After several years of remotely supporting colleagues attending the (re)insurance meeting in Monte Carlo, this year we finally had the opportunity to attend in person for the first time. As people who need quiet time after work to recharge, we were a bit daunted by the prospect of numerous meetings and socialising. However, despite the fast-paced schedule, the experience was overwhelmingly positive. Here’s what we learned:
In-person conversations are key: not only those meetings that are organised in advance, the logistics of which took up a lot of our time in the weeks and months before, but also the spontaneous conversations with people you run into. The (re)insurance industry is built on long-term relationships, and it was very clear that in-person interactions help solidify those connections. The fun didn’t end in Monte Carlo—many of the attendees ended up being our neighbours on the flight home!
Efficiency is the name of the game: during the preparation process, we wondered if 30-minute slots for interviews would be enough to cover all topics. However, as we sat in those meetings, we realised the journalists and interviewees make every minute count. We were surprised at the amount of content that’s generated in just a few days, and we don’t envy the journalists who have to go through so many hours of recordings and pages of notes. Their hard work under pressure is impressive, and the executives’ preparedness is as well.
You will get tired: but iced coffees at beautiful cafés help! A little bit of French goes a long way to getting good service as well, even if it’s a very international city and English is very common. The conference itself had a distinctly European feel, but there were delegates from further afield as well.
Rumours can spread like wildfire: and they fizzle out just as fast. To be on the safe side, it’s best to double and triple check anything you hear. With so much activity centered in the same area, privacy isn’t always guaranteed—it almost felt like being on a school trip at times!
Wear comfortable shoes: somehow, you always walk uphill. As the dress code is a lot more casual than what we are used to in the City, we quickly gave up on any impractical footwear ideas. If we go back next year, high heels will stay in London.
All in all, our first Rendez-Vous de Septembre was a rewarding experience. Seeing first-hand the events and meetings we’ve previously only supported “behind the scenes” gave us a new perspective. We now feel better equipped to provide even stronger support for our clients next year, whether from the office or in Monte Carlo.
Despite the initial apprehension about how demanding it would be, we found it enjoyable. The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with the charm of the city and surrounding landscape, made for an unforgettable experience.
We look forward to applying these insights and perhaps enjoying another round of iced coffees at those beautiful terraces next year.
Authored by Candela Farroni and Bec Seaton