Upcoming industry events spotlight rising wholesale insurance pros
WSIA’s U40 group helps early-career professionals build their network and have fun in the process.
For early-career professionals, industry events like the recent Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association’s 2022 Annual Marketplace can be overwhelming thanks to the large numbers of attendees and a packed schedule of meetings and activities.
WSIA’s U40 group was designed to ease that feeling and help under-40 insurance-industry professionals connect with one another and build relationships and community as they develop their industry-wide network.
During the Annual Marketplace, U40 hosted a networking reception immediately following one of the event’s two sessions focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I). U40 also was involved in planning these sessions, which addressed ways that insurance organizations can enhance their DEI&A initiatives.
“We are energized by being involved in these DEI&A discussions,” said Adam Care, past president of U40 and a vice president at HSB. “There is such positive momentum right now for this conversation, and the panelists who have agreed to share their time and perspective here are top-notch. I think these sessions will offer actionable takeaways for any attendee here, regardless of their career phase or role.”
In addition to U40 education and networking opportunities throughout the year, the group also hosts its own Annual Meeting each fall. The next U40 gathering is Oct. 23-25, 2022, in Phoenix. Event capacity is limited, but there are still a few registrations available. You can learn more here.
Care said there are currently approximately 1,300 U40 members, and anyone who is under 40 and employed by a WSIA member firm can join at no charge.
“We’ve all heard that this is a relationship business, and it’s absolutely true,” Care said. “My involvement in U40 has not only provided opportunities to build those relationships with my U40 peers, but it has also been a great avenue to expanding my involvement with WSIA in general. I cannot recommend it strongly enough for those who haven’t yet joined. It’s no risk and can offer great rewards.”
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