The Bermuda delegation is receiving a warm welcome at the Rims Conference — Riskworld — the first in-person gathering for the Risk & Insurance Management Society Inc’s annual conference since before the pandemic in 2019.

Stephen Weinstein, chairman of the Bermuda Business Development Agency, told The Royal Gazette from the conference site in San Francisco: “There is a lot of energy here at Rims.

“The US risk management community seems thrilled to be back together, and they are clearly thrilled to re-engage with our Bermuda delegation.”

He added: “We are delighted to celebrate Bermuda’s 35-year long partnership with Rims and the US insurance market — and also to engage with that community on a wide-ranging set of opportunities we can pursue together, coupling their market needs with Bermuda’s unique capacity and expertise.”

David Burt, the Premier, is leading the island’s presence at the annual conference of the world’s largest community of risk managers.

Bermuda is also represented at the conference by Jason Hayward, the economy and labour minister; John Huff, the president and CEO of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers; as well as several senior members of the BDA team and local industry leaders.

Mr Hayward, a first-time visitor, said: “I am excited to be at Rims, and showcase what Bermuda has to offer. The conference provides an excellent opportunity for us to network with industry partners.

“The Bermuda delegation has been received extremely well. It has cemented its presence at Rims.”

He added: “This is an opportunity to highlight how Bermuda’s value proposition sets us apart from the rest of the world.”

Mr Huff said: “We are presently in the iconic Bermuda booth at Rims and it’s an exciting time to meet with risk managers from around the world, with registrations topping 8,000 this morning.

“The same concerns are being experienced by economies around the world, including climate risk, cyber-risk and specialty risk, including terrorism and mortgage.”

While in San Francisco, the delegation has another item on its agenda.

Mr Weinstein said: “We are also pleased to use our time in the Bay Area to reach out to some of the world’s leading venture capital firms, tech innovators and climate thought leaders and share with them how Bermuda’s best-in-class platform can help accelerate strategies in those verticals.”

The Bermuda delegation were to host a reception tonight at 620 Jones, a bar/restaurant in San Francisco with a dramatic rooftop terrace.

In addition to the model Bermuda house located in the main Riskworld exhibition, the island’s reception is a key opportunity for the delegation to network with prospective market partners.

Chubb Bermuda is lead sponsor of the island’s delegation.

The conference wraps up at midday today.