I am pleased to announce that the Medical Indemnity Industry Association of Australia (MIIAA) will host the Physician Insurers' Association of America's (PIAA) International Section Conference in Melbourne in October 2011.

The PIAA International Section meets every three years to be updated and stay informed of the latest issues and information affecting the industry globally. Topics addressed include legislative changes, new directions taken by both plaintiff and defence lawyers, the insurance and in particular the reinsurance market and the global financial situation.

To be held at the Sofitel Hotel in Collins Street, Melbourne, planning for this event is well advanced. The conference features an innovative social program which will include the Conference Dinner at the iconic Australian sporting venue, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The conference will be attended by representatives of medical indemnity organisations worldwide and their associated stakeholders, including reinsurers and legal professionals. Previous conferences have attracted two to three hundred delegates and have included most, if not all, the industry leaders and opinion makers. In recent years this conference has been held in Paris (2008), Ottawa (2005) and Sydney (2002). The Sydney conference was hosted by current members of the MIIAA and was well attended.

I invite you to be a part of this exciting event and share your professional knowledge and experiences with your international colleagues.

I look forward to seeing you in Melbourne in 2011.