2025 TOPICS & SPEAKERS
We have an incredible lineup of speakers paired with AI to drive crucial change needed for your organization in 2025.
2025 TOPICS & SPEAKERS
We have an incredible lineup of speakers paired with AI to drive crucial change needed for your organization in 2025.
THE
AGENDA
7:30-8:00 AM
Networking breakfast
8:00-8:15 AM
Welcome & opening Remarks
8:15-8:45 AM
Keynote Address:
Practical strategies for executives to leverage AI, machine learning, and technology to drive business improvement.
8:45-8:50 AM
Sponsor Address
8:50-9:20 AM
AI 101 & Implementation for Practical Applications
9:25-9:55 AM
Using AI & Data to Deliver Value for Health Plan Participants
10:00-10:30 AM
Networking break
10:30-11:00 AM
AI-Powered Advocacy: Transforming Support for Medical Bill Challenges with the Marshall Allen Project
11:05-11:10 AM
Sponsor Address
11:10-11:40 AM
Q&A Panel Discussion
11:40-12:00 PM
Final Networking
OUR
SPEAKERS
JAMES PADEN
FOUNDER, PRAGMATICO
James helps leaders navigate AI opportunities and drive innovation. With a track record of building successful products at Oracle, Expected Behavior, Compendium, and One Click, he specializes in making AI practical and actionable for organizations.
BUSINESS IMPACT THROUGH AI IMPLEMENTATIONS
A VISIONARY APPROACH TO WORKFORCE STRATEGY & FINANCIAL SUCCESS
Adopting a visionary approach to workforce strategy is essential in driving both financial performance and long-term organizational success. By aligning financial goals with the well-being and development of employees, organizations can create a culture of high engagement and productivity. Leveraging data-driven insights, strategic investments in talent, and innovative solutions allows business leaders to make decisions that not only optimize costs but also enhance employee retention and performance. The goal is to empower business leaders to view workforce strategy as a key driver of business growth—shaping the future of the company while achieving sustainable financial success.
SHAPING A FUTURE-FOCUSED WORKFORCE STRATEGY
Crafting a forward-thinking workforce strategy is about more than just managing talent; it’s about shaping a thriving, resilient organization that adapts to the evolving needs of both employees and the business. By focusing on holistic employee development, data-driven insights, and innovative solutions, HR leaders can create an environment that attracts and retains top talent while fostering engagement and satisfaction. A visionary workforce strategy ensures that employees are supported, empowered, and aligned with the company’s goals, which in turn drives organizational growth, agility, and long-term success.
STEVE SANTANGELO
SVP SALES, GARNER
Garner has compiled the largest claims database in the U.S.—over 60 billion medical records from 320 million patients—to identify which doctors diagnose more accurately and have better patient outcomes.
AI DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR HEALTH PLANS
LEVERAGING MACHINE LEARNING & DATA TO MAXIMIZE BENEFIT PROGRAM VALUE
Using machine learning and data analytics in benefit programs can significantly enhance financial decision-making and optimize the cost-effectiveness of offerings. By utilizing data-driven insights, Garner helps organizations provide personalized benefits information to participants, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that employees are making the most of their benefits. Machine learning also enables continuous improvements, allowing CFOs to evaluate program effectiveness in real-time and make data-backed adjustments to keep costs under control while improving participant satisfaction. This approach ensures that benefit programs are not only cost-effective but also aligned with organizational goals, leading to better overall financial performance.
PERSONALIZING EMPLOYEE BENEFITS WITH DATA-DRIVEN INSIGHTS
Machine learning and data analytics provide a powerful way to enhance employee engagement and optimize benefits offerings. By personalizing the information and recommendations given to plan participants, Garner helps HR leaders improve employee understanding of their benefits, leading to higher participation and satisfaction rates. With continuous learning and refinement of the data, HR teams can ensure that employees receive the most relevant and up-to-date information, empowering them to make more informed decisions about their health and wellness. This dynamic approach supports HR leaders in creating a more engaged and healthier workforce while enhancing the value of the benefits programs offered.
JASON BEUTLER
CEO, ROBOSOURCE
Jason Beutler’s journey to founding RoboSource began during his tenure as a college computer engineering professor. While teaching, he observed that his students consistently outperformed an outsourced development team he was overseeing—an insight that inspired him to create RoboSource.
With nearly 20 years of professional programming experience, Jason combines technical expertise with a deep passion for process improvement. He is particularly dedicated to fostering accountability and growth among young developers. His commitment to advancing the industry has made him a sought-after speaker, addressing audiences that include coding conference attendees, university students, and computer science educators.
Jason earned his MBA from the University of Notre Dame in 2009 and continues to apply his expertise to drive innovation and excellence in software development.
AI & PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS IN BUSINESSES
AI WORKLOW OPTIMIZATION
Time and resource efficiency are key to maintaining a competitive edge, and AI is the game-changer in achieving both. By automating routine financial tasks such as payroll, expense tracking, and invoicing, AI can reduce human error, speed up financial processes, and provide more accurate data for decision-making. AI-driven tools also enable business leaders to generate deeper financial insights through predictive analytics, allowing for better forecasting and more agile financial planning. This session will highlight how business leaders can leverage AI to optimize workflows, reduce administrative costs, and enhance financial reporting—freeing up time to focus on strategic growth initiatives and strengthening the bottom line.
AI ENHANCING EFFICIENCY
HR leaders face increasing pressure to offer benefits that meet the diverse needs of today’s workforce while staying within budget. AI can help by personalizing benefits packages, analyzing employee preferences, and recommending tailored solutions that improve engagement and retention. Additionally, AI tools streamline administrative tasks, such as benefits enrollment and compliance management, freeing HR professionals to focus on strategic initiatives. This session will highlight how AI is transforming the HR landscape and creating opportunities for smarter, more responsive benefits strategies.
SONJA ALLEN
MANAGING DIRECTOR, MARSHALL ALLEN PROJECT
Sonja Allen is the Managing Director of Allen Health Academy and a Women's Minister at 121 Community Church. In her role at Allen Health Academy, she oversees operations and drives the organization's mission to advance healthcare education and services. As a Women's Minister, she is deeply involved in guiding and supporting women within her community, fostering spiritual growth and empowerment. Sonja's partnership with her late husband, Marshall Allen, was instrumental in driving positive change in healthcare advocacy and journalism. As Marshall's steadfast supporter and constant source of encouragement, Sonja played a crucial role in his work as a fierce patient advocate, investigative journalist, and theologian. She often accompanied Marshall to his speaking engagements, embodying the spirit of servant leadership that characterized their shared mission. Their collaboration extended beyond personal support; Sonja was an active partner in Marshall's efforts to expose healthcare inequities and empower patients. Her dedication and grace enabled Marshall to pursue his passionate work, including the writing of his impactful book, "Never Pay the First Bill" In this work, Marshall acknowledged Sonja's pivotal role, praising her for bearing "the burden of all the hours l've been working on this book with grace and love." Sonja's ongoing work at Allen Health Academy and her ministry continue to honor and extend Marshall's legacy of advocacy, rigorous journalism, and deep theological insights. Her unique perspective as both a healthcare education leader and a spiritual guide allows her to address the holistic needs of individuals and communities, bridging the gap between physical wellbeing and spiritual growth. Through her multifaceted roles, Sonja Allen continues to be a powerful force for positive change, inspiring others with her commitment to service, education, and empowerment in both healthcare and faith communities
AI-POWERED ADVOCACY: TRANSFORMING SUPPORT FOR MEDICAL BILL CHALLENGES WITH THE MARSHALL ALLEN PROJECT
REDUCING HEALTHCARE COSTS WITH AI-POWERED ADVOCACY
Navigating the complexities of rising healthcare costs can be difficult and time consuming. Sonja Allen will share how advanced technology, including AI and the development of Marshall Allen's virtual advocate, is being used to help employees manage and reduce medical bills. This innovative approach not only empowers employees but also supports organizations by mitigating healthcare-related financial burdens, ultimately contributing to healthier balance sheets.
EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES THROUGH AI-DRIVEN HEALTHCARE SUPPORT
As an employer, often you are supporting employees through personal challenges, including overwhelming medical bills. In this session, Sonja Allen will discuss the Marshall Allen Project and how advanced AI technology is enabling organizations to provide compassionate, efficient advocacy for employees facing healthcare billing issues. By leveraging tools like Marshall’s virtual clone, HR teams can enhance employee well-being, improve satisfaction, and foster a culture of support while driving meaningful organizational impact.