Awards announced at Austbrokers conference

13 April 2023

Adelaide-based MGA Insurance Group Deputy Executive Chairman Allan Amber has won this year’s Frank Earl award, named in memory of the Austbrokers’ director who passed away in 2010.

Award winners were announced at a 1950s-themed Rock n Roll Gala dinner last week, sponsored by QBE. AUB-owned Austbrokers says more than 370 attended its two-day annual conference at the Adelaide Convention Centre.

Broome-based AB Phillips Director David Keys was crowned Broker of the Year, while NSW-based Markey Insurance Brokers Claims Officer Michael Bannon took the Claims Manager award and SA-based Austbrokers Life Financial Adviser Gretchen Scannell won the Life Adviser award.

WA-based MGIB Relationship Manager Rebecca Broad took 2023 Young Professional honours.

Austbrokers Chief Broking Officer Ben Bessell said it had been a very successful conference.

“Engagement in the marketplace and in the formal sessions was fantastic and the topics discussed led to many constructive conversations over the two days,” he said.

“It was also great to once again hold the awards and showcase the many high-quality individuals we have across Austbrokers.”

The 2023 “mission possible” themed event featured an agenda tailored towards brokers, broking assistants, operational staff and claims managers, discussing challenges and opportunities facing the insurance broking industry.

After AUB Group CEO and MD Mike Emmett opened the conference, brokers and partners listened to a range of keynote speakers and participated in diverse topic plenaries.

The Frank Earl award recognises outstanding performance in client service, business retention and growth, professional development, and engagement with the insurance industry. Mr Earl played a key role in the development of professional indemnity cover and was well known in the local and Lloyd’s markets.