For anyone involved in (re)insurance the beginning of August usually brings into focus that before too long we’ll be heading off to the warm climes of the Cote d’Azur for the Rendez-Vous de Septembre, or as most of us call it – ‘Monte’.

Monte presents an ideal opportunity for the market to meet for the beginning of the renewal season. Clients, contacts, friends old and new will reconnect to gather thoughts and share insights ahead of the 1.1’s, champagne glasses will clink and FD’s will fear the incoming expense reports!

Brandformula will once again be attending, supporting our clients with a variety of marketing and PR activity, research, roundtable participation, and meeting with clients old and new. With a month to go here are some top tips to help you navigate the Rendez-Vous:

• A handy shortcut - take the lift in the reception of the Fairmont to the top floor and exit by Budda Bar, avoiding climbing the stairs full of tourists and magazine distributors.
• It never rains in Monte Carlo, apart from when it does. Hotel de Paris umbrellas also make for a nice souvenir.
• Beware the nocturnal reinsurance consultants at the Saas Bar, they may trigger XoL limits.

But for more serious tips on ensuring you have a successful Monte, we have the following advice.

• Communication to the market has to be effective - it needs to be clear and concise with a strong action or viewpoint. Hyperbole and buzzwords are best avoided.
• Branding needs to be relevant and targeted, a focus on ‘sustainability targeting’ minimises wastage and ensures results can be measured.
• Trade press may be present in abundance at Monte, but their time and focus is valuable and limited. Effective PR planning will aid your transition to thought leader amongst your peers.

If this short article has piqued your interest in how to raise both your personal profile and company brand at the 66^th Rendez-Vous de Septembre please get in touch with Rob.

Rob Hughes
Business Development Director
rhughes@brandformula.co.uk