Conferences & Webinars
Annual Conference
Successfully managing compliant absence and disability programs not only requires a nuanced understanding of local, state, and federal requirements, but a strong focus on integration, employee experience, productivity, and cost management.
The 2025 DMEC Annual Conference, Aug. 4-7, 2025, in Washington, DC, will offer a one-of-a-kind deep dive into solutions and best practices for the challenges that leave and disability professionals face each day.
Agenda Highlights
Preconference Workshop — Taking Back Your Plan: A Practical Guide for Effective Policy Development — Aug. 3
The avalanche of federal, state, and local laws has forced employers into making reactive policy, process, and funding changes, often with minimal information and under tight deadlines. The effort spent determining how each plan does or does not coordinate, and if mandatory requirements are being met, is overshadowing the overall goal of having formal leave plans in the first place.
This engaging and interactive training is designed to provide participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to write effective, compliant, and inclusive policies that reflect your company’s objectives will be held on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 1:00-5:00 pm alongside the 2025 DMEC Annual Conference. Secure your spot by registering for the optional preconference workshop, available at an additional $299 for registered conference attendees. Act fast, as participation is limited to just 100 attendees. Don’t let this invaluable training opportunity pass you by—register today!
Agenda
Sunday
August 3, 2025
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Preconference Workshop — Taking Back Your Plan: A Practical Guide for Effective Policy Development
The avalanche of federal, state, and local laws has forced employers into making reactive policy, process, and funding changes, often with minimal information and under tight deadlines. The effort spent determining how each plan does or does not coordinate, and if mandatory requirements are being met, is overshadowing the overall goal of having formal leave plans in the first place.
This engaging and interactive training is designed to provide participants with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to write effective, compliant, and inclusive policies that reflect your company’s objectives. Through a combination of instruction and hands-on workshops, attendees will:
- Master the essential principles of policy drafting
- Understand how to benchmark policy options against industry standards
- Identify compliance requirements to be incorporated
- Determine changes needed to get policies back on track
This interactive workshop will empower participants to create clear, concise, and compliant policies that can be immediately applied to their organization. Attendees will also have the opportunity to collaborate and receive feedback on their policy questions, helping them refine their skills in real-time.
By the end of this training, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to write policies that are not only legally sound but also inclusive and reflective of their organization’s needs.
Speakers
Karen Trumbull English, ARM, CPCU, MBA, ACI, AU, Senior Vice President, Spring Consulting Group, An Alera Group Company
Lynne Noel, JD, AVP, Absence and Disability, Spring Consulting Group, An Alera Group Company
Monday
August 4, 2025
8:00 - 9:00 am
First-Time Attendee Orientation
9:15 - 9:30 am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Speakers:
Kevin Curry, Board Chair, DMEC
Bryon Bass, Chief Executive Officer, DMEC
9:30 - 10:30 am
Opening Keynote Session: Unlocking Passion, Performance and Transformation
Affected by the death of a close friend, Sebastian Terry had a moment of deep reflection and realized that he was leading a life devoid of passion and joy. In a moment of darkness and uncertainty, he decided to pick up a pen and paper and began to create a list of 100 things that he hoped would bring him closer to a sense of happiness, if not purpose.
From disengaged and stagnant to purpose-driven and fully activated — join Seb Terry to unlock your peak performance and transformation. Through his inspiring personal journey and powerful frameworks, Seb will guide attendees to break through limitations, shift mindsets, and drive sustainable motivation. Seb empowers individuals to take immediate action, creating a ripple effect of change that fuels productivity, teamwork, and long-term success. Attendees won’t just be inspired—they’ll walk away actively creating and activating their most meaningful personal and professional goals in real time.
Speaker
Seb Terry
10:30 - 11:00 am
Coffee & Conversation Break
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Recent Jury Verdicts involving Leave and Accommodation Issues
Please join an annual conference favorite session on recent jury trials and key settlements and other courts cases involving the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA); and state and local leave, disability discrimination, and pregnancy discrimination laws. This year, the session will also cover key settlements and trials involving the new federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). This session is both entertaining and educational, providing commonsense compliance tips to help employers avoid the expense and business disruption caused by lawsuits related to leave and accommodation issues.
Speakers
Marjory Robertson, JD, AVP, and Senior Counsel, Sun Life
Sarah Simmons, JD, Absence and Employment Counsel, FullscopeRMS
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions
1A. What to do When Employees Boggle Your Mind – Mental Health in the Workplace
Since one in five adults in the U.S. experiences a mental illness each year, there is a high probability that some of your employees have a mental health impairment. This presentation will engage attendees through an interactive discussion addressing disability benefits, performance management, and absence policies as they relate to your employees’ mental health. Learn how to navigate employee safety issues and direct threat situations. And, most importantly, receive guidance on how to avoid legal pitfalls. This presentation will provide you with practical guidance as it relates to real-world situations and mental health in the workplace.
Speakers
David Mohl, JD, Principal, Jackson Lewis PC
Katharine Weber, JD, Principal, Jackson Lewis PC
1B. Compassionate Leave: Reimaging Employee Well-Being
Compassionate leave is an emerging trend in the leave and disability space. It allows employers to expand time-off policies, offering paid leave for diverse circumstances beyond traditional leave types, such as menopause, loss of a loved one or pet, family or friend illness, divorce, or domestic abuse. Compassionate leave bridges the gaps between federal, state, and standard company leave policies, helping employers attract and retain talent by addressing employees’ unique needs. This session will explore the purpose, benefits, and challenges of implementing compassionate leave, including real-world insights from a leave administrator and a Q&A.
Speakers
Jess Langley, Senior Absence Consultant, Brown & Brown, Strategic Non-Medical Solutions
Susanna Mensah, MBA, MPH, RD, Associate Director, US Benefits and Wellbeing, Merck
Ali Schaafsma, Director, Absence Consulting, Brown & Brown, Strategic Non-Medical Solutions
1C. Low Utilization Got You Down? How Partner’s Can Connect to Create Meaningful Value
Compassionate leave is an emerging trend in the leave and disability space. It allows employers to expand time-off policies, offering paid leave for diverse circumstances beyond traditional leave types, such as menopause, loss of a loved one or pet, family or friend illness, divorce, or domestic abuse. Compassionate leave bridges the gaps between federal, state, and standard company leave policies, helping employers attract and retain talent by addressing employees’ unique needs. This session will explore the purpose, benefits, and challenges of implementing compassionate leave, including real-world insights from a leave administrator and a Q&A
Speakers
Kristen Bell, Health and Welfare Manager, Northrop Grumman
Kara Coutu, Senior Manager, Customer Consulting and Analytics, Aflac
Nicholas Morrisohn, Senior Data Consultant, Aflac
Natasha Sherman Mitchell, Client Account Director, LiveHealth Online
1D. Technology Can Make All Your Absence Dreams Come True … Or It Can Be Your Worst Nightmare!
Technology … it’s everywhere. And while much emphasis is (justly) placed on how it can help absence practitioners, the potential pitfalls are not always discussed. In this session, absence technology experts will share their experiences and guidance — the good, the bad, and the ugly. The benefits? Automated processes and analytics can save time and ensure compliance. The drawbacks? Human interaction and judgment are critical in leave management, especially when dealing with the often-present gray areas. Leave this session with a tool that will help you determine the approach to technology that’s right for your organization.
Speakers
Darren Keener, CLMS, Senior Principal Business Solutions Consultant, Majesco
Lindsay Lueken, Business Development Director, Broadspire
1E. The Power of Social Ties in Reducing Workplace Absenteeism
Loneliness in employees costs employers over $154 billion annually. Lonely employees take 5.7 more absentee days per year than employees with strong social connections. With 62% of working adults feeling lonely, addressing this issue should be part of every employer’s absence management strategy. Loneliness, caused by a gap between desired and actual social connectedness, negatively impacts employee engagement and company productivity. It leads to increased sick leave, workplace absences, and use of disability leave programs, reducing overall productivity and profitability. Attendees of this session will learn how to equip themselves with tools, strategies, and effective practices to assess the level of employee loneliness and to foster meaningful strong social connections in the workplace, therefore, reducing employee absences.
Speakers
Wendy Coduti, PhD, Regional Director, Health and Productivity Analytics and Consulting Practice, Prudential
LaToya Rodriguez, Regional Director, Health and Productivity Analytics and Consulting Practice, Prudential
2:30 - 3:00 pm
Coffee & Conversation Break
3:00 - 4:30 pm
Workshops
2A. Don’t Give Leave a Bad Name: Recognize, Learn, and Do Better
No matter how tight a ship you run, nobody’s perfect. With the multitude of leave laws and company policies that employers manage, mistakes are bound to happen — whether it’s a technology glitch or human error. Join us for a fun, interactive workshop featuring several tricky leave and accommodation scenarios where something went wrong along the way, and the employee was impacted. You will be invited to offer suggestions and talk through potential solutions. Discuss how to learn from the mistakes and come through it with an even stronger leave program.
Speakers
Carla O’Sullivan, Senior Compliance Director, Alight
Sheri Pullen, Senior Compliance Director, Alight
2B. Spot the Lie: Testing Your Intermittent Leave Knowledge
How confident are you in responding to the challenges of intermittent leave management? In this interactive workshop, panelists will equip participants with actionable knowledge on intermittent leave management. During a breakout activity, sample scenarios will either provide the right way to deal with intermittent leave scenarios or confidently give out incorrect answers. Participants will be asked to spot what they think is the bogus explanation. Dealing with intermittent leave requests, whether planned or unplanned, can be typically fraught with compliance pitfalls, but you should be able to easily tell fact from fiction as long as you apply what you learn from the Family and Medical Leave Act and other related leave laws, regulations, and agency guidance.
Speakers
Lori Welty, Esq., SVP, Product Compliance, FINEOS
Patricia L. Zuniga, LLM, IDAM Compliance Manager, FINEOS
2C. Invis-ABLE Me
When people think about disabilities, they tend to focus on those they can see. But what about the disabilities that can’t be seen? Invisible disabilities encompass a wide range of conditions, including mental health disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders. These “unseen” disabilities can have a significant impact on daily activities, education, work, and social interactions, making everyday tasks more challenging. Some misconceptions about invisible disabilities can result in doubt, discrimination, and insufficient support for individuals. Additionally, skepticism or misunderstanding from peers can cause individuals to hide their condition. Attendees of this session will learn to identify the wide range of invisible disabilities, how to recognize a possible performance issue versus the need for accommodation, and how to provide appropriate accommodations to foster inclusive environments.
Speakers
Krystal Barnes-Iwediebo, Director, Disability and Absence Management, New York Presbyterian Hospital
Chrystal Goodson, Director, Leave Management Product, The Hartford
Tammy Smith, Client Broker Education Consultant, The Hartford
2D. Practical Solutions for a Successful Return-to-Work: A Hands-On Workshop for Employers
Returning to work after a leave of absence is a pivotal moment for employees and organizations, but it can present challenges for both. A thoughtful and compliant return-to-work strategy can not only support an employee’s reintegration to the workplace an average of 14 days faster, it also fosters a culture of compassion and helps achieve productivity goals. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to develop a return-to-work plan that is both caring and compliant while ensuring the best possible outcomes for both employees and employers. Through real-life examples, attendees will learn to integrate corporate leave policies with human resources strategies, develop leave programs that set organizations and employees up for success, and offer compliant accommodations that support employee well-being and increased productivity. Attendees will leave with the tools and strategies needed to create an effective, sustainable return-to-work process that promotes engagement, reduces return delays, and improves the experience.
Speakers
Marcy Ledford, MS, CRC, CEAS, Director, Health and Productivity, Unum
Susan Stowell, Vice President, Solutions Product Strategy, Unum
2E. Mental Wellness, Thriving Workplace, PWFA, ADA, and FMLA
Embark on an informative journey exploring the intricate landscape of workplace mental health management and federal accommodation laws. Discover how to create a thriving, mentally healthy workplace culture and navigate through the complexities of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Uncover the critical role managers play in disability management and fostering a supportive work environment. This workshop experience will bring to life the challenges of balancing mental health needs with effective workplace accommodations, equipping you with practical strategies for success. In this session, you will learn about the complex application of PWFA, ADA, and FMLA through real-world scenarios; leverage current mental health models to create and sustain a mentally healthy, legally compliant workplace culture; and develop strategies for effective disability management.
Speakers
Paula Allen, DCS, Global Leader and Vice President, Research and Insights, TELUS Health
Ann Kuzee, JD, Senior Legal Counsel, TELUS Health
4:30 - 5:00 pm
Break
5:00 - 7:00 pm
Opening Welcome Reception
Kick off your 2025 DMEC Annual Conference experience by connecting with old friends and fellow attendees at the opening welcome reception. Everyone is invited to join the festivities for a special evening of great food and fun.
Courtesy of DMEC National Partners
Tuesday
August 5, 2025
7:00 - 8:00 am
Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:00 - 8:15 am
DMEC Announcements and Awards
8:15 - 9:15 am
A Conversation with the DOL
Join us for an exclusive conversation with Dieera Fitzgerald, associate administrator for policy at the Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division. As the new administration marks its seventh month, this session offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the agency’s evolving priorities — from enforcement strategies to new initiatives shaping the future of workplace policies. Gain valuable insights into the DOL’s direction and how its policies will shape the absence management landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with a key policymaker and deepen your understanding of the agency’s strategic vision.
Speaker
Dieera Fitzgerald, Associate Administrator, Policy, Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division
Moderator
Bryon Bass, CEO, DMEC
9:15 - 10:00 am
Coffee & Conversation Break with Exhibitors
10:00 - 11:00 am
Getting Alice out of Wonderland: How to Address the Realities of Accommodations Management
A lot of advice and instruction about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, steps in the interactive process, and the dos and don’ts related to decision-making are based on simple scenarios and the ideal state. However, in the real world, accommodations management rarely involves straightforward situations. Moreover, managers, human resources professionals, practice leaders, and decision-makers have to reconcile their policies and practices with inconsistent case law, different points of view about risk, employees with a legal education from “Internet U,” and a healthcare system where providers are not always easily accessible and rarely prioritize the importance of providing clear and ADA-actionable paperwork. This presentation panel will focus on how to move past the unreasonable expectation of clarity and develop approaches that will promote effective decision-making that aligns with compliance and employee relations objectives.
Speakers
Katie Aldridge, Assistant Vice President, Workforce Absence, Sedgwick
Sara Edler, JD, Senior Vice President, Workforce Absence, Sedgwick
Jeff Nowak, Esq., Shareholder, Littler
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Do They Need It Or Just Want It? Managing Specific Requests for ADA Accommodation
When employees ask for something specific, like wanting to work from home, not wanting to work Fridays, or needing an office, employers can find themselves in a frustrating situation. Sometimes healthcare providers are evaluating what they believe is best for their patient but sometimes, providers are relaying what their patient wants in the workplace. In this session, learn how to engage in the disability interactive process of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to gather functional limitations to confirm that the employee has a covered disability and ensure that you are finding and implementing the best accommodations for your organization and your workforce.
Speaker
Rachel Shaw, MBA, President, Shaw HR Consulting
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Lunch with Exhibitors
12:50 - 1:20 pm
Bonus Education: Lunch & Learn
Coming soon
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions
3A. Beyond Compliance: Leveraging Accommodations Data to Build an Inclusive, Adaptive Workplace
Accommodations programs are more than compliance tools. They’re powerful drivers of workplace culture and inclusion. What if we could unlock even greater potential for our organizations by using accommodations data to reimagine workplace policies and practices? Imagine creating a forward-thinking, flexible work environment where most employees — disabled or not — can thrive without needing to request specific accommodations. This session will explore how data from common accommodation requests can be the catalyst for broader systemic change and a more inclusive future of work. Our expert panel will examine practical examples of accommodations, innovative solutions, and strategic approaches to adapting workplace policies. Learn how to transform your organization by integrating flexibility and adaptability at the very core of your workplace culture.
Speaker
Kristin Jones, CLMS, PHR, SHRM-CP, Director, Education Programs, DMEC
3B. The Untapped Role Managers Play in Leave
Managers have a significant yet often untapped role in supporting employees and teams during leave events. This interactive workshop is designed to help human resources and leave of absence professionals prepare managers to navigate these critical moments with confidence, compliance, and empathy. During the workshop, attendees will create employee and manager journey maps to identify key inflection points where resources and support can have the most significant impact. They will leave with actionable strategies to enable managers to become trusted allies during the leave process, enhancing the overall employee experience and organizational resilience.
Speakers
Shelby George, JD, CEO, PERKY
Jenny Merrithew, MBA, Vice President, Product and Service Excellence, MBA, Aflac
3C. Cancer in the Workplace: A Workshop for Managers
Work is an important aspect of life for many people living with cancer. Managers and human resources teams play a vital role in supporting these employees. This workshop will boost your confidence and competence in speaking with employees who have cancer and supporting them through diagnosis, treatment, return-to-work planning, and the return-to-work process. Learn about compliance regulations and other strategies to help you go beyond expectations to ensure an optimal experience for employees.
Speakers
Raghav Murali-Ganesh, MD, Co-Founder and CEO, Osara Health
Robin Newman, Clinical Program Consultant, Osara Health
3D. From Data to Decisions: Leveraging Benchmarking for Actionable Insights
This hands-on workshop will be ideal for human resources professionals, benefits managers, and organizational leaders looking to optimize their leave benefit strategies. Dive into the intricacies of leave plan design by exploring real-world scenarios and leveraging DMEC’s proprietary AbsenceExemplar™ dashboards to build a business case for change within a fictitious organization. Compare the organization’s existing leave benefits to industry benchmarks to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in the current leave plan and formulate a compelling business case to present to leadership. Leave the session knowing how to access the AbsenceExemplar™ dashboards for your organization by participating in the DMEC Plan and Policy Design Survey. Then gather the necessary data points to support a business case for proposed changes.
Speakers
Christine Hinnerichs, Total Absence Management Client Service Manager, The Partners Group
Deborah LaBonar, PhD, Director, Benchmarking and Research, DMEC
3E. How to Turn an FMLA Process into an Automated Workflow
Organizations of all sizes still manually manage Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) requests or outsource the management altogether. In this step-by-step workshop, walk through a process that shows where a manual FMLA management process can be streamlined and automated, and learn key considerations for different types of workforces and industries. Leave with personalized recommendations for your organization’s processes.
Speaker
Seth Turner, CLMS, Founder and Senior Advisor, AbsenceSoft
2:30 - 3:15 pm
Dessert Break with Exhibitors
Courtesy of TRISTAR
3:15 - 4:15 pm
Coffee with Chris Counihan, Director, Delaware Paid Leave
Join this in-depth discussion about the purpose, benefits, and intricacies of Delaware’s new paid leave program. Learn the unique features of the program; employer expectations; and key considerations for communicating the program to workers, coordinating benefits, and participating in the claim process. Gain valuable insights to help your organization navigate the requirements and ensure you are prepared to support its employees.
Speakers
Chris Counihan, Director, Delaware Paid Leave
Gina Rutledge, MA, CLU, PFML National Practice Leader, MetLife
3:15 - 4:15 pm
Roundtable Discussions
Join industry peers for small-group discussions on hot topics within the industry. Share challenges, opportunities, and best practices from your organization’s experience.
4:15 - 4:30 pm
Break
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions
4A. Absence Eras Tour
Explore leave of absence laws and workplace accommodations through the lens of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Just as Taylor evolves through different phases of her career, employees experience various “eras” in their lives, such as dealing with illness, caregiving, or postpartum recovery. Leave laws protect their right to navigate these transitions without job loss. This session will equip employers with the tools to balance employee well-being and legal compliance during life’s transformative moments. It will provide an overview of legal frameworks that employers must follow to support life transitions, highlighting key laws like the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the expanding Paid Family and Medical Leave landscape. Other topics will include compliance risks, legislative trends, and the benefits workers are entitled to during times of change.
Speakers
Kristy Helkenn, CLMS, HIA, DIA, DHP, Head of Absence and Disability Practices, Absence Management/Group Benefits, Guardian
Christine Hinnerichs, PHR, Client Services Manager, The Partners Group
Marissa Rodriguez, Senior Account Manager, The Partners Group
4B. Building a Framework to Evaluate the Impact of Leave Benefits on Employee Productivity, Satisfaction, and Retention
More Information Coming Soon!
4C. How a RTW Program Can Encourage Employee Satisfaction and Resilience
We all understand that encouraging employees to return to work with or without restrictions is a positive for any organization. However, the return-to-work (RTW) process is often stressful for the employee returning from leave. Co-workers who provided coverage while the employee was out want to get back to their normal job duties; people or even job duties change; communication about changes post-return may not be sufficient; and the employee may still be feeling off following the leave. This interactive session will review some of the latest research on resilience, how an employer can support employees in times of leave and how employers can support those left behind to ensure that the transition to the workplace makes all employees feel supported during the transition. Leave this session with a useful process timeline to help develop a resilient RTW program at your organization.
Speakers
Jim Croushore, Consultant/Principal, No Limits Mindset/Burrell School District
Linda Croushore, MEd, CRC, CLMS, LPC, Associate Vice President, Absence Management, Workpartners
4D. How Employment Laws Impact Communication with Employees
This exciting, interactive session will focus on different forms of communication in the workplace and the employment laws that permit or limit those communications. Learn a number of best practices, including how to obtain information from applicants; have lawful conversations with employees about performance, improvement, and discipline; understand Section 7 protections and how they impact information sharing among employees; obtain information from medical providers about disability and leave issues; and understand what information impacts communication with employees about medical issues and accommodation.
Speaker
Anne-Marie Storey, Attorney/Partner, Rudman Winchell
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Quick-Dive Sessions
4:30-4:55 pm
4E. Revolutionizing Disability Management: Reducing Claims Through Innovative Mental Health Solutions
Mental health is the leading cause of workplace disability claims, accounting for up to 70% of related costs. Innovative treatments like ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT) and stellate ganglion block are reducing post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety, leading to fewer disability claims and improved employee productivity. This panel brings together diverse voices — a union leader, an employer representative, and a healthcare expert — to share insights from partnerships covering over 60 employers and unions with more than 167,000 covered lives. Attendees will hear real-world case studies, including an 86% improvement in mental health symptoms among employees, resulting in faster return-to-work rates and reduced long-term disability costs. Learn actionable strategies to integrate these solutions into benefits programs, fostering workplace resilience while tackling mental health-driven disability claims. This session provides a roadmap for collaboration between employers, unions, and healthcare providers, offering a new approach to addressing one of the most pressing workplace challenges.
Speakers
Emma Fox, CEO and Co-Founder, E-Powered Benefits
Andy Johnson, Fund Administrator, Teamsters
Sherry Rais, CEO and Co-Founder, Enthea
5:05-5:30 pm
4F. Multistate PFML Private Plan Implementation Timeline
Employers that offer private plan options to satisfy their multistate paid family and medical leave (PFML) requirements must be aware of the filing requirements and deadlines in each state — a daunting task that could result in employers not receiving the proper approvals. Most think their broker or insurance carrier will handle this, only to find out responsibility rests with the employer. This session will help you navigate this process with a map of deadlines and requirements.
Speakers
Sarah Coli, Esq, Associate General Counsel, ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company
Rebecca Hanna, CLMS, ADMS, AVP, Product Management, ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company
Simon Klarides, AVP, Strategic Partnerships, ShelterPoint Life Insurance Company
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Happy Hour with Exhibitors
Mingle and relax with attendees and exhibitors after a full day of sessions. Enjoy complimentary drinks and light snacks during happy hour.
Courtesy of Shaw HR Consulting
Wednesday
August 6, 2025
7:00 - 8:00 am
Breakfast with Exhibitors
8:00 - 8:15 am
DMEC Announcements and Awards
8:15 - 9:15 am
Federal Paid Leave During the Trump Administration – Myth, Mystery, Reality
In the 30+ years since the Family and Medical Leave Act burst onto the scene, many conversations have pivoted to a natural next question: When is paid family leave coming at the federal level? In the last decade, White House administrations and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have pursued federal paid family leave only to be stymied by a variety of seemingly insurmountable roadblocks. In the new Trump administration, could federal paid family leave follow? The answer may surprise you. Join us for this unique presentation during which we will examine the current federal leave and disability law landscape and provide insight into the latest activity and legislative proposals on federal paid leave and its prospects.
Speakers
Joshua Seidman, JD, Partner, Labor and Employment Law, Seyfarth Shaw
Lynne Sousa, JD, SHRM-CP, PHR, Senior Leave Management Legal and Compliance Counsel, Voya Financial
9:15 - 10:15 am
DMEC Legislative Panel Discussion
More Information Coming Soon!
10:15 - 11:00 am
Coffee & Conversation Break with Exhibitors
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Concurrent Sessions
5A. Harnessing Integrated Data to Enhance Employee Health Insights
Harmonizing data from fragmented sources is challenging and often feels impossible to align from one report to another. Learn about the role of data in understanding the health trends of your employees and its impact across multiple areas of your business. By examining sources from your health plan, disability and leave programs, and workers’ compensation, you can create a more holistic view of employees’ health. While chronic conditions are becoming more prevalent and spend through our medical plan, how does that impact the length of time employees are out of work on disability or due to a workplace injury? Are those employees who do not seek medical evaluations more prone to filing a workers’ comp claim? How does anxiety and depression determine the need for leave? Learn about the options available to employers and how to maximize your most valuable assets: your internal stakeholders.
Speakers
Ivan Torres, VP, Workers’ Health 360 Data Analytics, Marsh McLennan Agency
Kate Valette, VP, Clinical Director Workers’ Health 360, BSN, RN, Marsh McLennan Agency
5B. Solving the Puzzle: How PFML, Benefits and Accruals Fit Together
The growing trend of state-mandated paid family and medical leave (PFML) programs is here to stay, and with it the question of how to make state benefits play nice with employer-sponsored benefits and other state and federal leave entitlements. This program will examine the integration of state PFML programs with employer-sponsored benefits, including paid time off, parental leave, and short- and long-term disability plans, as well as state and federal leave laws. Using sample case studies, we’ll provide strategies for avoiding the pitfalls of overpayments, underpayments, interruption of benefits, and leave stacking to help your organization develop a comprehensive integration approach to fitting the puzzle pieces together (and figuring out what to do when the puzzle pieces just won’t fit). Our diverse panel brings experience as in-house and outside counsel, as well as counsel to private plan administrators, to help employers piece it all together.
Speakers
Ellen Donovan McCann, JD, Senior Counsel, Littler Mendelson
Daris Freeman, JD, AVP, Legal Counsel, Unum
Stephanie Mills-Gallan, JD, Shareholder, Littler Mendelson
5C. Defining the Future of AI in Absence Management: Review of Think Tank Findings
Join us for an insightful session about the outcomes from our 2025 AI Think Tank. This presentation will cover research findings, featuring perspectives from employers and suppliers solicited via an artificial intelligence (AI) think tank survey, discussions with government representatives in the AI sector, and insights from leave professionals who are pioneering the use of AI in leave management practices.
Speakers
Bryon Bass, CEO, DMEC
Shelby George, CEO, PERKY
5D. Next Gen Leave: What True Technology Disruption Could Look Like
Given the stunning acceleration of artificial intelligence, are employer and employee leave experiences lagging? And if they are, why? In this session, speakers who are immersed in building and deploying leave technologies will discuss the state of leave technology and regulatory, technical, and practical barriers to product acceleration, all with an eye toward helping you determine whether we are demanding enough of ourselves and providers.
Speakers
Frank Alvarez, Founding Legal Counsel, Cocoon
Mahima Chawla, CEO and Co-founder, Cocoon
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Quick-Dive Sessions
11:00-11:25 am
5E. What is Good Faith and How Do You Demonstrate It?
Compliance is getting the basics right. How do you design and implement a culture that goes beyond compliance and promotes acceptance and civility? To create this kind of disability compliance program, you must think through all of the touchpoints. Collectively, every communication — every email, every memo, every verbal conversation — says something about your culture to an employee. Employers must shift from a mindset of compliance to one the law intended: an interactive process, which is positive and supportive. An interactive discussion tries to find a “yes.” View your disability compliance program through this lens to see where changes can be made for the better — for all of us.
Speaker
Rachel Shaw, MBA, President, Shaw HR Consulting
11:35 am-12:00 pm
5F. The Impact of Caregiving Support on Leave
Over one in six employees in the U.S. are caregivers. In the past four years, employees taking leave for caregiving has grown over 50%. While leave programs help support employees in this difficult time, caregiving responsibilities often continue far beyond the leave period. Learn how employers can support family caregivers before leave, during leave, and when they return to work to dramatically impact their well-being, productivity, and churn prevention.
Speakers
Traci Dobronravova, Director of Care, Mellie
Julie Stone, Executive Health and Benefits, Consulting Strategy and Benefit Design/Integration, Julie’s Strategy Consulting and Facilitation Experience
12:00 - 1:30 pm
Lunch with Exhibitors
12:50-1:20 pm
Bonus Education: Lunch & Learn
Coming soon
1:30 - 2:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions
6A. Advancing Employee Benefits: Meeting the Evolving Needs of Your Workforce
Employee benefits and financial wellness play a critical role in shaping workplace culture and fostering a sense of belonging. In this compelling panel discussion, industry leaders from large national corporations, mid-sized companies, and small regional businesses will explore how inclusive benefits bolster a superior employee experience. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, the panelists will uncover innovative approaches to designing benefits that address the unique needs of today’s workforce. Attendees will gain strategic guidance on evaluating benefit offerings to drive engagement and enable employees to thrive.
Speakers
Susan Pergament, Global Benefits Leader, Syneos Health
Joanne Rosa, Vice President, National Accounts and Absence Consulting Practice, Lincoln Financial Group
6B. Beyond Benefits: Holistic Strategies to Optimize Employee Support and Engagement
In 2025, attracting and retaining top talent requires a robust benefits strategy that addresses the whole employee. MetLife’s 2024 Employee Benefit Trends Study underscores the critical role of care-centric programs fostering loyalty, engagement, and overall job satisfaction. This session looks at the value of whole-person benefits, highlighting the impact of tailored support for employees facing cancer ─ one of the most common and high-impact reasons for a disability leave. Providing holistic care is essential to supporting employees’ mental and physical health, driving meaningful engagement, and achieving better return-to-work outcomes. Employees increasingly value continuous, personalized support beyond traditional benefits. But according to the MetLife trends study, a significant perception gap exists: While 88% of employers believe they demonstrate care, only 60% of employees feel cared for. This presentation will explore actionable strategies to bridge this gap, emphasizing best practices for personalized and targeted support during key moments.
Speakers
Kelly Dieppa, Vice President, Global Group Disability Claims and Clinical Operations, MetLife
Raghav Murali-Ganesh, MD, Co-Founder and CEO, Osara Health
6C. Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Employee Expectations and Employer Obligations
Approximately 20% of the population is considered neurodiverse, and they experience and understand the world in unique ways. Neurodiversity includes a wide range of mental health and substance use conditions, as well as some neurological issues. In today’s competitive business environment, employers must create an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive. But, managing neurodiverse employees comes with its own set of challenges. In this session, explore practical ways to accommodate neurodiverse individuals, helping them to excel and contribute to the success of your organization. Also learn effective strategies for recruiting and retaining neurodiverse talent, removing the stigma associated with cognitive disabilities and ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and ADA Amendments Act requirements.
Speaker
Dan Jolivet, PhD, Workplace Possibilities Practice Consultant, The Standard
6D. Empowering Parents: Parental Leave Planning Insights Supported with Digital Tech Solutions
This presentation will examine the findings from consumer research on parental leave, focusing on what working parents value in leave planning tools. Explore how technology can simplify access to vital information, reducing the complexity of current methods used by human resources (HR) teams and leave administrators. Key points include the necessity for personalized, on-demand information; the benefits of flexible planning tools; and the integration of state and federal leave planning. Learn how these innovations support parents, streamline HR processes, and ensure comprehensive understanding and utilization of leave benefits
Speakers
Chengchen Li, CLMS, FSA, MAAA, Founder and CEO, Penguin Benefits
Breanna Scott, CLMS, POPM, SA, CSPO, Senior Product Manager, New York Life Group Benefit Solutions
6E. The Neuroscience of Resilience: Emotional Intelligence and Self-Regulation inside and Outside of the Workplace
This presentation explores how neuroscience-based insights into emotional intelligence (EI) and self-regulation can enhance resilience in high-stress work environments. Examine the brain’s response to stress, the impact of emotional dysregulation on workplace dynamics, and practical strategies for self-regulation. Key topics will include the triune brain model, the role of EI in leadership and conflict resolution, and the Regulate-Relate-Reason framework for managing stress. Learn practical takeaways on building emotional resilience at work and actionable techniques to improve self-awareness, foster a resilience-focused workplace culture, and strengthen mental adaptability through neuroplasticity.
Speaker
Jim Croushore, Consultant/Principal, No Limits Mindset/Burrell School District
2:30 - 3:15 pm
Dessert Break with Exhibitors
Courtesy of TRISTAR
3:15 - 4:15 pm
Healthier Communities Start with Paid Leave: Colorado Joins the Research
While there is no federal mandate for paid family and medical leave (PFML), the District of Columbia and 13 states — including Colorado — have adopted PFML programs, each partnering with national research projects to examine the positive health outcomes of paid leave. This session will explore how employers, healthcare providers, human resources professionals, case managers, and other professionals can contribute to improving health outcomes, particularly through supporting access to paid leave benefits. The focus will be on Colorado’s innovative paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program, its health benefits, and the ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access for marginalized communities.
Speakers
David Gallivan, JD, Compliance and Appeals Branch Manager, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment
Tracy Marshall, RN, CCM, CDMS, SHRM-CP, Director, FAMLI Division, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment
3:15 - 4:15 pm
Roundtable Discussions
Join industry peers for small-group discussions on hot topics within the industry. Share challenges, opportunities, and best practices from your organization’s experience.
4:15 - 4:30 pm
Break
4:30 - 5:30 pm
Concurrent Sessions
7A. Untangle the Tangled Mess – PFML Private Plan Applications & Renewals
Thirteen states and the District of Columbia have mandatory paid family and medical leave, paid family leave, and disability programs. Each has different requirements to apply for and renew private plans. In this presentation, review the intricacies of state private plan application and renewal requirements, including voting application, renewal fees, filing by federal employee ID number (FEIN) or bulk filings, approval and effective dates, applications and filing documents for the fully insured and self-insured, employee notice, claims and certification forms, and durations and renewals. Leave with a toolkit that includes a one-page resource of application and renewal highlights for each state and a more in-depth guide that includes a calendar tool to determine when to file for a desired policy effective date.
Speaker
Rebecca Ford, Esq, Director, Strategy, Product & Marketing, Reliance Matrix
7B. Health-Focused Attendance Support: Retention of Employees with Disabilities
Many employers have disability management programs supporting staff medical leaves. But how many dedicate resources toward employees struggling to stay attached to work? Fraser Health Authority moved from a traditional human resources based attendance management to a health-focused attendance support initiative led by disability management. In just 24 months post-COVID-19, the attendance support letter campaign provided over 7,500 employees with education about sick leave, individualized information on personal sick leave usage, and an offer of disability management support. With a team dedicated to working with employees struggling at work with ongoing medical conditions, and a suite of employer-paid recovery services, employees with medical impairments were supported in staying at work. Fraser Health saw a 2.75-day reduction in days of absence per employee. With over 45,000 employees, that reduction equated to 115,000 additional workdays annually. Learn why you should choose attendance support over attendance management to improve your company’s health and human resource retention strategy.
Speakers:
Melissa O’Brien, Leader, Attendence Support, Absence and Disability Management, Fraser Health Authority
7C. There’s an AI for that! The Future of Integrated Absence Management and How AI Connects the Dots
Human resources (HR) professionals are fielding an escalating number of calls from employees experiencing roadblocks to obtaining their leave benefits and receiving the most effective interventions, which impedes their return to work. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are providing solutions by streamlining the benefits coordination landscape; speeding the identification of individuals eligible for clinical, behavioral, and vocational interventions; and improving employee experiences by enabling insurance claims handlers to make better decisions more rapidly, all of which reduces the demands on HR. Using real-world examples, case studies, and even a little humor, this informative and engaging session will provide a plain-English approach to help you understand the ways AI technologies are transforming the landscape, reducing leave management complexity for HR professionals, accelerating employee recovery journeys and enabling them to get back to work faster.
Speakers
Benjamin Berry, Chief Product Officer, Evolution IQ
Daniel Gabbay, Clinical Technology Director, Evolution IQ
7D. Consequences of COVID-19: Neurological Insights, Workplace Implications, and Differentiating Genuine Impairment from Other Influences
The cognitive effects of COVID-19 have sparked growing concern among healthcare providers, disability evaluators, and employers alike. Notably, as of August 2024, approximately one million Americans have been pushed out of the labor force due to long COVID1, highlighting the significant impact on workforce participation. This presentation will explore the neurological underpinnings of cognitive dysfunction associated with COVID-19, including the most vulnerable cognitive domains and their implications for daily functioning. Attendees will gain an understanding of how cognitive challenges influence return-to-work timelines and disability claims, with particular attention to internal research findings. The analysis focuses on distinguishing genuine cognitive impairment from other factors such as malingering and somatoform conditions, shedding light on diagnostic nuances and their impact on disability determinations. By bridging clinical insights and disability management strategies, this session aims to equip professionals with practical tools to address COVID-related cognitive challenges in their practice or claims handling.
Speaker
Kristin Fiano, Sr. Director, Clinical & Quality Assurance Oversight, Payer Services, The IMA Group
7E. Empowering Caregivers in the Workplace: A Collaborative Approach to Well-Being
This panel discussion showcases a real-life collaborative, innovative approach that supports caregivers in the workplace by highlighting the success of embedding caregiving support strategy with disability. Take note of best practices and actionable strategies for implementing and engaging your workforce on caregiving for real world outcomes.
Speakers
John-Ryan Blanchette, MBA, Head of Wellness Strategy & Offerings, Guardian
Matthew Ceurvels, Sr., Head of Absence and State Programs, Guardian Life
7:00 - 10:00 pm
Washington, DC at Night!
There’s no better way to let loose and relax after several busy days of new ideas than to join your fellow conference attendees at our popular Wednesday night event. This year, get ready to party, sing, and laugh the night away at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar. Come for an hour or stay for the whole evening!
Courtesy of MetLife
Thursday
August 7, 2025
7:00 - 8:30 am
Breakfast
8:15 - 8:30 am
DMEC Announcements
8:30 - 9:30 am
Trauma Informed Management Strategies
In the immediate aftermath of an unexpected emergency, organizations often scramble to maintain business continuity and also to ensure that employees are safe and supported. To an extent, this is inevitable, since it’s impossible to predict the precise timing and scope of events like weather disasters or mass violence. But managers can develop skills to help them become more resilient and aid employees and the organization maintain an ongoing positive mental health culture and recover from traumatic and unexpected events. This session will highlight strategies to reduce presenteeism and absenteeism, and emphasize the building blocks of resilience, including self-awareness, emotional control, relationship management, and positive thinking. Leaders and managers will receive the tools they need to feel empowered to recognize the signs when someone is struggling with their mental health, what to do about it, and why it must be a business priority.
Speakers
Sara Galle, MA, Vice President, Absence Account Services, ComPsych
Matt Morris, Vice President, Absence and Accommodation Compliance, FMLASource, ComPsych Corporation
Kenny Zuckerberg, Vice President, Learning and Organizational Excellence, ComPsych
9:30 - 10:30 am
Beyond Leave: The Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace for Gen Z
In the early 2010s, mental health issues in the workplace surged, with significant increases in rates of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicide. The factors contributing to poor mental health differ from generation to generation, as do preferences for treatment and the willingness to seek help. This session will focus on Generation Z and the anticipated rise in mental health challenges within this demographic. We will examine how the profound changes in childhood experiences, particularly the emergence of a phone-based childhood, have disrupted children’s social and neurological development. As this generation begins to enter the workforce, employers will encounter higher rates of absenteeism and decreased productivity unless they develop tailored strategies to address the unique needs of this population. Attendees will come away with actionable steps that employers can take to mitigate the impact of mental health issues among this generation.
Speakers
Phil Lacy, Healthy and Productivity Practice Leader, Marsh McLennan Agency
Brad Smith, Chief Science Officer, meQuilibrium
10:30 - 10:45 am
Coffee & Conversation Break
10:45 - 11:45 am
Beyond Compliance: Creating a Disability-Inclusive Workplace
Inclusive hiring initiatives have become integral to modern workforce practices, aiming to create a more representative and accessible workplace. While many efforts focus on fostering equity across race, gender, and sexual orientation, disability is often overlooked. The Department of Labor reported that in 2024, only 38% of working-age individuals with disabilities were employed compared to 75% of working-age individuals without disabilities. While employers are required to make reasonable accommodations for qualified employees and applicants under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), they can also enhance workplace accessibility by making practical changes. Learn strategies to create a more inclusive workplace while meeting the requirements under the ADA.
Speakers
Armando Rodriguez, Product Compliance Counsel, Reliance Matrix
Lana L. Steven, JD, AVP, and Senior Product Compliance Counsel, Reliance Matrix
Mia Zafarino, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, Reliance Matrix
