Virtual meeting information will be emailed on Monday of the week of the event. Meeting will be held via Zoom.
SPEAKER
PRESENTATION SUMMARY
Steven Van Cohen is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, internationally recognized leadership consultant, and tech founder.
His latest book is Connectable – How Leaders Can Move Teams From Isolated To All In.
For over a decade, Steven has helped leading organizations like Home Depot, Salesforce, Bank of America, and Netflix improve worker well-being, reduce employee disconnection and boost team belonging.
Steven’s top-ranked insights have been featured in CNBC, Forbes, Fox News, Fortune, Fast Company, and Inc.
Steven holds a MSOD from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Arts from The University of Illinois. He resides in sunny California with his wife and two daughters.
CANCELLATION POLICY
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES
In this presentation, we will explore the latest trends and innovations shaping employer-sponsored healthcare, drawing insights from the 2025 Marsh McLennan Agency Benefits Trends Report. As the healthcare landscape evolves, employers are increasingly seeking innovative solutions to enhance employee well-being while managing costs effectively, and the industry is responding with numerous creative solutions.
Key topics will include:
Through this presentation, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of what is new in the market allowing you to stay on the leading edge of innovation in the employer-sponsored healthcare landscape. The goal is to arm you with ideas on how you might design your benefits program to help lead to improved employee health and organizational efficiency. Join us as we delve into these critical developments and their implications for the future of employee benefits.
SPEAKER BIO
Robert White began his insurance career in 2007, working with the nation’s largest disability and leave management carrier. He quickly became a leading resource for employers and benefits brokers across Texas and Louisiana, specializing in disability, leave, and voluntary benefits.
Since joining Marsh & McLennan Agency (MMA) Austin as an Employee Benefits Consultant, Robert has leveraged his expertise to develop a unique process that delivers proactive solutions aligned with his clients’ culture and objectives. He specializes in both fully insured and self-funded employee benefit plans, exploring traditional healthcare options alongside innovative solutions that improve access to high-quality, cost-effective care. These solutions range from technology solutions to direct primary care contracting and more.
A proud graduate of Belton High School and Texas A&M University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics. He serves on the leadership team in Marsh McLennan’s Austin office as well as the Regional Producer Council. In his free time, Robert enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with his wife and two children playing football, baseball, golf, and snow skiing. His commitment to enhancing employee well-being reflects his belief in the importance of balance and health in all aspects of life.
This presentation emphasizes the importance of proactive improvements at the workplace, specifically through effective policies and managing unemployment claims. It stresses the value of clearly written policies that cover common workplace scenarios, from employee breaks to social media usage. The presentation then dives into the complex world of unemployment claims, offering guidance on understanding the basics, debunking common myths, and employing strategies to increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Jikku J. John is legal counsel to the Commissioner Representing Employers on the Texas Workforce Commission. He advises the Commissioner on final-level unemployment appeals. Mr. John speaks before business groups regarding current employment law topics of interest to employers. In addition, he provides information and guidance to employers via the employer hotline, e-mail, and monthly TWC newsletter published by the Office of the Commissioner Representing Employers.
Mr. John has done his undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Dallas and obtained his law degree from the University of North Texas School of Law.
COMING SOON
Financial insecurity and stress are wreaking havoc on workers. It affects their mental and physical health, as well as their working lives, in numerous and detrimental ways. In this session, we will gain a deeper understanding of employee financial security and how it impacts workplace productivity. We will also address the most effective and achievable way employers can use an existing resource to make a difference in the financial security and overall well-being of their employees.
Learning Objectives:
Drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience, Chris advises employers, committees, and fiduciaries on how to enhance employee financial security—impacting both individual well-being and organizational success. Chris serves on the leadership council for the American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA), one of five member organizations of the American Retirement Association based in Washington, D.C. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science from the College of Business Administration at Missouri State University. He is a Qualified Pension Administrator (QPATM) and Qualified 401(k) Consultant (QKC®). Chris has testified in Washington D.C. at the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration on fiduciary matters related to fee disclosure as part of the Hearing on Reasonable Contracts or Arrangements. He has testified before the DOL’s ERISA Advisory Council. He also pioneered PCI’s vendor research system, providing in-depth service provider comparisons and benchmarking. He frequently leads workshops and private training sessions for fiduciary committees nationwide and has been a featured speaker at more than 100 industry conferences and programs.
Melinda J. Wetzel is an active litigator in federal and state court. She has argued before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and won two federal trials, a bench trial in the Western District of Texas and a jury trial in the Southern District of Texas. Mindy regularly defends clients in civil litigation involving claims under:
Mindy also represents clients at various forms of alternative dispute resolution, such as private and agency-based mediations and arbitrations. She assists clients with personnel investigations and pre-litigation resolution, and presents client trainings on a variety of topics, including discrimination and harassment avoidance. Previously, Mindy served as an assistant attorney general in the General Litigation Division of the Office of Attorney General, where she defended the state of Texas, its officials, and employees in constitutional and employment litigation matters in state and federal court. Prior to moving to Austin in 2019, Mindy practiced law for five years in Illinois. During that time, she litigated claims for contributions and withdrawal liability under ERISA in federal courts across the Midwest, and represented school districts, municipalities, community colleges, and other public entities in Illinois state and federal courts as well as in labor arbitration and grievance proceedings.
Emily Linn assists employers with a variety of labor and employment law issues. She has experience representing clients in both administrative and litigation matters involving disputes brought under various federal and state laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act (TCHRA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Emily’s practice also includes advising clients on various employment matters including discipline, separations and reductions in force, leave and accommodation issues under the ADA and FMLA, religious accommodation under Title VII, contingent worker and independent contractor classifications, federal and state child labor laws and workplace safety concerns. Emily has experience reviewing policies, handbooks, and providing management and employee training.
Emily also regularly conducts internal workplace investigations for higher education institutions and private employers related to allegations of employee misconduct, including discrimination, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Prior to joining Littler, Emily was an attorney at a regional law firm in Austin, Texas, where she represented and counseled public entities on routine employment matters and government-specific issues, including immunity and responding to open record requests and subpoenas for client documentation. While in law school, Emily was an authorities editor on the Vanderbilt Journal of Transnational Law and interned in the office of the general counsel of a federally owned electric utility corporation"
"Presentation/Session Title
Burnout is Contagious – And So Is Leadership.
Session Description
Are your HR teams drowning in routine and struggling to thrive?
It's time to embrace CHAOS: Control Havoc – Achieve Operational Success, by implementing strategic approaches to manage peak workloads and foster a more sustainable environment.
October is HR’s battlefield: open enrollment chaos, year-end galas, and “holiday joy” that HR often gets to plan, not enjoy. It’s no wonder HR professionals are burning out while carrying the emotional weight of an entire workforce.
This isn’t another watered-down wellness chat. This is a tactical session designed to expose and eliminate the real causes of burnout that most HR teams unintentionally reinforce - and give attendees actionable tools to break the cycle.
Bonus: We'll laugh through the chaos, because HR deserves humor and solutions.
Learning Objectives
Recognize hidden causes of burnout that HR unintentionally enables
Redesign roles and workloads for true sustainability
Replace vague “balance” talk with bold, actionable strategy
Reclaim control of burnout contagion—before it takes down the team"
Drawing on a distinguished career that includes retirement from the U.S. Army in 2015, Ken Cates brings a practical and results-oriented approach to his work as a speaker and consultant. As CEO of a nonprofit construction organization, he spearheaded remarkable growth, increasing revenue by over 1,400% within his first five years. His expertise extends to assisting two national veteran-owned businesses with their strategic nationwide expansion and guiding a startup nonprofit construction organization to surpass its first-year net income projection of over $250,000 within its initial four months. Leading through significant growth in diverse environments has provided Ken with invaluable insights into team dynamics, operational success, and navigating complex challenges – principles he now shares with forward-thinking leaders.
Ken is an engaging communicator with a passion for mentoring military veterans transitioning to civilian life. His ability to connect with and guide others is further honed by his experience as a husband and father to seven daughters, making him a skilled negotiator both professionally and personally.
Recognized multiple times by City, State, and U.S. Leaders, National Organizations, and news media, Ken's goal is to empower individuals to break free from the status quo and embrace new possibilities. He aims to impact leaders hungry for transformation, offering tactical strategies and actionable insights drawn from his real-world experience.
With a passion for storytelling and a knack for finding humor in life's twists and turns, Ken is more than just a speaker - he's a catalyst for change, a beacon of inspiration, and a true advocate for the power of resilience and community.
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