Life Meeting: Call for Proposals Now Open We’re now accepting session proposals for the Society of Actuaries’ (SOA) upcoming 2021 SOA Life Meeting. The 2021 SOA Life Meeting, which is the result of combining the Life & Annuity Symposium (LAS) and the Valuation Actuary Symposium (ValAct), will take place in a hybrid format August 30-September 1. This three-day meeting will offer a robust, engaging curriculum for all attendees – whether they join us remote or in-person at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City. Plans for the in-person meeting are contingent on complying with all CDC and local requirements to ensure safety requirements are met for those attending. Through the combination of LAS and ValAct, the 2021 SOA Life Meeting will offer sessions specific to pricing and valuation as well as sessions on emerging issues relevant to both groups. These common themes include InsurTech, diversity, impact of low interest rates and the current economic environment. Because the 2021 SOA Life Meeting is a hybrid event, we are looking for sessions to be developed in one of three formats: 1. Virtual. This format can include presenters in different locations, access to renowned experts or technology platform demonstrations. 2. In-Person. This format can include a more interactive session, such as hosting a workshop or networking event. 3. Combination Virtual & In-Person. This format can include hosting a panel discussion live at the site and a presentation to both an in-person and virtual audience. When submitting your proposal, keep in mind we will evaluate submissions based on the sessions ability to deliver: · Information relevant to the target audience · Clear understanding of the content and topic(s) · Practical applications for real-world actuarial scenarios. Attendees at the 2021 SOA Life Meeting are actuaries in the following practice areas:
· Life Insurance · Annuity and Combination Benefit Products · Product Development · In Force Management · Illustrations · Reinsurance · Experience Analysis · Financial Reporting · Valuation · Asset/Liability Modeling · Cash Flow Testing · Risk Management · Investment Management · Taxation · Capital Management
Session Proposal Topics and Criteria
We are currently seeking proposals for sessions that deliver relevant, educational and applicable content in the following categories:
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Valuation Track |
Product/Pricing Track |
Interdisciplinary Track |
|
· US Statutory Valuation · US GAAP Valuation · All Other Valuation Bases (e.g. Tax, IFRI, MCEV) · Models and Systems · Financial Risk Management (including ERM, Investment Risks, Capital Management) |
· Life Product Development and Pricing · Annuity Product Development and Pricing · Marketing and Distribution of Life and Annuity Products · Combination Products (including LTC) · Reinsurance Topics |
· Innovation and New Emerging Issues (including InsurTech) · Predictive Analytics and Big Data Implications for Actuaries · How to Use Artificial Intelligence · SOA Research · Business Skills of Adaptability and Emotional Intelligence · Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion § Other (Leadership, Communication, Professionalism/Ethics) |
As you develop your session proposal, keep the following criteria in mind:
· Type of Session. This hybrid meeting will have virtual and in-person sessions. Some sessions will be identical for both types of attendees, while others will be distinctly tailored to either remote or in-person attendees. Please indicate whether your session is targeted to remote, in-person or both and justify the approach in your submission.
· Content & Delivery. Sessions should be educational, informative and interactive. Sessions could include polling or unique formats like buzz group or TED style talks. We strongly encourage providing pre-read or pre-work for attendees to gain common understanding prior to sessions. Proposals that serve to promote an individual company or product will not be considered.
· Proposal Submitters. Prior to submitting your proposal, please keep presenters in mind as recruitment will begin immediately after acceptance. As you are recruiting, consider a diverse group of presenters. If you have names of potential presenters for your session, please include their names and their companies (minimum two) in your submission.
· Length. The preferred session timing will be 60 or 75 minutes in length, but the proposal form allows you to specify your ideal length from 60 to 120 minutes. If you select 90 or 120 minutes, you will need to provide additional information.
Submit Your Proposal by March 15
Submit your session proposal by March 15, 2021*. Please make sure to complete the submission form in its entirety. You will be notified on March 31, 2021 if your proposal has been accepted.
If you have any questions, please contact Amy Wojcik.
*Submitting a proposal does not guarantee it will be selected as a 2021 SOA Life Meeting session. You will be notified by March 31, 2021, if your proposal has been accepted exactly as is, or it may be combined with similar/related proposal(s). The committee reserves the right to reject any proposal.