Five reasons to attend this year’s FERMA Forum

Can you talk to me about the overarching theme for the Forum and why this was chosen?

The theme of the FERMA Forum 2024 is ‘Join the Risk Revolution’. The world has entered a new era for risk, characterised by the scale, complexity, and connectivity of the risk environment and the speed at which it is changing. That speed of change is why we have chosen the term revolution rather than evolution.

The Forum is also taking place during a period of unprecedented political change with over 60 national elections taking place, as well as elections at the European Parliament.

Rising geopolitical tensions are evident across many regions, while other major developments such as the transition to net zero, major technological advances, significant shifts in the working environment and the widening generation gap are combining to create a highly unstable and rapidly shifting operating environment.

It truly is an era in which the risk management community must have a strong hand on the tiller as companies look to navigate such volatile seas.

What are FERMA’s overall ambitions for the event?

The FERMA Forum provides a fantastic platform for professionals from across the risk community – risks managers, insurers, brokers, regulators, and consultants – to meet to explore the latest developments within a rapidly expanding risk ecosystem.

It’s a unique opportunity to discuss innovative ways to navigate this environment and explore new approaches, practices and solutions to help bolster resilience and create a more sustainable business environment in such an increasingly volatile world.

The Forum not only provides a great event at which to hear from thought leaders, high-level experts, and inspiring speakers, but also to take advantage of international networking and business opportunities.

Can you give me a sense of the scale and scope of the 2024 Forum?

We’re anticipating approximately 2,000 attendees in Madrid and registrations are already significantly up on our previous event in Copenhagen which attracted over 1,800 participants. It will also be a truly global event with delegates from across the Risk Associations that FERMA represents attending as well as practitioners from North America, Africa, and Australasia.

In total, we will have approximately 60 speakers share their insights and best practices during over 20 different sessions over the two-day period. We are bringing together an exceptional array of leaders from across the risk management community and beyond. At this stage, I can tell you that two of our keynote speakers for the event will be Petra Hielkema, EIOPA Chair, and paralympic athlete Markus Rehm, and we will be announcing further speakers in the coming weeks.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to interact with approximately 40 exhibitors at the Forum promoting some of the latest in innovative risk products and solutions.

The Forum also incorporates a student programme which is designed to support the next generation of risk talent. As part of this, FERMA has invited each association to send a risk student ambassador tto be part of this incredible event and to be able to interact with leading figures from the risk community that will inspire them.

As a final point I would note that this year, we have seen a significant increase in the number of sponsors for the Forum, up 60% on 2022. That so many organisations are eager to support this event clearly demonstrates its importance and relevance not only to the risk management community and to the wider business sector. 

What do you hope that attendees at the event will take away from it?

We want delegates to depart the Forum feeling inspired and empowered. The event provides a unique learning experience which combines knowledge sharing, interactive sessions, and fantastic opportunities for the risk community to network with peers, business leaders, policymakers, insurers and brokers from across the world.

At a time of considerable uncertain and heightened tensions globally, it is crucial that the risk community comes together like this to anticipate what is to come, and to explore ways in which it can play a key role in boosting resilience, enabling growth, and creating a more sustainable business environment.

How does FERMA plan to incorporate its 50^th anniversary into the event?

2024 is a landmark year for FERMA as the Federation celebrates its golden jubilee. The Forum is the perfect environment in which to celebrate what has been achieved over the last 50 years and to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to shaping the risk management environment of the future.

We will therefore be opening the Forum with a celebration of FERMA’s 50th anniversary which will take place in Madrid’s iconic Galeria de Cristal at the Cibeles Palace. It will provide a truly spectacular backdrop for what will be an incredible evening where we look back at some of the landmark achievements of the Federation while also looking ahead at what is on the horizon for FERMA and the risk management community.