Each year, August rolls around and I cannot believe it. No, I believe in August; I am not delusional. It is just that it cannot be August already. I have yet to have a chance to get away on vacation this year. Last week was seemingly January, with the promise of a new year. And, denial ain't just a river, if you get that.
August is a time for transition. Across the galaxy, young people are returning to school, football returns to the fore, and everyone's thoughts turn to the annual workers' compensation conference. Well, that may be a bit of a stretch. Many thoughts turn to the conference, and all that it implies. Well, at least my mind turns to the conference.
What are the highlights? I often discuss the opportunities with folks. The real gems are many, and the opportunities for growth abound. In truth, it is hard to go wrong in terms of gaining knowledge. But, that said, there are some extremely valuable exceptions in the mix. Here, I have listed what I see as the "can't miss" opportunities for 2023:
Saturday, August 19, 2023
07:00- 12:00 - Give Kids the World Village work day. Busses leave from the Convention Level of the Marriott World Center. You have to register in advance: GKTW Service Day Registration | WCI Annual Conference (wci360.com) https://www.wci360.com/service-day-registration/. I congratulate the many in our community that find so many ways to give back with their energy, talent, and time to events and efforts like this throughout the country and this workers' compensation world.
Sunday, August 20, 2023
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Kids Chance Golf Tournament (Hawk's Landing golf course). This is a favorite event for me to see so many in the workers' compensation community. I'm not a golfer and do not even play one on television. But it is great to see everyone enjoying the community, and I enjoy volunteering.
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - E. Earle Zehmer National Moot Court Competition Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds (Grand Ballrooms 11-14).
All day - The Professional Mediation Institute (Grand 8A). If you are a mediator, it is a must. If you participate in mediation, it is a must. Iconic mediators giving you the inside scoop on challenges, success, and compromise. If you get a chance, heckle Stuart Suskin (tell him Dave sent you).
5:15 - 6:15 Meet the FLJCC Mediators and Judges (San Antonio room, Hall of Cities). No program, no speeches, and no agenda. Just mingle and meet in person. You see them in little boxes on Zoom, meet them face-to-face. We want to meet you!
Monday, August 21, 2023
9:25 – 9:50 a.m. Scholarship And Award Presentations (Palms Ballroom – Canary). Come enjoy this uplifting interaction with the community and meet some very promising young people who are striving to change their world.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. - E. Earle Zehmer National Moot Court Competition Final Arguments (Palms Ballroom – Canary). More young people. They are inspiring and excellent examples of the next generation that will rise to support this community and profession.
2:30 - 4:30 National Regulator's Roundtable (Crystal Ballroom G1). Want the latest and the greatest? This is the spot to hear what is new, challenging, and confounding.
3:30 - 4:30 Late Night with Workers' Compensation featuring pundit Bob Wilson and the winners of the National Underwriter Risk Management Award (Grand 8A).
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
8:45 - 9:45 - Live rotator cuff repair (Palms Ballroom - Canary). You just don't see this every day.
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Investigation: Who's Afraid of the Big, Bad Phone? The world is getting disconnected. Is it time to re-enage this time-tested tool? (Palms Ballroom - Canary). In-person is best, but the phone beats a text message or email every time.
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - The Compounding Effect of Social Media on Claims. Crystal Chancey. Steve Figliuollo, and Vincent Vossell explore the impacts of social media on investigation, communication, and advocacy. (Grand Ballroom 7A).
1:00 – 2:00 p.m. - Live Oral Argument of two appellate cases. (Palms Ballroom Canary). See Public Viewing Opportunity (July 2023).
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
8:45-10:15 - Banishing Burnout. This is about stress, burnout, and toxic work cultures. Everyone in the workers' compensation community would benefit from a better appreciation of stress and its effects. (Crystal Ballroom H).
I am looking forward to seeing so many there. The events above are noted but are a small sample of all that may be of interest. I spend my time largely around the National Association of Workers' Compensation Judiciary at the base of the escalator from the hotel lobby. I welcome your company, commentary, complaints, or suggestions. Please stop me in the halls for any conversation or questions you wish. Travel safely.