CICA keeps its options open ahead of its annual conference in March

The Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) is going ahead with preparations for its annual conference, the CICA 2021 International Conference, at the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The conference is scheduled to take place from March 14-16. However, in acknowledgement of the continuing uncertainty around COVID-19, CICA said it is postponing its registration process as it evaluates its ability to safely host the conference.

Dan Towle, president of CICA, admitted the outlook for the conference remains highly uncertain and said CICA will make a final decision nearer the time. He confirmed that if the event is cancelled CICA will not hold a virtual conference in its place, citing the inadequate networking opportunities such events offer.

It may consider hosting an alternative in-person event later in the year if the March conference is cancelled, said Towle.

“We feel it would be premature to decide on canceling our conference, postponing, or providing content in an alternate format at this time,” said Towle. “It is too early to have all the information we need to make an informed decision.”

If the event is cancelled CICA will deliver the education that was scheduled for the March conference through an on-demand platform. “We hope to provide this for a nominal fee or perhaps free to CICA members if appropriate sponsorship levels are reached,” Towle said.

He added: “What I, and our CICA leaders, have heard repeatedly is that many of you are burnt out on virtual events and are eager to meet again in-person. Many of us are itching to get out of the house, back on the road, meeting with our clients, colleagues and friends as soon as it is safe to do so. We have heard this loud and clear.”