February 2026 - Two Months to San Antonio

Two Months to San Antonio

In just two months, we will gather in San Antonio for IMUA’s 95th Annual Meeting.

As I look at the agenda coming together, I am excited by how intentional this year’s program is. Every session has been designed with one question in mind: What do inland marine underwriters need to understand right now to stay ahead of risk? The result is one of the most forward-looking and technically substantive meetings we have assembled.

We will open Monday morning with our keynote speaker, Lee Rubin, whose leadership lessons from the highest levels of team performance will set the tone for the entire conference. His message on accountability, culture, and execution will resonate far beyond our time together in San Antonio.

Our five General Sessions reflect where our industry is heading:

• Lithium-Ion Battery Safety: Trends, Hazards & Risk Controls – addressing one of the most rapidly evolving and severity-driven exposures in inland marine.
• How AI is Evolving Inland Marine Risk – a practical look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping underwriting workflows, data utilization, and decision-making.
• Crane Accidents Uncovered: 3D Scans & Underwriting Insights – bringing forensic technology and real-world loss lessons directly into the underwriting lens.
• Data Center Construction Issues – examining the explosive growth of hyperscale projects, power constraints, aggregation challenges, and the underwriting implications of billion-dollar builds.
• Transportation & Logistics Outlook: What’s Next for Inland Marine Risk? – Our Closing General Session will broaden the lens, connecting macro trends to the inland marine market.

At the same time, we remain committed to building the next generation of inland marine professionals. Our Intro Track runs concurrently with select sessions and is specifically designed for those new to the industry who want to build a strong technical foundation. Investing in that pipeline is not optional; it is essential to the long-term vitality of IMUA and our market. Reflecting that commitment, we’re pleased to welcome two students from the Katie School of Insurance and Risk Management at Illinois State University in Normal, IL, and two Finance and Risk Management students from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, TX.

Of course, the Annual Meeting is not only about education. It is also about community. San Antonio offers us a remarkable setting to strengthen relationships and enjoy time together. Our Hospitality Suites will feature an exciting Casino Night, Karaoke (brought back from last year with great acclaim), casual games like corn hole, and other opportunities to connect in a relaxed environment. These moments, often as valuable as the sessions themselves, are where conversations deepen and partnerships form.

On Monday afternoon, attendees may choose from several meaningful and engaging activities:

• Golf at La Cantera Golf Club.
• A service project with Rise Against Hunger, allowing us to give back while working side-by-side with fellow members.
• A guided exploration of the historic San Antonio Missions. Texian Tours will provide expert guides to share the rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

And, as always, we’ll wrap up together with our famous closing banquet and awards on Tuesday evening! With just two months to go, I encourage you to register if you have not already, finalize your travel plans, and consider inviting a colleague to experience IMUA at its best. 

Thanks, and I hope to see many of you in San Antonio!

Matt