More US brokers will be heading to Bermuda in 2008 for the Professional Liability Underwriting Society (PLUS) symposium if organisers of this year's fourth annual event have their way.

The two-day symposium attracted just over 200 delegates last week, although on-site registration was down partly due to the unexpected national holiday.

But that did not distract from the wide-range of topics discussed that looked at, among other things, the challenges and opportunities for the Bermuda marketplace in the underwriting world and advantages and frustrations of doing business in Bermuda.

Amongst those taking part as panellists and speakers was XL chief Brian O'Hara, Don Bailey, CEO of Willis North America, and former US Navy Commander Michael Abrashoff.

Marsh Global Markets' Ian MacLeod and XL's Sherron Williams were the conference chairs.

After the symposium had examined the pros and cons of doing business in Bermuda, Mr. MacLeod said: "Our clients need Bermuda to use their talent and experience to be the leader of product innovation and service. PLUS Bermuda once again demonstrated that Bermuda competes in the global marketplace and remains one of the pre-eminent markets in which to place coverage."

Other topics included training and development of Bermudian staff. Speakers generally agreeing that local companies should make available opportunities for local staff, but also making a point that it is important for Bermudians to capitalise on those opportunities and seek to expand their own horizons.

David Bell, a senior vice-president at Allied World Assurance Company, organised the first PLUS in Bermuda in 2004 and chaired that event and the two subsequent symposiums in 2005 and 2006. He has since joined the board of PLUS in the US.

He said: "Everyone at the Professional Liability Underwriting Society felt the PLUS Bermuda Perspective was a great success this year, especially given the last minute logistical challenges with the national holiday.

"We look forward to the fifth annual PLUS Bermuda event in 2008, where a main goal of event organisers will be to attract more US brokers that trade into the Bermuda market."