37th Annual PLUS Conference: Celebrating Connections, Insights, and Excellence

The 37th annual PLUS Conference, held November 13-15 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, was a smashing success thanks to the 1150+ professional liability practitioners that joined us in the Windy City. Coincidentally, November is also National Career Development Month, and fittingly, the conference featured a plethora of opportunities to build strong connections, gain innovative insights, and learn from industry thought leaders.

Watch the 2024 PLUS Conference Video Recap Below:

The PLUS Conference is designed around the needs of the comprehensive professional liability industry, which is in turn directly reflected in the diversity of the participants. Whether you serve as an underwriter or claims expert, newly beginning your career or acutely experienced, the annual event presents valuable benefits and opportunities to deepen your expertise and broaden your network. This year’s Conference attendee demographics are illustrated below.

Educational Sessions
The event featured 16 robust, educational sessions, which included select options where members could earn up to 4 CE/CLE credits. Each session afforded practitioners the opportunity to join in-depth discussions and address the topics and events driving the direction of the industry.

Recordings
PLUS members can log into the PLUS member portal to view available recordings and PowerPoint presentations from CE/CLE eligible sessions offered at this year’s conference. Get valuable insights and revisit key takeaways at your convenience.

Celebrations and Keynote Headliners

PLUS was honored to not only recognize this year’s newest RPLU and RPLU+ recipients at the RPLU Celebration on November 13, but also commemorate the 30th anniversary for this distinguished designation. Over 4,350 professionals have demonstrated their commitment to career excellence and the enhancement of this dynamic industry by pursuing and obtaining the RPLU designation.

The Conference activities on Thursday, November 14, kicked off with a festive attendee breakfast that honored this year’s prestigious award recipients. Congratulations to all the 2024 award winners:

• PLUS1 Award: Alexis Faber, WTW (Willis)
• PLUS Founders Award: Kenneth Stephens, Chubb (Retired)
• Emerging Leader Awards:
  • Donavan Burgess, Relm Insurance Ltd.
  • Albert Peterson, Travelers
  • Sara Tineo, Marsh
• PLUS Foundation Excellence in Diversity Award : Deshay Caines, Marsh

PLUS was thrilled to welcome many outstanding speakers to the stage throughout the event. The PLUS Foundation Women’s Leadership Network presented WNBA Champion and 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, Candace Parker, at the PLUS Foundation Luncheon on November 14. She shared her triumphant experiences and challenges with the grace and finesse of a world class athlete and professional. Greg Case, CEO of Aon, closed out the sessions later in the day when he participated in a fascinating interview where he shared key insights regarding factors impacting the industry today, as well as his perspective on future trends. PLUS also welcomed back Joan Woodward, EVP for Public Policy at Travelers, as the Conference’s closing keynote speaker on November 15, with a timely discussion on the economic, public policy, and political outlook currently facing the professional liability industry.

Board of Trustee and Executive Committee
PLUS announced its new board of trustees and executive committee appointments during the conference, and details about these elected members along with their important roles can be found on the PLUS Blog here.

The PLUS Foundation

Each year the PLUS Foundation selects two locally focused not-for-profits to which they devote their Conference Cause efforts. The Chicago-based organizations featured for 2024 included the National Women Veterans United (NWVU) and Women Employed. Volunteers gathered to donate their valuable time and efforts to not only help assemble care packages for women veterans, but also to create postcards fostering encouragement to women in their employment pursuits. More information about these important efforts can be found here.

View Photos from the 2024 PLUS Conference
Relive the highlights and memorable moments from the 37th Annual PLUS Conference. Our photo gallery captures the vibrant atmosphere, exciting sessions, and celebrations that made this year’s event truly special. Click the link here to explore images from the conference and enjoy the connections, education, and fun that made this event unforgettable.

Save the Date 2025 PLUS Conference
Following this year’s successful Chicago event, PLUS immediately transitioned into planning for the 38th Annual PLUS Conference. We look forward to sharing another enriching experience with you November 10-12, 2025, at the JW Marriott, Orlando, Grande Lakes, in Orlando, FL. You do not want to miss what we have in store!