The Illinois Chamber partnered once again with the Illinois Self-Insurers’ Association (ISIA) to host our
Annual Workers’ Compensation & Safety Conference. This year’s event took place on November 6, 2025, at the DoubleTree Hilton in Lisle.
The event opened with remarks from Lori Hiltabrand, the Illinois Chamber’s COO & General Counsel, along with Adam Cox, Executive Director of the ISIA. Gina Breen, President of ISIA, also welcomed the
attendees.
The first presentation of the day was an evaluation of the results from the latest study by the Workers
Compensation Research Institute. Dr. Bogdan Savych examined data from 29 states, comparing cases where care began with advanced practitioners versus primary care physicians. The study showed little difference in outcomes for workers who were initially treated by advanced practitioners.
Next, Lisa Azoory-Keller and Adam Cox discussed several Appellate Court case decisions issued over the past year. They walked through the circumstances of each case and reviewed the impact these decisions will have on workers’ compensation claims moving forward.
Four workshops followed, splitting the group for the next hour.
• John Campbell of Keefe Campbell Biery & Associates analyzed the impact the aging workforce is having on the workers’ compensation industry. He compared different situations and discussed expectations for older employees.
• Kevin Deuschle of IFMK Law presented on AI-powered claims handling, focusing on legal risk mitigation, efficiency, cost savings, and best practices for using AI.
• Brian Weitzman of Marsh McLennan explored ways to improve credit risk management in self-insurance. He addressed collateral requirements, credit analysis, ongoing portfolio monitoring, and other solutions designed to protect businesses\ and reduce costs.
• Joseph Belmonte of Vocamotive, Inc. offered insight into their approach to job search and
vocational rehabilitation, providing legally sound and objective criteria for implementing cost-effective
protocols.
After a lunch break, the Chairman of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission provided updates
on ongoing improvements and initiatives within the agency.
The next general session, The Case for Civility: Why It Matters Now More than Ever, featured Commissioner Raychel Wesley of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. She discussed the decline in professional courtesy and offered a roadmap for restoring civility through practical solutions.
Dr. Leon Benson of the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute then presented IME: Pearls and Pitfalls. He discussed the role of physicians in Independent Medical Exams and shared examples of both best practices and common challenges, giving attendees a comprehensive view of the IME process from a physician’s perspective.
To close out the day, Ramiro Hernandez of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce delivered the 2025
Legislative Developments Update. He reviewed recent changes in Illinois workers’ compensation, the elimination of the approved bills process, and other employment related laws.
He then introduced the legislative panel, moderated by Bill Lowry of Nyhan, Bambrick, Kinzie
& Lowry, P.C. Rep. Dan Ugaste, Rep. Joyce Mason, and Sen. Chris Balkema shared insights on evolving
legislation, anticipated developments in Illinois employment law, and additional topics before the General Assembly.
We want to give a special thank you to all our sponsors and exhibitors. The event would not be possible without you. We look forward to returning in late 2026 with another engaging and informative Workers’ Compensation Conference.