Beacon Mutual was honored to host this year's AASCIF (American Association of State Compensation Insurance Funds) conference, held in our vibrant capital city of Providence, Rhode Island. This prestigious event brought together workers' compensation insurance professionals from across the United States and Canada for a series of educational sessions, inspiring keynote speeches, and engaging activities.
Beacon President and CEO Brian Spero expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "Hosting the AASCIF conference in Providence was a tremendous opportunity to showcase our state's charm and Beacon's commitment to excellence in workers' compensation insurance. This event not only facilitated meaningful industry discussions but also significantly boosted our local economy by bringing visitors and business to Rhode Island."
According to the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, the conference was expected to contribute over $760,000 to the local economy by drawing over five hundred attendees to downtown Providence. Providence served as the perfect host city, highlighting Beacon Mutual's dedication to supporting local businesses and tourism.
The 2024 AASCIF Conference took place from Sunday, July 28th through Wednesday, July 31 at the Rhode Island Convention Center and Providence Omni. This year's conference theme focused on Artificial Intelligence and Workers' Compensation as insurers from across the country came together to share insights and collaborate on workplace solutions to better support businesses and their employees.
The conference featured over thirty educational breakout sessions covering a wide range of topics, from data-driven insights to innovative AI implementations in claims and underwriting. Attendees also enjoyed inspiring keynote presentations from business transformation experts Colin Coggins and Garrett Brown, as well as Change Enthusiasm® advocate Cassandra Worthy. The AASCIF Annual Conference delivered a dynamic program featuring insightful sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities with industry experts sharing valuable insights. Attendees also enjoyed an exhibition hall displaying the latest products and services, fostering collaboration.
Throughout the conference, attendees were introduced to the local culture and hospitality of our state. Tours and activities highlighted Rhode Island's creative and cultural history in Providence and Newport, including America's Cup Sailing, Newport Preservation Society tours, brewery tours, a special WaterFire Lighting, and dining experiences at top restaurants. Community engagement activities encouraged attendees to give back to the local community, including support for Kids' Chance of Rhode Island and Make-A-Wish of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
This influx of visitors highlighted Rhode Island's appeal as a premier conference destination and provided a substantial economic boost to local vendors, hospitality services, and tour operators. The positive economic impact of hosting such a major event cannot be overstated, as it reinforces the state's reputation as a vibrant and welcoming place for both business and leisure.
By hosting the AASCIF conference in Providence, Beacon Mutual played a significant role in drawing visitors to experience the rich history, culture, and culinary delights of Rhode Island.
Beacon Mutual's success in hosting the conference was greatly enhanced by the dedication of 30 Beacon employees who served as volunteer ambassadors. They worked registration and tour booths, as well as educational breakout sessions, and assisted with tours, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. Spero acknowledged their contributions, stating, "The conference was a complete success, and that would not have been possible without the cheerful, helpful, and engaging spirit our employees brought to their ambassadorship duties. Their efforts left a lasting positive impression on all our guests."
Beacon Mutual is proud to have played a pivotal role in this year's AASCIF conference and looks forward to continuing our support for the workers' compensation community. Our commitment to fostering economic growth and showcasing Rhode Island's unique offerings remains unwavering.
For more information about Beacon Mutual and our initiatives, visit beaconmutual.com.