In the bustling world of real estate, hospitality and leisure, the Risk Manager Forum stands out as a beacon of knowledge and innovation. It is a forum founded by WTW and risk managers and creates a community for its members to collaborate and share thought leadership.
The October panel discussion, moderated by Culley Barragan, Director, Real Estate, Hospitality and Leisure, and Leigh Ann Rodgers, Client Advocacy Leader for the same sector, brought together esteemed industry leaders: Dominic Gallina, WTW’s Real Estate, Hospitality and Leisure Division property Broking Leader; Russell Jennings, Underwriting Director for National Accounts property Northeast at CNA and Shaun Gonzales, Head of property for Verita. This interactive panel discussion looked behind the scenes of carrier property underwriting. It focused on carrier priorities and how clients / brokers can improve results. The discussion covered key topics such as modeling and analytics (how do carrier tools compare to brokers), business continuity planning, valuation, risk management investment in real estate assets and a market update on the heels of Hurricane Helene.
The forum kicked off with a deep dive into property broking strategies, where experts stressed the critical role of data in shaping underwriting decisions. As market dynamics shift, particularly with the increasing impact of climate risks, the need for data-driven approaches has never been more pronounced. Panelists argued that robust data analytics could significantly enhance the accuracy of property valuations — a hot topic that continues to dominate discussions in the insurance sector.
One of the most compelling segments of the discussion focused on the integration of climate risk considerations into investment strategies. The consensus was clear: ignoring climate variables is no longer an option. The panel shared case studies demonstrating how proactive risk management not only preserves value but also opens new avenues for growth. The discussion underscored the importance of collaboration among clients, brokers and carriers to refine these strategies and ensure they are both practical and forward-looking.
As technology continues to advance, its integration into underwriting processes has become a focal point. The panel highlighted innovative tools that are transforming risk assessment—from AI-driven analytics to IoT applications like water detection systems, which have shown great promise in mitigating property risks. These technologies are not just about safeguarding assets; they are reshaping the insurance landscape, making it more responsive and efficient.
Beyond the technical discussions, the panelists touched on the human aspect of the industry. The importance of investing in property improvements was discussed not just from a risk mitigation perspective but also as a means to enhance the overall guest experience in the hospitality sector. Moreover, the forum addressed the challenge of talent acquisition and retention, acknowledging that the industry’s future depends heavily on its ability to attract and nurture skilled professionals.
The forum provided a platform for attendees to forge connections, discuss collaborative projects and share informal insights that are often as valuable as the formal presentations.
As we look to the future, the lessons from the REHL Forum are clear: Embrace data, prioritize sustainability, leverage technology and never underestimate the power of human connections. These principles are not just the foundation for navigating the current landscape but also for shaping the future of the real estate, hospitality and leisure industries.
WTW hopes you found the general information provided in this publication informative and helpful. The information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal advisors. In the event you would like more information regarding your insurance coverage, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. In North America, WTW offers insurance products through licensed entities, including Willis Towers Watson Northeast, Inc. (in the United States) and Willis Canada Inc. (in Canada).
