ORLANDO, Fla., Jan 16, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The concerns of property insurance and the perils facing the industry are some of the key issues to be addressed at the Tenth Annual Windstorm Insurance Conference, set for January 25-28, 2009 at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida.

Keynote speakers (Jan. 26, 9 -10:15 am) include National Hurricane Center Director Bill Read, who will review the 2008 Atlantic Hurricane season, present lessons learned, both meteorological and societal, as well as improvement ideas for next season and beyond. Award winning CNN Reporter and Miami Bureau Chief John Zarrella, who has covered major hurricanes in Florida and the Gulf Coast, will present a lively presentation on his 30 years of storm reporting. He'll address the changes in the way hurricanes are covered in the media, changes in how people are prepared, and, of course, what it's like chasing the big ones.

In the closing session (Jan. 28, 8:45 - 9:30 am), James Lee Witt, CEO, James Lee Witt Associates and Former FEMA Director will present, "Catastrophe Protection Before, During and After a Catastrophe Strikes," a look at what it takes for the business arena to be prepared for the next big disaster.

2009 marks the 10th anniversary of WIND and of the annual Windstorm Insurance Conference. The theme for WIND 2009 is "Ten Years of Educating the Windstorm Claims Industry." A variety of special events and giveaways have been planned to kick off WIND's 10th year anniversary.

More than 1,200 property insurance professionals are expected at the three-day event, which is hosted by the Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc. (WIND) (association website: www.windnetwork.com and 2009 conference website, www.windconference.com). 

The conference, which is co-sponsored by the American Bar Association/Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section (TIPS), is designed to provide a variety of general sessions and workshops for all segments of the windstorm insurance industry, including insurance agents, insurance company claim managers, adjusters, risk managers, attorneys, accountants, contractors, engineers, and other experts and consultants.

By bringing together all segments of the occupations which deal with the aftermath of a windstorm, the 2009 WIND Conference seeks to develop and promote a greater understanding of windstorm issues among property insurance professionals. Approximately 1,200 people attended the 2008 WIND Conference in Jacksonville, Florida.

In addition to keynote presentations, more than 30 professional workshops will focus on important issues and developments arising out of past hurricane seasons. Topics include building code updates, disaster assessment, estimating and scoping property damage, interpreting hurricane damage, property insurance law updates, roof damage, insurance underwriting, mediation of storm claims, and more.

The 2009 WIND Conference will offer an expanded continuing education (CE) program with general sessions and workshops which provide credits to insurance agents, adjusters, attorneys, and for several professional disciplines in multiple states. Certifications will also be offered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and the Windstorm Insurance Network Umpire Certification Program.

Log on to www.windconference.com for a complete schedule and for instant downloading of the 2009 WIND Conference brochure. 

The Windstorm Insurance Network is the first educational organization for windstorm claims industry professionals. It was formed in 1999 with the goal to bring a diverse industry group together to review and discuss windstorm related insurance issues and concerns.

SOURCE: Windstorm Insurance Network

Windstorm Insurance Network, Inc.
Michelle Griffin, Executive Director, 850-473-0601
Cell: 850-221-6337
Fax: 850-473-0603
Email: mgriffin@windnetwork.com 
Association Website:  www.windnetwork.com

Conference Website:  www.windconference.com