Wilmington DE – An independent study conducted by Reinsurance Intermediary Guy Carpenter has determined that the Target Markets Program Administrators Association’s annual events rank number one in terms of value provided.  The “Poised for Growth” research compared all major conferences in the MGA/Program Marketplace.

Released in July of this year, the Guy Carpenter study gathered responses from insurance companies that have specialty insurance operations.  All of the study’s respondents noted that they attend one or more industry conferences, but rated the Target Markets’ events as number one when asked about convention benefits. The 2012 Guy Carpenter survey yielded the same results for Target Markets.

“Program business continues to be the fastest growing segment of the US Commercial Marketplace which now totals over $30 billion dollars,” said Heidi Strommen, president of the TMPAA. “While the Association continues to create important resources for this segment, the greatest value of Target Markets continues to be the networking and business development that comes from putting hundreds of program business professionals together at two annual events, and through the various connections available on our website.  I believe these strategic opportunities to connect are the primary reason for the Association’s ranking in the recent study.”  Strommen is president of ProHost USA, a Minneapolis-based Program Administrator.

Ray Scotto, the Association’s Executive Director noted, “The ability to work with the talented individuals on the Target Markets’ Advisory Board, committees, and members who provide feedback through our evaluation process, has enabled us to quickly adapt to the changing needs of our group.  The direction of the Association, its initiatives, resources and meeting content are all conceived and nurtured by our members.  This combined with our continued focus on the program industry segment are the primary drivers for the Association’s increasing relevance and growth.”

The Association’s 15th Annual Summit is scheduled for October 26-28 in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Former US Treasury Secretary, Henry M. Paulson is scheduled to provide the keynote address.  VJ Dowling, Managing Partner of Dowling and Partners Securities will be discussing the influence of new capital on program business during his Industry keynote.  A full slate of program focused workshops and a Program Market Expo with over 60 Carriers is also planned for the event.