Demystifying Reinsurance – A Basics of Reinsurance Course

SEPTEMBER 29-30, 2026 | CHICAGO, IL

Learning Objectives

Re Basics: Demystifying Reinsurance provides a thorough introduction to property/casualty reinsurance.  Attendees are guided through all steps of the reinsurance transaction and its impact on the bottom line of an insurance company.  

Attendees will:
• Learn the similarities and differences between insurance and reinsurance
• Understand the purpose of reinsurance and its impact on the financials of an insurance company
• Discuss the types of reinsurance contracts
• Understand the structure of reinsurance programs
• Learn how reinsurance is marketed and the reasons behind the various methods
• Learn the ins and outs of risk transfer
• Discuss the importance of claims to the organization
• Learn the impact of reinsurance on financial statements
• Analyze reinsurance programs
• Learn the role of alternative markets
• Examine hot topics in reinsurance 

Who Should Attend

• Insurance and reinsurance company employees at all levels
• Intermediaries
• Attorneys specializing in reinsurance
• Insurance company professionals
• Regulators/staff

Tuition

$2095 - Registration 
$1695 - RAA Member   
$1295 - Government Entities (contact the RAA to check eligibility)
$1095 - Insurance Regulators (contact the RAA to check eligibility) 

Cancellation Policy

All seminar cancellations must be in writing to the RAA. Refund or credit will be issued up to two weeks prior to the start of the conference. After that date, no refunds or credits will be issued, but substitutes are welcome.

Questions about the program or registration? Contact Johnetta Riley, 202-783-8322.

Venue

Foley & Lardner LLP
321 N Clark St 
Suite 3000
Chicago, IL 60654-4762

Hotel

Kinzie Hotel (Click here to book this hotel)
20 West Kinzie Street
Chicago, IL 60654
Room Rate:$225 per night
Block expires:  Cut off Sept 9th or when sold out

Continuing Education

Re Basics is eligible for continuing education credits, and earns credit towards the Re Scholar designation.    

2026 Sponsors

 
 
 

“By far and away the most well rounded and useful Cat-focused industry conference out there. Perfect for all levels within the industry. From the conference content, the presenters and the attendees, this conference is a can’t miss for those interested in expanding their knowledge and learning more about cat related insurance and reinsurance modeling topics ” Nick DiMuzio, Everest

"Fantastic, enriching conference - brilliantly planned and run, illuminating talks and excellent opportunities for networking across multiple areas of catastrophic risk.” Gary Ackerman, University at Albany

“From a treaty underwriter's point of view, RAA presented relevant topics related to today's macro events. Scientific presentations provided insight that I can incorporate in underwriting and share with my clients.” Eric B. Silberman, Munich Re

"Great conference with some of the biggest names in the business presenting their work. What more could you ask for?” Ron Nash, Nash Consulting

“A perfect introduction to the world of reinsurance. Relevant topics, great speakers and the opportunity to network with industry peers makes this a must go event.”
Tom Barrett, Everest Re

Demystifying Reinsurance was an excellent tool to clearly understand and break down the basics. Very good class and recommend it for beginners and even as a refresher course for the intermediate student.”
Chenessia West, TransRe

“Re Basics is the ideal opportunity whether an industry professional or student of insurance to understand the in and outs of reinsurance while being able to network with persons spread across the whole industry.”
Darius Zuill, Bermuda Monetary Authority

“This has been the best reinsurance seminar that I have been to! Whether a reinsurance seasoned vet or new to the field, this is an engaging seminar that addressed specific issues of the reinsurance market.”
Michelle Thimm, Church Mutual Insurance 

“Re Underwriting provided a comprehensive and interesting overview of underwriting in the current market with a major (and interesting) focus on trends. Very useful for underwriting and non-underwriting alike.”
DeVika Bourne, PartnerRe

“Very informative experience, and a great way to keep up to date on current underwriting events and trends.”
Steven Whalen, Aspen Re

“Time well spent in learning the updated underwriting business and networking!”
Christine Chen,  Everest Re 
“The panels and presentations were thought provoking and fascinating as numerous topics were covered affecting the industry. I’m leaving the conference with a greater insight of the future market.”
Brittany de Frias, AXIS Capital 

 

“RAA Re Finance was the first RAA seminar I attended, and I was thoroughly impressed with the speakers and content. I learned a great deal from the presentations and intend to bring some new ideas back to my company and share with the team!”
Taylor Robinson, ICW Group

“Fantastic slate of instructors who thoughtfully walked us through financial reporting and other aspects of reinsurance finance. They used terminology that non finance people (lawyers) could understand. Really great program.”
Steven Bazil, The Bazil Group

“If you are in Reinsurance Accounting/Finance, you need to take this course to help you with your job.”
Frank Borawski, Markel  

“The speakers were excellent! There is something to be said about a person, and in this case a group of people, who can take time away from their busy schedules and explain to everyone something they feel passionate about in a manner that's understandable. My only complaint is that I wish we had more time with them.”
Jessica Mieles, Sompo International

“The RAA ReContracts is the most comprehensive reinsurance contract wording training available in the U.S. market.”
David Kragseth, Guy Carpenter   

“The course was very helpful in addressing different viewpoints and important things to consider in contract design and review.”
Andy Martin, AmericanAg 

“The RAA contract course was very informative and interesting. It covered a wide range of Reinsurance Contracts Types. In my Reinsurance Career, I have had the opportunity to work on a limited type of contracts, so I learned a lot.”
Vivian Castro, Arch Insurance Company 

“The RAA Contracts course provides the opportunity to engage with relevant topics, taught by industry experts, in both seminar and small group environments. The course material and industry experts provide an understanding on a wide range of subjects.” 
Kevin English, LMRe

“Participation in Re Claims should be mandatory for all P&C reinsurance underwriters. It’s truly an eye-opener, providing an in-depth look from a claims manager’s perspective on what happens to the business that we underwrite. There are lots of do’s and don’ts to pay attention to. Re Claims answers all the hard questions."  Michael Delacruz, China Re P&C

“I absolutely love this program. I learned so many new things. Reinsurance from the industry’s top executives, interactive activities, interesting panels, and innovating presentations makes for an intriguing few days. Well worth the time and money.” Chenessia West, TransRe

“As a reinsurance attorney I find Re Claims highly valuable to stay abreast of emerging issues. Also, being walked through practical case studies is extremely helpful in creating a thorough understanding of how contracts work.” Steven Bazil, The Bazil Group

Become a Re Scholar!

The Re Ed Institute's Re Scholar Program seeks to recognize those who achieve a high standard of reinsurance education by completing the Re Scholar curriculum. Learn More.

Become a Re Ed Sponsor

The RAA’s Reinsurance Education Institute programs attract professionals from the world’s leading insurance/reinsurance companies, brokers, law firms and consulting firms. Interested in sponsoring? Contact William Fawcett.