As you pause on the edge of the 21st century, it's time to consider what you will need to take you into the next millennium. Will your business thrive in a world that is growing simpler and, at the same time, much more complex?

Technologies long dreamed-of have finally matured. Many insurers and agencies are using leading-edge systems. The notion of sharing information among multiple trading partners is happening. Single entry of data is becoming a reality. Industry standards are not only working, but also keeping pace with new technology.

In addition to ACORD's role in standards development, we also provide a forum and venue for people from all aspects of the industry. Our annual Technology Conference brings the industry's leading agents and insurers together with the vendors who provide the tools for their businesses. This year's Conference program is packed with ideas on how to use these tools to increase business and build strategies for the next millennium.

I'm pleased to present the ACORD Technology Conference special section as part of Rough Notes magazine. Within these pages you'll find out about the Conference and read articles related to the workshops of the Agent Track. You'll also find an Agency Automation Reference Guide, a new feature, that will help you locate the business software your agency needs.

To explore technology and business solutions, come to ACORD Technology Conference '99, May 23-25, at the Contemporary Resort, Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Hear and talk with the experts, view system demonstrations on the giant screen in our stadium-seated Demo Area, and meet your peers who face the same issues as you. I look forward to seeing you there!

Regards,

Gregory A. Maciag,
President and CEO, ACORD

Table of Contents

Previews of the General Sessions, Town Meeting and
Agent Track Workshops

An Agent's Guide to the Y2K Legal Landscape.....By Len Brevik

Producer Information Network.....By Joel Volker

Taming a Ferocious Marketplace.....By Tana Sabatino

Sliding Back or Moving Ahead?.....By Cal Durland

Banks and P&C Insurance.....By W. Martin Taylor

Using the Internet to Work Smart.....By Don West

Learning from Trial and Error.....By Alan L. Shulman, CPCU

A Three-Legged Stool.....By Mike Bergstein

AGENCY AUTOMATION REFERENCE GUIDE