The 2009 User Group Open Day was another roaring success. The day kicked off at 10am with a number of hot topics discussed. Marek presented two new programs that had recently beed developed suitable for brokers dealing with large binding authorities. Much of Morning Data's work is in direct response to clients needs, but we also work speculatively with features that we believe would make the lives of our users easier and provide Greater transparancy and data depth greater for analysis.  Underwriters are asking for more and more information from Brokers and whilst the coverholder's spreadsheet is normally sent straight through to underwriters, now Brokers can offer added value to Underwriters whilst actually decreasing the amount of time required to provide it.

David Edwards of The Insurance Workplace was the key speaker, covering the current and proposed direction of the electronic workplace for the Lloyd's market. The presentation sparked interesting debate amongst the users. Morning Data also updated clients on the current status of the ECM module, having completed the ECF and in final testing stages of A&S. The group agreed the advantages of taking the ECM module as one group were signifiant and the group ratified the proposal.  The ECM module will be offered to all Lloyd;s Brokers as standard.

After the end of the serious part of the day lunch was served and the important task of preparing for the Briantspuddle Olympics got underway. Speed Croquet was making a welcome return on the list of events, and joinging it on the energy rich events was the tabletennis balls into garden objects event - requiring high acurancy and extensive patience. On the cerebral level the Quiz, held once again in the bright and airy conservatory saw the sorting of the men from the boys in insurance terms. Scoff you may but do you know the answers to some of the following:

1. Who was the first American to sound an insurance compan y
   
2. Where in EC three were dead dogs dumped?
3. What type of industry was practised in Billetter Street?
4. What was the core principles of insurance in the ancient Babylonian code of Hammurabi?
5. In which American state must all insurance brokers live within the state borders?
6. What does the etymology of the word broker seen to justify?
7. Who devised the history of the probabilities of which assessment of premiums in all forms of insurance are based?
   

Once the brain and the body were both stretched it was down to the spacial test with Giant Jenga, and the precision and coordination test with Guitar Hero on XBox360 and Zelda Crossbow on the wii.

The 7 teams of 2 battled it out for about 2 hours before the winners were declared, Paul Farmer of Paul Napier Ltd and Melanie Coles of the Bournemouth University.

When all the sillyness had subsided, tea was serverd and people departed to prepare for our evening entertainment. By popular request the Charity Casio Night presneted by Vagis Nights returned, and got underway with all the guests beautifully turned out in their black tie refinery.

The evening was a great success once again providing us with the ability to support another 16 Goats to Eritrea. A wonderful day had by all and a big "Thank You" to the support of staff and guests on the day.