Annual WSSLC Stops in Big Sky Country

The Annual Western States Surplus Lines Conference meets July 9-12 in Big Sky, Montana, drawing hundreds of industry professionals and their families to the open country for three days of fun, relaxation, and of course, the latest in the surplus lines industry. The Montana Surplus Lines Agents Association (MSLAA) will host this year’s event.

This year’s program features Joy Campbell, president of the MSLAA and Montana State Auditor and Insurance Commissioner John Morrison. Wendy Baker of Lloyd’s of London will discuss what’s going on in the reinsurance marketplace, and its effects on surplus lines carriers. Dick Bouhan will present the view from the National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPLSO).

In addition, South Carolina Insurance Commissioner Ernst Csiszar, who also serves as president-elect of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), will talk about current regulatory trends both nationally and regionally. John Molhur of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Green & MacRea LLP will present “100 Percent Gross Liability on the Trust Funds for Reinsurers,” and James Smith will present “9-11-2001 and its Aftermath.”

The WSSLC is a “unique opportunity for carriers, wholesalers and retailers to gather in a relaxed atmosphere and network in regard to surplus lines market,” Campbell said. “[It’s] also an opportunity for Surplus Lines Stamping Offices to get together to discuss industry trends and issues of the day.”

Instrumental in planning this year’s conference is MSLAA executive director Roger McGlen, who expressed excitement about the opportunity to showcase Montana for this year’s event. McGlen helped plan the WSSLC on its first visit to Montana back in 1995.

McGlen said that they expect approximately 375-450 attendees this year, bringing wholesalers and carriers from all over the nation, not just the Western states.

Campbell said she hopes that the conference will allow “participants to go home with a better understanding of the surplus lines market, to establish new contacts and friendships and return to the workplace refreshed and well equipped to serve the consumer.

“We will continue the tradition of outstanding Western States Surplus Lines Conferences and look forward to hosting participants in Montana,” she added.

The WSSLC, which has occurred annually for the past three decades or so, rotates its location every year to give the opportunity for each state to host it. Last year’s conference crossed the border to visit with our Canadian neighbors in Whistler, British Columbia.

The 2004 conference is slated to take place in Nevada. For more information on this year’s event, visit www.mslaa.org.

Topics Excess Surplus