SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.—The 20th Annual World Captive Forum promises to continue a tradition of top-quality speakers and educational sessions that give experienced and novice captive sponsors the tools they need to be more effective at their jobs.

Whether it's learning about Captives 101, or about the latest developments in using captives for benefits funding, or making new personal and professional contacts, the World Captive Forum is known for delivering a unique and valuable conference experience.

As a special draw, this year's conference will feature case studies from each of the 2010 winners of the Business Insurance Risk Manager of the Year® and Risk Management Honor Roll® discussing their risk financing strategies.

Set for Nov. 8 through 10 at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Ariz., this year's forum will feature more than 20 sessions by industry leaders, organized in concurrent tracks, as well as general sessions and keynotes. In addition to the formal program, conference-goers will find opportunities for one-on-one informal discussions with expert speakers and peers during breaks, meals and receptions.

Plus, new for 2010, the conference is offering a reduced registration fee to risk managers and captive owners. All registrants can benefit from early bird discount by registering at www.worldcaptive forum.com before Sept. 30.

The World Captive Forum's co-sponsors are Business Insurance, R&Q Quest Management Services Ltd. and Towers Watson & Co. Conference attendees will include risk managers and benefit managers, captive domicile regulators, captive managers and consultants, insurance and reinsurance brokers, company executives, accountants, lawyers and bankers.

“For 20 years, this conference has delivered a great educational and networking forum for the leading lights of the captive insurance industry—both among captive owners and the supporting industry,” said Paul Winston, associate publisher and online general manager/events director for Business Insurance in Chicago. “That remains just as true today and is due to continual innovations and efforts to deliver current information that helps attendees do their jobs better.”

On Tuesday, Nov. 9, after breakfast and welcome remarks, the first morning general session begins with a keynote address on crisis management and reputational risk issues by Simon Barker, west zone practice leader and senior consultant in the crisis management and reputational risk practice of Marsh Risk Consulting San Francisco.

The remainder of the day will feature concurrent sessions aimed at captive fundamentals, advanced topics and benefits funding. These include, for example, “Health Care Reform and its Impact on Employers,” “Tax Topics: The Developments & Issues,” “Solvency II and Regulatory Risk,” “Claims, Captives and Section 111,” among several other sessions. Visit the conference website for complete details.

Wednesday, Nov. 10 commences with a keynote speech by Patricia A. Henry, executive vp and deputy general counsel of ACE Group Holdings Inc. in Philadelphia. Ms. Henry will review regulatory and legislative activity that affects risk managers, as well as explore how the midterm congressional elections could impact key initiatives.

Wednesday also features a session on “Hot Topics in Captive Insurance.” Topics already identified for this year's session, to be moderated by P. Bruce Wright, partner, Dewey & LeBoeuf L.L.P., are the real or illusory benefits of cells, the mounting burden of regulation, rising collateral requirements and the outlook for 831(b) exemptions to continue unchanged.

In the afternoon is one of the World Captive Forum's most popular sessions. “Case Studies: Award Winning Risk Managers” will feature presentations by the 2010 honorees of Business Insurance's Risk Manager of the Year® and Risk Management Honor Roll® Awards. Hear Debbie Rodgers, vp-global risk management for ARAMARK Corp.; Scott Borup, director, corporate risk management for Johnson & Johnson; and Christine L. Eick, executive director, risk management and safety for Auburn University, discuss their distinct risk profiles, major challenges and the role that captives do—or do not—play in their risk financing strategies.

The conference closing speaker is U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, who served in Baghdad. Among his accomplishments was the responsibility to rebuild Sadr City in Iraq after the Gulf War. His efforts, described as “Engineering the Peace,” enabled the people of the Iraqi capital and its government to advance security and stability efforts.

Besides the conference's educational sessions, there will be recreational activities, including a Nov. 8 golf tournament and lunch, sponsored by the State of Vermont. In addition, receptions will be held each night for attendees to network with peers and presenters.

Early bird registration rates are available until Sept. 30. Until then, registration fees are $250 for risk managers and captive owners, $495 for captive regulators and $1,250 for service providers.

Special room rates at Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch are $239 per night before Oct. 15. The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainey Ranch is 20 minutes from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

For more information—including updated speaker and sponsor information—or to register to attend or exhibit at the World Captive Forum, please visit www.worldcaptive forum.com or call 952-928-4659.