Showing a strong presence at risk events
We prioritize our participation in major risk management and insurance conferences, such as RIMS in the U.S., PARIMA in Asia, AIRMIC in the U.K., and FERMA in Europe. At Sompo, we view participation in leading industry events as key opportunities to foster relationships, share our expertise, listen to stakeholders to see how we can tailor solutions to their challenges, and strengthen our reputation as a trusted partner.
Our approach is grounded in a commitment to understanding client and broker needs and making it as easy as possible to do business with us. With this in mind, we plan meticulously, develop impactful communication and marketing programs, and create a welcoming space to host our clients and brokers. For example, our involvement in the FERMA Forum 2024 in Madrid was a reflection of our strategic engagement. There, we doubled our delegation size compared to 2022, expanded our booth, and introduced a reception for clients and brokers, highlighting our focus on cultivating meaningful partnerships and reinforcing our standing as a key industry player.
The power of strategic networking
Engaging directly with clients, brokers, and prospects is one of the most rewarding aspects of these events. Our prominent booth placement at the FERMA Forum facilitated high visibility, creating the ideal environment for impactful conversations. Interacting with attendees in person allows us to tell our story directly, offering a more authentic connection than indirect messages.
We saw the results firsthand. Over half of our prospect meetings at FERMA led to new business opportunities, underscoring the value of direct engagement. Strengthening relationships with existing stakeholders is equally important, and each conversation brought us closer to this goal.
In addition, we integrated digital, media, and branding efforts with in-person experiences, ensuring a seamless connection with our audience. Held on a rooftop in Madrid, the reception had a great turnout, and feedback from business partners was overwhelmingly positive.
Transforming industry perceptions
Our involvement in industry events also plays a key role in reshaping perceptions. “When prospects hear our story firsthand, it resonates more powerfully than secondhand messages,” said Christian Graber, Sompo’s Head of Casualty, Insurance for Continental Europe. This approach has not only facilitated business development but also strengthened our long-term relationships with stakeholders.
One of the highlights of FERMA was our contribution to a panel discussion on attracting young, diverse talent to the industry, with the CEO of our European legal entity, Dr. Cornelia Röskau, sharing the stage with Adidas Risk Manager Heiko Ditzel and Generation Z representatives. This session, which drew the largest audience at the event, exemplified Sompo’s commitment to driving meaningful dialogue about the future of risk management.
Similarly, our involvement in AIRMIC in Edinburgh was impactful. According to Stef Green, Head of Client Management Insurance for the UK, the 2024 conference was the most significant for Sompo to date. With 26 team members present, we led seminars, engaged with over 160 clients and brokers, and shared insights on topics shaping the industry. We were able to highlight Sompo’s unique ability to bridge global expertise with local insights. This approach is what sets us apart.
Through strategic participation in trade events, integrated communication and marketing, and deep engagement with stakeholders, Sompo is charting a path of growth and influence in the risk management and insurance industry. Whether expanding our presence at key conferences or sparking industry-wide dialogue, we are proud to make our mark as a forward-thinking leader in risk management and insurance.
