Agenda
Agenda
Accommodation and leave management professionals are responsible for building compliant programs for federal laws, including the FMLA, ADA, as well as paid and unpaid state leave laws. Complex questions arise daily that require thoughtful solutions to support employees and mitigate risk. Get the information you need to ensure success during the 2026 DMEC Compliance Conference April 13-16, 2026, at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, MO.
We will explore legal hot-topics and analyze various pregnancy/childbirth-related leave laws, how to ensure compliance with a compassionate approach, workplace accommodations, and more! Join us and untangle the complexities of compliance.
Monday
April 13, 2026
8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Registration Open
10:00 – 11:30 am
First-Time Attendee Orientation
12:30 – 12:45 pm
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Bryon Bass, Chief Executive Officer, DMEC
12:45 – 1:45 pm
Opening KEYNOTE (General Session 1)
The Spirit of TA DA: Watch What Happens When Work Becomes Play.
In The Spirit of TA DA, Joel shares his experience and insight on creativity,
communication, teamwork, passion, and fun. With wit, a sharp observational eye, and
playful irreverence, he discusses the choices we all encounter in our careers. We each
have the ability to take initiative and make the right choice to live a more creative,
passionate, effective, and productive life.
Speaker:
Joel Zeff – Energizing, Engaging, Entertaining Keynote Speaker and Emcee; Author of Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work; Humorist; Comedian; Iced Tea Aficionado
1:45 – 2:45 pm
Concurrent Sessions
- Keynote Speaker Breakout Session
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The TA DA of Change: Leading Teams during Change with Passion and Success. Change and disruption are constant. Your teams must navigate the chaos and disruption to find success. Too often, we become stressed, frustrated and impatient. Improvisation is finding success during that constant change, chaos and disruption. How do managers continue to motivate and energize employees during difficult times? Managers must help employees stay in the game; work in the moment; and take ownership of their happiness.
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Speaker:
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Joel Zeff – Energizing, Engaging, Entertaining Keynote Speaker and Emcee; Author of Make the Right Choice: Lead with Passion, Elevate Your Team, and Unleash the Fun at Work; Humorist; Comedian; Iced Tea Aficionado
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Perception vs Reality: Exploring Mental Health Parity in Long-Term Disability
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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
- Kristen Tugman, PhD, CEO, Tugman Consulting
- Sheila Sokolski, VP, Product Strategy, Sun Life
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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
- Creating a Common Sense and Compassionate Leave Strategy
- In today’s complex workplace, managing employee leave requires more than just policies—it demands empathy, clarity, and strategic foresight. This session uncovers the often-overlooked fundamentals of leave management and tackles the real-world challenges that can derail even the best-laid plans. Learn how to equip managers and HR professionals with the tools and training they need to handle leave requests with compassion while safeguarding organizational integrity. We’ll also explore emerging trends and best practices that ensure your leave strategy is not only compliant but truly people-centered.
- Speaker:
- Selena Smith, CLMS, Sr. Manager, LOA Operations, OneDigital
2:45 – 3:15 pm
PM Break – Meet and Greet with Joel Zeff
3:15 – 4:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions
- 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
- 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., Esq. – SVP Product Compliance, Esq., FINEOS
- 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
- 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.Speakers:
Tommy Burton – Counsel at UNUM
4:15 – 4:45 pm
Coffee & Conversation Break
4:45 – 5:45 pm
General Session 2
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.
Speaker:
Ellen Donovan McCann, JD, Senior Counsel, Littler Mendelson
5:45 – 7:00 pm
Opening Welcome Reception
Evening Open (Sponsor Events)
Tuesday
April 14, 2026
8:00 – 9:00 am
Breakfast with Exhibitors
9:00 – 10:00 am
General Session 3
The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act: Compliance, Challenges, and Change (Jackson Lewis)
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:
- Joseph Lynett, JD – Principal, JD, Jackson Lewis P.C.
- David Mohl, JD – Principal, Jackson Lewis P.C.
- Katharine Weber, JD – Principal, JD, Jackson Lewis P.C.
10:00 – 10:45 am
Coffee & Conversation Break with Exhibitors
10:45 – 11:45 am
Workshops
- Are You Smarter Than a Leave Administrator
In this presentation, we’ll deliver fun, educational content on leave and disability topics (FMLA, ADA, PFML, return to work, etc.) via an energized alternative to traditional presentations — engaging the audience in a lighthearted trivia competition against two real former leave admins.
Speakers:
Rich D’Albert – Account Manager – Total Absence Management, Life, Accident, Health Insurance Certification, The Partners Group
Marissa Hawkins, CPDM – Senior Account Manager – Total Absence Management, The Partners Group
Brycie Wasson, CPDM – Total Absence Management Consultant, The Partners Group
- 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
- Back-to-Office Hot Seat: Live ADA Role-Plays for Real-World Wins
When return-to-office expectations collide with ADA accommodation requests, HR and disability managers must balance policy, productivity, and people. This high-energy, hands-on session drops you into the action with live role-play scenarios that tackle today’s toughest RTO challenges. Rotate through the roles of employee, manager, and HR to reenact real-life requests—immunity concerns, hybrid schedules, ergonomic needs, mental-health barriers, and more—while applying ADA decision-making in real time. Each scenario features guided debriefs, legal insights, and take-home tools like scripts, checklists, and decision trees. You’ll explore the line between legal requirements and creative flexibility, while crowd-powered solutions reveal how peers across industries solve the same challenges. Expect lively discussion, practical tools, and a few “aha” moments you can put to use right away. Whether your accommodation program is well-established or just getting started, you’ll leave ready to turn return-to-office friction into a confident and compliant path forward.
Speakers:
Cayla L. Mettenberger, MS, CRC – Vocational Coach, MS, CRC, New York Life Group Benefit Solutions
Autumn Schachern, MS., CRC – Senior Vocational Coach, MS , CRC, New York Life Group Benefit Solutions
Allison Wheeler – Assistant General Counsel, New York Life Group Benefit Solutions
Ryan Bruce, M.Ed., CRC, SPHR, CLMS – Director, Client Solutions, MEd, CRC, SPHR, New York Life Group Benefit Solutions
Kimberly Hirst
- 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
11:45 - 1:15 pm
Lunch with Exhibitors
1:15 – 2:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions and Quick Dives
Concurrent Sessions
- One Paid Leave Policy to Rule Them All – Or Not
The country’s paid sick leave / paid time off law (PSL) and paid family medical leave law (PFML) patchworks continue to evolve at blinding speeds and in unique and novel ways. The myriad of substantive requirements triggered by these patchworks raises a natural, almost inevitable question for employers – can I just adopt a “one-size-fits-all” approach that resolves the patchworks?
While a Lord of Rings style Ring of Power would be wonderful to remedy the messiness of state and local PSL and PFML law compliance, a true “one-size-fits-all” approach to managing these laws is ripe with enormous complexity, windfalls, and costs. Compliance experts are here to help with practical tips for employers of all sizes and industries on how to navigate the current PSL and PFML landscapes and explore one of the thorniest issues facing employers with multi-state and national operations – how best to comply with these laws.Speakers:
Joshua Seidman, JD, Partner Seyfarth Shaw
Marlin Duro-Martinez, JD, Partner Seyfarth Shaw
Renate Walker, JD, Seyfarth Shaw
- Reasonable or Unreasonable? That is the ADA Question.
With work from home, leave as an accommodation and flexible working hours; is your corporate culture or bias negatively influencing your decisions about whether or not an accommodation is reasonable? This presentation offers HR professionals valuable insights into balancing ADA accommodations with corporate practices. We’ll dig into what constitutes a reasonable accommodation, how leave can be a reasonable accommodation, provide best practices on leave duration before it becomes an undue hardship, and how the frequency of leave extensions can impact FMLA timelines. We’ll also provide examples of common accommodation requests and strategies for implementing them effectively, helping you to maintain legal compliance while fostering a supportive workplace.
Speakers:
Lincoln Dirks – National Practice Leader, Absence Management, The Standard
Lisa Wade – Disability and Productivity Consultant, The Standard
- Statutory State PFML Laws: Coordination, Compliance, and Pitfalls
As Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) programs continue to expand across the U.S., employers face a rapidly shifting compliance landscape. This session offers a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of PFML—state-mandated programs that provide paid, job-protected leave for employees managing family or medical needs.
This presentation will break down how PFML differs from the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), emphasizing its broader eligibility criteria, wage replacement benefits, and state-specific nuances. We’ll also explore real-world examples, answer frequently asked questions, and provide actionable strategies for maintaining compliance, improving employee communication, and staying ahead of legislative changes. Whether you’re new to PFML or looking to refine your current policies, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this complex but critical area of workforce management.Speakers:
Sarah Coli, Esq – Counsel, Esq., ShelterPoint
Jennifer Pepin, JD, MEd – Counsel, JD, M.Ed., ShelterPoint
Quick Dive Sessions
- 1:15 – 1:40 pm
How to Master Statutory Compliance in Your OrganizationNow more than ever, statutory compliance is a full-time job for an employer with employees in multiple states. Employers may have relied on their vendor or broker partners for statutory updates in the past, but the volume and extent of change now necessitates a different approach. In this session, we’ll discuss the latest approaches to managing compliance with state and federal paid and unpaid leave laws: from a dedicated employee resource, to compliance support tools, project plans, and workflows that communicate and coordinate across internal and external stakeholders. We’ll spotlight an employer who has taken charge of compliance with many of these tools and share their experience as their program oversight has evolved.
Speakers:
Melanie Payton, CLMS, AVP, Absence Consulting and Audit Practice, Brown & Brown Strategic Non-Medical Solutions
Wendy Stevenson, Brown & Brown Brown & Brown Strategic Non-Medical Solutions
- 1:50 – 2:15 pm
Workplace Engagement When an Employee Faces Crime or Violence- Nearly half of men and women in the United States report experiencing sexual or physical violence in their lifetime, according to the Centers for Disease Control. This session will address recent changes to leave of absence and accommodation-related laws for victims of crime or violence. Attorneys will provide litigation and advice-focused perspectives on absence management best practices, policy development, as well as litigation trends in the context of the ever-changing regulatory landscape for employers.
- Speakers:
Shirley Shu – Of Counsel, JD, California Bar, Littler Mendelson
Erin L. Winters, Esq – Of Counsel, JD, California Bar, Littler Mendelson
2:15 - 3:00 pm
Dessert Break with Exhibitors
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Bonus Education Session
Medical Inquiries and Documentation Requests under FMLA, PWFA, and ADA!
Employers often struggle with what medical information they can request from employees seeking leave or another type of accommodation. For example, what can employers request under the FMLA when requesting a certification? What can employers require and how can they get it? How does the ADA and its limitations on medical inquiries come into play? This is even more complicated with pregnancy accommodations since the enactment of the PWFA.
This interactive presentation will provide employers with the tools to know what they can ask, when they can ask, etc. The presenters will answer these questions and more through scenarios applying recent case law and EEOC and DOL regulations and discuss how to reconcile in different situations and when more than one law applies.
Speakers:
- Lana L. Steven, JD, AVP & Senior Product Compliance Counsel, Reliance Matrix
- Armando Rodriguez, Esq. Product Compliance Counsel
4:00 – 4:15 pm
Break
4:15 – 5:15 pm
General Session
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
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Happy Hour with Exhibitors
Evening Open (Sponsor Events)
Wednesday
April 15, 2026
8:00 – 9:00 am
Breakfast with Exhibitors
9:00 – 10:00 am
General Session
Fireside Chat panel with State Policymakers – DMEC
10:00 – 10:45 am
Coffee & Conversation Break with Exhibitors
10:45 – 11:45 am
Concurrent Sessions and Quick Dives
Concurrent Sessions
- Enhancing Efficiency and Compliance: Co-Sourcing State Paid Leave
In today’s dynamic business environment, managing state paid leave programs poses significant challenges for employers. The complexities of compliance, administration, and employee satisfaction necessitate innovative solutions. While co-sourcing these programs offers employers administrative solutions which will improve employee satisfaction, there are responsibilities which appropriately remain with the employer. This presentation highlights the employer responsibilities despite outsourcing state paid leave programs to a third-party administrator. In this session, presenters will demonstrate how a co-sourcing arrangement assists employers in navigating diverse state regulated 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 under a private plan, 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)
- ADA Pitfalls: Common Mistakes You’re Probably Making (and How to Fix Them!)
Many employers unknowingly put themselves at risk when managing ADA accommodations. From sticky notes and spreadsheets to leave systems that aren’t designed for the interactive process, we hear it all — and so do the attorneys who bring claims against companies.
In this practical session, we’ll walk through common pitfalls we hear from HR and ER leaders every week, with real-life examples of what NOT to do. We’ll cover the most frequent mistakes we see, why they happen, and what the law actually requires.
You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to spot red flags in your current process and how to build one that reduces legal risk and protects your organization — while creating a more supportive experience for employees.
Whether you’re just starting to formalize your ADA process or running a complex accommodations program, this session will give you actionable takeaways you can implement right away.Speaker:
Hannah R. Olson, BA – CEO & Co-Founder, Disclo
- Strategies for Reducing Risk in Complex Leave Scenarios
The complexity of leave management is escalating and so is the risk. With overlapping requirements under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), state-specific leave mandates, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), even seasoned HR professionals struggle to keep policies compliant, communications consistent, and processes defensible.
This session is designed specifically for HR leaders, leave and benefit administrators, compliance professionals, and those who are responsible for managing these high-stakes cases. Attendees will learn how to proactively identify compliance pitfalls, align internal practices with regulatory requirements, and confidently manage layered leave requests without putting the organization at risk.
Built on adult learning principles, the session includes hands-on scenarios, group discussions, and takeaway tools to ensure participants walk away with both clarity and confidence.Speaker:
Audra K. Hedberg, PHR, PHRca, SHRM-SCP – VP of Compliance and Consulting, PHR, PHRca, SHRM-SCP, Trüpp HR
Quick Dives
- 10:45 – 11:10 am
Making the Business Case for Centralized LOA Management
Managing employee leave of absence (LOA) effectively is crucial for maintaining productivity and employee satisfaction. This session will explore the compelling business case for establishing a centralized Leave of Absence team within organizations, regardless of whether your organization manages LOA in-house or is outsourced. Attendees will gain insights into the normal roles performed by an internal LOA team, including collaboration with external administrators, ensuring compliance with regulations, and providing support to employees throughout their leave journey. Attendees will also learn best practices for how to appropriately staff and budget for a centralized LOA team based on organizational size and leave incidence. A centralized LOA team not only streamlines processes but also enhances communication and consistency in managing various types of leave, such as medical, parental, and personal leave. By centralizing these functions, organizations can reduce administrative burdens, improve employee experience, and mitigate risks associated with non-compliance and inconsistent practices.
Speakers:
Jim Jantz, JD – Director of Compliance- Absence, Disability and Life, J.D., Marsh McLennan Agency- Absence, Disability and Life
Mary Siegenthaler – Manager- Leave of Absence, Safelite
Jennifer Skeeters – Center of Excellence Leader, Marsh McLennan Agency- Absence, Disability and Life
- 11:20 – 11:45 am
Scaling Breakthrough Mental Health Benefits to Reduce Disability Claims
As mental health-related disability claims continue to rise, employers are exploring breakthrough treatments that go beyond traditional care models. This session highlights how innovative, evidence-based interventions – such as ketamine-assisted therapy (KAT), stellate ganglion block (SGB), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and psilocybin therapy – are being integrated into benefit strategies to reduce disability durations, support return-to-work outcomes, and improve employee well-being. Building on last year’s high-demand session, we will focus on what’s changed – new data, implementation models, and policy insights from employers actively covering these therapies. Attendees will walk away with practical guidance for responsibly evaluating and integrating these treatments while maintaining compliance and advancing mental health care in the workplace.
Speaker:
Sherry Rais, MSc – CEO / Co-Founder, Enthea
11:45 - 1:15 pm
Lunch with Exhibitors
1:15 – 2:15 pm
Concurrent Sessions
- PFML Peculiarities –Parsing the Plethora of Unique PFML Provisions
The landscape of Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is marked by a complex patchwork of state laws. While on the surface these laws seem very similar, each has its own distinctive provisions, eligibility criteria, benefit structures, and administrative mechanisms. With over twenty states and the District of Columbia having, implementing, or preparing to implement PFML programs, employers and HR professionals face significant challenges in navigating this nuanced regulatory environment. In this session, we will dissect the most notable differences among state PFML laws, highlight emerging trends, and provide practical guidance for compliance and administration across jurisdictions.
Speakers:
Karen English, MBA, CPCU, ACI, AU, ARM – Senior Vice President, National Absence Management Practice Leader, CPCU, ARM, ACI, AU, Spring Consulting Group
Darren Keener, CLMS – Vice President Product Management, CLMS, CSPO, Majesco
Lynne Noel, JD – AVP, Absence and Disability, JD, Spring Consulting Group, an Alera Group Company, LLC
- Beyond Compliance: Voc Rehab’s Role in ADA Accommodation Success
This session explores the critical but often underutilized role of vocational rehabilitation professionals in conducting effective and legally compliant Good Faith Interactive Meetings (GFIMs) under the ADA. Participants will gain a structured approach to evaluating functional limitations, engaging in interactive accommodation planning, and mitigating risk through documentation aligned with HR industry standards. Emphasizing collaboration between HR and rehab professionals, this session will showcase how a proactive, individualized process can result in sustainable return-to-work strategies especially in complex or contested cases. Attendees will leave with tools and scripts to drive inclusive, effective accommodation outcomes that reduce legal exposure and promote retention.
Speakers:
Beth De Lima, MBA, SPHR-CA, SHRM-SCP, IMBA – HR Management / Voc Rehab Counselor / ADA Accommodation Specialist, MBA, SPHR
- The Hot Topic of Menopause and Mental Health
The goal of this session will be for the audience to gain a better understand and help navigating the approximately 30% – 40% of the workforce who are in perimenopause or menopause. We will highlight how some accommodation laws (ADA, PWFA) or leave laws (FMLA, State) have broadened their definitions and may encompass some menopausal symptoms. In this panel discussion, we will bring together employers and industry leaders in the Wellbeing space who have direct practical experience with this topic to showcase and ever evolving trend in Absence.
Speaker:
Tracey Collins – Absence Product Manager, Guardian Life
Demystifying Artificial Intelligence in Absence & Disability Administration
We’ve all heard the buzz about Artificial Intelligence and how it is transforming the way we live and work. In this workshop, our expert panel will explore the role AI is playing in absence and disability administration, and how adopters are ensuring ethical and compliant practices. We’ll start with a primer on the different levels of AI, from data mining and machine learning to generative and reasoning AI. The panel will then discuss considerations for incorporating technology into business processes and the governance needed to ensure that the practical applications align with compliance and legal frameworks. Finally, we’ll provide case studies highlighting how AI has been successfully implemented to support absence and disability management.
Speakers:
Omodunni Ayodele – Vice President, Product Owner Chief Data Office, Prudential
Justin Ito – Co-Founder and CTO, Sequoia Port
Allyson Kambach, MA, FLMI, CLMS – Vice President, Absence Solutions Practice, FLMI, CLMS, Prudential
Karan Uppal – Chief Technology Officer, EvolutionIQ
Ashley Boucher – Director, Strategic Initiatives, Prudential
2:15 – 3:00 pm
Dessert Break with Exhibitors (45 mins) – Prize Giveaway Announcements
3:00 – 4:00 pm
Bonus Education
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
- Katie Blitstein, Manager Group Disability and Absence Product Development MetLife
4:00 – 4:15 pm
Break
4:15 – 5:15 pm
General Session
Your Biggest ADA Risk: Supervisors! How to Train to Be an Asset, Not Risk to A Compliant ADA Program
Supervisors are often the first point of contact for employees requesting accommodations but without the right training, they can also be your greatest liability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This session dives into the critical role supervisors play in ensuring ADA compliance, and how even well-meaning managers can unintentionally trigger violations that lead to costly consequences.
Through real-world examples, you’ll learn how to turn your supervisors into knowledgeable, empowered allies in your ADA compliance strategy. Discover what they must know about the interactive process, confidentiality, documentation, and how to recognize when to involve Human Resources.
You’ll walk away with a practical training framework and tools you can implement immediately to reduce risk and build a stronger, more inclusive workplace.
Speaker:
Rachel Shaw, MBA – President, Rachel Shaw Inc.
Evening Open (Sponsor Events)
Thursday
April 16, 2026
7:30 – 8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30 – 9:30 am
General Session
Emerging Trends in Paid Sick Leave (PSL)
With over 45 locations across the United States now requiring employers to provide some form of Paid Sick Leave (PSL), we will focus on highlighting key trends we are seeing in emerging and updated PSL regulations. Employers must be aware of where employees are actually performing their work, and ensuring their PSL policies are compliant with specific state/local requirements. We also explore options for employers that utilize a Paid Time Off (PTO) policy to comply with PSL requirements. In either situation, we are seeing cities, counties, and states that are becoming more and more employee-friendly by requiring PSL for more covered leave reasons, allowing absences to care for more family members, and requiring employers to provide more accrued paid time off than ever before. This session aims to equip employers with the knowledge needed to navigate this evolving landscape effectively.
Speaker:
Jim Jantz, JD – Director of Compliance- Absence, Disability and Life, J.D., Marsh McLennan Agency- Absence, Disability and Life
9:30 – 10:30 am
General Session
When You Can’t Say Yes: Managing Hard Accommodation Decisions
Accommodation requests are on the rise, and not all can be approved as-is. HR teams need effective strategies for navigating difficult requests, especially when operational constraints come into play. This session focuses on how to maintain compliance while preserving trust and collaboration during the interactive process. Attendees will learn how to guide conversations, propose alternatives, and document every step with care.
Speaker:
Seth Turner, MBA – Founder and Senior Advisor, AbsenceSoft
10:30 – 10:45 am
Break
10:45 – 11:45 am
General Session – Ask the Experts panel (DMEC)
Our closing “Ask the Experts” session allows attendees to submit their most challenging, uncensored questions to our panel of distinguished Family and Medical Leave Act/Americans with Disabilities Act legal experts who will provide unfiltered answers. Come prepared with your toughest questions and the most perplexing challenges faced by your company.
Speakers:
TBD
