Greetings, everyone!

I hope this finds you well and enjoying the autumn abundance of pumpkin spice everywhere. It’s such a cozy time to cuddle up with the flavors of the season and watch the subtle fall changes all around us.

Autumn is also a time for subtle changes at the ICA. There are new Board members, committee chairs, and committee members. Such an exciting time of year to anticipate what the next year holds.

As I mentioned during my address at the Opening Keynote Session at the Annual Education Conference in Grapevine, I challenged you all to be courageous and be the one to act:  join a committee, ask someone to join a committee, bring a new idea or suggestion. The ICA is thriving, and we rely on all of you to continue the momentum of this premier organization. The committee information can be found on the ICA’s website (https://www.claim.org/about-us/ica-committees/). If you are not already on a committee, please consider joining one. It really will enhance your networking opportunities. Can I count on you to be courageous and be the one to act?

This year, we will be focusing on enhancing and reinforcing the mission of the ICA to provide a forum for education, the cornerstone of effective leadership. Attention will be given to be sure that the ICA spotlights its amassed valuable resources for future claims professionals and future leadership of the ICA. Great time to learn something new, so be on the lookout.

In other exciting news, the planning for the 2025 Annual Education Conference in New Orleans is well underway. The Annual Conference Team just returned from its very productive on-site visit at the New Orleans Marriott which is nestled in the French Quarter and just blocks away from many restaurants, shops, and yes, even Bourbon Street. After locking in our keynote speaker, our meeting continued with an in-depth discussion of the 2024 survey results from the conference in Grapevine. All the comments were considered, and we wanted to focus on opportunities for conference improvements. As you know, venues are chosen years in advance, so the Board will be mindful of comments made about the Gaylord Texan when considering future venues. Comments about the venue such as the noise level at the opening reception and slide decks not being uploaded will be considered for improvements in New Orleans. Many commented that missing from Grapevine was a branded bag to be made available to carry the swag obtained from the exhibitors. We’ve heard you, and we will be seeking out a sponsor for a New Orleans swag bag.

We didn’t stop at just the venue. The survey also asked about what content was wanted and in what format. Next year, you will see that the schedule in New Orleans will consist of both 60-minute sessions and 90-minute roundtables to appeal to everyone. The content of the sessions will be discussed during the Winter Meeting, but leading the hot topic lists include best practices, artificial intelligence, technology, and foreign claims. Stay tuned!

The other big item to check off our “to do” list was to lock in the date of the 2025 Sessions for Success which will be held virtually on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Content is still being finalized, but planning this event is underway as well.

We left New Orleans feeling accomplished and energized about the Sessions for Success and about hosting the 2025 Annual Education Conference in such a fun and unique location, New Orleans. Please save the dates, September 27-30, 2025. You won’t want to miss it.   Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!  Let the good times roll!

Monica Clink, President