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The WCI community came together for standout education, meaningful connections and overwhelming generosity. Now, the countdown to 2027 begins.
The 2026 WCI Conference brought “Goes Glam—Bold Ideas, Big Impact” to life across the convention floor. Thousands of professionals gathered to exchange ideas, expand their networks and support causes that make a difference putting WCI’s pillars of Education, Networking and Philanthropy on full display.
2026 by the Numbers
A Conference That Delivered
Post-conference feedback confirmed the strength of the WCI experience. Among survey respondents, 94% said the 2026 conference met or exceeded their expectations, while 95% were satisfied or very satisfied with the educational sessions. Nearly two-thirds—64%, said WCI delivers greater value than other conferences. Exhibitors were equally enthusiastic, with 98% reporting that they were satisfied or very satisfied with their experience.
Giving Back, Together
That spirit of connection extended well beyond the conference program.
Thank You for Making WCI 2026 Shine
Thank you to every attendee and to the speakers, sponsors and exhibitors whose expertise, support and energy made WCI 2026 possible. Your ideas, conversations and shared commitment made this year’s conference one to remember.
Next Stop: WCI 2027
The momentum continues. Registration for the 2027 WCI Conference will open soon, bringing another opportunity to learn, connect and make an impact alongside the WCI community. Watch for the official announcement and in the meantime, relive the highlights of WCI 2026 through conference photos and videos.
Attendee Roster
The WCI 2026 attendee list is now available, giving registered participants an early look at the colleagues, industry leaders, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners who will be joining us for this year’s conference. Whether you are planning meetings, coordinating on-site conversations, or looking for new networking opportunities, the attendee list is a great place to start building your conference schedule.
Registration Deadline
Conference registration remains open, but the standard registration rate ends on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 a.m. eastern. Attendees who have not yet registered are encouraged to complete their registration before the deadline to secure the current rate. Onsite registration will commence on Sunday, August 23, 8:00 a.m. eastern.
Key Conference Sessions and Highlights
The WCI 2026 program features a full slate of educational sessions, breakout tracks, keynote programming, and special events designed to help attendees plan meaningful learning and networking experiences. The Opening Session on Monday, August 24 will feature keynote speaker Daymond John, Founder and CEO of FUBU and star of ABC’s Shark Tank. Attendees can also explore sessions across risk management, claims strategy, safety, legal, return-to-work, medical issues and rehabilitation, liability claims, temporary staffing, professional employer organizations, physical therapy, federal w.c. programs, and emerging technology topics, including artificial intelligence.
Additional highlights include the Founders’ Welcome Reception and Industry Keynote, and special events such as the Prayer Breakfast, Monday Night Reception Featuring Bret Michaels, and Tuesday Night Soirée: Party For A Purpose. Attendees are encouraged to review the conference agenda, identify priority sessions, and build a personalized schedule before arriving onsite.
Visit the Exhibit Hall and Connect with Our Sponsors
The WCI 2026 Exhibit Hall will be a central destination for attendees looking to discover new products, services, technologies, and solutions that support the workers’ compensation, safety, health, risk management, claims, rehabilitation, and legal communities. With more than 250 exhibitors participating, attendees will have the opportunity to meet directly with industry providers, compare resources, and learn about tools that can help strengthen programs, improve outcomes, and support day-to-day operations.
We also extend our appreciation to the sponsors whose support helps make the conference experience possible. Sponsors play an important role in bringing the WCI community together by supporting education, networking, special events, and attendee resources throughout the week. Be sure to review the exhibitor and sponsor information in advance, identify organizations you would like to visit, and make time to connect with them onsite.
We look forward to welcoming everyone to WCI 2026 and seeing the connections, conversations, and ideas that will come together onsite.
Get ready for WCI 2026 with new ways to preview sessions, connect with exhibitors and attendees, refresh your professional image, and enjoy a few fun moments during conference week.
Sneak Peek Breakout Videos Help Attendees Plan Ahead
Watch short Sneak Peek Breakout Videos before you arrive to explore topics, speakers, and takeaways—and build the agenda that fits your professional goals.
Mystery Exhibitor Program Adds Energy to the Exhibit Hall
The Mystery Exhibitor Program brings an extra layer of excitement to the Exhibit Hall by encouraging attendees to visit, start conversations, and discover new products, services, and solutions. It is a simple way to make networking more intentional while adding a fun, interactive element to the conference experience, and a chance to win 4 cash prizes of $750.
Refresh Your Headshot
New this year, the Headshot Lounge—sponsored by EZ Dental Care and Sunrise Medical Solutions—will be open Monday, August 24 and Tuesday, August 25, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, outside the Exhibit Hall entrance.
Clarity Under Pressure Offers a Practical Reset
The special Sunday afternoon session, Clarity Under Pressure: The Stress Reset for Workers’ Compensation Leaders, invites participants to experience evidence-based mind-body practices designed to regulate stress in real time. Instead of a traditional lecture, this immersive session focuses on movement, breathing, and practical tools attendees can use to improve performance, communication, and well-being at work and in life. This session is scheduled for 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm in Crystal Ballroom J1.
Enjoy the Ice Cream Social
Cool off and connect at the Ice Cream Social, sponsored by Advocate Investigative Agency, Inc., on Tuesday, August 25, from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm in the Exhibit Hall.
Registration Reminder
Online registration closes Tuesday, August 18 at 10:00 am. Onsite conference registration opens Sunday, August 23 at 8:00 am.
Paradigm, a specialty care management organization dedicated to improving the lives of people with complex injuries and diagnoses, is excited to return to the Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference (WCI 2026). As an Elite Sponsor, we’ll support the conference’s Bold Ideas & Big Impact theme through an array of community engagement and philanthropic efforts.
A glamorous night, a fabulous cause
As a proud Champagne Sponsor, Paradigm is honored to support the Give Kids the World Village Gala ahead of WCI 2026. This special event raises awareness and funds to provide magical experiences in Central Florida for critically ill children and their families. This year’s Putting on the Ritz-themed gala continues a 12-year tradition that has raised more than $1.3 million to make dreams come true.
Driving for good
The Kids’ Chance of Florida Golf Tournament is a pre-conference highlight, bringing together industry leaders for a meaningful day on the course. Proceeds support educational opportunities for children of seriously and fatally injured workers—a mission Paradigm proudly supports through a Gold-level sponsorship, volunteer efforts, and team participation.
A shining example of hope
A powerful example of the impact of Kids’ Chance, Brianna Flynn—a former scholarship recipient and now a Paradigm Case Manager—recently spoke at the Kids’ Chance of America National Conference. After losing her father at a young age, Kids’ Chance made it possible for her to earn her college degree. Today, she supports injured workers and their families—bringing her story full circle.
Building stronger communities together
Paradigm is proud to support Give Kids the World Village and Kids’ Chance of Florida and their meaningful missions. Our commitment to giving back extends year-round through hands-on support, including recent volunteer efforts at Feeding Tampa Bay and the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.
Before, during, and after WCI 2026, we’ll be connecting, sharing ideas, and working to make a difference. We look forward to a successful gala and conference for all involved!
By Brook Rosenbaum, General Manager, Property & Casualty Business, Gradient AI
Workers’ compensation has always been a discipline that rewards preparation over reaction. Experienced claims professionals know that the cases most likely to become expensive are often the ones that don’t look that way at intake. The back strain. The soft tissue case. The routine fall. They arrive without red flags, move into standard processing and sometimes emerge months later as high-cost, high-complexity claims that no one saw coming.
The challenge isn’t that claims teams lack awareness of the risks that drive severity. The challenge is that the information needed to act on those risks is almost never available at the moment it matters most.
The Moment That Determines Everything
Consider a familiar scenario: a warehouse worker files a claim for lower back strain following a fall. The adjuster opens the file, follows standard protocol, and processes accordingly. What the file doesn’t yet show — and may not show for weeks — are the details that will ultimately define the claim’s trajectory:
Without that clinical context at the outset, the claim proceeds on assumptions. Recovery stalls. The worker, uncertain and frustrated, seeks legal counsel. What should have been a manageable claim becomes a protracted, expensive one with costs running roughly four times the original estimate.
This isn’t an unusual story. It’s a pattern.
Two Factors Drive the Majority of Excess Cost
Research consistently points to two variables as the primary drivers of claim severity — and both share a critical characteristic: they’re often invisible at First Notice of Loss.
These two factors are deeply connected. When appropriate care is delayed because the clinical complexity of a claim wasn’t visible at intake worker frustration rises, outcomes deteriorate, and attorney involvement becomes far more likely. The path to lower costs runs directly through earlier, better-informed intervention.
The Real Problem Is Timing
Most claims professionals already understand these dynamics. The gap isn’t knowledge, it’s timing. Key medical details don’t appear in the initial claim file. Claimants don’t always disclose full treatment histories. Comorbidities surface gradually, often only after the claim has already begun to deteriorate.
By the time the full clinical picture is visible, the window for proactive intervention has closed. Teams are no longer managing risk. They’re managing a problem that has already grown.
Closing that gap requires a different approach: bringing relevant clinical context into the claims process at the moment the claim is filed, not after the file has told its story.
What Early Clinical Insight Makes Possible
When claims teams have access to relevant injured worker health data at First Notice of Loss — pre-existing conditions, treatment history, medication profiles — the entire trajectory of a claim can change. Adjusters can assign the right resources from day one. Nurse case managers can engage with the full clinical picture. Care plans can account for factors that would otherwise surface only after complications emerge.
The downstream effects compound over time. Faster, more appropriate treatment reduces the likelihood of attorney involvement. Better coordination between adjusters and clinical resources produces more informed care planning and a faster path to recovery. At the portfolio level, earlier identification of high-risk claims leads to better reserve accuracy, fewer high-cost outliers, and stronger predictive modeling across the book.
The goal of returning injured workers to pre-injury functionality as quickly and fully as possible becomes more achievable when the information needed to pursue it is available at the start, not discovered along the way.
Tools That Bring the Future Forward
Technology has made meaningful progress in closing this timing gap. AI solutions now exist that match injured workers to their health data at FNOL using extensive medical databases, surfacing comorbidities, treatment histories and medication profiles before they appear in the claim file. Gradient AI’s ClaimVoyant™ is one such solution, with match rates exceeding 90% and designed specifically to give claims teams — and the TPAs and self-insured employers who rely on them — a clinical picture at day one rather than month three. By integrating complexity signals directly into adjuster workflows, it enables the kind of proactive, informed intervention that changes claim outcomes.
The broader principle applies regardless of the specific tool. The earlier a claims team has access to the full clinical context of a case, the better the outcome is likely to be for the insurer, for the employer, and for the injured worker.
A Discipline Built on What You Know and When You Know It
Workers’ compensation has always rewarded the professionals who prepare rather than react. The cases that resolve quickly, fairly, and at appropriate cost are almost always the ones where the right information reached the right people at the right time.
The industry’s challenge today isn’t a lack of data. It’s the gap between when critical information exists and when it currently arrives in the claims process. Closing that gap even partially, has measurable consequences for outcomes, costs and the experience of the workers at the center of every claim.
Brook Rosenbaum leads strategy and execution for Gradient’s Property and Casualty segment. He brings more than 15 years’ experience in the P&C insurance industry. Brook has held leadership positions in product management and development, digital transformation, and go-to-market strategy in Insurtech and large carriers.
If your organization is navigating these challenges and exploring how earlier clinical insight can improve claims outcomes, we’d welcome the conversation. Reach out to the Gradient AI team at info@gradientai.com or visit gradientai.com to learn more about how we work with carriers, TPAs and self-insured employers to put clinical intelligence to work earlier in the claims process.
Bill review platforms sit at the center of claims payment operations. When those systems experience disruption, the consequences extend far beyond technology. Claim payments stall. Providers go unpaid. Regulatory deadlines are missed. Backlogs grow fast, and the payer’s team is left managing the fallout. That is why a bill review vendor’s security and continuity controls should be a key part of the evaluation, not a secondary IT discussion.
Bill review directly affects financial accuracy, provider relationships and compliance reporting. Vendors should be held to rigorous operational resilience and security control standards. When a vendor has the right infrastructure, planning and governance in place, payers can reduce risk and have peace of mind that their claims operation will hold up under pressure.
Below are four controls bill review vendors should have in place to prevent service disruptions and protect their partner’s claims operation.
1. Comprehensive Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Framework
Bill review vendors must maintain a formal business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) framework that is reviewed and independently audited on a regular basis. A mature BCDR program ensures critical systems remain operational during outages, recovery procedures are documented and tested, and redundant infrastructure exist to maintain service availability
Without a structured continuity framework, even short service interruptions can cascade into payment delays, operational disruptions and compliance exposure.
2. Business Impact Analysis for Critical Claim Operations
Bill review is a central component of the claim’s payment lifecycle. Vendors must conduct a formal business impact analysis (BIA) to identify which systems, processes and service teams are essential to maintaining claim payment operations. This analysis should prioritize:
Understanding operational dependencies allows vendors to prioritize recovery efforts and ensures that the most critical claims functions remain available during disruptions.
3. Regular Continuity Testing and Preparedness Drills
A plan on paper is not enough. Bill review vendors need to conduct regular testing exercises to ensure that continuity plans work in real-world conditions. Effective testing typically includes:
Regular testing ensures response procedures remain current and teams are prepared to maintain operations when unexpected events occur.
4. Clearly Defined Crisis Management and Response Plans
Vendors should maintain formal crisis management plans defining how incidents are handled. Plans typically include:
Clear response planning helps reduce confusion, speed decision-making and keep payers informed when an outage affects claims operations.
Risks of Weak Operational Controls
When bill review vendors lack strong continuity and operational safeguards, disruptions can quickly escalate from a technical issue into financial and compliance problems for payers. Without the right controls in place, service interruptions may lead to duplicate bill transactions and overpayments, payment processing backlogs that create provider dissatisfaction, and significant manual reconciliation work for operations teams.
The damage often extends beyond internal workflows. Disruptions can delay treatment authorizations or payments, increase provider call volume and create missed regulatory deadlines that expose payers to unfavorable compliance reporting or audit scrutiny. These risks are exactly why operational resilience should be a core expectation of any bill review partner.
As bill review becomes increasingly scrutinized, the operational resilience of vendor partners becomes just as important as the savings they deliver. When selecting a vendor, payers need to ensure the bill review partner is equipped with strong continuity controls to help keep claims operations stable and payments accurate.
Al Lopez is senior director of Governance, Risk and Compliance at Enlyte.
Staffing professionals won’t want to miss this dynamic breakout focused on reducing claims costs, improving return-to-work outcomes, and strengthening workforce performance. Discover how strategic partnerships, safety initiatives, and data-driven decision-making can help prevent injuries, improve compliance, and optimize workers’ compensation results.
Gain practical tools for engaging injured workers, building trust, and accelerating recovery while minimizing disruptions to your business. Walk away with proven strategies and real-world solutions you can implement immediately to drive better outcomes for your workforce and your bottom line.
Temporary Staffing Breakout Sessions
Monday, August 24
4 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Join fellow PEO professionals for a high-impact breakout packed with the latest trends, strategies, and insights shaping the industry. Explore how AI is transforming underwriting, risk management, and claims operations, hear carrier perspectives on today’s hottest workers’ compensation issues, and get a comprehensive legislative update from NAPEO.
Learn proven claims management strategies, discover how to navigate multi-state challenges, and understand the critical role risk management plays in today’s active M&A environment. If you work in PEO risk, claims, operations, or leadership, this is a can’t-miss track.
Professional Employer Organization (PEO) Breakout Sessions
Tuesday, August 25
5 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Live Surgical Showcase: Inside the Operating Room
This live broadcast offers workers’ compensation professionals exclusive, real-time access inside the operating room, delivering a front-row view of surgical excellence in action.
Through step-by-step commentary and an interactive Q&A with the surgical team, attendees—including adjusters and case managers—will gain critical clinical context to better understand treatment decisions, procedural considerations, and patient outcomes. This dynamic learning experience bridges the gap between clinical care and claims management, empowering participants with insights they can immediately apply in their roles.
Explore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
The Physical Therapy Breakout explores the critical role rehabilitation plays in driving recovery, improving functional outcomes, and preventing claim chronicity. Attendees will learn how communication and expectation-setting can influence recovery trajectories from the very first visits, why the right therapy approach matters as much as early intervention, and how strategic oversight can elevate care quality across the claim lifecycle. Sessions will also examine the future of rehabilitation, highlighting emerging innovations in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, predictive analytics, and other technologies poised to transform patient care and treatment delivery.
Through expert-led discussions and practical insights, participants will gain actionable strategies to enhance outcomes, reduce barriers to recovery, and deliver more effective, evidence-based physical therapy services in workers’ compensation.
Physical Therapy Breakout Sessions
Monday, August 24
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
The Medical Issues and Case Management Breakout delivers a comprehensive look at the clinical, behavioral, and system-wide challenges shaping workers’ compensation today. Attendees will gain practical insights into emerging diagnostic technologies, complex comorbidities, traumatic brain injuries, behavioral health strategies, and the growing access-to-care crisis affecting injured workers nationwide. Featured sessions include a live surgical showcase, expert debates on psychiatric care, the latest advancements in brain and spine claims, and innovative applications of 3D printing in treatment and recovery.
From award-winning case presentations to cutting-edge discussions on injectable therapies and claim engagement, this track equips professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to improve outcomes and navigate increasingly complex cases. Whether you are a claims professional, nurse case manager, adjuster, employer, or healthcare provider, these sessions offer actionable strategies to support recovery and drive better claim results.
Medical Issues & Case Management Breakout Sessions
Monday, August 24
3 Featured SessionsTuesday, August 25
6 Featured SessionsWednesday, August 26
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act, Jones Act, and Defense Base Act Breakout delivers critical updates and practical guidance for professionals navigating these complex federal systems. Sessions will explore timely issues ranging from government shutdown impacts on OWCP and OALJ operations to strategies for streamlining claims administration and managing cases in concurrent jurisdiction states.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into Defense Base Act coverage, waivers, and the unique challenges of handling foreign national claims, while also examining emerging issues such as the ethical and practical implications of artificial intelligence in litigation. The program also features a look at recent maritime personal injury litigation trends, effective defense strategies, and a comprehensive case law update to help participants stay current in an evolving legal landscape. Whether you represent employers, carriers, attorneys, or claims professionals, this breakout offers essential knowledge and actionable takeaways for today’s maritime and federal workers’ compensation environment.
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Act, Jones Act, and Defense Base Act Breakout Sessions
Tuesday, August 25
5 Featured SessionsWednesday, August 26
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Stay ahead of one of the most complex areas of workers’ compensation claims management at the Medicare Secondary Payer Compliance Breakout. Hear directly from CMS on the latest MSP compliance developments, agency priorities and best practices, then dive into practical solutions for tackling Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) lien challenges that can derail settlements.
The program concludes with an in-depth look at how WCMSA reporting is reshaping settlement strategy, offering guidance on compliance, documentation and risk management. Whether you handle claims, settlements or compliance, this breakout delivers timely insights and actionable takeaways to help you settle smarter and stay compliant.
Medicare Secondary Payer Compliance Breakout Sessions
Tuesday, August 25
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming workers’ compensation, delivering new opportunities to improve productivity, enhance decision-making, and create better outcomes across the claims lifecycle. From helping individual professionals leverage tools like ChatGPT and Copilot more effectively to building enterprise-grade AI infrastructure that drives secure, scalable operations, organizations are redefining how work gets done. Emerging technologies are also enabling earlier identification of delayed recovery risks, empowering claims teams to intervene sooner and improve return-to-work results. At the same time, AI-powered connected ecosystems are strengthening collaboration among carriers, employers, providers, and claims professionals, creating more transparent and efficient workflows.
Join industry leaders and innovators as they explore how AI and technology are shaping the future of workers’ compensation—and how to harness these advancements responsibly, strategically, and effectively.
AI & Technology Breakout Sessions
Wednesday, August 26
4 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Fraud continues to be one of the most significant challenges facing the workers’ compensation system, impacting employers, carriers, and injured workers alike. This comprehensive three-part breakout, featuring members of the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Task Force, takes attendees through the entire fraud lifecycle—from uncovering suspicious activity and conducting effective investigations to successfully prosecuting complex cases. Participants will gain practical insights into claimant, provider, and premium fraud, learn to avoid common investigative pitfalls, and explore real-world case studies that demonstrate proven fraud-fighting strategies.
Whether you’re involved in claims, special investigations, legal services, or risk management, this breakout will provide valuable tools to help protect the integrity of the workers’ compensation system and reduce unnecessary costs.
Fraud Breakout Sessions
Wednesday, August 26
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Clarity Under Pressure: The Stress Reset for Workers’ Compensation Leaders
What if the biggest factor shaping decisions in the workers’ compensation system isn’t policy, process, or training—but chronic stress? In this immersive and engaging session, participants will move, breathe, and experience evidence-based mind-body practices that demonstrate how stress can be regulated in real time.
Rather than listening to a lecture, attendees will experience a powerful reset—discovering the difference between operating under pressure and leading with clarity. Attendees will leave with practical tools to improve performance, communication, and well-being both at work and in life.
Explore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Join us Monday, August 24 for the Diversity and Talent Breakout, a forward-looking program focused on trust, ethical leadership, innovation, and the future of the workers’ compensation workforce. Attendees will explore how accountability, values-driven decision-making, and transparent communication can strengthen integrity and foster cultures of psychological safety.
The breakout will also examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the claims experience and how claims professionals can confidently embrace technology while preserving the human connection that defines excellent service. Through the DATA Future Forum, emerging talent will connect directly with industry leaders to explore career pathways, professional growth, and future opportunities. Together, these sessions reflect a shared commitment to developing diverse talent, strengthening leadership, and shaping the future of the industry.
Diversity and Talent Breakout Sessions
Monday, August 24
3 Featured SessionsWCI 2026 Prayer Breakfast
Start your conference with worship, inspiration, and purpose at the WCI Prayer Breakfast, presented with the Diversity and Talent Alliance (DATA).
Prayer Breakfast Tickets & DetailsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Presented by the Workers’ Compensation Defense Institute, the Breakout on Multi-State Workers’ Compensation Laws will help attendees navigate the complex and often-changing landscape of claims across jurisdictions. This session will highlight key legal considerations, defense strategies, and practical challenges that arise when employers, insurers, and claims professionals manage workers’ compensation matters in multiple states.
Attendees will gain valuable insight into how differing state laws, procedures, and case developments can affect claim outcomes and litigation strategy. Designed for professionals seeking a broader national perspective, this breakout offers practical guidance to strengthen decision-making and improve results in multi-state workers’ compensation programs.
Multi-State Workers’ Compensation Laws
Wednesday, August 26
Presented by WCDIParticipating States
Explore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
The National Workers’ Compensation Review Breakout will deliver timely insights into the legal, medical, actuarial, and human factors shaping today’s workers’ compensation landscape. Sessions will explore how litigation strategy, defense counsel alignment, causation analysis, and emerging AI tools can support stronger employer outcomes and more structured decision-making.
Attendees will also gain perspective on national case law developments, underwriting and reserving considerations, workers’ compensation exclusivity, and the role of empathy in reducing litigation and total claim cost. With rapid-fire discussions of important and emerging topics, plus practical guidance for leading through change, this breakout offers a dynamic look at the issues influencing the future of the industry.
National Workers’ Compensation Review Breakout Sessions
Monday, August 24
3 Featured SessionsTuesday, August 25
6 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Earn your OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry certification while gaining practical knowledge to recognize, avoid, and prevent some of the construction industry’s most common workplace hazards. This three-day program covers OSHA fundamentals, the Focus Four hazards — Falls, Electrocution, Struck-By, and Caught-In/Between — personal protective equipment, excavation safety, and fire prevention.
Participants will learn how to identify risks, strengthen safety awareness, and apply proven practices to protect workers on the jobsite. The program concludes with a forward-looking session on designing safer systems and proactively managing the injury lifecycle, providing valuable insights for safety professionals, employers, and workers alike.
OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry Sessions
Monday, August 24
3 Featured SessionsTuesday, August 25
6 Featured SessionsWednesday, August 26
1 Featured SessionExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
The Return-to-Work Breakout will examine how mindset, communication, leadership, and proactive strategies are driving better outcomes for injured workers. Industry experts will share practical approaches to improving engagement, building trust, and removing barriers to recovery.
Attendees will learn how effective communication, workplace culture, and innovative rehabilitation practices can support successful return-to-work programs. The session will provide actionable insights to help employers reduce claim severity, enhance transitional duty success, and improve outcomes for both employees and organizations.
Return-to-Work Breakout Sessions
Tuesday, August 25
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
The Workplace Safety and Health Breakout delivers a forward-looking exploration of the strategies, technologies, and cultural practices shaping safer workplaces and better workers’ compensation outcomes. Sessions examine critical risk areas, including injury investigations, heat illness prevention, workplace violence, slip/trip/fall exposures, motor vehicle safety, and employee reporting behaviors—while highlighting proactive solutions to reduce incidents and claims. Attendees will also gain insight into the growing role of artificial intelligence in risk reduction, workforce transformation, and safety management.
The program emphasizes prevention at every stage of the injury lifecycle, from pre-employment fitness-for-duty assessments and onsite healthcare programs to effective return-to-work strategies and system design. By combining regulatory updates, emerging research, and practical best practices, this breakout equips participants to build more resilient, healthy, and high-performing organizations.
Workplace Safety & Health Breakout Sessions
Monday, August 24
3 Featured SessionsTuesday, August 25
6 Featured SessionsWednesday, August 26
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Open to all attendees, the Professional Mediation Conference offers a practical, engaging look at the strategies, skills, and emerging issues shaping successful mediation. Guided by sessions on motion practice, ethics and rules, settlement writing, mock mediation, diversity, AI and technology, complex legal and medical challenges, communication, Medicare/MSA strategies, and collaboration among adjusters and attorneys, this conference delivers real-world tools to help participants navigate difficult conversations, overcome obstacles, and achieve better outcomes at mediation.
Professional Mediation Conference Sessions
Sunday, August 23
8 Featured SessionsMonday, August 24
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
New this year, the Liability Breakout delivers timely, practical insight into one of the most pressing challenges facing employers, insurers, adjusters, attorneys, and risk professionals: the rapid rise in liability claims, litigation complexity, fraud exposure, and claim costs.
Across three focused sessions, industry leaders will examine strategies for managing litigation in a changing environment, preventing catastrophic liability losses, and using analytics, AI, and collaboration to detect and reduce fraud. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas, emerging trends, and real-world guidance to strengthen outcomes in today’s evolving liability landscape.
Liability Breakout Sessions
Tuesday, August 25
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Step inside the Attorney Breakout for a fast-moving, highly relevant look at the legal issues shaping workers’ compensation practice today. Across three dynamic sessions, attendees will hear from judges, leading litigators, and appellate attorneys while examining how cybersecurity and privacy risks are reshaping the practice of law.
From courtroom strategy to emerging legal trends and data protection responsibilities, this breakout delivers practical takeaways, lively discussion, and must-know guidance for attorneys and claims professionals navigating today’s evolving legal environment.
Attorney Breakout Sessions
Tuesday, August 25
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Public entities operate in one of the most complex and highly scrutinized environments in workers’ compensation, where legal, medical, and operational challenges often intersect. This dedicated breakout is designed to address those realities head-on, equipping professionals who serve local and state agencies with the knowledge and strategies needed to effectively manage risk and deliver better outcomes.
The Public Entities Breakout brings together leading voices in law, risk management, and public safety to provide focused, practical insights tailored to the unique demands of the public sector. Through in-depth discussions and expert analysis, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of evolving regulations, emerging claims trends, and specialized approaches for supporting public workforces—particularly first responders and other high-risk populations. Whether you manage, advise, or support a public entity, this breakout offers critical guidance, proven techniques, and forward-looking perspectives to help you navigate today’s most pressing challenges with confidence.
Public Entities Breakout Sessions
Tuesday, August 25
3 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
Adjuster education remains a foundational pillar of the conference, delivering practical, real-world insights that today’s claims professionals can immediately apply. In an environment where expectations continue to evolve, adjusters must combine technical expertise with strong communication skills, sound judgment, and adaptability to drive effective outcomes. Through a diverse mix of thought-provoking discussions, live demonstrations, and interactive sessions, attendees will gain valuable strategies to enhance decision-making, strengthen client interactions, and navigate increasingly complex claims scenarios with confidence.
Adjusters Breakout Sessions
Monday, August 24
3 Featured SessionsTuesday, August 25
6 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
In today’s rapidly evolving risk landscape, effective risk management demands more than vigilance—it requires agility, foresight, and strategic alignment with organizational objectives. As the insurance and workers’ compensation environment grows increasingly complex, Risk Managers play a pivotal role in identifying emerging threats, leveraging data-driven insights, and guiding their organizations through uncertainty.
The Risk Managers Breakout brings together senior leaders and industry experts for a dynamic exchange of ideas, practical strategies, and forward-thinking perspectives. Through candid discussions and interactive sessions, attendees will gain actionable insights into today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities—equipping them to navigate risk with confidence and drive meaningful results within their organizations.
Risk Managers Breakout Sessions
Monday, August 24
2 Featured SessionsTuesday, August 25
5 Featured SessionsExplore the Full WCI 2026 Program
View the full agenda, browse additional breakout tracks, and continue planning your WCI 2026 experience.
The WCI® 2026 conference agenda is now live! You can explore session descriptions, learn more about our distinguished speakers, and view our growing roster of exhibitors and sponsors.
“Our breakout and session organizers have once again delivered an exceptional program. I’m incredibly grateful for the time and effort they’ve invested in identifying relevant topics our attendees truly value and securing industry experts to lead these discussions.“
— Andrew Sabolic, WCI Executive Director
“This year’s educational program reflects the breadth and complexity of today’s workers’ compensation, safety, and health landscape. I’m particularly excited about the addition of our new Liability Claims breakout. We’re also excited to welcome back Mark Walls and Kimberly George as moderators of our Industry Keynote Panel: The Next Decade of Risk – Are You Built to Survive It?
Education is the primary reason attendees return to WCI year after year, and we remain committed to delivering a best-in-class experience.“
—Steve Rissman, WCI Program Chair
From emerging trends and innovative topics to essential refreshers and continuing education opportunities, the WCI conference continues to provide an unmatched learning experience. By combining longtime attendee favorites with expert-driven proposals and valuable feedback, we ensure our content remains timely, relevant, and engaging.
Take a moment to explore the agenda and start building your personalized schedule today. And be sure to watch for upcoming editions of WCI Spotlight, where we’ll highlight featured sessions and key conference activities.
Registered attendees will receive email instructions on how to download the official 2026 conference app – Whova. The app allows you to customize your agenda, connect with fellow attendees, interact with exhibitors and sponsors, communicate directly with speakers, and elevate your overall conference experience. Hard copy programs will be mailed to attendees in early July.
WCI’s Board of Advisors play a significant role in the educational conference’s success. The Board provides strategic guidance, fundraising support, expertise contributions, and program review and feedback.
WCI is thrilled to announce Irina Simpson has joined the Board of Advisors. Irina is Executive Vice President, Workers’ Compensation for Gallagher Bassett. A seasoned executive, she has led national, multi-line claims and client service operations and most recently served as Senior Vice President and Chief Claims Officer. Known for her strategic leadership and operational excellence, Irina is passionate about developing talent, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of engagement, innovation, and continuous improvement.
“It is an honor to be welcomed to this impressive Board of Advisors with such a distinguished group of industry leaders. WCI has long been known as an exceptional forum for collaboration, thought leadership, and bringing together diverse and innovative perspectives for our industry. I am grateful for the opportunity to join, contribute to the progress that has already been made, and to support the important mission of this organization.“
— Irina Simpson
WCI is proud to continue its meaningful philanthropic partnership with Give Kids The World (GKTW), reaffirming a longstanding commitment to giving back to families in need. In 2025 alone, the WCI community raised more than $165,000 for Give Kids The World Village, bringing WCI’s 12-year cumulative total to more than $1.36 million. This remarkable achievement reflects the generosity and compassion of WCI members, sponsors, and conference attendees, whose support continues to grow year after year.
“As we launch the 2026 campaign, we are incredibly proud of the impact our community has made through this partnership. The support shown year after year demonstrates the heart of WCI. Together, we are not only raising funds but also creating moments of joy and hope for families who truly deserve it. We look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.“
— Andrew Sabolic, Executive Director, WCI
Spirit to Serve
WCI’s commitment to Give Kids The World is led by the Spirit to Serve Committee, which plays a vital role in organizing fundraising initiatives, service opportunities, and special events throughout the year.
“It is a privilege to continue serving as Chair of the Spirit to Serve Committee. Our volunteers and sponsors bring incredible energy and passion to this cause, and their dedication is what makes these efforts so impactful. The 2026 events are shaping up to be truly special, and we’re excited to invite our community to be part of it.“
— Doug Clark, Chair of WCI’s Spirit to Serve Committee
2026 Give Back Gala
One of the highlights of the campaign will be the WCI 2026 Give Back Gala & Silent Auction: Putting On The Ritz, taking place on Saturday, August 22 at Orlando World Center Marriott. Attendees can look forward to an evening of celebration, entertainment, and philanthropy, all in support of Give Kids The World.
Get Involved
Kids’ Chance of America (KCOA), in partnership with the Workers Compensation Institute (WCI®), is launching Kids’ Chance WORKS, a new initiative designed to prepare students affected by workplace injury or death for life after high school. Building on KCOA’s legacy of awarding more than 11,000 scholarships since 1988, WORKS expands the organization’s impact beyond financial aid to include career exploration, workforce readiness, and long-term planning.
WORKS will serve students in KCOA’s Planning for the Future pipeline and scholarship recipients by providing tools, guidance, and connections to pursue a wide range of post-secondary pathways—college, apprenticeships, skills training, military service, or direct entry into the workforce. Special emphasis will be placed on careers in, across, and adjacent to the workers’ compensation industry, leveraging students’ lived experiences and interest in shaping its future.
Guided by three core principles—Student First, Community Centered, and Workforce Centered—the program will offer individualized support, create an alumni advisory council, and build a national network of career and mentorship opportunities.
To launch and grow the initiative, KCOA is receiving a minimum $100,000 investment over five years from WCI®. This partnership will enable program development, national collaboration, and long-term innovation, helping ensure that every Kids’ Chance student graduates high school with both a plan and the support needed to succeed.
“Kids’ Chance has always focused on removing financial barriers to education, but students also need direction, exposure and connection as they plan their futures. Through WCI’s partnership, Kids’ Chance WORKS will give our students the tools to discover their passions, explore real career options and graduate high school with confidence and purpose. This investment will shape the next generation of leaders while strengthening the entire Kids’ Chance movement.”
“WCI is proud to partner with Kids’ Chance to launch a program that aligns opportunity with impact. Kids’ Chance WORKS will empower students impacted by a parent’s work-related injury or death to build fulfilling careers while strengthening the pipeline of talent connected to the workers’ compensation community. We believe this initiative will create lasting benefits for students, families and our industry.”
“The Workers’ Compensation Institute has a rich history of making significant contributions to the education and advancement of the Workers’ Compensation industry,” said Mike Hessling. “I am also proud that our conference provides financial support for many incredible nonprofit organizations.”
“Our commitment to Kids’ Chance WORKS brings these two passions together, providing meaningful workplace readiness and mentorship opportunities for students whose families have been impacted by workplace injuries. This is truly a tremendous partnership for WCI, KCOA and our industry.”
The Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) is pleased to announce that Daymond John — Founder & CEO of FUBU, star of ABC’s Shark Tank, CEO of The Shark Group, and best‑selling author — will headline the Opening Session of the 2026 Workers’ Compensation Educational, Safety, and Health Conference on Monday, August 24.
“We are honored to welcome Daymond John as our 2026 Keynote Speaker. His story of resilience, creativity, and determination embodies the spirit of innovation we strive to champion within the workers’ compensation community. Our attendees will benefit tremendously from his perspective on leadership, strategy, and building opportunities in any environment. He is a true reflection of our Bold Ideas and Big Impact conference theme.“
— Andrew Sabolic, Executive Director, WCI
About Daymond John
An entrepreneur in every sense of the word, John’s journey began when he took out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother’s home to launch his business from their basement. From those humble beginnings, he built FUBU into a global lifestyle brand with more than $6 billion in product sales. Over his career he has earned more than 35 major awards, including Brandweek’s Marketer of the Year, Advertising Age’s Marketing 1000 Award, Ernst & Young’s New York Entrepreneur of the Year, and a top‑five placement on LinkedIn’s Top 20 Voices list.
John is also the CEO of The Shark Group, a consulting firm that helps companies shape powerful marketing strategies, connect with celebrity partnerships, and engage consumers in innovative ways. He is the author of multiple best‑selling books including The Power of Broke (2016) and Rise and Grind (2018). His sixth book, Powershift, explores his proven approach to negotiating, transforming challenges, and achieving breakthrough outcomes.
Celebrating his 11th season on the Emmy‑winning business show Shark Tank, John continues to inspire millions of weekly viewers with his entrepreneurial insight and marketing expertise.
About the WCI Conference
The Workers’ Compensation Educational, Safety, and Health Conference is one of the nation’s largest gatherings dedicated to advancing education, safety, health, and professional excellence within the workers’ compensation industry. Thousands of professionals from across the country attend each year to learn, collaborate, and engage with leading voices in the field.
Each year, WCI unveils a conference theme that reflects a key element of the workers’ compensation community. The theme connects to our Keynote Speaker, shapes the experience of our Monday Night Reception, and inspires exhibitors as they bring creativity and excitement to the Exhibit Hall.
We are proud to share our 2026 Conference theme: WCI Goes Glam – Bold Ideas & Big Impact
“WCI is thrilled to announce this year’s conference theme: WCI Goes Glam – Bold Ideas & Big Impact. The conference brings together all segments of the workers’ compensation industry. Each year, cutting-edge ideas are born here. New services and products are showcased. The workers’ compensation industry is very competitive and filled with many talented leaders, and the theme is a testament to the people who generate solutions to make the industry grow and thrive.”
— Andrew Sabolic, Executive Director, WCI