A group of up to 20 insurance professionals are set to expand their professional horizons, by taking part in the first annual market tour being organised by the Bermuda Under 35s insurance and reinsurance group.

Media and marketing officer Neil Hitchcock said the tour is being modelled after a similar event held by the London under 35 group, but on a smaller scale.

The Bermuda group is to travel to Boston, New York and Chicago in early May. The purpose of the trip? To give exposure to different practitioners in the market, Mr. Hitchcock said.

On the agenda is a visit to a cross-section of businesses, including New York-based American International Group Inc., private equity firms that invest in the sector and a stop in with AIR, the Boston-based modelling firm, among others.

The market tour is being added to the Under 35s already active schedule of industry seminars and social events. The group also spearheaded the incorporation of a young person?s award into the annual line-up of Bermuda Insurance Awards given out each year. Meredith Head is the first recipient of the award (see separate story).

The Under 35s, a non-profit registered charity, still has space on the market tour for about ten participants. Interested companies or individuals can get more information from the website: www.bermudaunder35s.com.

Mr. Hitchcock said that while no one is carded at the Bermuda events, market tour participants must be under 35 to qualify.