Employee engagement levels have steadily declined over the past decade. Engagement is a measure of commitment employees have for their job and is a strong indicator of how likely they are to go above and beyond. This workshop offers a guided environment where participants will participate in meaningful dialogue and discussions aimed to provide examples of ways frontline leaders can improve workforce engagement. The session will culminate with each participant crafting an action plan to implement change. 

In this session, you will learn:

• What factors influence employee engagement most
• Why frontline leaders are key to needed improvements
• How to implement needed changes

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Please join us for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails to kick off the AEU National Forum. We will gather on the second floor balcony area for the Welcome Reception. This area is indoors and above the hotel lobby. 

Business Casual Attire - Open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Join former U.S. Navy Cmdr. Frank Weisser as he takes you inside the cockpit of the Blue Angels and behind the scenes of the blockbuster film, "Top Gun: Maverick". In this compelling presentation, Cmdr. Weisser will share his unique experiences flying with the elite Blue Angels team and explain how their unparalleled ability to mitigate risk in dynamic environments led to their involvement in the making of the movie.

Attendees will gain an in-depth understanding of the rigorous training and precision required to perform complex aerial maneuvers and how these skills were applied to ensure authenticity in "Top Gun: Maverick". The presentation will also explore the critical role of focus, perspective, trust, and communication in navigating high-stakes situations.

In this session, you will learn:

• How to apply the principles of risk mitigation used by the Blue Angels in dynamic and high-pressure environments
• The importance of teamwork and communication in achieving success in complex operations

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Session 1: Eyes Everywhere: Smart Surveillance in the Claims Process
Speaker Panel:
Mike Fisackerly, AEU
Todd Kelly, Genesis Investigative Services
Chris Williams, Johnson Yacoubian & Paysse

This session will cover how to identify cases that are ideal for successful surveillance assignments. Additionally, it will explore various types of surveillance monitoring used in the industry, including social media monitoring, unmanned cameras, and drones. Our experienced panel will also discuss how surveillance results can be utilized to defend against and negotiate difficult claims to resolution.

Session 2:  Claims Toolbox: Tips of the Trade
Speaker Panel:
Kyle Rangel, AEU
Yesenia Vasquez-Lockhart, AEU
Susan Bruhnke, Galloway Johnson Tompkins Burr & Smith

Our experts will discuss how to establish a strong foundation for claims, build necessary defenses, and navigate the final stages of the claims process. The audience will gain a better understanding of how employer participation benefits both AEU and the worker from the start, the importance of providing valuable input in cases with complex issues, and other key strategies for achieving the best possible outcome.

Session 3: Demo of Timely Claim Reporting
Erica Janssen, AEU

Did you know that employers can report claims directly to AEU through our online claims management platform? Erica Janssen will provide a step-by-step demonstration on how to do this using both mobile and desktop devices. She will also explain the necessary documentation and what to expect after the claim is submitted.

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

If you want to learn how subrogation can lower your insurance cost, this session is for you. This session will explore the “ins and outs” of Longshore Act subrogation and will cover what subrogation is, why subrogation matters, and the basics of USL&H subrogation recovery. Participants will hear “real world” examples and learn important investigation and evidence preservation tips and best practices that form the underpinning to a successful recovery. We'll also discuss AEU’s best-in-class approach to use of the subrogation process.

After this session, you will:

• Better understand the Longshore Act subrogation process
• Be more equipped to implement investigation best practices
• Have greater awareness of the important role that recoveries play in mitigating worker’s compensation claim costs

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Attend this panel discussion featuring Corporate EHS Managers from multi-year AEU Safety Award-winning companies as they share practical methods and techniques for building and maintaining an effective safety culture. Moderated by Jimmy Burgin, SVP, Director of Loss Control for The American Equity Underwriters, this session will provide straightforward, actionable insights from industry leaders who have achieved lasting safety success. This session is essential for health and safety professionals looking to enhance their safety programs and achieve measurable improvements.

In this session, you will learn: 

• Effective strategies to establish and maintain a strong safety culture
• Techniques for engaging employees and leadership in safety efforts
• Solutions for overcoming common challenges in sustaining safety initiatives

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, maintaining a healthy workforce is critical to any organization's success, especially when it comes to preventing and managing orthopedic injuries. In this keynote presentation, Dr. Casey will explore essential practices that organizations and individuals can adopt to build a resilient workforce.

Attendees will gain insights into the most common workplace-related orthopedic injuries, learn how to identify risk factors, and discover proactive measures to prevent these injuries. The session will also highlight the importance of workplace wellness programs and how to create a safety-focused culture that prioritizes employees' physical health. By integrating these approaches, organizations can enhance productivity, reduce injury-related downtime, and foster a healthier, more resilient workforce.

In this session, you will learn: 

• Strategies to identify and mitigate risk factors for common orthopedic injuries in the workplace
• Best practices for implementing workplace wellness programs that promote employee health and safety
• Effective recovery strategies, including advancements in rehabilitation, to support employees through their recovery and reduce organizational downtime

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

At any given time, 96% of organizations are undertaking some form of change initiative. While change has become the new norm, successful outcomes are not guaranteed. In this session, participants will gain an understanding of what is required to achieve successful transitions. The discussion will emphasize the importance of stakeholder involvement and how to lead transformation and change effectively from a position of influence.

In this session, you will learn: 

• The key elements necessary for successful change initiatives
• Strategies for involving stakeholders in the change process to ensure buy-in and support
• How to lead transformational change effectively, even without formal authority

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Join us at Fulton Alley for a delightful evening of bowling, dinner, and networking! Fulton Alley is a 6-minute walk from the New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District.

Casual Attire - Jeans and shorts are acceptable.

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Continuous improvements in safety are only possible through continuous feedback. Employees can provide invaluable feedback on the gaps in your safety management system (SMS) but only if they feel safe and empowered to do so. In this session, we will look at the importance of both psychological safety and the impact of supervisor communication skills on safety outcomes. In addition, Tim will introduce a human factors framework that will help organizations learn how the human and technical systems connect to produce more reliable outcomes.

In this session, you will learn:

• The connection between psychological safety, employee feedback and safety outcomes
• To recognize gaps in their feedback loops, which in this presentation are referred to as learning loops
• How to identify gaps in systems and humans together for better collaborative outcome reliability

Business Casual Attire - Open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Explore the effectiveness of a Job Hazard Analysis (JHAs) in everyday working environments. This session will delve into what it takes to make a safety program successful, with a focus on creating a "culture of consistency" that can be applied to daily work routines. 

In this session, you'll learn: 

• How to maintain forward momentum in your safety program
• Practical tips for applying JHAs to daily work scopes and ensuring continuous improvement

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

Join us for an insightful and dynamic panel discussion featuring experts from AEU and Carlisle Medical, as we delve into the most effective strategies for controlling workers' compensation costs and addressing evolving medical trends. This presentation will provide a comprehensive look at cutting-edge solutions and best practices in the field of workers' compensation.

In this session, you will:

• Discover the medical cost drivers in today’s industry
• Understand the processes and tools we use to recognize these trends
• Learn proactive strategies to mitigate these costs

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.

To lead and influence others, an authentic connection must be made with your people -- those you like and those you don't, those you understand, and those who confuse you most. This authentic connection is the foundation for success! Using the “Stories, Not Just Statistics” strategy will show you that it's in an individual's personal stories where you will find an unfailing compass pointing to exactly what to say and do to effectively engage and influence people of any generation, background, or professional level to move forward with you for the long haul. This high-energy, incredibly relatable session will inspire, hit home, shift your mindset, and uncover a new paradigm in which to see yourself and everyone you know going forward. With this new perspective, you hold the power to build infinite influence, strengthen the unity of your team, usher in a cohesive, inclusive language, create meaningful impact at work, and achieve unlimited success!

In this session, you will:

• Gain clarity on the number one mindset required for managing in today’s diverse world.
• Determine the critical importance of the “Paramount Need” when it comes to recruiting and retaining great performers.
• Discover the immediately actionable “Stories, Not Just Statistics” process for authentically connecting, understanding, and influencing people of any generation.
• Emerge refreshed, inspired, and positioned to lead yourself and others into a better future.

Business Casual Attire - open collar or polo shirt. No jeans or shorts. No jacket required.