We are rethinking and challenging traditional approaches to assist with our conference sustainability goals:

• The decision to host our conference in Hawke's Bay was driven by a desire to support the region, which has faced significant challenges. When we were considering potential locations, Hawke's Bay had recently been hard hit by Cyclone Gabrielle. Since then, the area has continued to experience adverse weather events, further impacting the local community and economy. By bringing our event to Hawke's Bay, we aim to contribute to the region's recovery efforts and stimulate local business, showcasing our commitment to supporting communities in need.
• Recognising that attendee travel is the primary source of emissions for in-person conferences, we have selected a location that facilitates carpooling for attendees from Auckland and Wellington. Attendees have the ability to pre-book a shuttle service from the airport to their hotel/conference venue and return. We have calculated the emissions impact of various travel modes to encourage participants to lower their travel footprint and will be capturing travel data during registration for the conference.
• Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in every aspect of the conference, including catering, gifts, digital programme and social activities. We are prioritising environmentally friendly practices by sourcing locally produced food, choosing eco-friendly and reusable materials for gifts, utilising a digital programme (through the conference app) to minimise paper waste, and organising social activities that promote environmental awareness and responsibility.
• Encouraging our conference partners to reflect positive environmental values and practices during their time at the conference.
  • Swiss Re has previously implemented a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) initiative in other countries, highlighting the variability in individual responses to dietary and lifestyle factors. This initiative aligns with the broader strategy of promoting sustainable health outcomes and fits within Swiss Re’s commitment as the conferences sustainability partner. CGM's provide real-time data on blood glucose levels, helping individuals understand their body's responses to different foods, activities, and stress levels. This initiative not only benefits individual attendees but also contributes to a larger understanding of health trends and risks within professional communities.
  • To promote sustainability, Taylor Fry are generously providing each attendee with a reusable water glass to use throughout the conference and take home. The conference will have no single use cups, crockery and glassware.
• Be inspired by presentations covering crucial ESG issues, featuring passionate leaders and experts including:
  
  • Dave Letele - Building Resilience: Dave will share his extraordinary journey of success and the invaluable lessons he learned from embracing failure. As a remarkable individual and passionate community leader from South Auckland, Dave represents the Māori and Pasifika voices, tirelessly advocating for families in need. His unconventional start in life and relentless positivity have enabled him to think of different ways to achieve success and to inspire thousands across New Zealand.
  • Climate risk - panel: An insightful discussion on how climate change impacts New Zealand. Our guest speakers, including Dr. Peter Gibson from NIWA, Dr. Andy Reisinger from the Climate Commission, and James Hughes from Tonkin + Taylor, will explore AI in understanding climate change, transitioning to a low-carbon economy, and the impacts on Aotearoa’s population.
  • Diversity and inclusion - panel: Challenge your thinking on diversity and inclusion in this interactive session facilitated by incoming president, Lee-Ann du Toit. Featuring diversity specialists and international actuarial leaders, the discussion will go beyond “box-ticking” to explore authentic inclusivity through various lenses of diversity. Expect fresh perspectives, practical insights, and actionable takeaways to implement in your teams and workplaces.
  • Tom Kay, Forest and Bird - Making room for rivers: Discover the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle and Auckland Anniversary floods, and learn about the economic and environmental toll these events have taken on New Zealand. This presentation will highlight the role of climate change and environmental destruction in increasing flood risks and will advocate for working with natural processes to mitigate future disasters and restore the environment.