Experienced Global Benefits Leader
Apple
Director of Compensation and Benefits
Phillips Exeter Academy
Head of Employee Sustainability and People Operations
Patagonia
What happens when the people responsible for designing and advising on employee health plans find themselves on the other side—as patients navigating the very system they help build?
In this powerful closing keynote, top benefits advisors and an industry expert share their personal experiences facing musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions—some of the most debilitating and costly issues in today’s workforce. Despite their insider knowledge, they still encountered the same pain, delays, financial stress, and insurance obstacles as any plan member would.
Through these real-life stories, attendees will gain a firsthand look at the challenges of navigating MSK care and learn how these experiences reshaped their views on benefit design, pain management, and patient advocacy. From understanding the critical role of cash-pay options to uncovering flaws in access and coverage, this session offers practical takeaways for employers, brokers, and benefit leaders committed to closing the gap between plan design and patient experience.
Prepare to leave inspired, challenged—and more informed—about what it truly means to walk in your employees’ shoes.
Fuel up on insightful dialogue and connect with fellow professionals who share your goals during this networking break.
This fast-paced, interactive session is built to challenge how we think about employer-sponsored health plans. Whether you’re fully insured or self-funded, too many employers are making decisions that benefit insurers more than their own teams—and they often don’t even realize it.
If you’re wondering whether your benefits are helping you attract top talent or pushing them away, this session will help you find out—and start fixing it.
What you’ll learn:
- Why common health plan solutions often backfire – driving up costs for both employers and employees
- How to design benefits that deliver more value while controlling medical and Rx spend
- The hidden challenges in managing health plans – and how to overcome them
- Are your health plans a magnet for top talent or driving them away?
In today’s competitive talent market, standard health, dental, vision, and 401(k) plans just don’t cut it. To attract high-impact hires—especially those elusive “unicorn” candidates—employers need to get creative. This session will explore how organizations are going beyond the basics to differentiate themselves through innovative, meaningful benefits. From lifestyle stipends to mental health support and personalized perks, learn what today’s top talent is really looking for—and how to make your benefits package a true competitive advantage.
Join a healthcare professional as they discuss how employers can support the management of obesity within their organizations. This is an opportunity for benefits decision-makers to learn from an obesity specialist regarding the unmet need of obesity and treatment opportunities for employees living with obesity.
The program will also explore the impact of living with obesity on employees at work, such as productivity, absenteeism, and disability, along with the outcomes on annual health spending.
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the conclusion of the program.