With economic indicators showing the nation clearly is a damsel in distress, employers might be looking for a good cowboy to ride in to the rescue. Luckily, many of you have come to the right place.
What better location for benefits professionals to "cowboy up" and find effective cost solutions than in Texas? Thus, it's my pleasure and privilege on behalf of the staff of Employee Benefit News to welcome you to the heart of cowboy country for EBN's 24th annual Benefits Forum & Expo, Sept. 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency in Dallas.
There's no way you'll find all hat and no cattle here. This year's program is truly Texas-sized, featuring more content than ever before to help you rein in your most pressing benefits cost, compliance and communication problems. After three days, we're confident you'll have roped enough solutions so you can ride off into the sunset with the recession at your back.
Here's a bit of what you have to look forward to:
* Comprehensive workshop sessions. Our workshop sessions will convey vast experience from presenters on key subjects such as health and wellness benefits, retirement and financial education, legal and regulatory trends and employee engagement.
* Top tier keynote presenters. Among them are author and consultant Shawn Achor, who will speak to us about positive psychology for success and productivity at work. Benefit communications guru Jennifer Benz will put her knowledge and passion on full display in a highly interactive presentation sure to spark discussion. Moreover, we'll hear from Dallas Cowboy Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach, a highly successful businessman and employer in his own right. Even I - a die-hard, lifelong Washington Redskins fan - can appreciate someone of Staubach's stature.
* Peer-driven networking sessions. These small group sessions offer the rare opportunity to discuss your challenges and brainstorm solutions with your fellow benefit managers and directors from across the nation.
* Fitness and fun. Enter the Walk for Ultimate Health Challenge by picking up a free pedometer and walk your way to chances at prizes for the most steps. Also, take our annual pilates class and lace up your sneakers for the 4th annual 2K fun run/walk. All that exercise deserves a party, and we've got a great one planned. This year's BFE grand celebration will be a Cirque Fantasy Affair at Dallas' Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.
* Red-carpet treatment. Help us congratulate EBN's 2011 Benny Award winners, all profiled in this issue. This awards program promises to be different from anything you've experienced before. Laugh along with our "special performers" as the conference wraps up in an entertaining grand "Oscar Night" style.
Don't worry if you're unable to join us in person. With frequent news and video updates on EBN's website (ebn.benefitnews.com), blog (ebn.benefitnews.com/ebviews), Facebook (facebook.com/EBNmagazine) and Twitter (@ebnmagazine and hashtag #BFE11), you'll get all the coverage you can handle.
The staff and I are looking forward to bringing you a great conference again this year. If you see me as you walk to sessions or visit the exhibit hall, please stop me and offer your feedback on the event and the magazine. Your comments are invaluable as we continue planning for future events and EBN issues, and I always welcome the opportunity to meet or reconnect with readers in person.
Welcome to Dallas; enjoy the conference and your stay.
