FAPIA held its annual conference last week at Reunion Resort and Spa in Davenport, Florida. As usual, it was a first class event. The seminars and speakers were incredibly educational and entertaining. Specifically, it was especially interesting to hear from Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate (Sha’Ron James). As set out in my prior blog, Great News for Florida Policyholders, Sha’Ron is a good friend and a friend to all Florida insurance consumers. As a personal note, it was an absolute honor for me to give the introduction for her keynote address. Her speech did not disappoint. She was compassionate, insightful, and funny! Her focus on tackling the issue of Assignment of Benefits was very well received by all in attendance. I hope that she is able to get the data and information she needs to address this issue from a consumer-friendly perspective.

Notwithstanding the seminars and speeches, the best part of these conferences is always the fellowship among colleagues. The opportunity to reconnect with old friends, discover new ones, and discuss our shared experiences of fighting for insurance consumers makes it all worth it. If you didn’t come away from this year’s FAPIA conference with a renewed sense of vigor and commitment to policyholder rights…you weren’t at the same event!

Lastly, if you are a public adjuster please get involved with an association (FAPIA, NAPIA, or AAPIA). If you are a plaintiff’s attorney, get involved with you state trial lawyer association (FJA here in Florida). As evidenced by this conference, we can do some great things when we all work together.

Until next year…in the words of Darth Vader … may the force be with you: