Greetings, fellow aficionados of appraisal arts and arbiters of insurance disputes! Pack your bags, dust off your snow gear (you never know with Park City in July!), and prepare your calculators for the upcoming Insurance Appraisal and Umpire Association (IAUA) event in the illustrious, possibly snow-capped mountains of Park City, Utah. Why? Because the IAUA is descending on Badgerland, and this is one rendezvous you don’t want to miss—if not for the learning, then at least for the best food and cocktail receptions, which is a hallmark of IAUA conferences!
Day 1 – Wednesday, July 24: Battle of the Breakfast Buffet
Start your day with a hearty battle at the breakfast buffet from 7:30 to 8:30 AM—where the only thing hotter than the coffee will be the debates about who gets the last croissant. Seriously, get there early; those pastries are a hot commodity.
The Morning Showdown
Once everyone is fully caffeinated, we’ll dive into the foundations of the IAUA and explore why, even after years, we’re still inviting disputes to our disputes. It’s like a family reunion but with more legal terminology and less awkward hugging.
The “Battle of Merlin vs. Badger”
Don’t miss the marquee event where Steven J. Badger, Esq., and yours truly take the stage for a dramatic re-enactment of our ongoing legal joust—complete with legal briefs and a gavel! It will be your chance to see Steve Badger’s impersonations of Wily Coyote and Yosemite Sam.
The All-Important Lunch
At the Chicago IAUA event lunch, I asked Bob Norton how the IAUA could afford the spread. Refuel, network, or take a power nap—you’ll need the energy for the afternoon sessions.
The Afternoon Trials
Post-lunch, we delve into the mysteries of who can and should serve as an appraiser, debate the nuanced dance of repair vs. replace, and solve the age-old question: Is causation really coverage? Wrap up the day by learning how to render an appraisal award that doesn’t end up as another case study in what not to do.
Evening: Reception or Reflection?
As the sun sets over Park City, join us for a reception. You do not need dinner plans—the food will be that good and abundant. The toughest decision you’ll make is whether to network or hover near the appetizers. (Tip: Do both; multitasking is a skill!)
Day 2 – Thursday, July 25: No Rest for the Certified
Another Day, Another Breakfast
Fuel up again from 7:30 AM because we’re not just here to play; we’re here to certify! Certification Day brings intensity and focus from the prior lessons. If you thought the discussions were intense yesterday, just wait until you see the concentration during the final certification class.
The Test of Time
Then, it’s exam time at 11:30 AM. Remember, it’s BYOD—bring your own device—and make sure it runs longer than your attention span in a two-hour meeting.
Why You Can’t Miss This Event
- Networking: Connect with fellow appraisers who can tell a hail impact from a golf ball dent from twenty paces away.
- Education: Where else can you debate the existential crises of appraisal clauses and not get weird looks?
- Fun: It’s in Park City, folks. If the discussions don’t elevate your spirits, the altitude surely will.
- Food: Did I mention the free IAUA meals? Come for the knowledge, stay for the spreads.
- Entertainment: Steve Badger
- Merlin Appraisal Newsletter: Have I publicly told readers that the only way to get this quarterly subscription is by attending an appraisal class I speak at?
Final Thoughts
Remember last year’s adventure post about Chip Merlin in BadgerLand? It was legendary, and this year promises even more tales to tell. Whether you’re a seasoned appraiser or an aspiring umpire, this event is designed to entertain, educate, and embolden you in the fine art of insurance appraisal. In that post, I stated:
“If you are not showing up for the debates and lessons where Badger and I poke fun and provide real-life learning scenarios regarding appraisal issues, you are missing out. Indeed, I am providing, for those who attend events where I am personally speaking, three free learning tools for their adjustment and appraisal toolkit. You only have to show up, learn to be the type of appraiser or umpire one would want to hire, and make more money by having better credentials.
Bob Norton’s classes have been tweaked and improvised to be the best of the breed. The IAUA provides an excellent instruction in the appraisal process. I encourage those involved in appraisal to obtain the certifications from the IAUA. I get paid nothing to say that but feel that Bob’s lessons are excellent.”
So, don your best business-casual ensemble (or hiking and ski gear, because why not?), and join us for a two-day escapade that will make you wish every conference involved as much legal drama and breakfast food. It is a great time of year to visit Park City for a mid-summer getaway.
See you in the mountains where the air is clear, the debates are fiery, and the coffee is (hopefully) strong. Don’t forget to register, and for heaven’s sake, don’t be late for breakfast!
Thought For The Day
I’m the meanest, roughest, toughest hombre that’s ever crossed the Rio Grande – and I ain’t no namby-pamby!
—Steve Badger, aka Yosemite Sam
