The Workers' Compensation Institute opens on August 24, 2026. The program is available online and as a PDF (some of us seasoned citizens like to print a copy, fold the pages over, make notes, etc.). The really chronologically challenged await the annual WCI catalog the same way we did as kids, expecting the Christmas catalogs from Montgomery Ward, Sears, and more.
The official WCI start will be the Monday, August 24, 2026, 08:45 opening session (Palms Ballroom Canary), complete with the National Anthem and Blue Angels flyover. But there is much programming to attract us before that. So, in order, here are the things I would strive to put on my agenda (admittedly, I am committed to various meetings and other distractions throughout, so while I won't necessarily attend each of these sessions, I recommend them):
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Give Kids the World Service Day—this is a great chance to get to know some of the stalwarts of the workers' compensation community. They form up at about 7 and have opportunities to help both at the Marriott and the Village. Go make new friends, see old ones, and bask in the community you are part of.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
The Kids' Chance Golf Tournament—I don't play, but I enjoy seeing everyone in this casual environment. While the carts are lining up (07:00-08:00), there are so many interesting people to reconnect with. I see people here I do not run into elsewhere at the conference because we are in different events (reconnecting and socializing are free for all—be sure to ask Yvonne Guibert if you can be on her podcast; compliment Tammy Boyd for the great job she and her board do with this annual community event).
The Professional Mediation Institute (PMI) runs all day Sunday. It is by mediators and for mediators. But who could benefit? Everyone who mediates can. Adjusters, risk managers, and lawyers should consider this an opportunity. Of broadest appeal: Motions to Enforce at 09:00; Mock Mediation at 12:20; Achieving Success at Mediation at 16:20 (Grand Ballroom 8A).
1:30-4:00—Moot Court Quarter and Semi-Finals—This is a great chance to see an oral argument with students from around the country. They are undeniably exceptional, and their arguments are interesting. (Grand Ballrooms 11-14).
4:00-5:30—The Founders' Welcome Reception—This is the real kickoff. Join Jim McConnaughhay, Steve Rissman, and the WCI Board of Advisors for conversation, connection, and camaraderie. What a great opportunity (Palms Ballroom Corridor). Be sure to get a selfie with Ralph Gonzalez and ask Bob Wilson for his autograph! Extra credit if you get a selfie with Jim McConnaughhay, Steve Rissman, or both together!
5:00-6:00—The Annual OJCC Meet and Greet—This is a chance to connect in real time with the Florida Judges and Mediators (Boston). Too much is virtual in today's world. Get out, get real, shake a hand, pat a back, share a story, reconnect, and feel the power of community. I cannot wait to see you!
Monday, August 24, 2026
09:00-09:50—The PMI program—How to Optimize Mediation Outcomes—lawyers, adjusters, and risk managers would all benefit. (Grand Ballroom 8A).
1:00-2:00 The Risk Manager Program—AI in Decision Making—What are people doing? What will they be doing? There are already many tools in use. How does it affect you?
2:00-3:00 on Monday is the second-hardest decision of the conference!
2:10-3:10 The National Workers' Compensation Review (NWCR)—Causation Analysis. This will be about AI as a tool in medical reasoning. Every claim involves medical needs and questions. (Grand 8B). These speakers are legendary leaders. Close second in this time slot is The Expanding Scope of Workers' Compensation on the C-Suite program (Crystal Ballroom J1). These speakers are peerless. Close third—The Crash Course—It's Complicated—an overview of just how diverse, distributed, and difficult the assortment of systems can be. (Magnolia Ballroom 7-9).
2:30 - 4:30 The SAWCA National Regulator Roundtable—This affords access to dozens of perspectives on the latest comp challenges from across the country. Anyone serious about workers' compensation should be in this room (Crystal Ballroom G1)(be sure to ask for a seat from which you can see me! If I am not there yet, stay tuned—I will be).
5:00 - Comp and Circumstance. This is an informal gathering at 5:00 "Near the Starbucks Kiosk." Community matters. Want to meet some new people or renew acquaintances? If this turns out to be a "flash mob," let's hope they are singing Don't Stop Believin (Journey, 1981) and not YMCA (Village People, 1978). But no matter what they're singing, join in and be part of the community! As John Belushi noted in Animal House (Universal 1978), it "don't cost nothin'."
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
08:00 - 08:45 - FSU School of Law Alumni Breakfast. This is another great chance for a selfie with Steve Coonrod, Ralph Gonzalez, Jim McConnaughhay, Hon. Jacqueline Newman, Steve Rissman, and Hon. Jacqueline Steele. Some of the FSU leadership will also be present (Dean Erin O'Connor is always there). FSU is doing great work in workers' compensation! If you are an alumnus, you should strive to stop by this reunion. Community matters (Boston). Remember Baz Lurhman - "because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young" (Everybody's Free, Capital 1999).
08:45 - 09:45 on The Attorney Breakout—What do Judges Want—This one is admittedly Florida-heavy, but for those engaged in Florida litigation, this is a great topic and panel. (Crystal Ballroom M). No, there is no free breakfast.
9:55 - 10:55 The NWCR Program—Actuarial Insight—It sounds a bit dull, but the interaction of the actuary (money) with the claims professional (front line) and risk managers is a critical topic for anyone handling claims and understanding the decisions. How can you influence and learn from their processes? (Grand Ballroom 8B). Close second—The C-Suite Program—Access to Health Care—This is likely the biggest challenge the industry faces today. Every jurisdiction is striving for better access to care. (Crystal Ballroom J-1).
11:00 - 12:00 The C-Suite Program—Building Tomorrow's Workforce. The issues of generational difference, tech, and more will impact every workplace and many disputes. (Crystal J-1). Close second—The NWCR Program—Empathy Isn't Soft—will help attendees understand how the systems look from the claimant perspective (Grand Ballroom 8B).
1:00-2:00 Tuesday is the hardest decision of the conference!
1:00 - 2:00 The Adjuster Program—Live Oral Argument—this is interesting both in the specifics of the cases argued and in the court process and procedure. This is a must for anyone involved with claims. (Palms - Canary). Close second—The NWCR Program—Exclusive Remedy—an overview of what risks lie outside workers' compensation (No, I am no longer on the panel; big thanks to Judge Pam Johnson of Tennessee for covering for me!). Close third—if you missed Access to Care at 9:55, The Medical Issues Program presents Access to Care: The New Crisis (Crystal Ballroom C). Getting our injured the best medical care, delivered timely, is our greatest challenge.
2:10-3:10 on the Liability Breakout—Preventing the Big Loss—How do risk managers think about claims and their implications? (Grand Ballroom 8A). Close second—2:30-3:30—The Attorney Breakout—Cybersecurity and Privacy—this will be a persistent concern for all. AI will only make it more so. (Crystal Ballroom M).
3:15-4:15 On the Risk Manager Program—Workplace Violence—it is apparently on the rise and poses myriad challenges. (Grand Ballroom 7A). Close second—The NWCR Program—Dealing with Change—practical, professional tips for dealing with new roles and responsibilities (Grand Ballroom 8B).
Wednesday, August 26, 2026
07:45-08:45 The AI Technology Program—Productivity vs. Enterprise AI—understanding how AI works and what to think before buying. (Grand 8A).
8:45-9:30 The Alliance of Women Program—All in for Leadership (Keynote)(Crystal H). Close second for Floridians—On the Division of WC Program—What's New and What's Next (Grand 8A).
9:10-10:10 The Multi-State Program—An array of state perspectives on trends and issues in 14 various states (Grand 7A and 7B) (These sessions repeat 11:05-12:05 and 12:10-1:10).
OVERALL - Thousands of hours have been selflessly poured into this program. Lines have been written, edited, and rehearsed. The 94 speakers and personalities involved in the breakouts I have listed are among the thought leaders of today and will provide you with foundations for tomorrow.
These programs will deliver knowledge, insight, and likely a few laughs. This post features my recommendations, but this is also a shout-out to all the presenters, organizers, and leaders that we all look forward to seeing each August. It is math; not every program can make the list. Safe travels—see you there.
Speakers and others involved in the selected programs:
Tammy Boyd
Yvonne
Guibert
Ralph
Gonzalez
Bob
Wilson
Jim
McConnaughhay
Steve Rissman
Steve
Coonrod
Gregory
Johnsen
Ray
Holley
Jeffrey
Jacobs
Robert
Arthur
Sylvia
Medina-Shore
Kate
Marshman
Karl
Labertew
Tom
Glick
Adam
Ross
Veronica
Jackson
Stuart
Suskin
Jamey
Rodgers
Sean
O'Connor
Holley
Akers
John
Brooks
Hon.
Jacqueline Steele
Tracey
Hyde
Amie
DeGuzman
Elaura Hodgetts
Adam
Ross
Angela
Flynn
Rachel
Dobson
David
Stillson
Laura
Noble
Jill
Alfano
Michael
Fountain
Bill
O'Brien
Chris
Brigham
Mark
Melhorn
Alexander
Almazan
Heidi
Sellers
Suzanne
McTeague
Tara
Acton
Jen
Hamelin
Tim
Stanger
Frank
McKay
Frank Fierrri
Margret
Kerr
Ivan
Morales
Diana
Castrillon
Iliana
Forte
Suzy
Braden
James
Marshall
Pete
Rasmussen
Geralyn
Datz
Becky
Curtis
Debra
Livingston
Jennifer
Cogbill
Brian
Walters
Aimee
Ross
Kathy
Doyle
Nikki
Jackson
Greg
Wiley
Javier
Garza
Desi
Fioravanti
David
Harvey
Steve
Tipton
Hon.
Pamela Johnson
Jill
Rosenthal
Melissa
D. Tonn, MD
Janet
Cobb
Dr.
Latoya Abbott
Mary
Ann Lubeskie
Marc
Salm
Stu
Miller
Stuart
Grossman
Jerry
Heim
Cathy
Agacinski
Mitch
Golden
Franklin
Zemel
Robert
Wilkins
Hon.
Robert Rassp
Scotty
Benton
Steve
Figliuolo
Claire
Muselman
Tish
Cooke
Kara
Sepulveda
Jennifer
Morris Jones
Caryn
Siebert
Jennifer
Novosel
Amy
Klatt
Nicole
Patterson MBA, RN
Emily
Cameron
Abby
Torres
Doug
Gibb
Jennifer
Papillion
Pam
Macon
