Visionary Sponsor
ELEVATE WorkComp logo

San Diego’s pre-eminent, must-attend
Work Comp EXTRAVAGANZA of the year!

What Attendees Say

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“Most impressive”

5/5
I can’t wait to attend #ELEVATE2025! By far the best workers' compensation and risk management conference in the US!
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“It's a fantastic event”

5/5
I am excited to attend ELEVATE® 2025!! Last year was an amazing event for workers' comp, safety and HR. I won't miss it!! Great topics!! Great networking!! Great people!! Great everything!
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"Exceptional!"

5/5
I have been to 2 of these events and they are exceptional, extremely well run, so much valuable information!

About #ELEVATEWORKCOMP

This annual event is all about championing the cause to improve Workers’ Compensation, tackling some of the system’s most important challenges and inspiring leaders to make a difference in their sphere of influence. Bring your curiosity, ideas and desire to learn. Leave with lasting connections, practical tools and some serious Workers’ Compensation sophistication.

ELEVATE Agenda feature

ELEVATE® Agenda

An action-packed agenda will set sail soon at this must-attend Work Comp event.

ELEVATE Sessions feature

ELEVATE® Sessions

Our sessions provide an unmatched opportunity to engage, learn, and connect with others.

ELEVATE Session feature

ELEVATE® Exhibitors / Sponsors

ELEVATE® guarantees attendees access to top service providers in the Work Comp arena.

Get Ready For #ELEVATEWORKCOMP

On May 22-23, 2024 make plans to join 600+ like-minded Work Comp professionals at the ELEVATE® Workers’ Compensation & Leadership Conference in beautiful San Diego at the stunning Marriott Marquis.

May 22: Pre-Conference
Exhibitor Setup / 2nd Annual Karaoke for a Cause Charity Benefit

May 23: ELEVATE® Conference
Exhibitor Row / Education / Happy Hour / Live Concert – CC&R Band

Attention Exhibitors / Sponsors

Exhibitors and Sponsors will be in the midst of all the action. This means more awareness, more dialogue, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean throughout the entire day.

Don't Miss Out and Book Today!

In May 2024, Work Comp professionals gathered for an unforgettable experience at the 2024 ELEVATE® Workers’ Compensation & Leadership Conference. Along with host company Akeso Occupational Health and proud Diamond Sponsor HUB International, we "Sailed into Summer" in the stunning setting of San Diego's Marriott Marquis. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, volunteers, and presenters for their invaluable participation.

We kicked off the conference with our 2nd Annual Karaoke For A Cause event, benefiting Hazel’s Hands. This electrifying evening combined networking, music, and philanthropy, setting a new standard for charitable events and creating unforgettable memories with our guests.

ELEVATE® is dedicated to advancing Workers’ Compensation by tackling the system’s most significant challenges and inspiring leaders to make a meaningful impact.

Like-Minded Work Comp Professionals
Master Presenters Power-Packed Sessions
This conference offers CEU Credits
San Diego’s Must Attend Work Comp Event
ELEVATE Objectives feature
Like-Minded Work Comp Professionals
Master Presenters Power-Packed Sessions
San Diego’s Must Attend Work Comp Event
This conference offers CEU Credits
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ELEVATE® 2024 Agenda

An action packed agenda will ignite at San Diego’s Must-Attend Work Comp extravaganza of 2024!

01

Welcome to ELEVATE® 2024

02
EMBARK | Opening Keynote

State of the State California

03
PORT OF CALL 1

Trends in Professional Sports: MLB Risk Managers

05

Morning Break with Exhibitors on the Lido Deck

06
PORT OF CALL 2

Divergent Perspectives: Lively Discussions About Comp

07

Lunch Break on the Promenade Deck

08
EXCURSION | ELEVATE® Short 1

MSP 20 Tips in 20 Minutes

09
PORT OF CALL 3

AI's Role in Reducing Friction with Injured Workers

10
PORT OF CALL 4

Rx Trends: The Math Isn't Mathing!

11

Afternoon Break with Exhibitors on the Lido Deck

12
EXCURSION | ELEVATE® Short 2

Prescribing Solutions: Addressing the Physician Shortage

13

Stretch Break on the Main Deck

14
PORT OF CALL 5

Voices of Resilience: The Injured Worker Journey

15
Disembark

Welcome to Happy Hour featuring CC&R Band on the Promenade Deck

2023 Recap

ELEVATE 2023 Recap Video

LET'S GET EXCITED! #ELEVATEWORKCOMP

Tickets

Make plans to join like-minded Work Comp professionals in beautiful San Diego for some serious Workers’ Compensation sophistication.

Coming Soon...

Professional Ticket

$249

Service Provider Ticket

$549

Sessions

ELEVATE® sessions provide a unique opportunity to learn, get inspired, and discover the most important challenges facing Workers’ Compensation professionals today.

Coming Soon...

EMBARK | Opening Keynote

California: State of the State

Top experts present a town hall discussion and a 30-thousand-foot view of trends and issues currently shaping the insurance and Workers’ Compensation landscape in The Golden State.

William Zachry
Executive Director
CompSense
George Parisotto
Administrative Director
Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC)
Rafael Gonzalez, Esq.
Partner
Cattie & Gonzalez, PLLC
Annie M. Davidson Esq., MSCC
Vice President of Client Success
ExamWorks Compliance Solutions
Bridget Smith, JD, MSCC, CMSP
Senior Vice President, National Accounts and Settlement Consulting
IMPAXX

EXCURSION | ELEVATE® Short 1

MSP Compliance Issues: 20 Tips in 20 Minutes!

Get ready for the most energizing (and shortest) session you will ever attend on the topic of Medicare Secondary Compliance (MSP)! This expert panel will share 20 important tips about MSP issues focused on Section 111, conditional payments, and Medicare Set Asides. Complete with amazing sound effects, this session is designed to entertain as well as educate you!

EXCURSION | ELEVATE® Short 2

Prescribing Solutions: Addressing the Physician Shortage

The entire healthcare system is experiencing significant provider shortages. According to a recent survey of Workers’ Compensation stakeholders by Risk and Insurance and Healthesystems, health care provider shortages ranked #1 as a major concern among Workers’ Compensation professionals. Projections indicate a deficit of 124,000 physicians and 200,000 nurses by 2030. Panelists will discuss the causes of this shortage and explore comprehensive solutions.

Leslie Cadet, MD, MPH
Founder
ASCEND Occupational Medicine Consulting
Kimberly Kinney
WC Risk Management
Loma Linda University
Doug Clark, FCLA
AVP Client Services
Sedgwick
Ruth Aguilera Esq.
Director, Risk Management
Los Angeles Angels
Michelle Darringer
Senior Director, Risk Management
Los Angeles Dodgers
Marla Perez
Risk Manager
Oakland Athletics
Joanne Bautista
Director, Benefits & Risk Management
San Diego Padres
Joelle Hicks
Director of Risk Management & Compliance
San Francisco Giants

PORT OF CALL 1

Trends in Professional Sports: Insights from MLB Risk Managers

♬ Take me out to the ball game! ♬ This stellar panel brings risk professionals from all five California MLB teams to the ELEVATE® stage! Panelists will share their innovative approaches to injury prevention from the perspective of professional baseball. We’ll get a real glimpse of the MLB risk manager perspectives including the importance of collaboration and building effective partnerships between players, medical staff and risk management and also the future of risk management in professional sports with emerging trends and technologies.

PORT OF CALL 2

Divergent Perspectives: Lively Discussions About Comp Claims

This session highlights the many different nuances and perspectives of Workers’ Compensation by exploring several hypothetical case studies, or scenarios, likely to occur within the Workers’ Compensation system. Panelists will discuss their varied perspectives on important topics like mental health/psyche claims, workplace violence and marijuana. The injured workers, employers and insurance companies are fictitious, and the discussions will focus on the general handling of Workers’ Compensation claims from intake to the appellate process and all the conversations in between. This session is an interesting journey through different stakeholder perspectives common in the Workers’ Compensation claim handling process.

Stuart Colburn
Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation Law
Downs & Stanford, P.C.
Hon. Robert Rassp
Presiding Judge WCAB
Los Angeles District Office
Dr. Gene Ma
Chief Medical Officer
Akeso Occupational Health
Joseph Sousa
WC Program Manager
City of San Diego
Dawn Watkins, ARM-P, AIC, SHRM-CP, PHR
Chief Risk Officer
LAUSD
Michelle Sebring
Partner
Laughlin, Falbo, Levy & Moresi, LLP
Les Shute
Chief Innovation Officer
Infinity Nurse Case Management
Raja Sundaram
CEO
Plethy
Gia Sawko
Chief Claims Officer
Signal Mutual
David Chmiel
SVP, National Director Claims North America
HUB International

PORT OF CALL 3

AI's Role in Reducing Friction with Injured Workers

This panel will discuss AI strategies that are already breaking down silos and creating a more seamless journey for injured workers. Discover how workers’ compensation stakeholders are using cutting-edge technology to revolutionize worker support, minimize friction, and enhance overall well-being. You’ll want to attend this session to get on the train toward AI innovation that is already drastically changing systems as we know it.

PORT OF CALL 4

Rx Trends: The Math Isn't Mathing!

What do you get when claims frequency is decreasing, drug prices outpace inflation, the quantity of new drugs explodes, and social media influencers are peddling on every corner? Dysfunction and the next big drug trend, that’s what. This session will explore the latest pharma trends and issues in Workers’ Compensation.

A few highlights:

  • New drugs approved faster than 20 years ago
  • Off-label used drugs approved faster than 20 years ago
  • Weight loss drugs: Ozempic and Wegovy, aka semaglutide, and Mounjaro, aka tirzepatide
  • Considering Impact on WC settlements and MSAs
  • Impact of advertising and social media vs. clinical evidence and doctors
  • Drug tsunami vs. adjuster workloads
Ron Carter
CEO
RxBridge
William Zachry
Executive Director
CompSense
Dr. Clark Smith, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Institutes of Health
Dr. Katherine Turner, PhD
Director IOH Academy | Behavioral Medicine | Neuropsychology
Institutes of Health
Negar Matian, Esq.
Founder
Matian Law Group
Yvonne Guibert
VP, Education Strategy
Institutes of Health
Josh Schuette DPT, MBA, M.E.S.S., CFCE, WRPM
Executive Director of National Workers’ Compensation Sales & Account Management
Brooks Rehabilitation
Josh Shutts
Injured Worker
Brooks Rehabilitation
Declan Graham
Injured Worker
Walt Disney Parks & Resorts
Brook Feerick, RN, CCM, CLCP
Nurse Case Manager
Feerick Medical Planning

PORT of CALL 5

Voices of Resilience: The Injured Worker Journey

This engaging discussion includes clinical providers side-by-side with injured workers as we hear amazing stories of resilience, grit, faith, bravery, and courage. Walk in their shoes and discover the injured worker’s journey. This session is sure to inspire and renew your passion for why you do what you do every day, regardless of your role.

Visionary Sponsor

HUB International

Insurance Brokers

HUB International is a proud supporter of the ELEVATE® Conference.

When you partner with HUB, you’re at the center of a vast network of risk, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management specialists that bring clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy.

So you’re ready for tomorrow.

San Diego’s Must-Attend Work Comp Event.

Register for ELEVATE 2023 Now!

California Dreaming title

There is a feeling that you come to at Hotel del Coronado. Enveloped by the simple luxuries of sun, sea, and time together, your senses engage, and you’re transported into The Del state of mind.

Hotel del Coronado

1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118

Book Now

To receive a special discounted room rate for the event at the Marriot Marquis. Please click the button below.
Visionary Sponsor
© 2025 Elevate Work Comp. All Rights Reserved.

Stay Informed About ELEVATE® 2025

Complete the form below to stay connected with event developments, early-bird registration opportunities, and program announcements.

Why the Hotel Del Coronado is Worth It

We’re excited to welcome you to this year’s conference at the legendary Hotel Del Coronado—a significant step up in setting, style, and seaside charm. While the nightly rate is a bit higher than in years past, we want to share why this year’s experience is something truly special—and why the value is well worth it. We negotiated a fantastic rate for our attendees, including waiving the resort fee of $35 and reducing overnight self-parking to $30 per night.

Let's Compare:
Hotel Del Coronado 2025
Marriott Marquis 2024
Room Rate
$409
$279
Historic Fee
$15
N/A
Resort/Destination Fee
WAIVED ($35 savings) ✓
$25
Parking
$30
$45
Total Before Tax
$454
$349

What value do you receive for an additional $105 per night?

Location, location, location

Just steps from the magnificent Pacific Ocean, the Hotel Del Coronado offers breathtaking beach views, iconic sunsets, and historic architecture all in one place. Think beach walks with colleagues before and after sessions, morning coffee with an ocean breeze, and evenings under the stars with industry friends.

An iconic destination

Be among the first to experience the Del after a stunning $550M restoration spanning six years, including full revitalization of the hotel’s famed Victorian building and upgraded resort amenities.

A destination in itself

The Del offers a one-of-a-kind, resort-style experience where every detail—from the rooms to the grounds—feels like a retreat. Come early or stay late to unwind at the Del Spa and Salon, play a round of golf, or enjoy boating and other water activities in beautiful Glorietta Bay. New dining options on the property include Nobu Del Coronado and Veranda, along with several other fantastic spots: Serea, ENO Market & Pizzeria, Babcock & Story Bar, the Taco Shack, and Sundaes—home to gourmet gelato and hand-crafted paleta popsicles!

More than a conference—it's a memory

Just steps from the magnificent Pacific Ocean, the Hotel Del Coronado offers breathtaking beach views, iconic sunsets, and historic architecture all in one place. Think beach walks with colleagues before and after sessions, morning coffee with an ocean breeze, and evenings under the stars with industry friends.

Consider Sharing A Room

If the room price exceeds your company’s budget, consider sharing a room with a friend to make the experience more affordable and even more memorable.

It has been our dream to bring the ELEVATE® conference to this historic hotel, and we believe the Del’s iconic coastal setting reflects the quality of the program we’ve built—and expanded to two full days. We can’t wait for you to experience it with us.

Interested in Presenting at ELEVATE 2025?