In this lively panel discussion with interactive audience engagement we break down the perceived vs real challenges to bringing mental health parity to long-term disability contracts. Following on the heels of PFML, Mental Health Parity may be the next big consideration for benefits decisionmakers on a topic that has significant impact to employees.

Panel speakers include Kristen Tugman, PhD, CEO, Tugman Consulting, an expert in Workplace Mental Health who brings clinical and employer points of view. Matt Desfosses, Managing Director, Guy Carpenter and Smith Group, offers an industry perspective and an explanation of the cost estimate. Sheila Sokolski, VP, Product Strategy, Sun Life, takes the “pro” position from a carrier perspective, bringing data that shapes a favorable opinion for change. Carson Lewis, AVP, Government Relations, Sun Life will moderate the discussion while layering in his experiences on the hill.

There are now 16 states that have mandated paid family and/or medical leave requirements for employers. Depending on the State; employers need to decide if they will comply by participating in the State administered program or opt to participate in a private plan by purchasing an insurance product or by self-funding. This decision may differ depending on the number of employees, costs, and whether or not the employer has co-sourced other unpaid and paid leaves. When employers decide to opt for a private plan, they may need to consider, funding methods, State reporting, employee notices and any other additional obligations to the State. In this session, you will hear practical tips to assist you in this analysis and walk away with an understanding of obligations you have with the State(s).

In today’s complex workplace, managing employee leave requires more than just policies—it demands empathy, clarity, and strategic foresight. This session uncovers the often-overlooked fundamentals of leave management and tackles the real-world challenges that can derail even the best-laid plans. Learn how to equip managers and HR professionals with the tools and training they need to handle leave requests with compassion while safeguarding organizational integrity. We’ll also explore emerging trends and best practices that ensure your leave strategy is not only compliant but truly people-centered.

Intermittent leave misuse is a common leading concern among employers on how to address when they suspect misuse of intermittent leave. In this session we will examine what employers can do during the leave request process if they suspect the claim may not be valid or it comes from a source that they are unsure of. The session will also what to do if misuse is expected after a leave has been approved and how the honest belief rule comes into play when dealing with suspect misuse. Finally, we will examine court cases that have dealt with FMLA intermittent misuse and what that means for employers.

In this interactive panel game show, we’re putting generative AI and seasoned compliance pros head-to-head in real-world absence management scenarios. As AI tools become more embedded in the workplace, employees are increasingly turning to them with questions about FMLA, PFML, ADA accommodations, and more—ranging from straightforward policy clarifications to deeply complex, emotionally charged situations.

While AI can quickly handle basic queries and streamline routine processes, it still struggles with the nuance, empathy, and legal interpretation required for the tough stuff. That’s where HR and compliance professionals step in—bringing emotional intelligence, legal clarity, and human judgment to the table.
Expect laughs, insights, and maybe even a few surprises as we play our way through the future of HR. Spoiler alert: the real winner is a workplace where tech and humanity work hand in hand.

Prior to COVID-19, a mental health leave of absence may not have been commonly discussed or understood. However, from 2017 to 2023, mental health related leaves of absence have skyrocketed by 300%. So, what can employers do to support employees while also reducing the duration of leaves? Addressing common misconceptions that mental health leave can be managed differently or less seriously than physical health leave, this session will highlight the legal and ethical imperatives for mental health leaves. We’ll also provide actionable strategies for supporting employees and potentially reducing the leave duration, without compromising compliance or employee well-being.

With the shift to return-to-office and hybrid models, managing ADA accommodations (and PWFA!) has grown more complex as employees adjust from remote work. This session offers HR leaders practical strategies to navigate ADA requests while balancing compliance, fairness, and operational needs in today’s evolving workplace.

 Learn how to manage accommodations end-to-end, streamline processes across remote and in-office settings, and handle challenging requests thoughtfully. Get key guidance on regulations and tools to support HR and managers in this new environment.

Walk away with a clear roadmap to confidently manage ADA accommodations amid return-to-office challenges—keeping your organization compliant, fair, and inclusive.

In this presentation, we’ll deliver fun, educational content on leave and disability topics (FMLA, ADA, PFML, return to work, etc.) via an energized alternative to traditional presentations — engaging the audience in a lighthearted trivia competition against two real former leave admins.

This is not just basic training! While most employers are versed in managing leave of absence under FMLA, ADA and numerous state laws, requests under USERRA may be less frequent. In this compliance-focused session, we will demystify USERRA and other military leave protections. Learn how to document eligibility, avoid common pitfalls, and support service members while protecting your organization.

When return-to-office expectations collide with ADA accommodation requests, HR and disability managers must balance policy, productivity, and people. This high-energy, hands-on session drops you into the action with live role-play scenarios that tackle today’s toughest RTO challenges. Rotate through the roles of employee, manager, and HR to reenact real-life requests—immunity concerns, hybrid schedules, ergonomic needs, mental-health barriers, and more—while applying ADA decision-making in real time. Each scenario features guided debriefs, legal insights, and take-home tools like scripts, checklists, and decision trees. You’ll explore the line between legal requirements and creative flexibility, while crowd-powered solutions reveal how peers across industries solve the same challenges. Expect lively discussion, practical tools, and a few “aha” moments you can put to use right away. Whether your accommodation program is well-established or just getting started, you’ll leave ready to turn return-to-office friction into a confident and compliant path forward.