMS, we’re following the numbers too, and we’re liking what we’re seeing!
It started with phenomenal attendance at RISKWORLD. Nearly 11,000 risk professionals joined us in Chicago for our flagship event. 500 saddled up for RIMS first-ever Texas Regional Conference. Approximately 900 shined at the Florida Educational. 500 met in the Bay Area for RIMS Western Regional Conference. Another 500 blew into the Windy City for RIMS Chicagoland forum. And, just last month, we hosted a whopping 1,800 risk professionals at RIMS Canada Conference in Calgary.
The numbers don’t lie. The demand for risk management knowledge is growing, and RIMS is proving that it’s ready to meet that demand.
Next on the list of RIMS fun is RIMS ERM Conference in Seattle on November 17-18. Early registration numbers are looking great and we’re expecting another full house. RIMS ERM Conference is a great opportunity for us to get more strategic about our risk mitigation and financing initiatives. From novice ERM-ers who are just dipping their toes into the ERM waters, to risk professionals who have been in the game for a while, the conference offers a great blend of sessions that will cover the spectrum. To add to the excitement, we are thrilled to welcome keynote speaker Dan Chuparkoff (who was just on RIMScast) and learn from his experience driving innovation in this age of AI. I hope to see you there.
A debate over the numbers is keeping the United States government shutdown right now. That said, I would like to commend the volunteers serving on RIMS Public Policy Committee who are closely monitoring the situation. This week, the Committee published a Legislative Update that highlights key considerations for risk professionals during this current government shutdown. Among several potential impacts, the report dives into the shutdown’s impact on the National Flood Insurance Program. The report is available in RIMS Risk Knowledge Library.
Another big number that we are keeping our eye on is the countdown to RISKWORLD 2026. Although May 3, 2026 may seem like a long way off, it is actually closer than you think. Each year RISKWORLD delivers a powerful selection of education sessions, and we can thank the volunteer risk professionals who serve on the conference’s Programming Committee for that. In just a few weeks, the Committee will meet in Philadelphia (our RISKWORLD 2026 host city) to review the nearly 600 submitted sessions and select the best for the conference. Exhibition sales are booming and RIMS members will be able to register for RISKWORLD in November. Non-members, you will have to wait until December. Hope you’re ready for another amazing conference!
Lastly, I want to acknowledge my fellow RIMS Global Board Directors who are literally around the world representing this Society and promoting the power of risk management. Last week, RIMS CEO Gary LaBranche spoke at the Institute of Risk Management of South Africa’s annual conference and presented the Risk Management Hall of Fame award to the family of South African risk management legend Dr. Gert Cruywagen. And, RIMS Board Vice President Manny Padilla is currently in Madrid representing RIMS at Brokerslink’s annual conference where RIMS held a pre-conference RIMS-CRMP certification workshop.
A lot of RIMS news (and numbers) to follow. Thank you for your engagement, for joining us throughout the year at RIMS global events, chapter conferences, and our online workshops and webinars. Let’s keep these numbers and this momentum moving in the right direction.
Sincerely,
Kristen Peed
RIMS 2025 President