Insights Series
Couldn’t attend the conference?
Access practical guidance on accommodation, leave management, compliance, and workplace trends through the 2026 Compliance Conference Insights Series, a collection of conference recordings available on demand.
For conference attendees
Revisit every conference session
Conference attendees can purchase access to all session recordings for a special attendee rate of $99.
Review key takeaways, revisit complex topics, and watch sessions you may have missed during the event. Whether you attended every day or had to choose between concurrent sessions, the recordings allow you to continue learning long after the conference ends.
With attendee access, you can:
- Watch every conference session on demand
- Revisit presentations at your convenience
- Catch sessions you were unable to attend
- Continue learning on your own schedule
- Earn CEUs for CLMS, HRCI, and SHRM
Insights Series
Access selected conference sessions
A curated collection of 13 conference recordings presented by the 2026 DMEC Compliance Conference Catalyst sponsors is available for professionals who were unable to attend the conference.
Topics include legal and regulatory developments, leave administration, accommodation management, paid leave, mental health, neurodiversity, artificial intelligence, and emerging workplace issues.
What you’ll gain
- Practical guidance from experienced practitioners and industry experts.
- Current perspectives on accommodation, leave, and compliance issues.
- Real-world examples and case studies.
- Strategies you can apply immediately in your organization.
- Flexible, on-demand access to conference education.
- CEU eligibility for CLMS, HRCI, and SHRM
Featured topics
Legal and Regulatory Updates
FMLA & ADA Case Law Update: A Year in Review!
The interaction and application of the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act remain persistent and complex issues for employers. Leading a perennial must-attend session at the Compliance Conference, Littler attorneys Ellen Donovan McCann and Jeff Nowak will review significant FMLA and ADA case law developments over the previous year, identify emerging case law trends and discuss recurring issues that continue to get courts’ attention. On a practical level, they will assess the impact of the cases on day-to-day practice in the management of employees with medical conditions. And as always, their case studies and some of the wild fact patterns will keep us laughing.
Speakers:
- Jeff Nowak, JD, Shareholder, Littler Mendelson
- Ellen Donovan McCann, JD, Senior Counsel, Littler Mendelson
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: Compliance, Challenges, and Change
As we approach the third year of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), the legal and compliance landscape continues to evolve rapidly. This session will explore how the PWFA has matured through agency enforcement, emerging litigation trends, and real-world accommodation challenges. We’ll examine the impact of the new EEOC administration, recent court decisions—including constitutional challenges—and the growing complexity of integrating PWFA compliance with ADA, Title VII, and state-level requirements.
Speakers:
- David Mohl, JD – Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
- Katharine Weber, JD – Principal, JD, Jackson Lewis P.C.
Military Leave & USERRA: Compliance Without Confusion
This is not just basic training! While most employers are versed in managing leave of absence under FMLA, ADA and numerous state laws, requests under USERRA may be less frequent. In this compliance-focused session, we will demystify USERRA and other military leave protections. Learn how to document eligibility, avoid common pitfalls, and support service members while protecting your organization.
Speakers:
- Sheri Pullen – Compliance Director, Alight Solutions
- Christina Korona, Absence | Disability, Senior Compliance Counsel
Leave Management and Compliance Strategy
Managing Intermittent Leave Misuse: Practical Strategies for Employers
Intermittent leave misuse is a common leading concern among employers on how to address when they suspect misuse of intermittent leave. In this session we will examine what employers can do during the leave request process if they suspect the claim may not be valid or it comes from a source that they are unsure of. The session will also what to do if misuse is expected after a leave has been approved and how the honest belief rule comes into play when dealing with suspect misuse. Finally, we will examine court cases that have dealt with FMLA intermittent misuse and what that means for employers.
Speakers:
- Jeff Nowak, JD – Shareholder, JD, Littler
- David Setzkorn, MBA, CPCU – | Senior Vice President Workforce Absence & Disability Practice Leader, MBA, CSPO, CPCU, Sedgwick
FMLA: Notifications, Certifications, Recertifications and Second Opinions: How to Build an Effective Process
An effective FMLA process begins with a clear understanding of federal requirements, including eligibility, documentation, and timelines. A structured workflow guides each step—from leave requests and eligibility determination to medical certification, the second opinion process, leave tracking, and return-to-work procedures. In this workshop, we will walk through various scenarios to learn, in real time, how to navigate the complex and dynamic FMLA process.
This will be discussed in an interactive scenario based format and will include handouts and tools employers can use and incorporate into their own policy and procedures.
Speakers:
- Lana L. Steven, JD, AVP & Senior Product Compliance Counsel Reliance Matrix
- Shanrita Burney-Barham, CLMS, CPDM, CCMP, LSS BB, AVP Policy & Procedures
Reliance Matrix
Mandated PFML –State or private plan? Helping employers understand and analyze their options.
There are now 16 states that have mandated paid family and/or medical leave requirements for employers. Depending on the State; employers need to decide if they will comply by participating in the State administered program or opt to participate in a private plan by purchasing an insurance product or by self-funding. This decision may differ depending on the number of employees, costs, and whether or not the employer has co-sourced other unpaid and paid leaves. When employers decide to opt for a private plan, they may need to consider, funding methods, State reporting, employee notices and any other additional obligations to the State. In this session, you will hear practical tips to assist you in this analysis and walk away with an understanding of obligations you have with the State(s).
Speakers:
- Sharon Andrus – AVP, Paid Family & Medical Leave, The Hartford
- Shelly Birkholz – Client Relationship Executive, The Hartford
- Thomas Schroepfer – Employee Relations Consultant, UnitedHealth Group
Workplace Trends and Emerging Issues
Man vs. Machine: AI Edition
In this interactive panel game show, we’re putting generative AI and seasoned compliance pros head-to-head in real-world absence management scenarios. As AI tools become more embedded in the workplace, employees are increasingly turning to them with questions about FMLA, PFML, ADA accommodations, and more—ranging from straightforward policy clarifications to deeply complex, emotionally charged situations.
While AI can quickly handle basic queries and streamline routine processes, it still struggles with the nuance, empathy, and legal interpretation required for the tough stuff. That’s where HR and compliance professionals step in—bringing emotional intelligence, legal clarity, and human judgment to the table.
Expect laughs, insights, and maybe even a few surprises as we play our way through the future of HR. Spoiler alert: the real winner is a workplace where tech and humanity work hand in hand.
Speakers:
- Patricia D. Zuniga, JD, LLM, CLMS – IDAM Compliance Manager, FINEOS
- Daris Freeman, JD – AVP and Lead Managing Counsel, Juris Doctorate, licensed in TN, UNUM
- Abigail O’Connell, JD – AVP & Senior Counsel, Juris Doctorate, Bar admitted attorney in MA, Sun Life Financial
- Lori Welty, Esq., – SVP Product Compliance, FINEOS
Enhancing Efficiency and Compliance: Co-Sourcing State Paid Leave Programs
In an ever-evolving business landscape, employers are continually challenged to balance compliance, operational efficiency, and employee well-being. This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of strategies for managing complex employee benefit programs, focusing specifically on state paid leaves and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This presentation highlights the employer responsibilities despite outsourcing programs to a third-party administrator.
In this session, presenters will demonstrate how a co-sourcing arrangement assists employers in navigating diverse programs and how clearly defined roles and responsibilities in a co-sourcing arrangement translate to timely and accurate administration. Through a review of examples of employer requirements, attendees will leave this session with lessons learned and best practices to apply to their own co-sourcing arrangement.
Speakers:
- Jamie Capko – Director, Absence and Disability Product, Prudential
- Kristin Seidman, CLMS – Director, Paid Family & Medical Leave Products, Prudential Programs (Prudential)
Managing ADA Requests Amid the Return-to-Office Shift
With the shift to return-to-office and hybrid models, managing ADA accommodations (and PWFA!) has grown more complex as employees adjust from remote work. This session offers HR leaders practical strategies to navigate ADA requests while balancing compliance, fairness, and operational needs in today’s evolving workplace.
Learn how to manage accommodations end-to-end, streamline processes across remote and in-office settings, and handle challenging requests thoughtfully. Get key guidance on regulations and tools to support HR and managers in this new environment.
Walk away with a clear roadmap to confidently manage ADA accommodations amid return-to-office challenges—keeping your organization compliant, fair, and inclusive.
Speaker:
Tommy Burton – Counsel at UNUM
Employee Experience and Well-Being
Leave for Good: Debunking Mental Health Leaves of Absence
Prior to COVID-19, a mental health leave of absence may not have been commonly discussed or understood. However, from 2017 to 2023, mental health related leaves of absence have skyrocketed by 300%. So, what can employers do to support employees while also reducing the duration of leaves? Addressing common misconceptions that mental health leave can be managed differently or less seriously than physical health leave, this session will highlight the legal and ethical imperatives for mental health leaves. We’ll also provide actionable strategies for supporting employees and potentially reducing the leave duration, without compromising compliance or employee well-being.
Speakers:
- Stephany Correa – Absence Program Manager, ComPsych
- Matt Morris, JD – Vice President, Absence and Accommodation Compliance, ComPsych
From Compliance to Culture: A Modern Framework for Supporting Neurodiversity and Well-being
Work-related burnout is a major driver of leave and absenteeism, yet most disability management programs often overlook a key barrier: the work itself. This is especially true for neurodivergent employees, where the challenge isn’t just the tasks at hand – it’s how the brain processes, organizes, and responds to them.
In this session, we’ll explore how executive function challenges – common in conditions like ADHD, autism, anxiety, and depression – impact productivity, well-being and the ability to perform essential job functions. Learn why some accommodations fall short, and discover effective, ADA-aligned supports that have been tested in some of the most demanding corporate environments. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to better support neurodivergent employees, reduce leave, and build a workplace where every mind can thrive.
Speakers:
- Dan Jolivet, PhD – Workplace Possibilities Practice Consultant, The Standard
- Ronald Boudreau, Jr., MS CRC – Workplace Possibilities Program Coordinator, The Standard
- Heidi Izunagbara – Senior Accommodation Specialist, The Standard
Perception vs Reality: Exploring Mental Health Parity in Long-Term Disability
In this lively panel discussion with interactive audience engagement we break down the perceived vs real challenges to bringing mental health parity to long-term disability contracts. Following on the heels of PFML, Mental Health Parity may be the next big consideration for benefits decisionmakers on a topic that has significant impact to employees.
Panel speakers include Kristen Tugman, PhD, CEO, Tugman Consulting, an expert in Workplace Mental Health who brings clinical and employer points of view. Matt Desfosses, Managing Director, Guy Carpenter and Smith Group, offers an industry perspective and an explanation of the cost estimate. Sheila Sokolski, VP, Product Strategy, Sun Life, takes the “pro” position from a carrier perspective, bringing data that shapes a favorable opinion for change. Carson Lewis, AVP, Government Relations, Sun Life will moderate the discussion while layering in his experiences on the hill.
Speakers:
- Matthew Desfosses – Managing Director, Guy Carpenter
- Carson Lewis – AVP, Federal Government Relations, Sun Life
- Sheila Sokolski – VP, Product Strategy and Portfolio Management, Sun Life
- Kristin Tugman, PhD, MS, CRC, LPC, LCPC – CEO & Founder, Tugman Consulting, INC
Applied Case and Practical Learning
Claim & Order: From FAQ to Verdict
Welcome to the HR Huddle—where real-world claims meet real-time compliance decision-making. In this interactive discussion, we’ll bring to life actual questions submitted by employers through the DMEC Weekly Digest. Each scenario will unfold like a claim review discussion:
- The problem
- Proposed solution
- Practical guidance and legal considerations
Together, we’ll navigate the tangled threads of FMLA, ADA, PWFA, and PFML—unpacking the gray areas, thoughtfully applying new or enhanced state laws, debating the tough calls, and delivering verdicts that balance compliance with compassion. Whether you’re in HR, legal, or claims, this session will sharpen your instincts and spark new ideas.
Speakers:
- Daniel Iskra, AVP Product Development MetLife
- Adam Morell, Director, Disability and Leave Compliance MetLife Group Benefits
- Ariella Zoltan, Counsel, MetLife
Pricing
Member rate: $199
Non-member rate: $299
Save the date for the 2027 Compliance Conference
Tuesday, April 20-Friday, April 23, 2027
Hilton Portland Downtown
Portland, Oregon
Thank you to our 2026 Compliance Conference Catalyst sponsors
Questions?
If you have questions about the conference recordings or would like help determining the best option for you or your team, please contact DMEC at info@dmec.org.
