Meeting, Lecture, Convention, Workshop, or Market Insurance

When events include a large number of attendees, there will naturally be corresponding risks regarding crowd control and safe parking (if applicable) due to volume. As meetings, lectures, conventions, workshops, or markets generally attract a greater number of participants, it only makes sense that protection be purchased to address exposures related to larger attendance. In addition to insurance, adherence to best practices concerning crowd management will help you hold a successful convention-type event. Those who choose not to protect themselves through liability coverage for their event are opening themselves up to possible large financial losses that would otherwise be covered by the right insurance policy.

Many happy attendees and an otherwise successful meeting, lecture, convention, workshop, or market is the ultimate goal of organizers planning an event in this category. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the things meeting, lecture, convention, workshop, or market insurance covers?

• Bodily injury including sickness.
• Property damage.
• Vendor coverage available either standalone or via extension.
• Liquor liability.
• Products and completed operations.
• Personal injury and advertising liability.
• Non-owned automobile liability.
• Legal liability for damage to hired automobiles.

What are some best practices for my meeting, lecture, convention, workshop, or market event?

• Research the facility you plan to use. Ensure attendance does not exceed the venue’s maximum capacity. 
• Ensure your venue has appropriate insurance.
• Have the venue provide their emergency plan including where exits and fire emergency equipment are located.
• Be sure to have a proper signage on location to ensure that only authorized attendees are at the event. Badges or nametags are recommended to help identify attendees. 
• Any staff should have unique badges or other identifying clothing to make them easily recognizable in case of emergencies. 
• For all activities, it is important to do a walkthrough to note any possible hazards such as loose wires or tripping hazards and have the location correct them. 
• Have contracts reviewed by a lawyer for any high priority speakers. Have a contingency speaker available if your planned choice cancels or is otherwise unable to attend. Event cancellation is also an option for situations in which a speaker cannot attend due to travel delays, weather-related issues, etc.
• If alcohol is being served:
  • Be aware of guest ages and ensure only appropriate-aged guests are served. 
  • Ensure all third-party servers have appropriate certifications.
  • Obtain appropriate permitting (e.g. one-day liquor licensing) and follow the pursuant rules and regulations. 
  • Ticket and only allow liquor purchase for a short window of time.
  • Have and document safe ride options for patrons to get home. 
  • Consider professional security as they have experience in managing the risk of events. If you cannot obtain professional security, we suggest using volunteer security that stay sober and can be responsible for contacting the authorities, if required.

What else should I know about meeting, lecture, convention, workshop, or market event insurance?

• Event cancellation insurance is a different coverage from liability insurance for events and must be purchased separately, if desired.
• Rates for liability insurance for events don’t vary by location across Canada, so whether your event is in Ontario, BC, or Alberta your cost will be the same.
• Meeting, lecture, convention, workshop, or market insurance is available across Canada including the provinces of BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, and Quebec. Please note that insurance documentation is currently only available in English for Quebec clients.
• Meeting insurance is certainly a common coverage requested in this family of events. However, other popular coverages include: 
  • Lecture insurance
  • Convention insurance
  • Workshop insurance
  • Market insurance (including vendor liability)
  • Sidewalk sale insurance
  • Consumer show insurance
  • Auction insurance
  • Auto show insurance
  • Kiosk insurance
  • Individual vendor coverage insurance

Who is Marsh and why should I buy my liability insurance for events through them?

• Marsh is the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor. With colleagues operating in more than 130 countries, Marsh serves commercial and individual clients with data driven risk solutions and advisory services. Marsh Canada Limited has more than 1,000 employees and offices in 13 cities across Canada.
• Marsh helped 490 customers manage and protect community and family events in 2019. Join the many Canadian event organizers already benefiting from the ease of purchase and broad coverages available under the Marsh Event Liability Insurance Program.

Need to know more about meeting, lecture, convention, workshop, or market insurance?

Please contact your Marsh Canada licensed insurance broker directly at:

1 888 755 5247 | Email: events.service@marsh.com

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