Attendee Checklist | Insurance Risk Management Forum

Before the Forum

Make Your Travel Plans

To make sure you’re ready to get the most out of IRM Forum’s program, plan to arrive the night before our first forum day! Here are our recommendations:

• Plane: San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the closest airport to the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
• Local: A variety of transportation options are available for getting to the Manchester Grand Hyatt, including public transit on the Amtrak and COASTER, trolleys and taxis. Visit the San Diego International Airport’s transportation page for more details.
• Housing: Make your hotel reservation at the Manchester Grand Hyatt by Jan. 3, 2025.

Check out our Travel and Housing page for more details.

Plan Your Agenda

With a variety of session types, the IRM Forum program is designed to help you master your risk strategy and optimize your bank’s coverage. Use our conference app to get an in-depth view of the program, build your schedule, network and download conference materials. Keep an eye out for upcoming attendee emails in January with more app instructions.

Schedule Your Partner Meetings

Take advantage of the opportunity that attracts repeat attendees — meetings with corporate insurance partners! You should identify and schedule your meetings beforehand to make sure you get your questions answered and explore the latest solutions for your bank. IRM Forum’s program has specific time blocks set aside just for these meetings, so you don’t miss any critical program content.

Let Your Peers Know You’re Attending

Connect with fellow insurance risk managers by announcing your attendance on social media. Use our pre-made posts in our social toolkit.

Bring or Create Business Cards

Be prepared for every networking opportunity that comes your way, especially at our receptions! Bring your business cards or create a digital version using an app such as HiHello, Popl, Linq or Blinq.

Pack Comfortable Shoes and Layers

Plan to be on your feet — the Manchester Grand Hyatt is spacious! Pack comfortable shoes for moving between sessions and for attending receptions, and bring a sweater — while San Diego weather is beautiful, you’ll want to be prepared for cooler winds and hotel temps. 

During the Forum

First Things First: Pick Up Your Badge

Pick up your badge and conference materials upon your arrival. Visit registration on Sunday between 11:30 AM and 5:00 PM, on Monday or Tuesday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, or on Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM. Your badge admits you to all sessions, meals and social events.

Pro tip: For confidentiality, take off your badge when venturing outside the conference hotel.

Get Oriented

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned forum-er, our conference app will be your guide to the 2025 IRM Forum. If you haven’t already, build your schedule on the app to help you navigate the forum, and make sure to visit our registration desk or ask ABA staff any questions to ensure you get the most out of your experience.

• Forum Location: All sessions will take place at the Manchester Grand Hyatt.
• Dining: There are multiple onsite dining options available at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, as well as a variety of local spots in downtown San Diego, all within walking distance. Drinks and small bites will also be served at our receptions. 
• Amenities: The Manchester Grand Hyatt offers premium amenities great for staying prepared for the forum, such as onsite laundry service, room service and a business center. 

Post on Social Media!

Let the world know you’re here by posting to your favorite social media platforms.

Keep Your Devices Charged

Feel free to take notes during sessions! You can use your phone, laptop or iPad to access the free Wi-Fi. Use your devices mindfully, respectfully and silently. 

Meet With Your Partners

IRM Forum’s program is designed to work synergistically. Our sessions will give you the in-depth knowledge you need to get the most out of your meetings with your corporate insurance partners. Make sure to have your meetings during our designated time blocks on the program schedule.

Ask Questions

Speakers usually reserve time at the end of their sessions for audience questions. Write down any questions in advance so you don’t forget them. When you ask questions, state your name and your institutional affiliation so people can remember you.

Introduce Yourself!

Networking is a huge part of this forum. Before a session begins, introduce yourself to folks sitting around you. Make a game of it and challenge yourself to meet three new people each day. Be sure to attend the forum networking events, too, so you can form new relationships with fellow risk managers, share success stories and get in-the-field POVs!

After the Forum

Cultivate Your New Connections

Be sure to follow up with all your new contacts — send a follow-up email or connect on social media. 

Complete the Survey

Let ABA know about your experience at the Insurance Risk Management Forum. ABA carefully reviews all survey responses as part of planning next year’s conference.

Get Updates on 2026 IRM Forum

The Insurance Risk Management Forum is always evolving to bring you the cutting-edge insights you need. Fill out our Keep Me Informed form so you’ll get updates on the program for 2026.