Briefing: Biba Conference 2025 facilitates sector futureproofing with tailored events

Spring has finally sprung, the sun is out and the countdown has begun to next month’s Biba Conference, which will be held on 14 and 15 May 2025 at Manchester Central. The conference is a landmark event on the insurance calendar and it is something I always look forward to. 

With hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of broker attendees and a fantastic roster of speakers – not just from our industry, but from sectors such as sport, politics, broadcasting and entertainment – there is something for everyone.

And, coming a few weeks after the Easter break, it is the perfect opportunity to meet old friends you haven’t seen in a while and find out what’s happening outside the bubble of the day job.

Biba staff always promise lively debates at the event and I suspect the spectre of geopolitics will loom large across the agenda. But for me, the events I’m looking forward to the most will not be happening on the main stage.

On the agenda

First, there will be a Women in Insurance Breakfast on day two of the conference, which seeks to bring together women from all stages of their careers to swap stories and discuss how best to make their way in the industry.

This is an excellent initiative and an opportunity to meet some truly inspiring people. Albeit it’s a stark reminder that to be a woman in this industry, even in 2025, still means having to overcome plenty of obstacles to climb the career ladder.

The second event that sticks out for me is Biba’s Young Broker Day, also on the conference’s second day. This will be hosted by Ana Gomes-Freire, professional risks underwriter at Markel UK, and Ethan Godlieb, who will be joining Consilium as associate partner in May 2025.

We work in a fantastic sector that really does some amazing things for the young and old right across the country.

As I write, we’ve got fantastic brokers helping customers get through some of the toughest times in their lives – sorting issues with pensions, mortgages, businesses, personal and health insurance.

We make a huge difference and I can think of no career that offers such variety. But we have to do more to make sure the younger generation gets that insurance bug. This is why tailored events like this are priceless.

So, roll on Biba Conference 2025.

After walking over 25,000 steps on day one last year, I’ll definitely be ditching the heels for pumps again. I look forward to seeing you there.