Thank You for Joining Us — SLAI 41st Annual Meeting
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 · The Metropolitan, Willis Tower, Chicago
On May 20, 2026, the Illinois surplus lines community gathered on the 67th floor of Willis Tower for an afternoon of connection, insight, and celebration.
How the Day Unfolded
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
10:00 AM — Coffee & Networking
Start the afternoon with coffee and conversation. Connect with fellow surplus lines professionals before the program begins.
10:45 AM — Business Meeting
The official annual business of the Surplus Line Association of Illinois, including updates from leadership on the state of the organization and the Illinois surplus lines marketplace.
11:00 AM — Featured Keynote Presentation
Grace Hanson, Founder and CEO of Elysian, presents her highest-rated session from WSIA's EduTech Connect — exploring how AI-powered claims analysis is transforming risk assessment, portfolio evaluation, and claims handling in the E&S segment.
11:45 AM — Lunch & Networking
Enjoy a chef-driven lunch and refreshments on the 67th floor of Willis Tower while continuing conversations with colleagues and making the connections that matter most.
1:00 PM — Adjourn
Thank you for joining us. We look forward to seeing you at next year's Annual Meeting.
Keynote Speaker Highlights
Grace Hanson
Founder & CEO
Grace Hanson is the Founder & CEO of Elysian, an AI-native third-party administrator purpose-built for commercial P&C claims. Elysian combines licensed claims expertise with frontier AI to deliver quality outcomes on the complex, non-standard cases that define the E&S segment.
At the SLAI 41st Annual Meeting, Grace presented Exploring AI-Powered Analysis in the E&S Space — a practical framework for how wholesale brokers, retail agents, MGAs, and specialty underwriters can leverage AI across submission intelligence, coverage analysis, and claims quality review. Her session addressed not just AI's transformative potential, but its real costs, implementation gaps, and the irreplaceable role of human judgment in complex claims scenarios.
Grace's work is grounded in a simple principle: technology should sharpen human expertise, not replace it. Elysian is backed by Portage Ventures, American Family Ventures, and TenOneTen.
An afternoon built for the people who keep
Illinois' surplus lines marketplace moving
Stay Ahead
Practical insights on AI, compliance, and emerging market trends.
Build Relationships
Connect with brokers and industry leaders in a setting built for meaningful exchange.
Experience Chicago
67 floors above Chicago in one of the city's most iconic venues.
Join Us May 20, 2026
It was an afternoon above the Chicago skyline
The 41st Annual Meeting brought together Illinois surplus lines professionals for a keynote, a business meeting, and a lunch with a view that matched the conversation. Thank you to everyone who was there."
The Metropolitan at Willis Tower
233 S Wacker Dr 67th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
Perched atop the iconic Willis Tower, The Metropolitan offers sweeping skyline views and an unmatched setting for an afternoon of connection.
See You Next Year.
© 2026 Surplus Line Association of Illinois. All rights reserved.