The fifth Bermuda Insurance Symposium - billed as the world's biggest gathering of insurance brass - is only a week away.

A coup for organisers this year, Maurice (Hank) Greenberg, chairman and CEO of AIG, has been secured as the keynote speaker on Wednesday, February 20 for the morning breakfast discussion.

In a rare public engagement, Mr. Greenberg will speak on recent developments within the world insurance market.

Many of the industry's top executives will also be on hand for the symposium which tees off on Tuesday, February 19, with a golf tournament at Riddells Bay Golf and Country Club.

The four-day symposium will wrap up on Friday morning with an open discussion session on the changed world of risk.

Other highlights include the afternoon of February 20th when Chris Duncan, vice president of finance and chief risk officer for Delta Airlines will join a roundtable session of major buyers who will offer their perspectives on key issues and needs, and Mr Duncan will comment on the convergence of the airline and insurance industries.

Mr. Duncan said: "The events of September 11 generated a crisis of unparalleled scope in two different industries, creating a nexus of chaos and financial stress never seen before. Before 9-11, the only common thread between airlines and insurance companies was an uncommon ability to take large amounts of money and turn it into small amounts of money."

Due to the numerous requests for day passes, organisers of the symposium have approved a $350 per day, per person pass (excluding socials) that will entitle holders to attend all sessions and lunch on that day.

The symposium will also be webcast live (audio only) and can be accessed through the symposium's website.

Visit www.bis.bm for the latest schedule of events, sessions, sponsors, trade-show exhibitors and press releases.