What Attendees Have to Say
The human resource, benefits and financial executives who have attended our Mid-Sized Retirement & Healthcare Plan Management Conferences give them high praise.
“ This conference is one of the best conferences for HR development in the country – and I’ve been to the large national conferences of SHRM and WorldatWork. Great learning, with extremely knowledgeable instructors, the Mid-Sized Retirement & Healthcare Plan Management Conference is a winner! This is my second time attending, and our Retirement Plan Committee and my Sr. Benefits Administrator attended as well. It’s great to have colleagues join in – in order to “divide and conquer” the many valuable sessions. Instructors didn’t sell if they were vendors, and vendors didn’t push – they acted as partners throughout – to learn as well as teach. The takeaways will be integral in moving the needle for us at work, with respect to healthcare, our retirement plan, and overall communication! ”
Dorothy Douglass
“ ... a fantastic conference!! One of the BEST! ”
Vicki Banks
“ The Sunday session on ERISA responsibility was well worth the entire trip. I learned so much and will bring back a slew of information to my company. ”
Donna Quinn
“ This has been, hands down, the best conference I have attended for education, engagement and networking that will impact my work and company practices. ”
Ronnean Collins
“ The number & variety of workshops are excellent. They are what makes this the #1 benefits conference in my mind and the reason I have been attending for over 15 years. ”
Greg Goodwin
“ This conference provided so many insights specific to the changing landscape in retirement and health care plans. I return home with many great ideas and "challenges" to overcome. ”
Bob Ferlmann
“ Great conference. Great content. The size of conference is great - I was able to really network w/ participants and vendors. Thanks! ”
Diane Augustine
“ Excellent conference with an outstanding lineup of experts and broad range of subjects covered. ”
Pete Tully
“ First time attendee. Quality topics delivered by knowledgeable professionals. ”
Pamela Gay
“ This conference is by far the best learning based conference out of all those I have attended in the 30 years I have attended conferences. ”
Rik Katz
“ This was my first time attending. The amount of content covered was incredible. You don't know what you don't know until you sit through these sessions. There are so many take aways that I can't wait to share with my team. I love that the reference materials from all the sessions is shared and available to all. I need to get other members of my team to one of these conferences. ”
Ann Ackerman
“ This conference does a great job of packing a lot of information into a short amount of time. I realized there is still so much I do not know. The breadth of information is eye-opening. ”
Steven Haller
“ Great conference, great content, excellent speakers, terrific venue. I thoroughly enjoyed attending! ”
Chris Conine
“ Both the topics and presenters were excellent. This conference offers a wide variety of relevant workshops. I would recommend this conference to anyone with responsibility for either healthcare or retirement benefits. ”
Ron Webb
“ This conference provides such valuable + targeted sessions for benefits. The presentations are all top notch and the keynotes are fantastic. I love the opportunity to learn, ask questions and network at these events! ”
Becky Throckmorton
“ This conference is one of the few I've found that has sessions on all I do, at the appropriate level of instruction. This is my third year attending and I always go home with an action list! ”
DeNell Hamm
“ Excellent resource for Benefits Professionals! Great mix of content from consultants, carriers, employers, and other industry experts. Can't wait to take what I've learned back to my team! ”
Shannon Baggini
“ The best conference for education and idea-sharing with peers in the benefits industry! ”
Connie Dong
“ This conference presented workshops that gave you information to take away and put into action easily and quickly. ”
Cyndi Samples
“ Awesome experience!! I was a first time attendee and was blown away by the content & knowledge base of the presenters. Can't wait for another opportunity to attend in 2019. ”
Matt Cunningham
“ The knowledge shared was so relevant and beneficial! To hear that other employers experience the same issues that I do is comforting and reassuring! I am walking away wanting a few more days here. ”
Betsy N. Walker
“ This is my third conference and it was the best one! I am taking lots of ideas back to the office. ”
Anne Duviviers
“ We have been attending this conference for 6 years. The content is always current and well presented and we have developed several great professional relationships as a result of attending. ”
Jim Thompson
“ An amazing conference year after year. The quality of the presentations are so worthwhile. A must!! ”
Lisa Ahart
“ Great content, relevant, applicable and of substance. ”
Joy Wilson
“ After 30 years of Healthcare experience, this is the most comprehensive conference available, both from a content and networking perspective. ”
Laura Manning, R.N.
“ Excellent learning experience!! And I had a blast with everyone who came from other cities and states. ”
Kasey Wayman
“ With a pending change in our healthcare structure, the ideas exchanged validated many of our decisions while others challenged me to rethink and improve other decisions. ”
Patrick Cowles
“ Very impressed with the quality of the presentations and the interaction with speakers and sponsors. I gained something from every seminar. ”
Lucas Hildebrand
“ Excellent conference! Great networking opportunities with peers, great topics for timely issues. ”
Debra Taylor
“ I am so thankful that my CFO suggested that I attend. This is one of the best seminars I have been to with great presentations and presenters! I feel like I learned so much. ”
Kathy Dunderman
“ I had more takeaways in one day here than I do in three days at other conferences. If you are looking for industry-specific knowledge and not theory, this is the conference for you. ”
Zach Costlow
“ The conference was excellent and I will attend again; it’s the best way for me to sharpen my fiduciary skills so I can competently perform my fiduciary responsibilities. ”
David Healey
“ This conference was very valuable and informative. If you have questions about compliance, wellness, health or retirement plans, this is the conference for you! ”
Amber Shelberg
“ One of the best conferences I’ve ever attended! The topics are always relevant and I walk away with practical ideas and knowledge that I can implement. ”
Candy Olesen
“ Keen insights, exceptional guidance, practical application. It was a great session and time well invested to improve my company and how we care for our team members! Thank you! ”
Mark Motsenbocker
“ The single most important reason I attend this conference is that the agenda includes retirement and healthcare issues. However, I continue to come due to content and value. ”
Jane Schwartz
“ Great conference! Excellent information which keeps us coming back year after year! ”
Traci Meyer
“ I have been involved with Benefits and Retirement conferences for 25+ years, and UCS’s conference is by far the best. The quality of speakers and the content they cover is superior. I’ve learned something critical to our benefits at every UCS conference I’ve attend. Thank you for the quality (and fun!) conference. ”
Connie J. Bitter
“ The speakers were phenomenal! I highly recommend it! ”
Kat Brophy
“ So many take-away's that I will implement back at the office. The most relatable conference I have been to. Every speaker was engaging, regardless of topic. ”
Ashley Terning
“ Great sessions that were very relative to my world. ”
Laura Watkins
“ While location is why I selected this conference, size and content is why I will come back! ”
Jade Sampler
“ The conference far exceeded my expectations! The topics covered a breadth of subjects in both retirement & healthcare plans. If you're in charge of both you must attend! ”
PJ Jaloway
“ This conference had already paid for itself before the first keynote presentation was over. Every single breakout session was fantastic. The entire conference experience was a cut above others I've attended. ”
Christopher Tyler
“ This conference gives you broad concepts, deep details, questions to consider, ideas to ponder, plans to apply and contacts to connect with! ”
Barbara Scott
“ First time - won't be the last! Great speakers and networking is top notch. ”
Cindy Karker
“ I appreciate the focus on education by sponsors and speakers. I felt free to approach sponsors without concerns about being pressured to buy. ”
Lisa Bryson
“ This was my first time attending the Mid-Sized Conference and what an awesome experience I had. I loved the feel of being in a small group setting, it was personable and I networked with almost everyone. ”
Ina Culver
“ Great line-up of topics and very knowledge based. Excellent overall. ”
Robin (Rik) Katz
“ Excellent conference - have 12 direct items to return with for follow-up; most conferences only leave you with 3 - 4. As always - well organized, timely sessions! ”
William Wivell
“ I have attended this conference several times and I learn new things every time! The speakers know their stuff and the topics are always timely! I will be back. ”
Kristin Olsen
“ The number and quality of sessions to choose from continues to impress me. This is the reason I have been attending for over ten years. I always enjoy the networking opportunities. ”
Greg Goodwin
“ I always feel well informed and ready to tackle issues when I return back to the office! Look forward to next year. ”
Laico Cook
“ Awesome conference. Great contacts. Great content. As I texted my boss….."Now I know what trekkies feel like at StarTrek Conventions!" ”
Laurie Price
“ This is my second conference. I've been administering benefits for over 8 years. I come away with useful information & the speakers are exceptional. ”
Michele Heaton
“ Excellent conference! Great presenters with take home ideas to incorporate into the workplace. First time to this conference and I will definitely come again. ”
Cindi Ross
“ WOW! What a great conference. This is my first time and I have really gotten a lot of great ideas to take home with me! ”
Cindi Ross
“ Great networking ability. Knowledgable speakers with time to ask questions. ”
Angela Githens
“ Great session with valuable information that I plan on utilizing. ”
LeRoy Shingoitewa
“ Great sessions and topics! Learned a lot of new information to take back to my organization! ”
Candy Olesen
“ I look forward to this conference every year! The content is valuable and relevant to take back with me to continue developing professionally. The networking piece alone is an important part that you can't get through webinars. Excellent selection of workshops that creates a mix so great, it's hard to choose! ”
Jamie Wilson
“ The size of the conference and the quality of the speakers has been phenomenal! There has been time to network with others as well receive updates on current developments in the industry! ”
Bonnie Turner
“ Great conference for the HR Generalist / HR Manager who wears many hats! ”
Jennifer Gryte
“ Fantastic conference! This is my third time and I am not disappointed. Plenty of highly informative sessions, great colleagues that are new friends, and intriguing vendors. If you can only choose one conference every year, choose this one! ”
Linda Nwokeji
“ I have been coming over 10 years. I enjoy the different sessions and their variety. I always come away with new things to do and investigate when back at the office. ”
Greg Goodwin
“ This conference is a great opportunity to network with other plan sponsors and business professionals. Each time I attend, I learn something new and I recommend this conference to any HR professionals responsible for employee benefits. ”
Yvette Walker
“ Excellent conference! A lot of material was presented in an organized format. The speakers were very knowledgeable and you received take home handouts. Wonderful networking opportunity and great prizes. ”
Sally Kelly
“ As an employer with less than 1,000 employees (820), this conference content is fantastic. Keep up the great work. ”
Rob Hennessy
“ Great conference and the networking is one of the important benefits. ”
Wendy Wilton
“ Valuable insights to what's new in the benefit industry. Excellent networking opportunities. ”
Carol Vinca
“ This conference provides good practical knowledge and information that can be used in everyday applications at work! ”
Sally Dobson
“ One of the better conferences I have attended. I found all of the sessions and workshops to be value added. ”
William (Bill) George
“ The conference was excellent with great, current topics. Speakers and presenters were very knowledgeable and dynamic. The last keynote topic was a perfect way to end the session. ”
Valerie Mooney
“ The 2 sessions on PBMs were excellent – great take-aways! ”
Marcia Nielsen
“ This conference helped me step out of the day-to-day "stuff" and shift my focus to be more strategic. ”
Christine Rudge
“ The Mid-Sized Retirement & Healthcare Conference provides timely and appropriate information. I always look forward to learning here. ”
Vicki Byars
“ It's been a great learning experience; and the attentions from the team were awesome. I highly recommend anyone to come to this conference. ”
Jadiel Rios
“ This conference was built up to me by a colleague and surpassed all my expectations. Outstanding content, knowledgeable and impressive speakers, and a wealth of opportunity to bring great ideas back to my company. ”
Brad Buescher
“ I love that I can come back each year and receive up to date information on benefits / 401(k) / ERISA! ”
Traci Meyer
“ I've been to other conferences and this was much more intimate and personal. Also great location. ”
John Aguglia
“ Very beneficial to my organization. Excellent Conference! Excellent connectivity among peers - speakers! Excellent presentations and well organized. "One of the best conferences I've been to in years" ”
Mark Jones
“ Great conference with a wide variety of topics – something for everyone! I learned something in ever session I attended. ”
Shannon Hess
“ This conference exceeded my expectations. Already planning on next year. I have learned so much. ”
Angela Githens
“ As someone who manages a multiple employer 401(k) plan, I loved all the opportunities to learn new ways to improve our plan and better educate our participants. ”
Megan Lavelle Trainor
“ A truly fantastic, well rounded conference. I highly recommend it for both beginners and experts in the retirement and healthcare professions. ”
Brian Beck
“ It was so refreshing to attend a conference that was just about my job as benefits manager. I could have gained something from every workshop. ”
Mary Hamilton
“ The information in the general sessions are second to none. Speakers are engaging, motivating and have great information. ”
Michelle Ortiz
“ At other conferences, speakers tell you what the problem is but don't offer any usable solutions. Your speakers DID! It truly set your conference apart. Thank you. ”
Jennifer Kinne
“ This is a benefits geek's dream conference. Sessions were technical & went deep enough to really be helpful. Participants were engaged. Speakers were top notch. Good pace—not a lot of downtime. I really enjoyed this. Thanks. ”
Sarah Sardella
“ This conference was very informative. I received a lot of information speaking and discussing with the speakers. We will definitely attend next year. ”
Christine P Costa
“ Nice balance of speakers / lecture and interaction with peers. Timely & useful! ”
Patrick Hagan
“ The speakers of the workshops I attended were wonderful. They were clear in their presentation of the information and talked to us as if we were face to face and not a roomful of MENSA professors. So the information was easily absorbed! ”
Nannette L. Mello
“ I attended last year and returned again this year. The speakers and workshops cover the most important issues in retirement and healthcare and provide solutions to manage plans successfully. ”
Rebecca Iscaro
“ First time attendee. This is the perfect conference for anyone in the healthcare industry with a few years of experience. Left confident I can now ask the right questions to our carriers and management! ”
Jan Berger
“ If I only attend one conference in the year, it's this one. The content is always relevant and I always leave with something I need to look at in our plans. ”
Lezlie Ensor
“ The Mid-Sized Retirement & Healthcare Conference has been a great opportunity to hear from and talk with peers & professionals in both areas. Every session resulted in "do this" or "consider that" notes I'll take back to my organization. Thanks! ”
Nyla Ohin Cork
“ This is my first conference and it was awesome! Very engaging and informative. ”
Jennifer Nguyen
“ Learned so much - very enjoyable conference. ”
Patricia (Patty) Fischer
“ This is my favorite conference, and I try to attend every year. This year I brought back two very pertinent pieces of information that I was able to use immediately to improve our contract with one of our health plan vendors and to explore options that I didn't know existed within our retirement plan. I highly recommend this valuable conference! ”
Jeanne Garman
“ This is my second Mid-Sized Retirement & Healthcare Plan Management Conference and it is the most valuable and practical conference I have ever attended in my 35+ year career. With what I learned last March 2013, we were able to influence the “C” suite to change investment managers and apply an aggressive de-risking strategy for DB plans, AND offer HRA plan for medical. ”
Lily McCarthy
“ I’ve been attending this conference on and off for 10 years and I’m always amazed at how much I learn—every single time. It’s thought provoking and makes me a better benefits professional. ”
Megan Trainor
“ Excellent conference. Exactly the level of detail I was looking for. ”
Lucas Hellmer
“ I was inspired, frightened and enlightened! Great conference with great take-a-ways! ”
Donna Wimbec
“ It has been a number of years since I attended a benefits conference. I received thought provoking, pertinent information I will definitely use in overall strategic planning and employee engagement
opportunities.
”
Lori T. Cherry
“ This is always a worthwhile conference. I come away with multiple helpful nuggets every year. ”
Bill Scott
“ This is my fourth UCS [Mid-Sized Retirement & Healthcare Management Conference] and I will definitely come back. I learn something new every time. ”
Renee Kennedy
“ This exceeded my expectations! This is the best conference I have attended. Very well organized - speakers were terrific. Since the size is much smaller than a SHRM conference, you have an opportunity to network with participants. ”
Rebecca Iscaro
“ I am ready to retire and have enjoyed all of the Mid-Sized Retirement and Healthcare conferences. I enjoyed the education and networking with everyone I've met. ”
Rodger Martinez
“ This was my second time attending your conference, and I will definitely be back! Both at the Boston and the Chicago conference (a few years ago), provided excellent materials and presentations, and very timely topics. Both times I came back with multiple “to do” items for HR and our Board of Directors. ”
Michelle L. Brickwedde
“ Well organized and worthwhile. This is my first time attending. I was pleased with the content, speakers and location. Thank you! ”
Susan V. Dachille
“ UCS has brought together some truly great professionals for a first rate educational conference. ”
Marcella (Marcie) Kaminski
“ This was an excellent
conference.
”
Victoria de Jesus
“ I have been attending the Mid-Sized Retirement Conferences for a number of years. I am continually drawn back because of the relevance of the program agendas, the excellence of the speakers, and the many opportunities to interact with my peers during the scheduled sessions and in more informal networking settings. Every retirement plan fiduciary will benefit from this program and I plan on attending again next year. ”
Leo Stanley
“ Great conference! Relevant topics and I had a difficult time choosing between multiple sessions. I could only be in one at a time! ”
Tricia Zichello
“ I am a big supporter of this conference. Such a good combination of facts and fun! ”
Robin Kreitner
“ As a first timer, I am so excited in attending this conference! ”
Lillian Rivera
“ This is my favorite conference and sixth time attending. I always go home with valuable information and a task list. I appreciate that the conference focuses on retirement and healthcare since I oversee both. ”
Caroline McKenzie
“ The Mid-Sized Retirement & Healthcare Plan Management Conference allows me to spend two and a half days with peers to get relevant information to benefit our plan participants. The sessions are on issues we are facing now or will be in the near future. The session "Covering the Bases" by SWBC says it all! It is one of the best uses of funds I spend all year. ”
George A. DeBord
“ As usual, an excellent conference. All the speakers were informative, engaging and knowledgeable. This is the best conference of its type with everyone focused on education and involvement! ”
Ron Thomas
“ Through the networking opportunities and workshop sessions, it is very easy to pick up some ideas that more than pay for the
conference.
”
Bob Foley
“ I have been receiving the flyer for this conference for about five years and never committed the time to attend. I am glad I finally did. The information is timely and invaluable, and I can see myself attending again and bringing my HR director. ”
Bakul Patel
“ This is one of the best conferences I attend every year. The selection of topics is broad and the speakers are excellent. I appreciate the focus on mid-sized company plans and issues, since many conferences are geared to much larger organizations. ”
Theresa Michael
“ I got lots of great ‘to dos’ for the next investment committee meeting I will be scheduling. And oh, yeah—I'll go home and read my plan documents! ”
Judith Meeter
“ Excellent conference. Far exceeded my expectations. Better than some of the SHRM conferences
I've attended.
”
Thomas Alinen
“ I attend this conference each year because it has been and continues to be an invaluable resource for navigating the constantly changing laws that impact benefits programs today. ”
Andrea Lucky
“ Speakers were great! Knowledgeable and entertaining! ”
Traci Meyer
“ The Mid-Sized Retirement & Healthcare Plan Management Conference is by far the most informative, up-to-date conference I have attended! My questions were answered about so many topics; I came back to work ready to hit the floor running. My boss is very impressed with the information I brought back—information I will be able to use immediately. ”
Jill Rucker, PHR
“ Excellent material, and the access to experts was invaluable. It was a wonderful opportunity to ramp up my knowledge and boost my career! ”
Lacie Priest
“ I'm a one-person HR and Benefits Department. This conference is great to get updated on retirement, health and wellness in one place. ”
Randy Westman
“ I have attended numerous conferences throughout my career; the Mid-Sized Retirement & Healthcare Conference ranks as one of the best. The topics are timely; the sessions are interactive, providing for hands-on, valuable training; and the energetic networking between participants adds to the dynamics of the conference. ”
Jill Kopanis, SPHR
“ Awesome opportunity to network, learn and evaluate the changing times and events in the ‘Benefits World,’ while containing cost to employers by attending combined sessions such as this (retirement and healthcare). ”
Patricia R. Ball
“ The conference provided excellent, well-planned and comprehensive sessions. All HR professionals involved in health and welfare should attend. ”
Janet Turner-Ezell
“ An exciting and extraordinary conference in both retirement and healthcare plan management. Thank you! ”
Jacklyn C. Cordell
“ This conference does a great job tying healthcare and retirement benefits together and provides the tools and resource information to ensure successful relationships with our employees. Time very
well spent!
”
Stephanie Koch
“ I return to these conferences year after year because each time I get real, specific, actionable information that helps me bring the very best to my employees. ”
Heidi DeLisle
“ Great conference! ”
Sharon Broadwater
“ Excellent educational opportunity to tap into the latest concepts in health and welfare benefits. ”
Dawn Klunk
“ This conference continues to meet my expectations and helps me to be the best at managing our company's benefit program. ”
Carol Vinca
“ I’ve been before. Excellent workshops. I always leave with a laundry list of ‘to dos’/new ideas. ”
Deedria Burchfield