You're a new exhibitor, and you're excited and anxious about your first visit to the PLRB Claims Conference. How will you handle the rushes of attendees and the breaks between them? How will you build relationships that will last after you leave the Expo floor? What tone will you strike with members? Gemcor has been attending PLRB since 1984, just three years after our dad founded the company. It's the one conference we commit to every single year, and today we'll share our perspective.

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:58 ] - In this scenario, a new exhibitor is hoping for success at the upcoming PLRB conference.

[ 03:27 ] - The team discusses their favorite conference locations.

[ 07:59 ] - Successful exhibitors emphasize consistency and face-to-face connection as the core driver of lasting client relationships.

[ 10:57 ] - Every conversation counts, even if someone isn't a potential client at that moment.

[ 12:07 ] - Conferences surface real-time industry trends and information, from informal hallway conversations.

[ 13:19 ] - Downtime isn't wasted time if it's used appropriately.

[ 14:55 ] - Follow-up is critical to keep the momentum going after a conference.

[ 16:40 ] - Booth presence matters: engaged, approachable exhibitors attract more meaningful interactions.

[ 17:49 ] - Dana summarizes the key points above.

Your PLRB Resources

PLRB Events: Upcoming Events - https://members.plrb.org/events/

Claims Conference: Event Site - http://www.plrbclaimsconference.org/

Affiliate Membership: Which PLRB Affiliate Membership Is Right for You? - https://www.plrb.org/affiliate/

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

For this holiday week, we'd like to prepare you for the upcoming PLRB Claims Conference, so we're sharing a classic episode featuring some highlights on what to expect. You might notice some details specific to the original date of taping, but we've lightly edited it to keep it relevant. We're looking forward to seeing you at the conference!

A supervisor is leading a small but mighty teams of adjusters, and they're taking their team to Indianapolis this spring for the 2025 PLRB Claims Conference. The only problem? They've never been before and have no idea where to start.

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:15 ] - One more salute to our once and future host, Alissha Watley.

[ 00:40 ] - Our team of claims professionals is headed to Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN for the 2025 PLRB Claims Conference, held on March 31 to April 2.

[ 01:50 ] - The team reminisces about past conferences and tornado alarms.

[ 02:40 ] - Stop by the registration desk to get your badge. If you're in town on Sunday, check out the Orientation for First-Time Attendees, and then the Claims Conference Welcome Reception.

[ 04:17 ] - On Monday morning, kick off with the general session "The Power of Uncertainty" by Renee Bruns of Renee Bruns Coaching & Consulting, LLC.

[ 04:40 ] - The Insurance Services Expo is a great place to connect with new products and service providers.

[ 05:11 ] - PLRB will be hosting a booth at the Claims Conference, featuring lightning talks from PLRB staff and guests.

[ 07:30 ] - Select from over 100 educational sessions to choose from, across 14 educational tracks. Get your CE Credits and the training you need to succeed.

[ 10:30 ] - Lunchtime! The lunch hour is a great chance to check out the Expo hall and build connections. Who said there's no such thing as a free lunch?

[ 11:36 ] - On Tuesday, check out PLRB Presents for short impactful talks; Future of Insurance for a thought leadership panel hosted by PLRB CEO Bryan Falchuk; and the Women's Walk coordinated by Girls Give Back.

[ 13:00 ] - On Wednesday, stick around for a Backyard BBQ Luncheon.

[ 14:16 ] - Register at PLRB.org under the Events tab.

[ 15:05 ] - Mike provides a recap of the scenario and the points above.

Your PLRB Resources

Visit plrbclaimsconference.org or download the PLRB app to register, find a hotel, sign up for your sessions, and more.

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

The insured felt like she did everything right. She insured the ring when she bought it, kept it scheduled on her policy, kept up with maintenance, and filed a claim right away when it was stolen. She even submitted the original appraisal for $22,000 so the insurance company would know how much to write on the check. So she was shocked when the insurance payout was only $14,000. Apparently diamonds are cheaper today, but she thinks: "shouldn't the appraisal lock in the cost?"

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:45 ] - An insured may assume an appraisal amount guarantees payout, but jewelry claims often hinge on policy type and current replacement cost, not the dollar figure listed on the appraisal.

[ 02:00 ] - Jewelry appraisals lack a single governing standard; credentials vary widely, making it critical for carriers to evaluate who prepared the appraisal and whether it meets insurer expectations.

[ 04:20 ] - Premiums may be based on a scheduled value, yet replacement cost policies aim to restore the item itself, which can result in payouts lower or higher than the original appraisal.

[ 06:10 ] - Clear communication from agents and adjusters about agreed value versus replacement cost policies can prevent frustration and disputes when a jewelry claim is settled.

[ 08:10 ] - Replacement cost focuses on replicating the exact item—cut, color, clarity, and materials rather than paying the appraisal number, which can change with market conditions.

[ 09:30 ] - It is the insured's responsibility to keep appraisals updated; insurers do not automatically adjust jewelry values for inflation or market shifts in metals and gemstones.

[ 11:40 ] - Outdated or inflated appraisals can create claim friction, while modern update tools and reminders help carriers reduce underinsurance and improve customer satisfaction.

[ 14:45 ] - Early education about policy limits, valuation methods, and appraisal updates builds trust, supports smoother claims handling, and leads to a more positive claims experience.

[ 17:12 ] - Brennan summarizes the key points above.

Your PLRB Resources

CE Course: Jewelry Valuation & Adjustment - https://members.plrb.org/education/courses/jewelry-valuation-amp-adjustment

Coverage Question: Agreed Value Settlement For Repair Of Jewelry - https://www.plrb.org/documents/wedding-ring-diamond-replaced-w-o-notifying-insurer-acv-for-original-ring-pcq-2009-10-08/?search=diamond%20value
https://members.plrb.org/education/courses/a-deep-dive-into-a-premises-liability-claim-part-1

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

Swine & Dine Farms underwent a devastating loss when a ventilation system shut off, resulting in the deaths of 2,400 hogs. Swine & Dine didn't own the hogs: they were contract growers raising the hogs for an "integrator," the contract owner of the animals who is not suing for the value of the lost hogs. What liability coverage is available for these folks?

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:41 ] - A ventilation failure led to the suffocation of thousands of hogs raised by a Contract Grower.

[ 04:47 ] - This scenario centers on farm commercial liability policies, not property coverage.

[ 05:20 ] - Standard farm liability forms often exclude damage to property in the insured's care, custody, or control, with narrow exceptions that may not fit contract grower operations.

[ 07:45 ] - Adjusters should obtain and closely review the grower–integrator contract, as it may define ownership, responsibilities, and procedures that directly affect liability and coverage.

[ 08:46 ] - Force majeure clauses can limit or eliminate liability when losses arise from events beyond a party's reasonable control, but their applicability depends on precise contract language.

[ 11:08 ] - Coverage and defense issues may diverge, requiring careful coordination when contracts include provisions that could waive recovery even if coverage defenses exist.

[ 12:51 ] - Brennan summarizes the key points above.

Your PLRB Resources

Recorded Webinar: Farm Bureau Town Hall Meeting - https://members.plrb.org/education/courses/farm-bureau-town-hall-meeting

CE Course: Specialized Equipment Losses - https://members.plrb.org/education/courses/specialized-equipment-losses

Listeners can email education@plrb.org for help navigating resources, requesting new content, or getting tailored curriculum support.

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

Sod's Country Farms was raising 65,000 chickens when a fire burned down the poultry house. After a detailed investigation, the cause of the fire was undetermined. To further complicate matters, Sod's Country Farms didn't even own the chickens themselves, but raised them for a vendor. They want to know if the property loss of the animals is covered-- and what policy would be most appropriate.

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:00 ] - A poultry house fire destroys 65,000 chickens, but the insured doesn't own the birds.

[ 03:30 ] - Contract Growing is common in agriculture, with farmers raising animals owned by vendors.

[ 05:20 ] - Under the ISO BOP, animals are generally excluded, but exceptions exist for animals owned by others and "boarded" by the insured.

[ 07:00 ] - Courts may rely on dictionary definitions when policy terms like "boarded" are undefined.

[ 09:00 ] - Adjusters should review the contract for risk transfer provisions, insurance requirements, and other-insurance clauses to understand responsibilities and potential overlap.

[ 11:30 ] - Standard BOP coverage can fall short for farming operations. Specialized farm policies are designed to address poultry risks more directly through scheduling and declaration-based coverage.

[ 13:30 ] - Declarations pages matter in agricultural losses. How buildings, poultry locations, and coverage types are defined can determine whether coverage applies or is excluded.

[ 15:30 ] - Valuing large-scale poultry losses is complex, involving age, weight, market timing, pricing data, and delay to market, often guided by specific policy language on cash market value.

[ 17:15 ] - Brennan summarizes the key points above.

Your PLRB Resources

Annotation: BP191 - Animals - https://members.plrb.org/documents/bp191-animals

Podcast Episode: Don't Count Your Chicken Coops Before They're Insured -
https://members.plrb.org/education/courses/dont-count-your-chicken-coops-before-theyre-insured

Listeners can email education@plrb.org for help navigating resources, requesting new content, or getting tailored curriculum support.

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Sponsorship

PLRB thanks SERVPRO Restoration for its Diamond Sponsorship of the 2025 Claims Conference. "The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration
We have more than 50 years of experience in the cleanup and restoration industry." Visit servpro.com!

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).

Alex is a team leader working with a mix of experienced adjusters and brand-new claims professionals, some assigned to the field and others working behind a desk. Alex has to make sure his team has the training they need to approach their work with confidence. Luckily PLRB.org's Education Hub has everything they need to succeed.

Notable Timestamps

[ 00:10 ] - The PLRB Education Hub supports team leaders like Alex with training for both new and experienced adjusters to build confidence in handling claims.

[ 01:25 ] - Update #1: A new critical thinking course will help adjusters analyze information, decide when to bring in experts, and resolve claims fairly and in good faith.

[ 02:20 ] - Update #2: The annual "Claims Resolution" webinar series will address ethics of automation, bad faith in AI, and how emerging tech affects investigations.

[ 03:35 ] - Update #3: A new PLRB designation program aims to take adjusters from entry level through line-of-business-specific training with elective options.

[ 05:05 ] - The Education Hub offers 200+ recorded webinars, podcasts, modules, and downloadable slide decks as an on-demand claims knowledge library.

[ 06:35 ] - "Test Your Claims Knowledge" microlearning modules use flashcards, definitions, photos, and scenarios for quick, interactive training.

[ 08:45 ] - Member companies can integrate PLRB courses, webinars, microlearnings, and even this podcast directly into their own LMS platforms.

[ 12:55 ] - PLRB will help members curate custom courses by combining videos, quizzes, and interactives in any sequence to match specific training goals.

[ 14:10 ] - The library includes 100+ non-CE modules, about 200 podcasts, some 250 recorded webinars, plus many shorter video series for flexible learning.

[ 16:25 ] - Mike summarizes the key points above.

Your PLRB Resources

Upcoming Events: PLRB Conferences & More! https://www.plrb.org/events

PLRB Education HUB: https://members.plrb.org/education

Listeners can email education@plrb.org for help navigating resources, requesting new content, or getting tailored curriculum support.

Employees of member companies also have access to a searchable legal database, hundreds of hours of video trainings, building code materials, weather data, and even the ability to have your coverage questions answered by our team of attorneys (https://www.plrb.org/ask-plrb/) at no additional charge to you or your company.

Subscribe to this Podcast

Your Podcast App - Please subscribe and rate us on your favorite podcast app

YouTube - Please like and subscribe at @plrb

LinkedIN - Please follow at "Property and Liability Resource Bureau"

Send us your Scenario!

Please reach out to us at 630-509-8704 with your scenario! This could be your "adjuster story" sharing a situation from your claims experience, or a burning question you would like the team to answer. In any case, please omit any personal information as we will anonymize your story before we share. Just reach out to scenario@plrb.org.

Sponsorship

PLRB thanks SERVPRO Restoration for its Diamond Sponsorship of the 2025 Claims Conference. "The #1 Choice in Cleanup and Restoration
We have more than 50 years of experience in the cleanup and restoration industry." Visit servpro.com!

Legal Information

The views and opinions expressed in this resource are those of the individual speaker and not necessarily those of the Property & Liability Resource Bureau (PLRB), its membership, or any organization with which the presenter is employed or affiliated. The information, ideas, and opinions are presented as information only and not as legal advice or offers of representation. Individual policy language and state laws vary, and listeners should rely on guidance from their companies and counsel as appropriate.

Music: "Piece of Future" by Keyframe_Audio. Pixabay. Pixabay License.
Font: Metropolis by Chris Simpson. SIL OFL 1.1.
Icons: FontAwesome (SIL OFL 1.1) and Noun Project (royalty-free licenses purchased via subscription).
Sound Effects: Pixabay (Pixabay License) and Freesound.org (CC0).