Bermuda is to be the venue for ICAP '99, an international conference on captive reinsurance to be held at the Sonesta Beach Hotel from May 16 to 19.

The event will last three and a half days and is expected to draw to Bermuda risk management executives from all over the world who are involved in the development and management of captives.

The event is the third annual captive conference organised in Bermuda by IBC USA Conferences Inc.

As many as 150 delegates are expected to attend. More than 100 attended last year's event, which was billed as "the 2nd Annual Conference on Captives''.

The 1999 conference has been specially designed, said a spokesman for IBC USA Conferences Inc., sponsors of ICAP '99, to meet the educational needs of both risk management professionals working in the captive market and those who have established captive insurers, regardless of their domicile.

A "design-it-yourself'' approach is being adopted to this year's conference by means of a "multi-level programming'' technique which will allow delegates to decide which elements of the conference are of interest to them.

As many as three dozen guest speakers are currently being lined up. In addition to regular sessions, small group meetings will allow individuals to focus their time and attention on specific areas of interest. "Masters' Summits'' will focus on risk management professionals, while other meetings will assist those who have yet to enter the alternative risk transfer market.

"This is a unique approach we have adopted this year,'' said Kaushik Chaudhuri, a spokesman for IBC USA. "Unique in the sense that the conference will be of interest to those who are thinking of entering the market, as well as those with established captives.'' "The Multiple workshops and tracks will allow individuals to learn from their peers and bring their attention to bear on issues of importance to them.'' Organisers are continuing to add items to the conference agenda. A "Healthcare and Tax-Exempt Entity Tutorial'' is the latest addition.

Further information can be obtained on the Internet at www.ibcusa.com /2277.

BUSINESS BUC