Why the 2023 NIBA Convention is unmissable for young professionals

As the first face-to-face Convention after three years, the 2023 NIBA Convention is a unique opportunity for young professionals (YPs) to gain invaluable insights about the future of the broking profession and build strong relationships that may help them in their careers.  

Insurance Adviser caught up with the YP Chairs and Representatives from across the NIBA Committees to get their thoughts on why the Convention should be a ‘must-attend’ event for YPs.  

As a young professional (YP) trying to find your feet and confidence in this industry, the Convention presents a unique opportunity to walk away with insights and form professional relationships that can last a lifetime. YP Chairs and Representatives from NIBA Committees – Craig Anderson, Austbrokers ABS, Jodie Krafft, WTW, Joseph Cuzzocrea, Maxton Insurance Brokers, Shweta Nimkar, Marsh, Jasmin Gabrielli, Honan, and Nikita Willis, BMS Risk Solutions Pty Ltd, share their thoughts about what makes the Convention unmissable for YPs.  

Challenging conventional wisdom  

With the theme of this year’s Convention being ‘Reimagine: Think Differently’, it gives YPs the opportunity to think out of the box and implement new ways of thinking that can help lead the profession into the future.  

“This year’s theme encourages YPs to embrace innovation, challenge conventional wisdom and explore new perspectives,” says Ms Willis. “Instead of merely following established paths, YPs need to envision new possibilities, identify gaps in the market and seize opportunities for growth and success.”  

At a time where all businesses are experiencing disruption, being an early adopter of change and innovation can help set you up for success.  

“All industries are in a time of accelerated change with the advances in technology and artificial intelligence (AI) and ours in no different,” says Mr Anderson. “YPs are really at the forefront of embracing this change and using it for their client’s benefit.”  

Knowing what sets you apart from your competition and being able to leverage that point of difference is a necessary skill that YPs need to master in this disruptive climate.  

“YPs need to think about their point of difference – what sets them apart from every other broker that’s out there,” says Mr Cuzzocrea.  

“For example, I know my point of difference is having a family brokerage and giving my clients that personal touch. We treat our clients like family and connect with them on a personal level. Look to specialise – have areas in your broking skillset that set you apart from others who are doing everything.”  

A Convention like no other  

While there are other Conventions that take place at other times of the year, there’s nothing quite like the NIBA Convention. There are several factors that set it apart, especially when we consider YPs.  

“Relationships are key to what we do, and the variety of people in attendance, from all over Australia makes this a standout feature of the Convention, compared to other Conventions,” says Ms Krafft. “From a YP’s standpoint, having this opportunity to attend alongside the best in the industry, inspires confidence that we too can achieve successful careers.”  

“The Convention does a very good job of encouraging YPs to blossom in our industry,” says Mr Cuzzocrea. “NIBA creates incentives and opportunities for YPs, such as partnering with Vero for the Young Broker of the Year award. The connections you make as a YP by going to the Convention, just through the Marketplace for example, they’re incredibly valuable. This is where you get to meet people you can learn from – people who can be your mentors and guide you.”  

Apart from the opportunity to network and build lasting professional relationships, the relevance of actionable insights and information presented at the Convention holds immense value.  

“The NIBA Convention provides a broker-centric perspective, ensuring that the content, discussions, and networking opportunities are directly relevant to the challenges, opportunities, trends, and regulatory updates within the broking profession,” says Ms Willis.  

“YPs attending the NIBA Convention can expect to gain practical strategies and actionable takeaways that are directly applicable to our roles and career development." 

Read the full article in the July issue of Insurance Adviser.