The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) will host its annual awards celebration at The Star Event Centre in Sydney on October 26.

ANZIIF says submissions in 17 award categories are now open until July 2.

This year’s Australian Insurance Industry Awards, the 17th annual ceremony, marks a return after COVID forced cancellation of the 2020 event.

“We are overjoyed to see the return of the industry’s night of nights following a year without physical events,” ANZIIF CEO Prue Willsford said.

“The Australian insurance awards hold great significance for industry as they provide a platform for us to come together and celebrate the achievements and positive impact we have on our people and community.”

The awards acknowledge the accomplishments of individuals and businesses and recognise talent across the Australian insurance industry. The 2021 judging panel will look for organisations and individuals who can showcase how they have supported the customer, community, and their people over the last year.

Each year, more than 750 industry professionals gather together to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues and peers.

This year, changes have been made to the general insurance categories, which see the inclusion of categories for Small, Medium and Large General Insurance Companies with criteria focused on customer outcomes.

Revisions have also been made for the broking and authorised representative (AR) categories. AR companies are now eligible to enter the broking categories.

Here are the 2021 Australian Insurance Industry Awards categories:

Small Broking Company of the Year

Medium Broking Company of the Year

Large Broking Company of the Year

Authorised Representative Network of the Year

Underwriting Agency of the Year

Small General Insurance Company of the Year

Medium General Insurance Company of the Year

Large General Insurance Company of the Year

Life Insurance Company of the Year

Insurtech Program of the Year

Professional Services Firm of the Year

Service Provider to the Insurance Industry

Excellence in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion

Insurance Learning Program of the Year

Young Insurance Professional of the Year

Insurance Leader of the Year

ANZIIF Lifetime Achievement Award

Submissions can be made here.