https://completemarkets.com/company/bua/event-cancellation---conventions/
Conventions and industry events represent a major financial investment for associations, trade groups, and event organizers. These gatherings produce important revenue and provide education, networking, and visibility — but an unexpected cancellation, postponement, or disruption can create substantial loss. ShowDown® Event Cancellation Insurance for Conventions from BUA Insurance is designed to help agents place protection that preserves event revenue and reimburses prepaid costs when covered perils force changes.
Overview of the Program From BUA Insurance
As a Managing General Agency, BUA Insurance leverages relationships with multiple carriers to offer specialized event-cancellation solutions for conventions and multi-day meetings. This program is underwritten with event organizers and association clients in mind, and can be structured to cover lost revenue, nonrecoverable expenses, and added costs associated with postponement, relocation, or reduced attendance.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is a strong fit for agents placing:
Professional and trade associations running annual conventions
Chambers of commerce and regional business groups
Industry organizations with national or multi-state meetings
Producers of continuing-education conferences and large seminars
Typical accounts include multi-day conferences with hundreds of attendees, significant venue and AV deposits, and speaker or exhibitor commitments. BUA will consider events of varying sizes; underwriting focuses on the event’s location, attendee profile, contractual obligations, and the timing of the submission.
Example scenarios you might place with this program:
An association with a $300,000 budget facing nonrefundable venue and speaker fees that need protection if officials must postpone due to a regional emergency.
A national trade group that depends on exhibitor revenue and needs coverage for reduced attendance or failure to vacate the contracted convention center.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
ShowDown® Event Cancellation Insurance for Conventions can be tailored to include:
Cancellation, abandonment, postponement, and curtailment
Interruption and relocation expenses
Reduced attendance coverage and lost revenue
Protection for prepaid costs, marketing expenses, and speaker or exhibitor fees
Coverage for failure to vacate the venue where applicable
Coverage terms and limits are molded to the client’s event profile so you can match protection to the most significant exposures.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Underwriting evaluates factors such as event budget, venue contract terms, attendee origin (domestic vs. international), force majeure language, and the amount of nonrefundable expense. Minimum premiums vary by carrier and by event size — BUA works with multiple markets to find competitive terms. Submit applications early (several months in advance when possible) to allow full review and to secure the best market placement.
Note on admitted status: some available markets are admitted while others are non-admitted; availability and specific terms will depend on state and carrier appetite.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in most U.S. states, including AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, and WY. State-by-state eligibility and admitted versus non-admitted placement depend on carrier appointments.
Why Work With BUA Insurance?
BUA Insurance combines deep event-cancellation expertise with access to multiple carriers, giving you flexible placement options for complex or high-stakes conventions. As an MGA, BUA provides responsive underwriting guidance, customized terms, and assistance navigating contractual exposures so you can present well-packaged submissions to the markets. If you need help positioning an account or identifying the right coverage form, BUA’s market specialists will work with you through quoting and binding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?This program is well suited to trade associations, professional organizations, chambers of commerce, and event producers running conventions, conferences, or seminars that carry significant prepaid costs and revenue exposure.
What kinds of losses does the policy cover?Policies can cover losses from cancellation, postponement, interruption, curtailment, relocation, reduced attendance, and related nonrecoverable expenses. Specific coverages depend on the negotiated policy language.
Are there any restrictions on event size or type?Events of most sizes may be considered; underwriting reviews size, location, attendee profile, and contract terms to determine fit. Extremely high-risk exposures or poorly documented contracts may limit market options.
Is the program available in my state?BUA offers this program in most U.S. states (see list above). Coverage and admitted status vary by carrier and state — contact BUA for state-specific guidance.
How early should I submit an application?Submit as early as possible — ideally several months before the event — to allow time for underwriting, carrier selection, and any required endorsements or documentation.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.
https://completemarkets.com/company/amerspec/Special-Events/
American Specialty offers a comprehensive Special Event Insurance program tailored to address the unique risks associated with events of all types and scales. Whether your client is organizing a large festival, a local parade, or a one-time motorsports event, this program is built to provide targeted protection with responsive service and underwriting expertise.
Program Highlights for Special Event Insurance
“Excellent” or higher A.M. Best rated carrier
Admitted coverage available
Program-specific forms and rating
Non-auditable policy structure
24-hour claims service
In-house underwriting, claims, risk management, and policy administration
Online resources and support tools
Eligible Operations for Special Event Insurance
Celebrations
Festivals
Sports Events
Exhibitions
Major One-Time Events
Motorsports Events
Parades
Conventions
Themed Attractions
Program Coverages for Special Event Insurance
General Liability
Participant Legal Liability
Volunteers as Additional Insureds
Contingent Fireworks Liability
Excess/Umbrella Liability
Liquor Liability
Automobile Coverage
Property Coverage
Crime Coverage
Employee Benefits Liability
Participant Accident Medical
Workers Compensation
Deductible and SIR Options
Territories and Availability
This program is available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., including key event-heavy states such as CA, FL, NY, and TX. Coverage is admitted where applicable.
Why Work With American Specialty
As a Managing General Underwriter with deep experience in event-related risks, American Specialty delivers a full-service solution for agents and brokers who need fast, knowledgeable underwriting and responsive claims support. Our in-house teams streamline the process from quote to policy issuance, ensuring you and your clients receive the attention and accuracy needed for time-sensitive events.
You might have a client organizing a regional food and music festival with vendors, alcohol sales, and fireworks. Or perhaps a convention center hosting a one-time industry expo. These are the types of accounts that fit well within our appetite—and we’re ready to help you place them with peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?This program is ideal for events such as festivals, parades, exhibitions, sports events, conventions, and motorsports. Both recurring and one-time events are eligible.
Is this program available nationwide?Yes, the Special Events Insurance program is available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with admitted coverage offered where applicable.
Does the program provide coverage for volunteers and participants?Yes, volunteers can be added as additional insureds, and participant legal liability and accident medical coverage are available.
Are fireworks or liquor sales covered?Yes, contingent fireworks and liquor liability coverages are available based on underwriting review and event details.
Who handles underwriting and claims?American Specialty manages all underwriting, claims, policy administration, and risk management in-house for faster and more coordinated service.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.