ILS Bermuda cancels Convergence

Insurance linked securities networking event Convergence 2021 will not go ahead after organiser ILS Bermuda announced it was scrapping plans for a hybrid event.

The trade body had planned for live sessions at Bermuda’s Hamilton Princess and Beach Club as well as online attendance but concerns over Covid 19 mean it will no longer go ahead.

“The SafeKey event, which was scheduled to take place at the Hamilton Princess in Bermuda on October 6, had taken extra steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable atmosphere,” said a spokesperson.

“However, in light of the Centre for Disease Control’s recent announcement putting Bermuda into the ‘High Risk’ category, as well as our desire to support Bermuda’s healthcare infrastructure and minimise community spread, the event will not proceed at this time.”

Despite holding an entirely virtual event last year, the organisers decided to abandon plans for the 2021 event altogether.

“We have always maintained that Convergence is first and foremost a networking event, and for that reason, the steering committee has decided not to host a fully virtual event this year and instead will work towards hosting a networking event in Bermuda next October 2022,” said the spokesperson.

Last week, Bermuda MPs agreed to extend emergency legislation powers to implement Covid-19 restrictions until the end of November. Minister of Health Kim Wilson blamed people for failing to follow guidelines, including social distancing.

“We only have ourselves to blame. We have to get to the point of personal responsibility,” she said.