Underwriting Summit offers a more relaxed and intimate environment than Annual Marketplace, and in 2023 WSIA welcomed nearly 1,500 attendees to the event. (Photo credit: Sean Pavone/Adobe Stock)
The 2024 WSIA Underwriting Summit will be held March 3-6 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa, in Phoenix, Ariz.
This event offers a more relaxed and intimate environment than the WSIA Annual Marketplace. In 2023, WSIA welcomed nearly 1,500 attendees to the event.
The Underwriting Summit focuses on designated time for networking and business meetings for the underwriting, delegated authority, program specialist and professional and financial lines segments of the WSIA membership, as well as firm leadership.
The association's opening breakfast and annual business meeting will be held March 4, 2024. WSIA members will elect new officers and directors to the board during that meeting, and recipients of the association's leadership and service awards will be recognized.
"Honoring our very deserving award recipients is one of my favorite parts of Underwriting Summit," says Events Committee Co-Chair, Brenda (Ballard) Austenfeld, WSIA vice president and CEO and president — national property, RT Specialty. "Volunteers make this association great, and it's a wonderful opportunity to recognize people for their service to WSIA and our industry."
After the Annual Business Meeting, 2024 attendees will hear from keynote speaker, Laila Ali. The daughter of Muhammed Ali, Laila Ali is a retired boxer (1999-2007) and works as a fitness and wellness advocate and TV host. Laila is a cooking enthusiast and has previously won Food Network's celebrity edition of "Chopped." Laila is passionate about giving back and supports Feeding America, Children's Hospital and Peace 4 Kids with her time and talents.
"We're thrilled to have Laila Ali join us as keynote speaker," Austenfeld says. "She is an influential and empowering woman, and I'm looking forward to hearing her share her lessons and stories in business and life from a new perspective. I hope that all attendees will carve out time to participate in the breakfast and session."
On Wed., March 6, the WSIA Education Foundation will host its annual golf tournament to raise funds that support student and WSIA member education opportunities. Members can register as a team of four or as an individual when they register for the Underwriting Summit.
"It's a long-standing tradition to offer this tournament as an additional event for members in conjunction with this meeting," says Events Committee Co-Chair Carlton Maner, secretary, WSIA and CEO, AXIS. "Not only is it a great way to support the Education Foundation, but it's also another way to network or spend time with colleagues outside of the office, which helps maximize your time in Phoenix."
Underwriting Summit also features the Brokers' Lounge, club and vendor tables, and the opportunity to support and be involved in WSIA's U40 during networking receptions. Registration for the Underwriting Summit will open in early January. Stay tuned for additional details in future WSIA emails.
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