More than 4,000 insurance professionals converged in San Diego Tuesday, Nov. 16 for the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA) 2021 Annual Marketplace with many winding down the day of meetings at the professional and financial line reception. As the sun began its descent into the San Diego Bay's horizon, old friends embraced, new business connections were further solidified and many remarked on the joy of being able to meet in person after a year of Zoom meetings and virtual events. While the professional and financial lines reception drew a robust crowd, it served as a preamble to the official launch of the WSIA Annual Marketplace on Wed., Nov. 17, with the early opening of the Brokers' Lounge Zones and The Club. Craig Poulton, CEO of Poulton Associates LLC, said that WSIA's annual event provides a chance to speak with business partners he might not otherwise get to meet with face-to-face, including partners abroad that play vital roles in writing private flood insurance. Noting it was his fourth event of what is typically a busy travel schedule, Brett Carter, managing director of The Jacobson Group and a 20-year insurance-industry veteran, said WSIA is the "Super Bowl" for wholesale insurance gatherings. "Everyone looks forward to the Annual Marketplace," Carter said. "Everyone you need to partner or want to meet with is here." Related: |

• Key issues for the WSIA Legislative Committee in 2021
• WSIA expands efforts in education and diversity
• AM Best exec outlines 2021 surplus lines market trends