Excess & Surplus Lines
June 14-17, 2026 • Chicago, IL
For insurance professionals who are relatively new to the surplus lines industry
About the Program
Gain a solid understanding of how excess and surplus lines insurance works in the marketplace in this introductory program. E&S participants analyze and discuss real world issues and leave with a foundational understanding of the dynamics and relationships between surplus lines brokers and carriers. Surplus lines industry executives are the primary instructors. Attendees participate in a variety of self-directed learning settings such as study groups, panels and informal networking sessions. Excess & Surplus Lines and Marcus Payne Advanced E&S will be hosted concurrently in Chicago, IL at the Gleacher Center. All networking opportunities will be held together, including a Cocktail Cruise on Lake Michigan to enjoy the beautiful Chicago skyline!
Watch this short video to hear past participants talk about their Excess & Surplus Lines experience.
Learn more about Excess & Surplus Lines in the
informational program brochure.
Who Should Attend
The Excess & Surplus Lines program is designed for insurance professionals with less than five years of experience in the surplus lines industry. Persons with more than five years of surplus lines experience are encouraged to attend the Marcus Payne Advanced E&S program.
Registration and Fees
- The 2026 program is currently sold out. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist in the event of cancellations, please complete this form.
- Registration is $1,950 per participant and includes hotel accommodations.
- Contact Lindsay Holland, [email protected], with any questions.
2026 Schedule
*Schedule details are tentative and subject to change.
- Sunday at Loews Hotel - Opening Events, Registration and Hotel Check-in
- Monday-Wednesday at Gleacher Center - Classroom sessions and meals will be located in room 621
Sunday, June 14
| 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. |
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Hotel Check-In/On-site Registration
Loews Chicago Hotel, Rooftop Terrace (3rd floor)
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| 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. |
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Opening Program and Dinner
Loews Chicago Hotel, Wright Ballroom
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8:00 - 9:00 p.m.
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Reception
Loews Chicago Hotel
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Monday, June 15
| 7:00 -8:00 a.m. |
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Breakfast Buffet
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| 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. |
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Welcome to E&S
David Archiable, Dellwood |
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8:30 - 10:00 a.m.
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Emerging Issues and Trends
Shanna Sweeney, Upland Capital Group
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10:00 - 10:15 a.m.
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Break
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| 10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. |
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The Distribution Playbook: MGAs, MGUs & Market Dynamics
Rachel Pagliarulo, General Star
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12:15 - 1:15 p.m.
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Lunch
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1:15 - 2:00 p.m.
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Strategic Insights – The Barriers That Are Holding Back Better Collaboration
Matt Blessing, CRC Group
Barb Habel, Atain
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2:00 - 2:15 p.m.
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Break
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| 2:15 - 3:00 p.m. |
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Creating Efficiencies with Generative AI
Annemarie Sorensen, Nationwide
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| 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. |
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Language of the Business
Shanna Sweeney, Upland Capital Group
Kelly Tate, Aurenity
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4:30 - 7:00 p.m.
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Chicago Cocktail Cruise, Navy Pier
Reception and Hors d’oeuvres
Boarding begins at 4:45 and cruise departs at 5:00 p.m.
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Tuesday, June 16
| 7:00 -8:00 a.m. |
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Breakfast Buffet
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8:00 - 10:00 a.m.
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Sales & Marketing: Influencing with Integrity
Stephen Jones, Admiral Insurance
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10:00 - 10:15 a.m.
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Break
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10:15 - 11:30 a.m.
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Where’s the Money?
Paola Lake, Dellwood
Annemarie Sorensen, Nationwide
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11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
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Lunch
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12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
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Risk Takers
David Archiable, Dellwood
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2:30 - 3:00 p.m.
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Break
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3:00 - 4:15 p.m.
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Data Analytics and E&S
Michelle Heinzinger, Liberty Mutual Insurance
Mike Simon, Amwins
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Wednesday, June 17
| 7:00 -8:00 a.m. |
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Breakfast Buffet
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| 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. |
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Lloyd’s
Mark Rector, Lloyd’s
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| 9:00 - 9:15 a.m. |
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Break |
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| 9:15 - 10:30 a.m. |
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Breakout Exercise, Real World Question
Barb Habel, Atain
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| 10:30 - 10:45 a.m. |
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Break |
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| 10:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. |
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Panel
Lauren Coleman, Amwins Group
Carrie Goesel, Zurich North America
Barner LaSalle Cooks, Liberty Mutual Insurance
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| 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. |
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Lunch with Panel Guests
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| 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. |
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Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy
David Ocasek, Surplus Lines Association of Illinois
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2:30 - 3:00 p.m.
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Closing Comments, Evaluations & Departure
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Training Location
Gleacher Center
450 Cityfront Plaza Dr.
Chicago, IL 60611
Hotel Accommodations
Loews Chicago Hotel
455 N Park Dr.
Chicago, IL 60611
The deadline to reserve a hotel room has passed.
InterContinental Chicago
505 N Michigan Ave,
Chicago, IL 60611
The deadline to reserve a hotel room has passed.
Reserving your hotel room is the responsibility of the attendee. The cost of your hotel reservation is included in your registration fees. If you do not secure a room, one will not be reserved for you. Nights booked outside of the program dates are the responsibility of the attendee.
If you have any questions regarding hotel rooms, please reach out to Lindsay Holland, [email protected].
Excess & Surplus Lines Program Topics
- Language of the Business - Learn how to strengthen communication skills to build your working relationships, present your ideas and break down the art of the deal to impact outcomes and positive gains.
- Wholesale Distribution Systems - Understand the different channels and key players.
- Strategies for E&S Marketing - Gain expertise in how to navigate the complexities of E&S insurance marketing.
- Lloyd’s Market Overview - Learn about the unique global network of the wholesale, specialty and surplus lines market.
- Financial Indicators for Successful Companies - Go beyond the balance sheet and gain an understanding of what the financials mean to you and your business.
- Examination of Issues, Trends and Regulatory Impacts - Hear real-world examples of proposed and existing regulations and non-regulatory alternatives.
Excess & Surplus Lines Cancellation Policy
- Registrants can receive a full refund if the request is made by April 30, 2026.
- Registrants can receive a 50% refund between May 1 and May 14, 2026.
- No refund is offered after March 14, 2026.
- Should you cancel after March 14, 2026, you will have an opportunity to substitute a qualified candidate from your firm as an alternative to the above refund policy.
- All requests must be made in writing to Lindsay Holland, [email protected].