NAW Risk Managers Forum Powered by Gallagher

Date: November 12-13, 2025
Time: 5:30-9:00 PM November 12; 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM November 13
Location: Hotel Zachary at Gallagher Way, and Gallagher Way Conference Center, Chicago, IL

The business of distribution is evolving—and so are the risks.

From rising litigation and product liability exposures to cyber threats, extreme weather events, and supply chain volatility, today’s risk landscape demands sharper foresight and stronger strategies. As your operation scales, the stakes get higher—making proactive, enterprise-wide risk management not just a necessity, but a competitive advantage.

That’s why NAW invites you to attend the fourth annual Risk Managers Forum, Powered by Gallagher—a 24-hour, executive-level event built specifically for distribution leaders navigating today’s complex risk environment.

Designed for C-suite executives and corporate risk managers from leading distribution firms, this forum will spotlight critical trends and threats facing the industry. Through peer exchange and direct engagement with seasoned risk and insurance experts, attendees will explore actionable strategies to protect assets, improve resilience, and unlock new opportunities.

Event Cost

There is no cost to attend this event.

Who should attend?

This event is designed for your top-level staff focused on risk management in the Wholesale-distribution industry such as a Chief Financial Officer, Chief Legal Officer or Risk Management Officer.

Hotel Accommodations

NAW has reserved a block of rooms at a discounted rate at the Hotel Zachary conveniently located to the event site. Click here to book your discounted room today. The room block is schedule to close on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Agenda

Day 1 – Wednesday, November 12 (Location: Hotel Zachary at Gallagher Way)

• 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Registration
• 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm – Cocktail reception
• 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Dinner with a possible guest speaker

Day 2 – Thursday, November 13 (Location: Gallagher Way Conference Center)

• 8:00 am – 8: 45 am – Breakfast
• 8:45 am – 9:00 am – Introductions
• 9:00 am- 10:00 am – Computer Vision, Real-Time Protection: How AI is Preventing Incidents Before They Happen
  • Discover how distributors are using video AI to identify unsafe behavior, monitor high-risk zones, and automate safety protocols, reducing injuries and claims in real time.
• 10:00 am – 10:45 am – Distributors Only Roundtable
• 10:45 am – 11:00 am – Break
• 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Risk. Rapid-Fire. Real Talk: Gallagher’s 2026 Watchlist for Distributors
  • In just 60 minutes, Gallagher unpacks the three emerging risk trends every distributor needs on their radar—from workforce liabilities to operational blind spots. This session is fast, focused, and built for leaders who like to stay one step ahead.
• 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm – Networking Lunch
• 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm – Washington Risk Radar – What Distributors Need to Know for 2026
  • Brian Wild, Chief Government Affairs Officer at NAW, will provide an insider’s perspective on the policy shifts, regulatory changes, and political dynamics emerging from Capitol Hill. Brian Wild wraps the Forum with a sharp, actionable look at what’s coming—and how distribution risk leaders should prepare heading into 2026.
• 1:30 pm – 2:15 pm – Distributors Only Roundtable
• 2:15 pm – 2:30 pm – Thank you – Closing
• 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Bonus Fun – Stay tuned for more info

*Agenda subject to change

Previous Attendees Include:

Networking opportunities are a critical element to attending events. Here’s a brief list of past attending companies to get you excited about the connections to be made.