Members of the Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) gathered Oct. 27 in La Crosse, Wis., for an evening of camaraderie, education and celebration. Held at Celebrations on the River, the annual meeting provided an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and hear from industry speakers.  

The program featured Michael Brown of Arthur J. Gallagher and Pamela Maxwell of We Work the Waterways. Brown, who serves as area executive vice president and regional director of Gallagher’s Marine Practice, shared insurance and risk management challenges facing maritime businesses and issues on the horizon.  

The meeting coincided with Maritime Interaction Day, organized by We Work the Waterways, connecting the annual gathering with UMWA’s broader maritime outreach efforts. A membership social and dinner rounded out the evening, giving attendees time to continue conversations and strengthen connections.  

The evening was made possible by major sponsors J.F. Brennan Company and Upper Mississippi Fleeting, with additional support from Riverview Companies, VAA, AMI Consulting Engineers and American Cruise Lines.