Here we are already into the second month of the year, which means spring will soon be here bringing new life to the outdoors. While we wait for a change to the outdoors, let’s all attend the biggest indoor event of the year, the OIAA Claims 2004 trade show being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on February 4th, 2004. This event is free to all attendees. Where can you get a better deal than that?The theme for this year’s special edition of WP is Dispute Resolution, which coincides with the trade show seminars. Please read the articles in this month’s issue, as they are very well done. Thank you to all the writers for taking your valuable time to write the articles.
Come out to the trade show and take in the seminars, as you will learn about the tools and techniques to resolve disputes. We have some excellent presenters who deal with dispute first-hand in our industry and are willing to share their experience with all of us. They have promised me that the seminars will be educational and that while you learn you will have some fun doing it, as they are hands-on seminars. The seminars are geared to all levels of adjusters, so there will be something for everyone to learn.
Our luncheon speaker will be Dorian Baxter, who is motivational and at the same time entertaining. He will teach us how to “power think” our way through dispute resolution, as well as how to use humour to obtain the desired results. You are sure to walk away refreshed.
That’s not all we have going on that day. We have over 150 exhibitors showing the latest technology available to help you in the adjustment of claims. There will be a mix and mingle starting at 4:00 pm with a secret entertainer you will enjoy. If you have not registered yet, please do so through the advertisement in WP or visit our Web site at www.oiaa.com.
As this overview on what to expect on February 4th, 2004, suggests there has been a lot work put into the event by the executive. I wish to thank Dorothy Lowry, Brett Colville, Ed Tillaart, Spencer Bailey and Jackie Johnston-Schnurr for all their hard work, which started last year. If you happen to see these individuals, be sure to tell them what a great job they have done, as encouragement is always a positive thing for us.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the trade show. Please make an effort to come, as you will not be sorry that you attended.
Next month is our Third Annual Curling Bonspiel, being held on March 11th, 2004, at the Brampton Curling Club. See the advertisement in this month’s WP, and don’t wait too long to register, as it is always a sold-out event. We all know that claims handling is stressful and we always look for a better way to do things through education. This is the main focus of the OIAA - we are always looking to put on educational seminars, and we also sit on some industry councils to try a make a difference in the claims industry. I encourage our members to think of running for a position on the OIAA executive council. It is very rewarding, and at the same time you can make a difference in our industry.
In Toronto there will be two positions available; elections will take place on April 14th, 2004. If you are interested in running, please contact our Past President, Brian Nauss. If you require more information on what the OIAA executive does, please contact one of the council members; they will be happy to talk to you. Remember to take pride in your work, as we work in a professional environment. See you all at the Trade Show.
