The Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) is a valued non-profit organization delivering world-class educational sessions at its highly anticipated annual conference. The 2023 conference certainly exceeded all expectations, offering unmatched programming and the ability to give back to both our industry and our community.
At Gallagher Bassett (GB), we recognize the immense value of educational seminars in fostering industry growth and facilitating the exchange of valuable insights. The WCI Conference serves as a unique platform where industry professionals come together to explore cutting-edge trends, innovative strategies, and best practices.
Through these panels, our seasoned experts will share their wealth of knowledge and insights, enriching the conference with practical and forward-thinking strategies for success. We will offer attendees the chance to gain fresh insights into the complex world of workers’ compensation and a forum for collaborative discussions and idea sharing.
“Gallagher Bassett has been a longtime supporter of the Workers’ Compensation Institute and its annual educational conference.
I am excited that many GB team members will contribute their expertise and knowledge to this conference and share ideas on how we can continue to advance the noble mission of workers’ compensation,” said Mike Hessling, CEO North America.
“I am also proud that many of our team members will join me in volunteering at Give Kids the World (GKTW), whose mission to provide happiness to children and families confronting medical challenges aligns with our caring culture.”
On Monday morning, Mike will deliver the keynote at the Prayer Breakfast with Pastor Ron Simmons hosted by the Diversity and Talent Alliance (DATA) and WCI, as well as the keynote address at Moving the Dial presented by the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation on the morning of Wednesday, August 21st.
What makes the sessions at the WCI Conference stand out to you?
Joe Berrios, Managing Director — Carrier Practice (JB): I’m excited to listen to several of our sessions this year featuring GB team members that will focus on the theme of service excellence, which is a primary driver of exceptional outcomes for our carrier partners. We will delve into how building strong, long-lasting partnerships with claims and risk management experts, who take a comprehensive approach to managing risks through a wide range of services beyond conventional administrative tasks, can help Risk Managers improve the claims experience, streamline operational efficiency, and make a meaningful impact on total cost of risk.
Julia Houk, VP — Carrier Practice Sales: I look forward to the WCI Conference every year. It’s a fantastic opportunity to reconnect and network with industry colleagues and friends, stay updated on new and innovative trends in workers’ compensation, and give back to the community in a meaningful way through GKTW.
Several of GB’s sessions are focused on the theme of “service excellence.” What are some of the key benefits that organizations can expect to see by partnering with service-focused claims and risk management experts?
Greg McKenna, National Practice Leader — Public Sector: We’re excited to share the value of a true claims and risk management partnership in improving claimant experience and reducing costs. Our sessions will focus on aligning on metrics, leveraging data, and sharing examples of successful past initiatives that can be leveraged to drive better outcomes.
SESSION SPOTLIGHT: Industry Trail Blazers and Women Ceiling Breakers Workshop: Empowering and Elevating Leaders through Mentorship and Sponsorship
When: Tuesday, August 20th from 3:30–5:00 PM
Following the success of last year’s WCI panel focused on women trailblazers leading to overcome industry uncertainty, what can attendees expect from this year’s topic of mentorship and sponsorship?
Caryn Siebert, VP — National Director, Carrier Engagement (CS): This year’s session promises to build on last year’s success and provide an even more dynamic experience for attendees. Several of us will have our mentees and those we have professionally sponsored for career development and advancement in attendance. We will discuss secrets to leadership and success and then break out into smaller groups to do some live exercises.
Amy Cooper, VP — Carrier Practice Sales: I’m thrilled to be a speaker at this event to demonstrate how reverse mentoring works and the benefits to both mentors and mentees. In addition, I enjoy gathering tips from fellow industry leaders and sharing insights with one another to ultimately benefit our entire industry and those we serve.
What Matters Most: Supporting the Mission of Give Kids The World
From guiding an injured worker back to health or guiding organizations to create safer work environments, the insurance industry is rooted in the mission of improving the lives of others. However, this commitment to helping others—to giving back—extends beyond only serving clients and organizations.
Going into our 11th year of service, GB is proud to support Give Kids The World (GKTW) at the annual service event and gala. GKTW Village is an 89-acre, whimsical nonprofit in Central Florida that provides children with critical illnesses and their families with magical weeklong wish vacations at no cost. Since 1986, the Village has welcomed nearly 200,000 families from all 50 states and 77 other countries.
Our people return to volunteer time and again because of the personal fulfillment it brings and, more importantly, for the children with critical illnesses and their families whom GKTW supports.
How has volunteering for GKTW affected your personal and professional life?
JB: I have been a longtime supporter of the organization and, last year, was finally able to attend the WCI and participate in volunteer activities at the Village. The experience of touring the Village and seeing the positive impact on children and families was truly life changing. Volunteering for GKTW has allowed me to make new friends within the insurance industry and work alongside others who are dedicated to a worthy cause.
CS: The GKTW Village initiative brings a special dimension to the conference. My personal passion for this cause is so great that I am a personal sponsor of the buses which will transport over 700 volunteers to the Village.
JB: Witnessing the dedication and contributions of colleagues and others in the insurance industry always amazes and inspires me. Regardless of how you serve, volunteering for an organization that gives back to others provides a sense of purpose and the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, learn new skills, and raise awareness and funding for causes that leave a positive impact on our lives.
Don’t miss these sessions from GB’s experts
Monday, August 19th
- Prayer Breakfast with Pastor Ron Simmons and the Designers Way Praise Team with Mike Hessling, CEO, North America (7:00–8:30 AM)
- Empathy Towards the Injured Worker with Olga Benitez, Claims Supervisor (1:00–2:00 PM)
- The Power of Partnership: How Exceptional Service Drives Superior Risk Management Outcomes with Joe Zinga, EVP — Risk Management (1:00–2:00 PM)
- The Practical Impact of AI on Future Claims Handling with Ashish Savani, VP — Product Development, Analytics & Innovation (3:15–4:15 PM)
Tuesday, August 20th
- More Than a TPA: The Benefits of Partnering with Service-Focused Claims and Risk Management Experts with Greg McKenna, National Practice Leader, Public Sector, and Gabrial Hayes, Branch Manager (9:00–10:00 AM)
- Litigation of Presumptive Claims Involving First Responders: Are We Missing The Forest for The Trees? with Greg McKenna, National Practice Leader, Public Sector (10:00–11:00 AM)
- Empowering Your People: Providing the Tools to Deliver Superior Service and Outcomes with Michelle Sears, AVP — Client Services, and Curt McCray, GBCARE Senior Advisor (10:00–11:00 AM)
- Breaking Down Silos with Laura Noble, RVP — Risk Management (10:00–11:00 AM)
- How Service Drives Success: Stories of Superior Outcomes for Partners with Danielle Hill Lamoureaux, Senior Client Services Manager (11:00–12:00 PM)
Here are some of our favorite moments from 2023
