NAII: REINSURERS SEEK DEALS AT MEETING

SAN ANTONIO -- A quick look at the attendee list for the 52nd Annual Meeting of the National Assn. of Independent Insurers confirms that reinsurers still are hungry for business.

Of about 1,500 registrants at the conference Nov. 9-12 in San Antonio, about 800 represented reinsurance companies, brokers or others in the reinsurance industry. London brokers were well represented, many of them seeking contacts with U.S. managing general agents with program business to reinsure. About 450 of the attendees were with NAII insurance company members.

During three days of unseasonably cold and wet weather, the lobby of the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel was buzzing as reinsurance dealmakers melded with insurers to scout for renewal opportunities.

While deals were discussed, talks by a diverse roster of morning speakers were held in the ballroom. Speakers included former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley; Randy Tate, executive director of the Christian Coalition; Mark Shields of the Cable News Network; syndicated columnist Tony Snow; Texas Insurance Commissioner Elton Bomer; and a panel of experts who discussed the impact of the capital markets on the insurance industry.

The 1998 meeting will be held Nov. 8-11 in Boston. More information is available from the NAII at 2600 River Road, Des Plaines, Ill. 60018; 847-297-7800; fax: 847-297-5064.