Convergence 2020 – A virtual experience

Due to the unprecedented and unpredictable COVID-19 pandemic crisis, ILS Bermuda’s annual Convergence 2020 event scheduled for October 6 – 8, 2020 will be a virtual event.

ILS Bermuda is excited to deliver the same relevant and insightful content but in its new fully-digital format. Convergence 2020 will examine current trends, challenges and opportunities, in the alternative (re)insurance, capital markets and insurance-linked securities (ILS) marketplace, bringing together key professionals for virtual information sharing, networking and connectivity. ILS Bermuda is focusing on the new opportunity to broaden the reach of attendees with a view to attracting end investors and ILS sponsors.

In a year where uncertainty and change remain the only constant, Bermuda remains resilient and agile in responding to the needs of the global risk market.

ILS Bermuda has developed a reputation for producing thought-provoking content, providing industry leaders with knowledge, skills and perspective on the complicated and ever-evolving risk transfer landscape. And during these unprecedented times, now is no exception.

Events like Convergence help to position and maintain Bermuda’s role as a leader in the global risk transfer market facilitating growth and innovation.

Kathleen Faries, Chair of ILS Bermuda said:

“We are now in our 8th year of organising the annual Convergence event in Bermuda, and this year could have been our most challenging due to the unforeseen impact of COVID-19. The team was determined to once again provide compelling content but this year in a professional and engaging digital format. With recent volatility in the financial markets and potential pandemic related impact to (re)insurance risk takers, it is as important as ever to discuss and learn from industry thought leaders on what the future holds.”

Jo Stanton, Head of Finance, Tangency Capital and Vice-Chair of ILS Bermuda Ltd. said:

“There has perhaps never been a more important time to discuss the ILS market and how it will respond to resilience and sustainable investment topics including climate change, the global protection gap, and emerging risk including the impact from COVID-19. It is also clear that there is investor interest from participants across the globe and I am excited that going virtual will provide an opportunity for attendees and speakers who might not ordinarily be able to come to Bermuda to attend the event this year – this will perhaps be our most important industry event ever.”

The agenda for Convergence 2020 will continue to incorporate educational sessions, keynote speakers and virtual networking. The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) are premier level ‘Platinum’ sponsors, along with confirmed ‘Gold’ sponsors to date including; Appleby, The Bank of New York Mellon, and Willis Towers Watson.  Silver sponsors are the Bermuda Stock Exchange, Lumen Re, Conyers and SunTrust Bank. Registration for the Convergence event will be launched in the coming weeks.

The conference will feature a visually rich newly-redesigned trade and exhibition area showcasing industry support services and related organisations along with a virtual Networking Centre and Convergence Lounge to engage in real-time conversations.  The event hopes to attract new investors, as well as ILS managers, brokers and service-providers, corporate risk managers, and funds.