Agenda

7:30AM - 8:15AM

Registration and Vendor Room Open

Light breakfast served

8:15AM - 8:30AM

Welcome and General Announcements

Kendra Kail, President, IL WC Connect – National Account Executive, Integrity
Anna Rollins, VP of Business Development, Integrity - Morning Moderator
Maritza Gamboa, Treasurer, IL WC Connect - Senior Sales Executive, Triune Health Group - Afternoon Moderator

8:30AM - 9:30AM

Psychological Delays: Connecting the Dots, When Recovery isn't just Physical

In this session, Dr. Douglas Craig will examine how psychological factors influence workplace injury recovery, the role of psychological IMEs in claims management, and proactive strategies to prevent permanent psychological impairment. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how early evaluation and intervention support better outcomes.

9:30AM - 10:30AM

Red Flags and Rescue: Connecting the dots, Spotting Complex Claims before they Spiral

This panel discussion focuses on identifying early red flags in the beginning of claim investigation and implementing timely strategies to prevent complex claims from escalating. By using proactive claim management and recognizing warning signs sooner, we can mitigate risk and prevent escalations. We want to spot issues early- before they spiral into costly outcomes.

• Abbi Brock - Amerisure
• Lindsay Hoffman - Amerisure
• Melissa Icban - Sedgwick
• Ally Bramscher – LVMH

10:30AM - 10:45AM

Break - Vendor Room Open

10:45AM - 11:15AM

Case Law Updates

We will get up to date on the latest Illinois Workers Comp case law and understand how recent decisions may impact claims handling, injury management, and return to work strategies. This session will highlight key rulings, emerging trends, and give practical takeaways for employers, claim professionals, attorneys and healthcare partners.

• Chris Jarchow, Attorney, Hennessy and Roach
• Erin Fiore, Attorney, Hennessy and Roach

11:15AM - 12:15PM

Litigation Management - Connect the Dots: Cracking Illinois Litigation Challenges

An Illinois arbitrator, defense attorney, and petitioner attorney come together to examine today’s workers’ compensation litigation challenges. This panel will explore key drivers of disputes, evolving trends, and differing perspectives across the litigation process—helping attendees better navigate claims, manage risk, and improve outcomes through informed decision-making.

• Greg McKenna – Moderator – Gallagher Bassett
• Rachel Sinnen, Arbitrator - IL Workers Compensation Commission
• Natalie Bagley – Attorney, Hennessy & Roach
• Dave Martay, Martay Law Office

12:15PM - 1:00PM

Lunch - Vendor Room Open

1:00PM - 2:00PM

Defining Workers’ Compensation Fraud and Using Investigative Evidence to Reduce Claim Costs, Risk, and Unnecessary Exposure

In this panel discussion they will be defining fraud and using investigative evidence to mitigate workers’ compensation claims.

• Rick Cyr – Moderator – Senior Account Manager, The Robison Group
• John Wichmann – Moderator – Chief Strategy Officer, Photofax
• Katie Gall, CIFI, FCLA, PCLA, CNA Insurance, Director, Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
• Brian Bilderback, CIFI, FCLS, Erie Insurance, Senior Investigator, Investigative Services Section- Special Investigations.
• Robbie Robison, Vice President, Marsh Advisory, Claims Advocacy, Central Zone Casualty

2:00PM - 2:15PM

Break - Vendor Room Open

2:15PM - 3:15PM

Preventing Injuries and Proactively Managing the Claim in the event of Injury in the Aging Worker

In this panel discussion you will hear from employers who have successfully implemented early intervention strategies focused on employee health and well-being, promoting timely return-to-work after injury and driving an overall reduction in workers’ compensation spend.

• Diane Newquist - Moderator – Doctors of Physical Therapy
• Mallory Davis - PCI
• Armando Alcazar - Pete's Fresh Market
• Margo Ely – IRMA
• Don Phillips, Corporate EHS, Director NTN USA

3:15PM - 4:15PM

AI Powered Claims Handling – The Defense Perspective: An Examination of the use of AI in the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process

This session will discuss the use of AI tools by employers, claims handlers, and defense attorneys and will address dangers, opportunities, and strategies to increase efficiency and reduce legal spend while avoiding strategic and ethical pitfalls.

• Kevin Deuschle, Vice President, IFMK Law

4:15PM - 4:30PM

Thank you! Exhibitor Appreciation and Prize Give Away
(must be present to win IL WC Connect give away)