National Workers' Compensation and Disability Conference & Expo

The 2007 event officially kicked off on Tuesday, November 6th with an opening general session and keynote followed by 2-1/2 days jam-packed with 30 intensive break-out sessions in 5 distinct areas and 3 additional keynotes. Visit back in the spring for details on the 2008 Conference.

Selected to provide you with a comprehensive and cutting-edge experience, the 2007 Session Tracks were:

CM = Claims Management
RTW = Return to Work/Safety
IDM = Integrated Disability Management/Wellness
LR = Legal/Regulatory Issues
MB = Medical/Behavioral Issues

Click here for details on the federal conference.

2007 Highlights

  OPENING KEYNOTE:
  The Top Challenges: Experts Debate Key Issues
  in Workers’ Compensation and Disability Systems

Maddy Bowling, Principal, Maddy Bowling & Associates Consulting, Chicago
Dr. Jennifer Christian, President, Webility Corp., Wayland, Mass.
Dr. David Cooper, Director of Orthopedic Surgery, The Knee Center,
      Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
James E. Pocius, Shareholder, Marshall, Dennehey, Warner,
      Coleman & Goggin, Scranton, Pa.
Yolanda Romero, Director of Workers’ Compensation, Southeastern
      Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Philadelphia
Moderator: Mark Noonan, Workers’ Compensation Practice Leader,
      Marsh USA, Boston

Tuesday, Nov. 6: 8:45 – 10 a.m.

What are today’s biggest obstacles to a smooth running workers’ comp and/or disability program? It probably depends on who you talk to. A doctor may have a different answer than a lawyer, an employer, or a case manager. That’s the idea behind this quick-paced, interactive opening session. Each expert panelist represents a different segment of the system — and has strong opinions about what needs to improve. Mark Noonan from Marsh USA will moderate the session and keep the debate going, plus invite you to pose questions.

  AWARDS LUNCHEON:
  Risk & Insurance® Magazine’s Theodore Roosevelt
   Workers’ Compensation and Disability Programs
  Awards Presentation

Tuesday, Nov. 6: 12:15 – 1 p.m.

Join us in honoring the winners of Risk & Insurance® Magazine’s best workers’ compensation and disability programs of the year. The Risk & Insurance® Workers' Compensation Awards honor President Theodore Roosevelt, who pioneered the first federal workers' compensation legislation in the United States. The awards are sponsored by Specialty Risk Services.

Sponsored by:

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE:
The Music Within

Richard Pimentel, Senior Partner, Milt Wright & Associates, Granada Hills, Calif.

Tuesday, Nov. 6: 1 – 2 p.m.

We all have the ability to make a difference by tapping into our innate qualities of leadership. By highlighting his life story, captured in the movie Music Within due in theaters this fall, Mr. Pimentel focuses on how to lead — not by what we know, but by who we are and what we do. With every interaction you have the opportunity to inspire belief, action and change. This presentation will inspire you to tap into your own music within to make a difference and to build a legacy for the future.

  General Session and Keynote:
  The Executive Perspective:
  What Top Workers’ Compensation Insurers Are Doing

Richard Marko, Senior Vice President & Manager, Commercial Market Strategic
       Services, Liberty Mutual, Boston
Todd Mattiello, Vice President Workers’ Compensation Claims, Travelers,
      Hartford, Conn.
Glen Pitruzzello, Vice President Workers’ Compensation Claim Practices,
      The Hartford, Hartford, Conn.
Joseph Wells, Senior Vice President, Workers’ Compensation Line of Business
      Director, Zurich North America, Schaumburg, Ill.
William Dunn, Zonal Vice President - Western Zone, AIG Domestic Claims, Inc.,
     Overland Park, Kan.
Moderator: Mark Noonan, Workers’ Compensation Practice Leader, Marsh USA,
      Boston

Wednesday, Nov. 7: 1:45 – 3 p.m.

Want to know what workers’ comp insurers are up to these days? Find out in this panel Q&A when executives of several of the nation’s leading workers’ comp insurance companies will be together onstage. Mark Noonan from Marsh USA will moderate the session and pose questions to each panelist. Plus, come prepared to ask the panel your questions!

  General Session and Closing Keynote:
  Boomeralgia, and other Workers’ Comp
  Aches and Pains

Dr. David Cooper, The Knee Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Thursday, Nov. 8: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Cries of, “Oh my aching back!” may be the result of a workplace accident leading to a high-priced catastrophic injury — or, simply the result of an aging worker. With so many baby boomers in the private and federal workforces, the rules of the game have changed. Protecting your workers from injury is no longer merely a matter of preventing typical injuries. Employers and agencies must also understand and develop ways to address the natural deterioration that coincides with the aging process. In this informative and humorous presentation, Dr. Cooper will enlighten you about ‘boomeralgia’ and other physical issues of the aging worker.

A Night at the House of Blues

Tuesday, November 6, 7 – 10 p.m.

Sponsored by

Located on the river and in the incomparable Marina City Complex, the Chicago location of the House of Blues is an extravagant multi-faceted entertainment mecca. You'll enjoy live music, complimentary drinks, a full buffet dinner, and round-trip transportation from one of the official conference hotels. Plus, the Conference's own Idol Competition returns and you'll get to vote for who wins the title! This party will definitely be one you won't forget, so don't miss an evening filled with food, music and fun, compliments of StrataCare.

Ticket details will be provided at the conference.