The Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association is the non-profit association of professionals and specialty market leaders dedicated to the wholesale distribution system. WSIA represents the interests of its members and the valuable role they play in the insurance market through networking, education, talent recruitment and development, regulatory and legislative advocacy for the wholesale, specialty and surplus lines industry, and by promoting the value of the wholesale distribution channel. Within WSIA there are two foundations. The WSIA Education Foundation encourages educational development of those interested in the excess and surplus lines business and works to overcome misperceptions about the market. Learn more about the Foundation's initiatives to encourage and reward those interested in careers in the wholesale, specialty and surplus lines business. The Talent Advocacy and Engagement Foundation was founded in 2020 to stimulate and attract a broad pipeline of talent for the wholesale, specialty and surplus lines insurance industry.
2026 WSIA White Paper and Video Contest
Introduction
WSIA is sponsoring a Video Contest and White Paper Contest for undergraduate college students interested in expanding their awareness and knowledge of the wholesale, specialty and surplus lines industry. Videos will be 3-7 minutes long and students will be able to submit independently or as a group of 2-4. White Paper Contest papers are 8-10 pages long and are submitted by individual students.
An overview of the contest and requirements can be found here:
https://www.wsia.org/wcm/Students/wcm/Foundation/Contests.aspx
The submission deadline is Monday, December 9, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Winners will be announced by January 12, 2027.
Contact Denise Marshall at WSIA if you have any questions at [email protected] or 816.799.0851.
Description
Fall 2026 White Paper Contest Writing Prompt
Topic #1: Environmental Risks from Data Centers
Explore the environmental impacts and liability exposures associated with data center development and operation, including fossil fuel consumption and water use.
Examples include:
Environmental risks
Liability risks
EPA regulations and policy
Public and industry perspectives
Topic #2: Private Equity's Impact on Insurance
Explore how private equity is reshaping the insurance industry.
Consider:
Mergers and acquisitions
Underwriting and MGA growth
Company culture and hiring
Future opportunities and challenges
Fall 2026 WSIA Video Contest Prompt
Topic #1: Why Insurance?
Create a commercial encouraging students to explore careers in insurance. Highlight career opportunities, industry misconceptions, work-life flexibility, relationship building, or the difference between E&S and admitted insurance.
Ideas include:
Career opportunities
E&S vs admitted markets
Work-life balance
Bust common misconceptions
A day in the life of an insurance professional
Topic #2: Hidden Risks Behind Everyday Products
Create a video exploring the liability risks of an everyday product and how insurance helps manage unexpected events.
Consider:
Product failures or defects
Injuries or property damage
Warnings and labeling
Supply chain issues
Examples: Food, sporting goods, beauty products, cleaning products, AI tools & E-bikes
Qualifications
Who Can Enter?
Any undergraduate students enrolled in U.S. colleges regardless of major; may be most applicable to Risk Management, Insurance, Actuarial Science, Finance and Business Students.
WHITE PAPER CONTEST
Submit as an individual student (not a group) using 2,000 - 2,500 words (exclusive of the title page and works cited), double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12-point Arial or Times New Roman.
Submit a final, clean copy in a Word document; include title page with your name, university, date and a works cited page.
Reflect your research on the trend/issue/topic, including cited source documents.
Write assuming the audience is versed in the topic and the recent trends/news about the market.
VIDEO CONTEST
Lights, camera, action! Submit a 3-7-minute video that uses storytelling, visuals, music and editing to bring your ideas to life. Keep your background clean, use good lighting and speak confidently; don’t just read from slides! Submit as an individual or as a group, with a maximum of four students.
Get creative, get noticed and win big! Use animation, interviews, skits or cinematic shots to make your video memorable and show off your personality. Whether solo or in a team of up to four, everyone must appear on camera. Top videos score awesome prizes, with winnings shared evenly among group members. All students in the group must appear on camera at some point during the video.
Stand out from the crowd! This is your chance to shine with originality and production skills; make sure your video is clear, engaging and creatively produced. Bring your A-game, tell a great story and have fun! Students are strongly encouraged to be creative and to avoid presenting as a PowerPoint presentation.
Selection Process
Winners for both contests receive:
Four 1st place winners - $2,000 each
Four 2nd place winners - $1,000 each
(Prize amounts for 2-4 students for the Video Contest will be divided amongst all participants.)
