CILA Claims Professionals’ Conference & Gala Dinner 2026
NEW HORIZONS
Leadership across the claims landscape
Agenda
Date: Thursday 24 September 2026
EVENT AGENDA
Further speaker announcements and session details will follow over the coming weeks.
Please note that session details, speakers and timings may be subject to change as the programme develops.
09:00 - 10:00 : Foyer, Hall 11
Event Registration
Event registrations and morning refreshments.
Early networking and opportunity to meet exhibitors.
MORNING SESSIONS
10:00 - 10:05 : Hall 9
Welcome
John Bissell – CILA Executive Director
10:05 - 10:15 : Hall 9
Conference Opening Address
Speaker: Melissa Cunningham, CILA President 2026–27
10:15 - 11:00 : Hall 9
Thought Leadership session focused on AI
Speaker TBA
11:00 - 11:30 : Hall 11
Refreshments
Mid-morning tea and coffee, plus opportunity to network and visit event exhibitors
11:30 - 12:15 : Hall 9
Working Together: Claims, Investigation and Fraud Prevention
Early insight, effective evidence gathering and collaboration between claims teams and investigators can help address gaps in information, improve fraud detection and reduce delays in the claims process. In this session, Garry Slater and Nik Jethwa, Head of the Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED), will explore how closer working can support more effective investigations across complex claims.
11:30 - 12:15 : Hall 10
The Hidden Cost of Delay: DSU in Construction Claims
When construction projects stall, the financial consequences can far exceed the cost of the physical damage. Drawing on real-world case studies and incorporating a range of industry perspectives, this session will examine how delay is assessed, what drives claim complexity, and the practical considerations for claims professionals in assessing claims, policy response and financial impact.
12:15 - 13:00: Hall 9
Mitigation, Reinstatement and Settlement – What Are The Options?
How a claim is ultimately resolved depends on a range of practical and contractual factors, including policy wording, indemnity principles and the availability of reinstatement options. Through real-world examples, a panel of experts from across the insurance industry will explore cash settlement, reinstatement and mitigation in practice, and the challenges faced when balancing the expectations of both the insurer and claimant.
12:15 - 13:00: Hall 10
Cyber Disruption and Business Interruption: A Modern Claims Case Study
Cyber incidents involving operational disruption and ransomware are becoming increasingly common. This collaborative session will examine these events and the resulting business interruption implications through a practical claims lens, considering the challenges they present for assessment, coverage and adjustment in a rapidly evolving cyber risk landscape.
13:00 - 14:00 : Hall 11
Lunch
Food and refreshments will be served, with time to network and visit the exhibitors.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
14:00 - 14:45 : Hall 9
Underinsurance: Causes, Consequences and Claims Challenges
Underinsurance is one of the most critical and persistent issues facing claims professionals, with industry data estimating that up to 70% of UK properties may have inadequate cover. This session will examine the causes and consequences of underinsurance, including the practical challenges it creates in assessing coverage, valuation and settlement. Drawing on the perspectives of an insurer, loss adjuster and technical expert, it will also explore how these issues can be navigated in practice.
14:00 - 14:45 : Hall 10
AI in Modern Claims Practice: Maintaining Judgement in a Changing Profession
Led by CILA’s Future Focus group, this session will explore how AI is already being used across claims handling and loss adjusting, and how its role is likely to evolve. It will consider the opportunities it presents, alongside the limitations and risks, highlighting the importance of maintaining curiosity, professional judgement and effective mentoring within the profession.
14:45 - 15:15 : Hall 11
Refreshments
Afternoon tea and coffee, plus opportunity to network and visit event exhibitors
15:15 - 16:00 : Hall 9
Stories After the Storm: Supporting Customers Beyond the Claim
Drawing on the National Emergencies Trust’s Stories After the Storm research project, this session will look at how claims professionals can better support policyholders in the aftermath of loss. It will highlight positive examples of support already being delivered and explore how operational constraints can be navigated to enable a more consistent, human-centred approach throughout the claims journey.
15:15 - 16:00 : Hall 10
Technical Session with Hawkins
TBA
16:00 - 16:45 : Hall 9
Closing Keynote
Speaker TBA
16:45 - 17:00 : Hall 9
Closing Remarks
John Bissell – CILA Executive Director
GALA DINNER
18:00 - 19:30: Hall 11
Welcome Drinks
19:30 - 22:00 : Hall 11
Gala Dinner
Speaker: Andrew ‘Vern’ Stokes