Beacon News

Beacon’s President, Dennis O’Neill, had the honor of serving as one of three co-chairs of this year’s Pearlman Conference, held in Woodinville, Washington in September. This was the 31st Pearlman Conference, and once again, Beacon Consulting Group participated as a Sustaining Member of the Pearlman Association. In addition, Beacon Project Manager Myat Cyn was a featured panelist during the event.

We caught up with Dennis and Myat to learn more about the Pearlman Association and what makes this event so unique and valuable for professionals working in the surety industry.

Question: Dennis, what is The Pearlman Association?

Dennis: The Pearlman Association is a nonprofit, industry-led organization created by and for company-side surety professionals. Its purpose is to advance the surety profession by offering education, networking, and scholarship opportunities. The organization's annual Pearlman Conference brings together professionals from across the country to share insights, address challenges, and strengthen connections.

Question: What makes the Pearlman Conference special?

Dennis: The conference is unique because it’s built directly from the collective knowledge of surety companies and professionals working directly on behalf of sureties. That gives it a very focused perspective on the real-world needs of the industry. Beyond the sessions themselves, the conference creates a fun atmosphere where people can connect, share experiences, and build relationships that last well beyond the event (see photos).

Question: How long has the organization been around?

Dennis: The Pearlman Association has been around for more than 30 years, with 2025 marking the 31st Pearlman Conference.

Question: Myat, this year the panel discussions at the Pearlman Conference seemed to have a "Poker Theme." For example, the panel you participated on was called "Know When to Hold 'Em, Know When To Fold 'Em." What was that all about?

Myat: The conference organizer's came up with two fun "themes" for the two days of the conference. The panel discussion titles for Day 1 were inspired by the Kenny Rogers song "The Gambler." So, the sessions were all about "reading the room" and making smart decisions.

Question: So your session was all about what, knowing how to play poker?

Myat: Almost, our panel compared the process of dealing with a performance bond claim to a game of Texas Hold'Em. For example, Texas Hold'Em is a card game involving strategy and chance. A performance bond claim is a legal/financial situation involving strategy and chance. In poker, you have a dealer and players. With a performance claim, you have players too, the obligee, the principal, and surety. The goal with poker is to win the most chips or money. With a claim, the goal is to get to project completion while mitigating any losses or risks. In the end, both situations require paying close attention, skill, strategy, understanding the players (such as who is "bluffing"), and making good decisions along the way.

Question: So, this explains the cowboy hat you were wearing during the session? (see photo)

Myat: No, I just like wearing cowboy hats. Why do you ask?

Question: Seriously?

Myat: Just kidding. It was a fun idea the organizer's had and I think it really helped to make the session relaxed and enjoyable and also kept the attendees entertained. In the end, this session was really a lot of fun, while being very interesting and informative.

Question: So, what song was the inspiration for the conference's second day panel discussions?

Myat: Kenny Loggins' "I'm Alright." (The song you hear at the end of the movie "Caddy Shack."). Day two's sessions were about the adaptability, resilience, and tactics needed to thrive (not just survive) through change.

Question: What your overall impression of your first Pearlman Conference.

Myat: It was really enjoyable. I met so many nice people and the setting for the conference is beautiful (Woodinville, WA). The networking events at the conference were also really fun, especially the "Sip & Putt Mini-Golf/Wine Tasting" and the Texas Hold'Em tournament held on the second night of the event.