Every year, the Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) hosts its annual RISKWORLD conference, bringing together thousands of risk professionals to collaborate, learn, and shape the future of the industry. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Chicago, RISKWORLD 2025 delivered a powerful mix of emerging insights, strategic innovation, and spirited connection.

1) The Rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Emerging Tech

With the ever-changing landscape of leave and accommodation laws, staying compliant remains a top priority for employers. This year’s conference offered valuable insights into managing the intersection of federal and state regulations. Experts shared practical advice on how to avoid common mistakes and streamline compliance efforts across diverse workforces. Here are some noteworthy sessions:

  • In “Artificial Intelligence: What Is It, How Do I Recognize It, and How Do I Manage Its Risk?” speakers broke down AI fundamentals and explored strategies to manage model risk.
  • The session “How AI Is Elevating Care Within Claims” highlighted practical use cases in automating claims workflows and improving outcomes.
  • In “The New Cyber Battlefield: How AI Is Transforming Digital Attacks and Defenses,” experts demonstrated how AI is changing both the threat landscape and defense strategies.

2) Strategic Risk Management and Resilience Planning

This year reinforced that risk managers are no longer back-office advisors — they’re strategic partners at the leadership table. Many sessions emphasized using ERM and advanced analytics to drive proactive decision-making and build enterprise-wide resilience. Some hot-button presentations included:

  • “Earn a Seat at the Table: Making Sure Risk Management Is Included in Strategic Decision-Making” laid out tactics to elevate the risk function’s role in C-suite conversations.
  • “Unleashing the Power of Risk Culture: A Catalyst for ERM Success” explored how fostering a strong internal risk culture can fuel more resilient programs.
  • “What Next? Leveraging Risk as an Input for Leadership Decisions” encouraged organizations to use risk data as a leadership tool — not just for compliance.

3) Innovations in Leave and Accommodation Management

With regulatory pressure mounting and the climate crisis accelerating, environmental risk and ESG transparency were center stage this year. Organizations are expected not just to comply, but to lead. Some sessions I found notable include:

  • “Adapting Organizations to a Changing Climate: How to Achieve Business Resilience and Reporting Compliance” tackled strategies to meet climate goals while maintaining operational strength.
  • In “The AI Impact on Climate Strategy and the World,” speakers discussed how data and technology are enabling more responsive environmental risk mitigation.
  • “Viewpoints on ESG from the C-Suite to the Supreme Court” provided insights into navigating evolving ESG expectations at every organizational level.

4) Strategic Risk Management and Resilience Planning

Captives continue to stand out as a sophisticated solution for managing volatility, and their presence at RISKWORLD 2025 was stronger than ever — especially considering ongoing market hardening and cost pressure. I wanted to spotlight the following presentations:

  • “From Safety Nets to Power Plays: How Captives Leverage Structured Reinsurance” outlined creative ways captives are being used to address volatility.
  • “Beyond Traditional Coverage Boundaries: The Hidden Potential for Captives in an Evolving Risk Landscape” looked at how captives are expanding into non-traditional lines.
  • “Captive Insurance: Better Solutions for Tomorrow’s Risks” focused on captive structures that support long-term resilience in a hardening market.

As always, RISKWORLD was more than just sessions and seminars, it was about connection, collaboration, and community. From insightful panels to spirited networking, this year’s conference underscored the expanding role of risk professionals in building organizational strength and foresight. The Spring team enjoyed every moment and is excited to see what next year’s conference has in store for us. We’ll see you at RISKWORLD 2026!