A major conference in Bermuda will be a virtual event this year. The ILS Bermuda Convergence Conference will be a digital, remote-access event in October because of the Covid-19 pandemic.The three-day annual conference attracts hundreds of delegates from Bermuda and other parts of the world.Organisers said they were excited to deliver “the same relevant and insightful content but in its new fully-digital format”. Convergence 2020 will examine trends, challenges and opportunities, in the alternative re/insurance, capital markets and insurance-linked securities marketplace. Professionals will be brought together for virtual information sharing, networking and connectivity. ILS Bermuda said it was working to broaden the reach of attendees with a view to attracting end investors and ILS sponsors. The conference is scheduled for October 6 to 8.The organisers said: “ILS Bermuda has developed a reputation for producing thought-provoking content, providing industry leaders with knowledge, skills and perspective on the complicated and ever-evolving risk-transfer landscape. And during these unprecedented times, now is no exception.”Kathleen Faries, chairwoman of ILS Bermuda, said: “We are now in our eighth year of organising the annual Convergence event in Bermuda, and this year could have been our most challenging due to the unforeseen impact of Covid-19. The team was determined to once again provide compelling content but this year in a professional and engaging digital format. With recent volatility in the financial markets and potential pandemic related impact to re/insurance risk takers, it is as important as ever to discuss and learn from industry thought leaders on what the future holds.” Jo Stanton, head of finance at Tangency Capital and vice-chairwoman of ILS Bermuda Ltd, said: “There has perhaps never been a more important time to discuss the ILS market and how it will respond to resilience and sustainable investment topics including climate change, the global protection gap, and emerging risk including the impact from Covid-19. “It is also clear that there is investor interest from participants across the globe and I am excited that going virtual will provide an opportunity for attendees and speakers who might not ordinarily be able to come to Bermuda to attend the event this year — this will perhaps be our most important industry event ever.” The conference will continue educational sessions, keynote speakers and virtual networking. The Bermuda Business Development Agency are premier level “Platinum” sponsors, along with confirmed “Gold” sponsors to date including Appleby, The Bank of New York Mellon, and Willis Towers Watson. “Silver” sponsors are the Bermuda Stock Exchange, Lumen Re, Conyers and SunTrust Bank. Registration will launch soon.Convergence 2020 will feature a visually rich newly redesigned trade and exhibition area showcasing industry support services and related organisations along with a virtual networking centre and Convergence lounge to engage in real-time conversations. The event hopes to attract new investors, as well as ILS managers, brokers and service-providers, corporate risk managers, and funds.