Lumley, Simpson and Plumeri to speak at Biba 2010

The keynote speakers for this year’s BIBA conference have been confirmed as Joe Plumeri, chairman & cheif executivei of Willis, the BBC’s world affairs editor, John Simpson and actress Joanna Lumley.

Lumley, recently voted ‘Briton of the Year 2009’ by The Times newspaper, has received praise and respect for her success in defending the interests of the Gurkha soldiers who have fought for Britain.

This year’s conference and exhibition, held over two full days at ExCeL London on May 19 & 20, will feature four keynote sessions for the first time.

Plumeri and Simpson will speak on Wednesday, and on Thursday morning there will be a top-level debate about the challenges facing the industry in the new decade.

Chaired by Jonathan Dimbleby, the panel will comprise Aon chief executive Robert Brown, Peter Cullum, executive chairman of Towergate, Oval chief executive Phillip Hodson, Sandy Scott, director general CII and Richard Ward, chief executive of Lloyd’s, with Lumley closing the conference.

BIBA chief executive, Eric Galbraith, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to announce such an interesting line up of top-level speakers. Despite these difficult economic times, BIBA and its sponsors are continuing to invest in the premier insurance event of the year, showcasing the value general insurance brings to the UK economy.

“The exhibition continues to be fully supported and the conference programme will be first class, offering a wide range of seminar subjects. With free entry for brokers, there’s something for everyone!”

Registration is set to open from the middle of February. Go to www.biba.org.uk and click on the conference icon.

The BIBA conference & exhibition is free to all Biba members. Other brokers or intermediaries may attend the exhibition for free. Upgrades to a full conference ticket are available.