Illinois Workers' Comp Forum

Presented in Partnership with:

Discover Critical Updates on the Recent Illinois Workers’ Compensation Reforms and Proven Workers’ Compensation Cost-Containment Solutions

In March, once again, workers' compensation professionals from across the state will gather at the Westin Lombard Yorktown Center for the 7th Annual Illinois Workers' Comp Forum. The 2013 conference promises to bring you critical updates on the implementation of the recent workers’ compensation reforms, cutting-edge cost-containment solutions and straight-forward answers to the burning issues facing Illinois employers and other stakeholders in the workers’ compensation system.

Conference Highlights:

Updates on the Implementation of the Reforms: Hear industry experts address how you can benefit from the changes and what further reforms are needed to achieve the intended cost containment results
Vital Case Law, Legislative, and Regulatory Developments: Find out what they will mean for employers and other stakeholders
Medical Cost Containment Solutions: Discover alternatives to the overuse of addictive drugs, and learn how you can reap the benefits of changes to the AMA Guides and Utilization Review
Valuable Insights from the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission: Find out what progress was made in 2012 and what’s on the agenda for 2013.
Strategies for Closing Difficult Unresolved Workers’ Compensation Claims: Learn successful claim closure strategies that will result in significant cost savings
Combating Workers' Compensation Fraud in Illinois: Get a status report on anti-fraud enforcement efforts and learn what it takes to win a fraud conviction
Proven Risk Management and Safety Tactics to Reduce Claims and Liability Risks: Hear case study success stories with practical ideas you can take back and implement
Winning Claims Management and Return to Work Strategies: Discover successful collaborative efforts to get employees back on the job and reduce your overall claims exposure
Outstanding Networking Opportunities: Meet industry practitioners and leading experts from across the state

Keynote Speakers

Senator Kirk W. Dillard
Illinois State Senate

Kimberly Janas
Secretary of the Commission
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

Ruth White
Commissioner
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

Conference Chairs
Keith J. Herman, Esq.
Partner
Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C.
Executive Secretary
Illinois Self-Insurers Association

Beth S. Dolehide, Esq.
Partner
Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C.

Bridget A. Neuson, Esq., RN, BSN, JD
Shareholder
Neuson Law, P.C.

Enlightening Presentations By:

Diana Alvarez, Occupational Health Manager, Risk Management
Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Vickie Anders, Director of Workers’ Compensation and Claims Management
University of Illinois

David Belshan, Assistant State’s Attorney
Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office

William M. Blumthal, Jr., Supervisor - Workers' Compensation Fraud Unit
Illinois Department of Insurance

Garrett Boeckeler, Special Investigator
Acuity Insurance

Bruce Bonds, Esq., Partner
Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen

Lisa A. Braddy, SPHR
Director of Human Resources
Rapid Displays, Inc.

Jay H. Carlson, Safety Coordinator, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Stickney Water Reclamation Plant

Lynn Combs, Esq., Partner
Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C.

Thomas Cronin, Esq., Attorney
Hennessy & Roach, P.C.

Jonathan Falco, Director Risk Management
McDonald’s Corporation

Christopher J. Gibbons, Esq., Shareholder
Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C.
Executive Director, Illinois Self-Insurers Association

Christina S. Hemenway, Esq., Workers' Compensation Manager
Country Insurance and Financial Services

Adam Katz, Assistant State’s Attorney
Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office

Eugene Keefe, Esq., Partner
Keefe, Campbell, Biery & Associates, LLC

Howard Konowitz, M.D., Medical Director
Comprehensive Pain Management Group

Larry Krause, Risk Manager
City of Champaign

William A. Lowry, Esq., Shareholder
Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C.

David B. Menchetti, Esq., Partner
Cullen, Haskins, Nicholson & Menchetti, P.C.
(Technical Advisor to AFL-CIO)

Elaine T. Newquist, Esq., Partner
Ganan & Shapiro, P.C

John F. Power, Esq., Partner
Power & Cronin, LTD.

Natalie Romo, Esq., Partner
Hennessy & Roach, P.C.

John Smolk, Senior Manager, Workers’ Compensation and Corporate Insurance
United Airlines, Inc.
Member Medical Fee Advisory Board
Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission

Amy L. Turnbaugh, Esq., Associate
Ganan & Shapiro, P.C.

Robert B. Ulrich, Esq., Partner
Maciorowski, Sackmann & Ulrich LLP

David A. Victor, Esq., Partner
Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie & Lowry, P.C.

Dale L. Wriedt
Manager - Unit 90 Work and Life Safety
Deere & Company

Andrew S. Zelby, M.D., F.A.C.S., Neurosurgeon
Neurological Surgery and Spine Surgery, S.C.

SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES

Don't miss your chance to meet senior-level decision makers from self- and fully-insured companies that are searching for successful cost-containment strategies. We offer an informal exhibit hall area where attendees can relax and interact with sponsors and exhibitors.

Contact Sam Norton at 704-258-8912 or sam.norton@conference-board.org for further details

Rave Reviews from Council Workers' Comp Forums

"Excellent conference! Each session attended was very informative and
provided a wealth of information. The speakers were outstanding."
Sharon Van Sant, Director Claims Management, AMERISOURCEBERGEN CORPORATION"

"Very informative and up-to-date on the issues we face daily. Thank you."
Jim Johnson, Director of Risk Management, ANDRONICO'S MARKET

"Addressed real issues with real solutions."
Susan Reynolds, HR Manager, GAF MATERIALS CORP.

"The speaker was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and fun to hear.
I would recommend this class to others."
Ignacio Albarran, Safety & Health Manager, BIRD'S EYE FOODS