The 51st annual convention of the Florida Surplus Lines Association (FSLA) was held at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, a longtime favorite convention destination for FSLA.

Two of the main purposes of FSLA are to encourage an exchange of information among members and to disseminate educational information for the benefit of members and the betterment of the excess and surplus lines industry. These goals were certainly met at this year's convention, which boasted a record attendance for the second straight year. Attendees from both surplus lines brokers and retail agents, as well as attendees from surplus lines companies from all over the country, along with many associate members, claims adjustors, inspection services, and law firms had an opportunity to mix and exchange ideas.

In two morning business sessions, attendees heard from a variety of speakers. Excellent presentations were given by Cecil Pearce, president of the Florida Insurance Council; Jim Carey, president and CEO of Admiral Insurance Co.; Gary Pullen, executive director of the Florida Surplus Lines Service Office; Douglas Mang of the Mang Law firm, FSLA's general counsel and lobbyist; Jeff Grady, president and CEO of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents; and Lynne Hooker of Miller Insurance Services, Ltd., a fully independent Lloyd's broker and the fifth largest premium provider to Lloyd's.