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Pandemic Flu Webcast

Presented live November 6, 2008

Pandemic risk could be considered the "elephant in the room" for life and health insurance as well as reinsurance companies. The issue is not addressed often, though the risk is real and losses could be significant if a pandemic occurs. Discussions about this risk can be difficult as solutions are not readily available and current financial reporting and ratings agency frameworks do not recognize the benefits of pandemic risk mitigation.

This seminar will update attendees on the status of the H5N1 influenza virus and possible pandemic scenarios. Key assumptions and pandemic modeling methodology will be discussed and potential risk solutions will be explored.

The target audience for this Webcast includes those interested in the potential impact of a significant pandemic event on their company's performance and those seeking solutions to mitigate this risk. More generally, the Webcast would appeal anyone interested in the quantification and stochastic modeling of extreme events.

Topics to be covered:

• Overview of history of pandemics
• Historical severity factors–Why was 1918 so deadly?
• Changes in severity factors–What would happen in a similar scenario today?
• Background and Update on H5N1
• Modeling excess mortality due to pandemic influenza
• A description of the methodology, calibration and key parameters
• Potential interventions and their effectiveness
• Emerging solutions for managing pandemic risk
• Indemnity Coverage v. Extreme Mortality Bonds

SOA Presentation Disclaimer

Presentations are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace independent professional judgment. Statements of fact and opinions expressed are those of the participants individually and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, are not the opinion or position of the Society of Actuaries, its cosponsors, or its committees. The Society of Actuaries does not endorse or approve, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, accuracy or completeness of the information presented. Attendees should note that panel discussions, teaching sessions, lectures, debates and open forums are audio-recorded and may be published in various media, including print, audio and video formats without further notice.

For information on the SOA's Antitrust Disclaimer, follow this link.

Webcast Recording (WMV file)–Reinsurance Section Member: $99

All Others: $149

Reviewing and Validating Actuarial Models Webcast

Presented Live: November 5, 2008

The objective of this webcast is to discuss the importance of and uses for reviewing and validating actuarial models, along with common methods and approaches being used across the industry.

The list of topics to be discussed includes:

• Reasons for reviewing and validating models
• Types and timing of model review and validation
• How a model review/validation is performed, including micro and macro approaches
• Aspects of a model review, and information needed, including testing and controls
• Sample templates and trend analyses
• Documentation
• Who performs reviews

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $199

Preneed Insurance Issues and Trends Webcast

Presented Live: July 30, 2008

The objective of this webcast is to discuss issues and trends in preneed insurance. The presentation will cover a state of the industry discussion, which will include comments regarding the current and future preneed market and products. Also, included will be a discussion of the current regulatory environment and the valuation mortality tables. The presentation will cover the impact future changes may have on the profitability of the products.

WMV Download–Marketing and Distribution Section Member: $99

WMV Download–All Others: $149

Stochastic Modeling Webcast

Presented Live: July 22, 2008

Stochastic mortality and lapse analysis is emerging as a valuable tool in measuring exposure and uncertainty around mortality risk. Properly understanding the tail risk and mortality volatility can help companies determine reinsurance needs, economic capital levels and effectively manage mortality risk.

This type of measurement will be critical for emerging regulatory frameworks and will require life insurers to create/adopt new techniques for measuring risk. As development continues in this field, there may be valuable lessons from other types of insurers that already use stochastic methods extensively.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of current uses of stochastic modeling in life insurance and how best practices may develop with increased demand.

Presenter Panel/Moderator

• Chad Runchey and Matthew Clark of Ernst and Young presented key findings from their paper, "Stochastic Analysis of Long Term Multiple–Decrement Contracts."
• Brian Fernandes of Guy Carpenter gave perspective from a property and casualty viewpoint, where stochastic modeling has been employed in critical decision making for many years.
• David Rains of Guy Carpenter served as Webcast moderator.

WMV Download–Reinsurance Section Member: $99

WMV Download–All Others: $149

The Older Insured Market: Product, Underwriting & Mortality Implications Webcast

Presented Live: June 25, 2008

The evolving market for older age products presents challenges in relation to underwriting and mortality assessment. This webcast provided an overview of the older insured marketplace, including the following:

• Current products being offered at high issue ages, along with expectations for the future;
• Limitations of traditional underwriting;
• The impact of old age underwriting, including cognitive and physical functional underwriting;
• Recent experience data for older age mortality; and
• Current "best practices" in developing mortality assumptions.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the older insured marketplace and what they should consider in managing the risks of this business segment.

WMV Download–Product Development Section Member: $99

WMV Download–All Others: $149

Understanding Changes During Retirement: Results of Two Studies Webcast

Presented Live: April 23, 2008

The objective of the "Understanding Changes During Retirement: Results of Two Studies" Webcast is to discuss the Society of Actuaries' 2007 Risks and Process of Retirement Survey and the Urban Institutes' study on How Older Americans Spend Their Time.

The key topics of the Society of Actuaries' 2007 survey is to understand the stages of retirement, and how people view and manage long–term care and health risks. The SOA has sponsored this survey biennially since 2001 to gain insight on how the public views post–retirement needs and risks. The study by the Urban Institute examines what people do in retirement at different stages. The webcast is designed to offer an overall understanding of how people view and manage retirement risks, what they do during retirement, and what this means for various stakeholders.

Enrolled Actuary Credit

This webcast is recommended to meet Enrolled Actuary continuing education requirements. While the sponsors of this program recommends this topic to satisfy 90 minutes non–core continuing credit for Enrolled Actuaries, the final decision as to meeting those requirements rests with the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

$50 per person for Enrolled Actuary Credit

Breaking Away from the Curve: How to Excel Beyond Exams Webcast

Presented Live: April 3, 2008

This webcast was designed to enable participants to identify and capitalize on opportunities to become successful actuaries beyond the exam structure.

There is a vast difference in knowledge and professionalism between the "younger" actuaries and those who fill senior management positions. In the future, these entry–level actuarial students are the ones that will be at the forefront of the profession. As aspiring actuaries progress through the early stages of their career, it is natural to consider questions about the coming years: What's in store for me in my future actuarial career? How do I progress successfully in this field?

The focus of the presentation will be two–fold: Rob Frasca will discuss how to succeed in technical and specialized roles and Larry Zimpleman will share the path to success as an actuary in a managerial position. Both presenters will be drawing on their own experiences in the actuarial field and the decisions they made to become the actuaries they are today.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

Long–Term Health Care Trends Resource Model Webcast

Presented Live: April 1, 2008

The objective of this webcast is to familiarize participants with the SOA's newly released long–term health care trends resource model.

The SOA's Pension and Health Sections commissioned Dr. Thomas Getzen of Temple University to create the model for use as a resource tool for valuation and other purposes. Among the primary motivations for the model was to provide a resource to actuaries that could be used to help explain, document, and justify long–term health care trend assumptions to interested parties. To gain the most out of the webcast, it would be beneficial for participants to review the model and supporting documentation in advance. The model and accompanying documentation can be found on the SOA Research Web site.

The focus of the webcast will be to discuss the underlying methodology of the model, a walk through of the actual model, and considerations for its practical usage by actuaries Dr. Getzen will be joined by two members of the Project Oversight Group that guided development of the model, Adam Reese and Keith Williams, in the discussion.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

FAS 157 Webcast

Presented Live: March 20, 2008

The purpose of the webcast is to provide financial reporting actuaries with insights into the issues and complexities of implementing the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (FAS 157). The statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.

FAS 157 applies to most financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value under US GAAP. For financial reporting actuaries, this means that valuation models for liabilities accounted for under FAS 133 must comply with FAS 157. Most noticeably, these would include the embedded derivatives in variable annuities with guaranteed minimum withdrawal or accumulation benefits, guaranteed minimum income benefit reinsurance contracts, and equity indexed products. FAS 157 also impacts assets and liabilities included in fair value disclosures under FAS 107 as well as fair value analysis underlying goodwill impairment testing.

The webcast will cover issues with implementing FAS 157 including the development of risk margins, the incorporation of non-performance risk and the required disclosures. The presenters will discuss the theoretical as well as the practical issues involved with implementing the new standard along with what they see as the more common approaches being taken in the industry.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

Global Best Practices in ERM for Insurers and Reinsurers Webcast

Presented Live: January 16, 2008

This webcast was developed to promote awareness of a global actuarial community by involving actuaries globally in one event, allowing people to share risk management practices across geographical regions.

ERM is a unique field that is developing in all parts of the world at more or less the same time; therefore it is a new practice area where a global actuarial community of practitioners is developing. The webcast included speakers from Europe and Asia/Pacific, as well as the Americas, and allowed risk officers to share emerging risk management practices across different geographical regions.

Track One, prerecorded sessions, include: Embedding ERM within the Organization, Economic Capital, Emerging Risks Management and Setting Risk Appetite. The second track consists of live sessions, with the topics repeated three times, with each session offering different speakers and a regional spin. These sessions include stakeholder views of ERM, Embedding ERM within the Organization, Economic Capital, and Active Risk Controls.

• Track One MP3 File: $100
• Track Two MP3 File: $100

Phased Retirement: Important Updates Webcast

Presented Live: December 19, 2007

"Phased retirement" has become a commonly used phrase for employees transitioning from full–time work to part–time work and part–time "retirement." It's becoming more and more relevant for employees both near and beyond traditional retirement ages, and for employers looking to retain key talent in an aging demographic. However, as with most new and emerging concepts, it's never as simple as one would hope. Like a prism, the "color" of phased retirement is dependent upon its environment and how it's viewed. Careful consideration must be given to numerous aspects related to a phased retirement program, from the short– and long–term impact on the organization to the employee. This webcast will focus on issues relating to DB and DC plans and will include some discussion of rehiring retirees and other topics, including:

• Review of PPA, IRS–proposed regulations, legal situation regarding rehiring retirees, and other rules;
• Opportunities in the post–PPA environment;
• Alternative definitions and key program elements to consider;
• Perspectives from different angles–employers, employees, government entities; and Case studies and examples.

Enrolled Actuary Credit
This webcast is recommended to meet Enrolled Actuary continuing education requirements. While the sponsors of this program recommend this topic to satisfy 45 minutes of core and 45 minutes of non–core continuing credit for Enrolled Actuaries, the final decision as to meeting those requirements rests with the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200
$50 per person for Enrolled Actuary Credit

PPA–A Review of Recent Guidance Webcast

Presented Live: December 12, 2007

PPA turned the traditional way of funding plans upside down by creating a new set of funding rules, funding targets, assumptions, and benefit restrictions. The new rules have triggered a variety of implementation questions, and recently released guidance has helped clarify some of the major issues. Please join us for one of your last chances to hear about the recent guidance before the end of the year.

Topics will include:

• Benefit restrictions (covered by the proposed regulations);
• Yield curve, segment rates, and 417(e)(3) interest rates;
• Mortality tables for the funding target calculations and lump sums; and
• Changing the lump sum basis and 204(h) notices.

During this webcast, panelists will help you sort through the recent guidance and help you prepare for 2008.

Enrolled Actuary Credit

This webcast is recommended to meet Enrolled Actuary continuing education requirements. While the sponsors of this program recommend this topic to satisfy 90 minutes of core continuing credit for Enrolled Actuaries, the final decision as to meeting those requirements rests with the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200
$50 per person for Enrolled Actuary Credit

Business Building Webcast Series

Part 6: The Power of Taking Action

Presented Live: December 12, 2007

Do any of these observations sound familiar to you:

• You know if you took action in a certain area it would significantly improve your business, career or life, but you never seem to get around to it...
• When you think about certain tasks you feel overwhelmed and defeated because you never follow through in getting them done...
• You're constantly thinking or saying how you "should" do something, but you never do it...
• You never get around to certain tasks because something else always needs to be done first...
• You want to stop procrastinating and finally take action but you don't know where to start.

In The Power of Taking Action webcast, you'll discover exactly what holds you back from taking action and what to do about it. You'll learn step–by–step how to move from procrastination into massive action–taking momentum! You will gain the understanding, tools and strategies to overcome procrastination anytime you need to.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

SOP 05–1 Update Webcast

Presented Live: November 28, 2007

It has been months since the SOP 05–1 has become effective and longer since companies started the implementation. SOP 05–1 provides accounting guidelines for deferred policy acquisition costs on internal replacements of insurance other than those specifically described in SFAS 97. Many companies have spent a significant amount of resources implementing the SOP. There has been a diversity of practice. The AICPA issued 12 Technical Practice Aids (TPAs) early this year to provide issue–specific guidance. New issues are still emerging for some companies.

The SOA Life Insurance Company Financial Reporting Section is sponsoring an SOP 05–1 Webcast to bring you the latest update. We have recruited a panel of experts from a major insurance company, a Big Four accounting firm and a leading actuarial software firm.

The webcast will cover current issues, including:

1. Issues companies may still need guidance on now that the TPAs have been adopted.
2. Issues with guidance provided by the TPAs or the SOP where there may still be ambiguities, especially in cases where facts and circumstances have to be considered or quantitative methodshave to be used.
3. Lessons learned and useful for future internal replacements, in terms of product design, implementation and systems.

The webcast will also include a brief report of the results of the SOP 05–1 survey recently conducted by the Financial Reporting Section. You will get a glimpse of how others are dealing with the SOP.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

Beyond Mortality–The World of Asset–Intensive Reinsurance Webcast

Presented Live–November 7, 2007

Many life insurance professionals are familiar with reinsurance of term, universal life, and other products that focus on mortality risk. Reinsurance is thought of–correctly–as an important tool for managing mortality risk and the related capital and financial issues. Reinsurance goes well beyond these traditional products and uses, though, and that is the focus of this webcast.

The panelists, representing an annuity direct–writer and a reinsurer, will walk through the timeline of an asset–intensive reinsurance transaction. After defining asset–intensive reinsurance and comparing it with "traditional" reinsurance, the panelists will discuss, in a highly interactive session, everything from the initial motivations of the parties involved, to the unique pricing, treaty, valuation, administrative, investment and other considerations such reinsurance presents. After walking through the timeline, the panelists will discuss the future of asset–intensive reinsurance as well as hot topics in this area.

This program was developed for all experience levels and would be of particular interest to those that price asset–intensive products (annuities, universal life, etc.) and/or those who manage capital.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

Business Building Webcast Series

Part 5: Value Pricing: How To Get Paid What Your Worth

Presented Live: October 24, 2007

Want to make more money with your professional services? It's not just a matter of attracting more clients, it's knowing how to charge what you're worth.

This session will show you:

• how consultants tend to underprice themselves,
• the biggest mistake consultants make when selling,
• a different approach to pricing services that is superior than an hourly fee approach,
• how to increase your cash flow velocity,
• how you can charge more for the work you do and actually increase client satisfaction.

Get ready to change your mindset about how you sell your services. Applying these principles alone could easily double or triple your revenue.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

Business Building Webcast Series

Part 4: Overcoming the Fear of Making Sales Calls: Mastering the Psychology of Sales

Presented Live on September 12, 2007

Every independent consultant dreads doing what is probably one of the most important keys to success–making sales calls. The result: procrastination, avoidance, no new clients and no new money!

During this session you will:

• Understand specifically what holds you back
• Create the motivation to take steps to change your behavior
• Begin to transform your thinking to create a psychology that totally supports you
• Get clear on the rules of the "sales call game"
• Develop a powerful strategy to make sales calls easier and more effective
• Be in the position to unleash your full potential for productivity, creativity and outstanding results

Professional Development Credit
This webcast has been approved for 1 unit of Professional Development credit.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

The New GAAP: The International Standards that Will Replace US GAAP for Insurance Contracts Webcast

August 1, 2007

The International Accounting Standards Board published in May a discussion paper on an entirely new method for valuing Insurance Liabilities for general-purpose accounting. A month later, the US Financial Accounting Standards Board issued the same Discussion Paper along with the question as to whether it should make insurance accounting a joint project with the IASB.

At the same time, the International Actuarial Association has published an exposure draft on the methods and considerations on determining the liabilities under the new International Solvency proposals being developed by the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (which includes the NAIC as a member).

This webcast provides you with the opportunity to hear and question industry experts discuss these papers and what they may mean for actuaries and the entire insurance industry.

Professional Development Credit
This webcast has been approved for 1.5 units of Professional Development credit.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

Business Building Webcast Series

Part 3: Turn Your Speaking Opportunities Into Gold

Discover One Of The Fastest Approaches To Building Your Practice

Presented live on June 20, 2007

Do you speak often but see no significant impact on your practice? Are you tired of speaking engagements that don't lead to real revenue? How do you know if public speaking is all of worth the time, effort and expense?

Whether it be through seminars, webinars or workshops, speaking is can be an effective way for you to get in front of a group of qualified prospects and give them a taste of how you can help them. It's one of the most effective methods leveraging your time and building your practice quickly–if you know how to do it right!

In this session you will:

• Discover the quickest and easiest way to engage your audience
• earn a step-by-step approach for a winning presentation that will be remembered by your audience
• What you must do before you speak
• The biggest reason presentations don't generate clients and revenue.

Professional Development Credit
This webcast has been approved for 1 unit of Professional Development credit.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

Business Building Webcast Series

Part 2: Power-Pack Your Marketing Message

Enhance Your Business By Communicating What You Do With Clarity and Power!

Presented live on May 16, 2007

In this session, you will learn how to articulate what you do in a way that attracts attention and interest, so that prospects want to know more. Specifically, you'll understand:

• What gets attention immediately and generates a response
• The biggest mistakes professionals make when telling potential prospects what they do
• Why the 30-second commercial (or elevator speech) is ineffective
• The formula for developing a powerful marketing headline
• The key questions to ask in a networking venue
• The fastest way to develop and nurture a referral source
• The anatomy of a marketing message that will set you apart from your most fierce competitors
• How to leverage this knowledge to create visibility more consistently

Professional Development Credit
This webcast has been approved for 1 unit of Professional Development credit.

Webcast Recording (WMV File): $200

Part 1: The 12 Ingredients Of Explosive Business Growth

Presented live on April 11, 2007

Are you a consultant, independent professional, or sales professional who desires to:

• Generate more leads to your business?
• Convert a higher percentage of prospects to clients?
• Win larger engagements?
• Accelerate the selling process?
• Generate higher revenues?

In the course of coaching hundreds of professionals, Dave Miller has seen the common struggles, challenges and patterns that have exasperated so many as they attempt to market themselves. Marketing and sales doesn't have to be such a mystery. The key is making sure you have all the right ingredients in place.

In this session you will:

• Learn the 12 critical elements to a winning client-magnet strategy
• Discover what's missing in your business development strategy
• Get crystal clear about what you want and set specific business development goals
• Know which skills you need to upgrade first
• Discover the significance of knowing how to master the "inner game"
• Walk away with a step-by-step action plan that will significantly enhance your current approach to getting client

Don't miss out! Find out how you can create Explosive Business Growth!

A CD capturing the synchronized audio and visual presentation is available for $200.00 through the SOA Bookstore.