May 8, 2019

This piece is presented by Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company.

There aren’t many events where those in the workers’ compensation industry can come together to exchange ideas, network and update their knowledge plus gain education credits.

But for 10 years, the South Dakota Work Comp Summit has filled that void for the industry. It will celebrate that decade of success at this year’s event June 19 and 20 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, when it once again provides attendees with pertinent information about emerging issues in their fields.

“We really see there is a big need for human resource, safety, claims and other professionals who deal with workers’ compensation to be able to network and gain insight from experts on the ever-changing landscape,” said Beth Dobbs, AVP policy services manager at RAS. “The annual Work Comp Summit is the only event in South Dakota that enables them to do that.”

RAS, along with Howalt+McDowell Insurance, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company, is a presenting sponsor of the summit.

The day will bring insight from the legal profession, occupational medical professionals and risk managers.

Topics covered in 12 breakout sessions include everything from drug testing to medical marijuana, transitioning when employees return to work, the addiction crisis and running an effective work comp program for an aging workforce.

“Growing your knowledge and keeping these topics top of mind pays big dividends,” said Tanya Schlenker, a senior claims consultant for Howalt+McDowell. She will be part of a panel discussion on how employers can work with their work comp carrier and medical provider to reduce risk and manage OSHA requirements.

“In one day, you’ll leave equipped with information you can immediately take back to your job and put to work for your organization.”

The day includes two general sessions, including one on Using Behavioral Insights to Help Worker Health and Return to Work as well as the keynote session by Lisa Brouwer of Full Throttle Living.

Brouwer’s talk, Living Life at Full Throttle Without Ever Throwing Your Leg Over the Saddle of a Motorcycle, will inspire attendees to explore the power in their lives.

Visit saferhealthierbetter.com for a full agenda.

Early registrants can purchase tickets for $120 through Friday. After that, ticket prices increase to $150.

Education credits from the Human Resource Certification Institute and South Dakota Division of Insurance have been approved, and Commission for Case Manager Certification and Society of Human Resource Management credits are pending.