2026 Fidelity and Surety Law Midwinter Conference

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Construction and Surety Programs - Mega Projects in Focus

This year, we’re tackling mega projects—construction ventures exceeding $1 billion—and their impact across the construction and surety spectrum. With project size and complexity growing rapidly and trillions of dollars in public work-in-place, the stakes have never been higher. Surety bonds underpin these massive projects, with the attendant risks of complex and high-exposure claims and disputes. Panels will explore this high-stakes landscape from practical, technical, and legal perspectives, providing lessons and strategies that are applicable across projects of all shapes and sizes.

Construction Program: The Mega Project Effect: Lessons on Navigating Risk and Complexity Across the Construction and Surety Spectrum
The Construction Program will highlight mega projects and apply the lessons learned into strategies for controlling risk and achieving successful outcomes across construction projects of all types and scale. Speakers include leaders from some of the nation’s largest contractors involved in delivering complex mega projects, public owners, engineering firms, construction and surety attorneys, and in-house claim professionals. Panels will explore delivery methods, the design relationship, alternative design arrangements such as delegated design and design-assist, differing site conditions, and scheduling and delay. The program will conclude with a special presentation addressing emerging threats from cyber risk and mitigation strategies for today’s increasingly digital construction environment.

Surety Program: High Stakes Surety: Reducing Risks and Mastering Claims in the Era of Mega Projects
As sureties increasingly bond larger projects, the effects flow down to middle and smaller contractors. This program addresses the unique and heightened risks of mega-projects from the perspective of the surety—with front-end risk management insights from leading surety company executives to back-end claims handling and litigation management strategies for high-dollar disputes. Sessions will explore the surety investigation process, completion alternatives by the surety, comprehensive recovery and subrogation rights of the surety, and a special session on trial strategies with insights from industry-leading jury consultants. We will also feature a full panel of judges from federal and state courts, providing candid insights on effective trial strategies, emerging legal trends, best practices in courtroom advocacy, judicial decision-making, advice for young lawyers, and other wisdom from their view on the bench. The program emphasizes lessons from mega projects that can be applied to improve risk management and claims handling on projects and claims of any size.

Fidelity Program - Navigating the New Era of Commercial Crime: Bigger Claims, Smarter Criminals, Higher Stakes

Commercial crime claims have overtaken financial institution bond matters as the primary focus of fidelity professionals. These claims are not only more numerous than ever before, but they also involve larger exposures and increasingly sophisticated schemes. Fraudsters are leveraging emerging technologies at light speed, while insureds’ efforts to protect against their schemes are not keeping pace. 

This program features an updated edition of the Commercial Crime Insurance Claims book—its first revision in more than a decade—and brings together distinguished speakers to examine today’s most significant substantive issues under commercial crime policies. Attendees will gain insight into the most common challenges facing insurers in 2026 and beyond, and will learn practical strategies for navigating this fast-changing claims environment. Essential for claims professionals, outside counsel, and consultants alike, this program offers valuable guidance for both newcomers to the field and seasoned veterans.

Don’t Miss our Annual Business and Leadership Meetings on Wednesday, January 21, 2026: On Wednesday, January 21, 2026, we have full day of FSLC Business and Leadership meetings, including meetings among each of the Divisions and numerous subcommittee meetings. As set forth more fully in the Agenda of FSLC Business Meetings in this Brochure, these in-person meetings provide a meaningful opportunity to connect with each other while we discuss and plan the expansive activities that make FSLC such a vibrant and impactful organization. We especially encourage all FSLC Members to attend the FSLC Vice-Chairs and Leadership Meeting at 3:00 PM, as this is the best opportunity to fully see and appreciate the spirit and dedication of the extraordinary group of committed leaders and contributors that drive the success of the FSLC.

Presentation of the Martin J. Andrew Award: A highlight of our annual meeting is the Martin J. Andrew Award presentation on Thursday morning, celebrating a remarkable member of the Committee. As Chair, I am deeply honored to recognize someone whose dedication and lifetime contributions have helped shape and strengthen this great organization.

Connect with Colleagues and Friend: The Midwinter Conference offers a unique opportunity to foster meaningful connections—whether building new relationships, strengthening existing ones, or creating friendships that endure. To support this, we have several events planned:

· Wednesday Evening: The Young Professionals and Diversity & Inclusion Subcommittees will host a “Dutch Treat” dinner, followed by a special event. Further details will be announced shortly.

· Thursday Evening: Join us for the traditional Welcome Reception, open to all attendees.

· Friday Morning: The Women’s Involvement Subcommittee will host its annual breakfast, a highly regarded event not to be missed.

Thank You FSLC Sponsors: We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of Sponsors whose support is essential to making this important conference possible. Please take a moment to visit our exhibitors and Sponsors and express your appreciation for their generous contributions.

Register Now: Please register and make your hotel reservation as soon as possible. As always, our room block will fill up fast, and we want you to enjoy all the hotel has to offer. More details are in the brochure and on the FSLC website (ambar.org/fslc).

I look forward to seeing you in Washington, DC.

Bruce L Corriveau, FSLC Chair

In accordance with MCLE  requirements, the American Bar Association offers financial hardship  scholarships for live, in-person, and multi-session virtual event CLE programs. If you would like to apply, please review our Scholarship Policy and Application at http://ambar.org/cle-scholarship"

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