When Alex Guillamont arrived in Miami in 2010 to establish Kennedys, he noticed something missing—unlike in London and Madrid, there was no local forum bringing together industry professionals who serviced the region. Driven by the desire to build a space for sharing experiences, knowledge, and expertise, he set out to create a dynamic network for the insurance and reinsurance community.

On September 22, 2011, the first Insurance Professionals Meeting in Miami was held. At that inaugural presentation at the former Novecento on Brickell Avenue, Ricardo García (then Head of Helvetia in Miami) spoke about the entrepreneurial risks carriers were prepared to take under acceptable conditions. The presentation sparked informal debate over tapas and drinks—a fitting start to what would become a long-standing tradition.

After three years of Novecento gatherings, Alex and QLDG’s Juan Lopez-Santini realized the power of those candid, personable discussions. Over a tomahawk steak dinner—again at Novecento—they laid the groundwork for what would become the annual Miami Latin American Claims (re)Insurance Forum. The Forum has since drawn the participation of thousands of claims professionals who routinely engage in lively discussion of relevant claims and underwriting topics.