Hundreds of insurance execs will soon be leaving Bermuda and making their way to sunny L.A. for the annual RIMS (Risk Insurance Management Society) Conference, which starts on Sunday. And if you’re one of them, you might want to consider downloading the new RIMS 2013 app before you go.

Free to download and available for Apple, Android and BlackBerry devices, the newly launched smartphone app is designed to help conference goers make their way around this year’s meetings in the ever-sprawling Los Angeles.

Last year was the first time RIMS offered a smartphone app in conjunction with the conference and was a great success, organisers say, in terms of downloads.

They also received a lot of feedback on the app, which helped them to develop added features for a new and improved version for this year.

“This year’s mobile app has some great new features that will enhance the conference experience for our attendees while giving out exhibitors yet another medium to connect with the RIMS ’13 audience,” said RIMS executive director Mary Roth.

The feedback received on last year’s app led to the addition of new features that will help attendees keep their schedules straight at the April 21-24 conference.

The app now links attendees’ schedules to their actual registration, which means your schedule and events will automatically sync when you sign into the app.

The app also keeps attendees up to date with the integration of RIMS’ Twitter feed to keep users abreast of news and updates.

The app’s mapping function will also come in handy for attendees — not only giving them an overview of the show floor, but also adding a GPS navigation feature that can help users pinpoint individual booths and session locations and the best route to them.

While the app will help conference goers keep their schedules straight, it will also let them see their colleagues’ schedules and figure out where they’re supposed to go for various meetings and events.

Those bombarded with business cards will also appreciate the “friend” function, which allows users to electronically store contact details.

The app also provides late-breaking news and updates, detailed event information.

To download the app on an Apple or Android device, visit the App Store or Google Play and search for “RIMS2013”. All other phones (including BlackBerry and all other smartphones), point your mobile browser to http://m.core-apps.com/RIMS2013.