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April 11, 2006
"The Dirty Work"

9:00 a.m.
David Schiff, editor of Schiff's Insurance Observer, will tell you what he's riled up about these days. Throughout the conference he will, as always, interrogate the speakers and force them to answer brazen questions.

9:25 a.m.
Jason Adkins began his career working for Ralph Nader, and has spent much of his time battling the insurance industry. He founded the Center for Insurance Research in 1991 and has been a partner at the law firm Adkins & Kelston, P.C. since 1998. Jason, who's an indefatigable voice for fairness, reform, and the public interest, will discuss some highlights and low points in insurance litigation, including an overview of the Allied Mutual litigation which resulted in a historic settlement.

10:30 a.m.
Andrew Marks has been an insurance broker for forty-three years and was David Schiff's mentor in the insurance business. Andy, who's one of the most knowledgeable insurance brokers around, is CEO of MLW Services, a division of Bollinger, Inc. He will take us inside the insurance business and tell all.

11:15 a.m.
When John Burns stepped down as CEO of Alleghany Corp. in 2004, he left a great record of achievement-long-term shareholder returns in the neighborhood of twenty percent. John has spent his career ignoring fads and the new new thing, focusing instead on creating long-term value for his shareholders. Over the decades, Alleghany has owned (and sometimes sold) a variety of businesses and investments including asset management, steel, minerals, railroads, and, of course, insurance. John will share with us the lessons he's learned from thirty-six years of owning insurance companies.

Noon
Lunch: Decent food; fine conversation.

1:00 p.m.
Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, has had a long career in insurance. He began as an underwriter at Atlantic Mutual, worked at two rating bureaus, consulted with government agencies, served as Federal Insurance Administrator, founded the National Insurance Consumer Organization, and was the Texas Commissioner of Insurance. Bob, who's an actuary, will give you his unvarnished view.

1:45 p.m.
Since 1981, Richard Stewart has been chairman of Stewart Economics, a consulting firm specializing in insurance and insurance regulation. Dick was a Rhodes Scholar and attorney before becoming First Assistant Counsel to New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller. He served as New York's Superintendent of Insurance from 1967-1970, and was subsequently SVP and general counsel of First National City Bank, then SVP and CFO of Chubb. Over the years, Dick has published influential tracts on insurance regulation, insurer insolvency, underwriting cycles, and insurance insolvency guarantees. He'll tell us what he's thinking about these days.

2:45 p.m.
A living legend returns for a rare New York performance! Joseph Belth, editor of The Insurance Forum, will be making his third appearance at Schiff's Insurance Conference. Joe, whose articles, speeches, and testimony have shaken up the life-insurance industry, is the author of numerous books and journal articles and is professor emeritus of insurance at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He will let us know what's bothering him.

3:45 p.m.
David Schiff will have his say on the great insurance issues of the day, and discuss where he sees value and solvency (or the lack thereof).

4:30 p.m.
Attendees will socialize with their fellow insurance mavens and observers, discussing the day's events and making deals over cocktails while taking in the view from the top of the New York Athletic Club.

6:00 p.m.
There will be an additional reception and dinner for those who want more of a good thing. The venue is the Coffee House, a convivial, somewhat worn-at-the-edges private club devoted to "agreeable, civilized conversation." Attendance is limited to 36 people.