IASA and Ward Group Announce 2015 Technology Innovation Award Submissions Being Accepted

DURHAM, NC and CINCINNATI, OH--(Marketwired - Feb 10, 2015) -  IASA, in partnership with Ward Group, is pleased to announce submissions are now being accepted for the 2015 Technology Innovation Award. This award, which presents a forum for insurance technology innovation acknowledgement, will be given to the insurance company demonstrating the most ground-breaking use of technology in product, service or overall project scope. 

The Technology Innovation Award recognizes the successful implementation of an initiative where technology "made a significant difference" to an insurance company's environment in terms of setting direction, improving operational efficiency, increasing revenue or achieving other strategic business goals. Projects which defy tradition, including those that use older or existing technologies in pioneering ways, are excellent candidates for consideration.

"Last year, we saw many unique approaches to how technology is being utilized in the insurance industry," said Jeff Rieder, partner of Ward Group. "We want to recognize the companies that think outside the box, and who are utilizing technology in innovative ways to make a meaningful impact on their businesses. We are excited to see what's in store this year."

This year, the top submissions will be named at the 2015 IASA Annual Educational Conference & Business Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 7-10, 2015, and the finalists will then present project details to an audience of their peers at the IASA Executive EDGE Conference (EDGE) in St. Louis, Missouri, September 20-21, 2015. During EDGE, attendees will vote to select the winner of the award.

"The peer judging component in the final selection process allows others in the insurance industry to learn more about how companies are utilizing technology to make a positive impact on their own companies," said Mary Ellen Freyermuth, director of IT for Catholic Mutual Group and chief information officer for IASA. "People really enjoy learning about how other companies across the insurance industry are utilizing technology, and taking those ideas back to their offices to share with their teams."

The Technology Innovation Award submission form can be downloaded from the IASA website at www.iasa.org/TechnologyInnovationAward. Submissions can be made by insurance companies, technology vendors or other interested parties until April 1, 2015. Submissions will be reviewed by an expert panel comprised of insurance industry analysts, consultants, media and insurance company professionals to select the award finalists. The winner will receive a customized plaque, industry media and press recognition through news releases, and one complimentary full conference registration to the 2015 IASA Annual Educational Conference & Business Show.

About IASA
The Insurance Accounting & Systems Association, Inc. (IASA) is a non-profit, education association that strives to enhance the knowledge of insurance industry professionals, and participants from similar organizations closely allied with the insurance industry by facilitating the exchange of ideas and information. IASA is one of the insurance industry's largest, and most well represented trade association. IASA membership includes insurance companies of all types (Property & Casualty, Life, Health, Fraternal, HMO and others) as members, as well as companies serving the insurance industry, regulators and also organizations more broadly representative of the financial services industry, including banks and investment brokerage firms. Learn more about the IASA by visiting our website at www.iasa.org, or by calling (919) 489-0991.

About Ward Group
Ward Group, a McLagan/Aon Hewitt company, is the leading provider of benchmarking and best practices studies for insurance companies. The firm analyzes staff levels, compensation, expenses and business practices for all areas of insurance company operations and helps companies to measure results, optimize performance and improve profitability. For more information about Ward Group, visit www.wardinc.com.