Advertisement
The conference is unique, as it is designed and sponsored by an actualemployer -- not a conference promoter. Karrie Andes, Director of HumanResources for Deffenbaugh Industries, Inc. & Affiliates, a trash serviceprovider in Greater Kansas City, created the conference in an effort to helpeducate employers and plan sponsors on self-funded healthcare.
Advertisement
"Hearing my colleagues being frustrated and seeking more informationinspired me," Andes says. "I just felt that if there was more education, andbenefit managers knew what questions to ask, we could do more to lower costs.The solution doesn't always have to be passing on costs or absorbing them."As a result, the conference includes a full array of exhibitors -- carriers,brokers, TPAs, PBMs, and other industries working hard to offset risinghealthcare expenses. Presenters include speakers from The Center for HealthValue Innovation, The Employee Benefits Security Administration, IndustryProfessionals, and Employers, along with breakout sessions to customizelearning.
"I allow both health carriers and insurance brokers to exhibit at theexpo. If you're managing a health plan, you need as many options and ideasas you can get your hands on," Andes said. "We had attendees from all acrossthe nation attend our event in 2007. I had employers coming up to me, shakingmy hand, telling me that our conference was the best they'd ever attended.The worst thing you can do is go to a conference and feel you wasted yourtime. This won't happen at our conference ... you'll leave feeling inspired!"
"At first, this idea was quite controversial. I was told that I couldnever get brokers and carriers together for a conference. But I was convincedthat the need was there, the interest was there, and the attendees would bethere and I was right."
The Savvy Conference promises to please -- with registration at only $539,it's an affordable event that is worthwhile. It will be held at The WestinCrown Center Hotel, in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. For information,please see the website at http://www.savvyemployerconference.com, or call1-800-226-5205.
SOURCE The Savvy Self-Funding Healthcare Conference and Expo
