About the conference

Welcome to the Momentum Conference 2011: for Actuaries of Today and Tomorrow

The recent past has shown us all how the professional lives of actuaries are constantly changing. Those changes come in many guises – new legislation or policy, volatile economic conditions or natural disasters. While it is difficult to predict what challenges are coming next, those that are best prepared will be ready to take advantage of the opportunities that are presented to them.

And that is what this year’s Momentum Conference is all about – looking to the future and being in a position to be able to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves.

This year's conference theme is "What Lies Ahead?" and there are a number of levels on which we could consider that question:
•    on a personal level – qualification can open doors to new and exciting challenges that can stretch you and push you outside of your comfort zone. The non-technical sessions the committee have arranged are designed to equip delegates with the appropriate softer skills to enable them to better themselves
•    in terms of the profession – what does the future hold for actuaries? Jane Curtis, the incoming President of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, will give a session outlining her vision of the profession’s future
•    on a wider note – the technical workshops aim to prepare delegates with the knowledge and understanding to cope with changes in their respective fields.

In order to give everyone the best start, we're kicking off the conference with a motivational talk that encourages delegates to take control and to be receptive to new challenges.

Our second plenary focuses on how delegates can put their actuarial skills to good use in ways that they might not have previously considered – that is, in the wider world outside of pensions, insurance and investment. We have three speakers who will recount their experiences of moving away from a traditional actuarial role, allowing delegates the chance to ask about the motivation and experiences of each speaker.

And finally our third plenary will put delegates to the test as we walk through a variety of scenarios and ask delegates "What would you do next?" The plenary will concentrate on those situations that delegates might be faced with in a normal day in the office, and how right and wrong can be measured in several shades of grey.
The two days will also include a full programme of technical actuarial sessions as well as a choice of non-technical sessions all with relevance to the actuaries of the future.


Steven Keller
Chair, Momentum Conference 2011 Programme Committee