The 78th Annual Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference and 35th Annual Safety and Health Conference concluded on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. 5,765 attendees representing all segments of the workers’ compensation and safety and health communities came together at the Marriott Orlando World Center to learn, share ideas, collaborate, build relationships, and to “Supercharge The Future”. Our attendees traveled from 47 states, and we even had some international attendees, with one coming all the way from Australia!
“Thanks to our attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, breakout moderators, and volunteers for making this event the preeminent workers’ compensation conference in the country. We look forward to making it even better in 2025”, stated Andrew Sabolic, WCI’s Executive Director.
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Saturday, August 17
Give Kids The World Service Day & Gala
“Thank you to all the individuals and companies who participated in the 2024 WCI GKTW Service Day and Give Back Gala. Together, we put in over 1,200 volunteer manpower hours with over 650 volunteers in one morning to help beautify the village and then later that night, raised enough money at our Gala to write a BIG check in the amount of $200,000. Over the last 11 years we’ve raised $1.2 Million dollars! It’s amazing to see so many people in the WC community coming together, year after year for this amazing cause and knowing that we’ve made a positive impact in so many families. More than I believe we will ever know. Thank you!” – Doug Clark, Spirit To Serve Committee Chair
Saturday started off with the annual Give Kids The World Service Day. Volunteers, representing a record 120 companies, helped work on a variety of projects including pressure washing, planting shrubs, hanging Christmas lights, and making decorations.
653 guests, many dressed as their favorite Superheroes, attended the evening Gala and Silent Auction. Bidding on silent auction items generated excitement and the sounds and beat of the band stirred people to the dance floor. Hearts were touched as a family described how Give Kids The World impacted them and helped them find joy, laughter, and hope. The crowd honored Jim McConnaughhay for his vision and leadership in bringing Give Kids The World to WCI as a philanthropic focus.
Sunday, August 18
The 4th Annual Kids Chance of Florida Golf Tournament was held at Hawk’s Landing.
“We are incredibly grateful to the WCI community for their unwavering support of Kids’ Chance of Florida. For the 4th consecutive year, we sold out our annual golf tournament, and with your generosity, we raised an incredible $82,000! These funds will provide crucial scholarships to children of workers who have been seriously or fatally injured on the job, helping them pursue their educational dreams. Your dedication continues to make a lasting impact, and we couldn’t do this without you. We invite you to join us next year for the 5th Annual Kids’ Chance of Florida Golf Tournament on Sunday, August 17th, 2025. Together, we can continue to change lives and build brighter futures. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.” – Basilios Manousogiannakis, Kids Chance of Florida Board Member and Golf Tournament Chair
Golfers also heard from a student who shared her story about how the scholarship has changed the course of her education and life.
Monday, August 19
Monday kicked off with the Opening Session. Albertsons Companies, Diary Farmers of America, and The Cheesecake Factory Kimberly were the recipients of PropertyCasulaty360 Workers’ Compensation Risk Management Award for Excellence. Kimberely George and Mark Walls moderated a panel of insurance executives who gave their thoughts and opinions of the state of risk management in workers’ compensation. Best-selling author, Brad Meltzer, gave the audience an inspiring and entertaining keynote address about looking through life, work, and mission through the lens of legacy. He stories highlighted how ordinary people can change the world. Brad even stuck around to sign books and take pictures with attendees.
Monday’s educational breakouts included: Adjusters, Diversity and Talent, Florida Case Law Update, Judiciary College, National Workers’ Compensation Review, Orthopaedic, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training, Physical Therapy, Professional Mediation, Regulators College and Roundtable, Risk Managers, Temporary Staffing, and Top-of-Mind from the C-Suite.
A supercharged atmosphere permeated throughout this year’s Exhibit Hall. 252 companies showcased their services and products, and puppies and kittens were in high demand at the Cuddle Zone.
Attendees of the Monday Night Reception stepped into a world of Superheroes. Daughtry wowed the crowd with his high energy and his rock roots. He brought everyone to their feet.
Tuesday, August 20
Tuesday started with the ever-popular Live Surgery. It went to new heights showing a patient having a shoulder replaced with the assistance of virtual reality. Other Tuesday breakouts included: Adjusters, Attorneys, First Responders, Judiciary College, Longshore, Harbor Workers’, Jones & Defense Base Acts, Medical Issues, Medicare Secondary Payer, National Workers’ Compensation Review, OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Training, Professional Employer Organizations, Regulators College, Risk Managers, Return-to-Work, Top of Mind from the C-Suite, and Workplace Safety and Health.
Exhibit Hall Theme Contest winners were announced. ProCare, MTI America, and Alliance Group took away the top spots. Exhibitors also participated in the first Swag for Schools partnership by providing leftover “goodies” to the Orange County Public School System.
“Swag For Schools was a tremendous success at WCI 2024 thanks to the generous exhibitor swag donations. The donations collected have been delivered to Orange County Public Schools just in time for back to school. And more great news, we will be able to accept your extra candy at WCI2025! Your donations make a difference. Thank you!” – Jason Turk
Our first-ever Super Tuesday Soiree concluded the day. Pittsburgh Steeler Hall of Fame Football Player Jerome Bettis and New York Jet All Decade Team Player Victor Green took pictures and mix and mingled with exclusive guests. The event was a huge success.
“As we reflect upon our Super Tuesday Soiree, we can only think of the superpower that bonds all of us that’s connectivity. This event was filled with connectivity to old friends, new friends, and colleagues that filled a room with laughter, joy and happiness- as each person let their light shine. They unconsciously gave others permission to do the same. The superpower that filled the room at the Soirée was magical. I am thankful for my role in facilitating an amazing event that added value and excitement to the 2024 WCI conference. – Brandi Lewis
Wednesday, August 21
The last day of the conference continues to grow and gave attendees more comprehensive learning opportunities. Wednesday’s breakouts included: Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation, Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation Update, Fraud, Judicial College, Longshore, Harbor Workers’, Jones & Defense Base Acts, Medical Issues, Multi-State Workers’ Compensation Laws, Technology & AI, and Workplace Safety and Health.