The 2025 PLUS Conference: A Record-Breaking Gathering of Insight, Innovation, and Community

The 38th Annual PLUS Conference brought more than 1,130 professional liability practitioners (552 of which were first-time attendees!) from around the world to Orlando, FL, and despite a record-breaking government shutdown and unseasonably cool weather, the energy at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes was unmistakably warm. Attendees arrived with enthusiasm, ready to learn, connect, and help shape the future of our industry alongside fellow dedicated members.

Be sure to watch the 2025 highlight video, which captures the genuine excitement and energy of the event!

You can also explore the full photo gallery, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere, education sessions, and celebrations that made this year’s conference truly unforgettable.

Insight-Packed Education | Emerging Risks Front and Center

This year’s program delivered powerful learning opportunities with a forward-looking focus. Across 13 educational sessions, 42 expert speakers, and a mix of CE/CLE and sponsor-led programming, attendees gained fresh perspectives on the evolving challenges reshaping professional liability.

From emerging risks to innovative solutions, each session offered practical tools to help practitioners navigate a rapidly shifting environment, and many attendees earned up to 4 CE/CLE credits along the way.

PLUS Conference attendees can log in to the PLUS Learning Center to access available session recordings and PowerPoint presentations. Whether you missed a session or want to revisit key takeaways, the resources are there to help the learning continue.

Celebrations, Leadership, and Inspiring Keynotes

Honoring Excellence

The conference began Monday afternoon with celebrations of two distinguished honorees:

• Robert Crocitto, ARC Excess & Surplus | Founders Award
• Julianna Ryan, Kaufman Borgeest & Ryan LLP | PLUS1 Award

Coach Nick Saban then took the stage with moderator Sarah Abrams of Baleen Specialty for a compelling conversation about leadership, resilience, and the ever-evolving world of NIL. His memorable insights set a powerful tone for the days ahead.

PLUS Foundation Luncheon

Tuesday’s luncheon was a meaningful opportunity to gather in support of progress and community. We honored:

• Mercedes Colwin, Gordon & Rees LLP | Excellence in Diversity Award

Keynote speaker Sam Rapoport, a transformative leader in the NFL, delivered a moving address on equity, purpose, and leadership that resonated deeply with everyone in the room. Her message challenged us to think bigger and continue advocating for positive change.

That evening, the PLUS Foundation’s LAMP program (hyperlink to Foundation page) celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a special dinner featuring past and current cohorts, as well as many champions who have helped make the program a decade-long success.

Emerging Leaders & Closing Insights

Wednesday morning kicked off with the presentation of the Emerging Leader Awards honoring:

• Alaina Clemmons, Canopius US
• Mike Galati, Berkley Professional Liability
• Tiffany Parker-Bogan, Travelers

Our closing keynote featured Andrew Busch, former (and first-ever) Chief Market Intelligence Officer for the U.S. government. With clarity and wit, he broke down the global trends, technologies, and innovations reshaping markets and risk. His insights left attendees energized, ready to move from chaos to clarity, and embrace the future with confidence.

PLUS Foundation Conference Cause: Honoring Families of Our Nation’s Heroes

Each year, the PLUS Foundation selects a local nonprofit to support, and this year’s cause was especially meaningful. In recognition of Veteran’s Day, attendees were invited to write heartfelt notes of thanks and encouragement for the families served by the Orlando Fisher House, a home that provides comfort to military and veteran families during medical treatment.

Attendees filled handwritten cards with warm messages that will be included in welcome bags for families upon arrival. In addition to these touching gestures, the PLUS community rallied together to raise a $33,071 for the organization.

Save the Date: PLUS Conference 2026 in San Diego

As shared in the highlight reel, the 2026 PLUS Conference is already shaping up to be something extraordinary. Join us November 10–12, 2026, in sunny San Diego, where we’ll not only come together as a community but also honor the United States’ Semiquincentennial with once-in-a-lifetime celebrations including a memorable evening on November 10 aboard the USS Midway.

You won’t want to miss it. See you in San Diego!

If you couldn’t join us last month in Orlando, or were there and simply want to reminisce, check out the live feed blog posts we shared during the event that captured some great moments.

• Impact in Action: PLUS Community Rallies Behind Orlando Fisher House
• Networking, Energy, & Connections That Spark Opportunity
• History in the Making: Celebrating Leaders & Learning from a Legend
• Fuel, Focus, and Future Leaders: PLUS Attendee Breakfast Kicks Off Veterans Day with Purpose
• Sunset Social: When Networking Turns into Unforgettable Connections
• Fueling Leadership, Celebrating Impact: PLUS Foundation Luncheon Inspires the Next Wave of Changemakers
• A Decade of Impact: PLUS Foundation Celebrates 10 Years of LAMP
• Passing the Torch: PLUS Celebrates Leadership, Legacy, and the Year Ahead
• Closing Keynote Spotlight: Forecasting the Future with Andrew Busch