Newsroom

Plenary speakers will include: John Furlong O.C.O.B.C. CEO, Vancouver 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games; Dr. M. Saatcioglu, Professor of Structural Engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Ottawa; David Phillips, Senior Climatologist, Spokesperson, Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC); and Robert Herjavec, CEO and Founder, The Herjavec Group. The conference will also feature an Insurers CEO Panel moderated by Robert Cartwright, Jr., CRM, member of the RIMS Board of Directors with CEOs from Zurich Canada, Chartis Insurance Company of Canada, RSA Canada and Ironshore UK, Lloyds.

"Now more than ever, risk managers are challenged to stay ahead of the curve and provide crucial insight to help steer their businesses through and around emerging threats," said Kim Hunton, MPA, FCIP, RF, RIMS Director and co-chair of this year's conference. "RIMS Canada Conference's world class lineup of speakers, educational programs and networking opportunities provide an invaluable advantage to all who attend."

In its 37^th year, RIMS Canada Conference attracts more than 1,000 risk and insurance professionals at all experience levels, business executives with risk management interests, brokers, insurers and service providers for the ultimate educational and networking experience. Conference educational offerings are rounded out by 30 concurrent sessions on topics ranging from enterprise risk management to new technology risks to environmental risks, among many others.

Barb Carscadden, conference co-chair said, "We're thrilled to bring this year's conference to our nation's capital. In addition to the conference's outstanding agenda, the City of Ottawa provides a beautiful backdrop; filled with five-star accommodations, dining and attractions that will be sure to make a trip to this year's RIMS Canada Conference a memorable one."

Featured keynoters include:

John Furlong has been described as a Sports Hero, Nation Builder and the Ultimate Crisis Manager.  Known for his masterful storytelling and innovative leadership style, Furlong recounts the lead-up to the Games and describes how he handled seemingly insurmountable setbacks, such as the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, a global recession and the washed-out snow at Cypress Bowl.  Join us Monday, September 19, 2011 at 9:00 a.m. to hear an extraordinary story of visionary leadership, love of country and the ability to dream boldly. 

DR. M. SAATCIOGLU
Prof. of Structural Engineering at the Dept. of Civil Engineering of the Univ. of Ottawa
How Safe is our Infrastructure? Earthquakes and Bomb Blasts

Dr. Saatcioglu is a Professor of Structural Engineering at the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Ottawa.  Previously he was a faculty member at the University of Toronto, Senior Structural Engineer at the Construction Technology Laboratories of the Portland Cement Association, Skokie, Illinois, U.S.A., and Structural Specialist at the Canadian Portland Cement Association in Toronto. Professor Saatcioglu's research interests include behavior and design of reinforced concrete structures, with particular emphasis on seismic behavior and design of concrete buildings and bridges. Dr. M. Saatcioglu will present on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at 9:00 a.m.

DAVID PHILLIPS
Senior Climatologist & Spokesperson for Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC)
Weather Risk

David Phillips, generally acknowledged as Canada's foremost weather expert, has been called "a genuine Canadian legend" and "our unofficial weather guru." However, he would rather think of himself as a weather ambassador for Canada, claiming that we have been blessed with one of the world's healthiest and safest climates. As a Senior Climatologist, Mr. Phillips' work involves activities relating to the study, promotion and understanding of the Canadian climate. As a spokesperson for the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC), he is best suited to discuss weather and climate issues on a national scale. Mr. Phillips will present on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 following the lunch.

ROBERT HERJAVEC
CEO & Founder The Herjavec Group
Driven: How to Succeed in Business & Life
Driven: How to Succeed in Business & Life, is organized by the work and life principles that made Robert Herjavec both wealthy and successful (indeed, these terms are not synonymous).  Herjavec reveals the secrets that took him from waiting tables to growing his nascent technology company, The Herjavec Group, into a world-class conglomerate.  His principles are as valuable in the living room as they are in the boardroom.  On Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. be prepared to hear how "anyone can succeed, on their own terms, by following his sage but simple advice - as long as they're willing to take chances, take control of their future and stay true to their vision."

There will be a number of networking and fundraising opportunities for risk practitioners during the conference, including the McGannon Foundation Pre-Conference Golf Tournament, the Marketplace Welcome Reception and The Ultimate Block Party! Conference Gala. Additionally, the Exhibit Hall will feature 75 companies, offering the latest in products and services for the risk management profession, including insurers, claims services, disaster recovery, brokers and much more.

More information on 2011 RIMS Canada Conference: Capital Connexions is available online at www.rimscanadaconference.ca.

Interested in covering RIMS Canada Conference 2011 for your publication?
Accredited press may obtain a press pass by contacting Josh Salter at jsalter@RIMS.org or (212) 655-6059.

The RIMS Canada Council (RCC) is a standing committee of the Risk and Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS).  The RCC addresses the strategic initiatives of RIMS and risk management issues in Canada.