COVID-19 nearly ended Nebraska’s first opportunity to host the international Actuarial Research Conference (ARC) in 55 years. However, after a team of College of Business faculty, staff and students retooled the conference into a virtual format, more than 600 people from 30 countries attended.

Sue Vagts, director of the Actuarial Science Program, said, “We leveraged the strengths of our alumni and friends in developing the content with our scientific committee. We also utilized our college’s internal marketing, IT and event planning teams to manage the logistics.” 

The conference turned into a full three-day event with more than 200 presenters, including three keynote speakers, 26 experts on current topics, 33 research paper presentations and 10 graduate student research project sessions.

“Thanks to our sponsors, in-house team and incredible students, the cost was minimal with students receiving admission at no cost,” she said. "At Nebraska, we are known for offering a great education that's a best value, which enabled greater access." 

Dr. Colin Ramsay, Edwin J. Faulkner College Professor of Actuarial Science, credited the affordability and diversity of ARC for tripling the number of attendees. 

“The core elements were depth and breadth of sessions offered and the variety of non-traditional speakers,” said Ramsay. “This attracted a more diverse, motivated and interesting group of attendees. We ended up with more than three times the participants than the previous in-person ARC conference.” 

Dr. Edward Furman leads the actuarial science program at York University in Toronto and serves as founding director of the Risk and Insurance Studies Centre, said, “I am truly stunned by how exceptional the team at Nebraska performed. I was quite hesitant about a virtual conference, but they proved an outstanding conference experience does not have to be physical. Bravo and thank you.”