The Save the Date is officially out.
From February 16–18, 2027, Black Women of the Insurance Industry (BWII) will bring the Sisterhood back together in Chicago for our annual Sisterhood Conference under this year’s theme:
Coverage. Culture. Community.
As the Founder, this is one of my favorite times of the year. The excitement starts building. The texts start flying. The hotel rooms get booked. The planning meetings multiply. And before you know it, we’re counting down to another unforgettable experience.
But here’s something most people don’t think about…
Putting on a successful event isn’t just about creating an experience.
It’s about protecting one.
People see the polished keynote speeches, packed breakout sessions, networking receptions, and sisterhood moments that fill social media.
They don’t see the months of planning behind the scenes.
The venue contracts.
The sponsor commitments.
The speaker travel.
The caterers.
The AV team.
The volunteers.
The registration platform.
The deposits you’ve already paid.
The countless hours invested before the first attendee ever walks through the door.
When you’re responsible for bringing people together, you’re also responsible for managing the risk that comes with it.
And trust me…
Life be lifing.
A keynote speaker gets stranded because of weather.
A vendor accidentally damages the venue during setup.
A guest slips and falls.
Equipment gets stolen.
A storm forces the event to be postponed.
A venue requires proof of insurance before they’ll even hand you the keys.
None of those things are part of the agenda.
But every event planner knows they’re possible.
That’s why Special Event Insurance should be part of your planning checklist—not an afterthought.
Depending on your event, coverage may help protect against:
-
General liability claims
-
Damage to rented venues
-
Liquor liability (when applicable)
-
Vendor and exhibitor requirements
-
Event cancellation or postponement (when available)
-
Additional insured requirements requested by venues
Here’s the part I wish more organizers understood…
Insurance isn’t there because you’re expecting something to go wrong.
It’s there because you’ve worked too hard for one unexpected incident to erase months—or even years—of planning.
At BWII, our mission has always been bigger than hosting a conference. We’re building community, advancing careers, preserving history, and creating opportunities for Black women throughout the insurance industry.
Ironically, the very industry we represent reminds us every day that preparation is just as important as vision.
Whether you’re planning a conference, nonprofit gala, church anniversary, networking mixer, festival, family reunion, pop-up shop, or fundraising event in 2027, don’t spend all your time planning the vibe and none of your time planning the risk.
Because the best events don’t just have a vision.
They have protection.
Planning something big in 2027?
Whether you’re hosting 50 people or 5,000, Ako Brokerage Services can help you secure the right Special Event Insurance so you can focus on creating unforgettable moments—not worrying about unexpected ones.
And while you’re marking your calendar, don’t forget to save the date for the 2027 Black Women of the Insurance Industry Sisterhood Conference, happening February 16–18, 2027, in Chicago, Illinois. This year’s theme—Coverage. Culture. Community.—will bring together insurance professionals from across the country for three days of education, connection, and sisterhood.
We’ll see you in Chicago. Just make sure whatever you’re planning between now and then…it’s protected.
