The newly opened Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel was the venue for the 2009 IGP Seminar, which was held from September 29 – October 1.

We were pleased that so many of our Network Partners, as well as representatives of some of the leading multinational companies and their advisors, were able to attend and learn what’s new in the constantly changing world of international employee benefits.

Before the start of the formal program, all attendees and their guests were invited to join us on Monday evening, September 28, for a welcome reception at the hotel. This provided an opportunity for attendees to meet and socialize in a casual atmosphere.

On Tuesday morning, Peter de Vries, Head of the IGP Network, officially opened the Seminar by welcoming the attendees and sharing some recent IGP news – the resumption of pooling in Brazil, new Network Partners in Colombia and El Salvador and the introduction of the newest IGP market: Romania.

We were then pleased to introduce our keynote speaker, business professor and best-selling author, Peter Navarro, who gave a thought-provoking presentation on why global awareness is important to benefits managers and how the economic downturn will impact the future provision of employee benefits. Professor Navarro also advised the audience which indicators to monitor for future economic trends and which countries will face increasing challenges due to population shifts and changing demographics.

Following the opening presentations, IGP Network Partners conducted country panel sessions covering the social security and typical private employee benefits practice in their respective countries. Informal meetings and social events provided additional opportunities for discussions with the IGP Network Partners. There were also ample opportunities for attendees to network and exchange information with other participants.

Over the course of the three days, attendees were able to attend up to 12 country panels, out of a selection of over 35, in addition to the opening presentation and Special Interest Sessions. Panels were also held on benefits and programs available for expatriates and third-country nationals.

In the country panels of their choice, newcomers to the field of international benefits had the opportunity to learn about plan design and funding issues. Seasoned benefits professionals were updated on any changes, trends or legislation affecting employee benefits in a particular country.

The social highlight of the week was a special lobster dinner and clambake held at the New England Aquarium. This event was enjoyed by all attendees, especially those who had not been to Boston before and were pleased to experience a true regional specialty.

The Seminar concluded on Thursday morning with two Special Interest Sessions.

During the first session, representatives of the world’s leading multimedia entertainment company gave an engaging and entertaining presentation on the advantages of setting up a multinational pool. Company representatives explained how the dividends from their IGP pool are used to fund other benefits programs such as supplemental employee health and wellness programs.

The second session featured an equally interesting presentation by our new Network Partner in Colombia, Mapfre Colombia Vida Seguros, on the advantages of doing business in Colombia as well as a synopsis of the country’s social security and current employee benefits practice.

After the Special Interest Sessions, closing remarks were provided by Peter de Vries who thanked everyone for attending and contributing to the success of the 2009 IGP Seminar.

For over 40 years, IGP has been helping global companies to manage their employee benefits plans through multinational pooling. Our Network Partners are leaders in their respective countries and offer Seminar attendees the opportunity to learn first-hand about the current social security and private employee benefits practice in these countries.

Whether you are responsible for employee benefits, human resources, or risk management, you will find a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of international employee benefits by attending IGP Seminars.

Please check back with us in the future for more information regarding upcoming IGP Seminars in Asia, Europe and North America.