This year has been another extraordinary one for the Florida Workers' Compensation Institute. The preliminary registration numbers for this year's annual conference substantially exceeded past years' and continue a trend of continuous growth and popularity of what has become the largest workers' compensation conference in the United States.
With the expansion of the program into all areas related to workers' compensation issues (both state-specific and national in scope), this year's 75-plus page program represents the most aggressive offering of educational opportunities yet attempted in the 60-plus year history of the conference. Over 8,000 persons from 30 states will be attending, and an expanded exhibit hall will include approximately 300 exhibitors — with another 50 or more on the waiting list.
Partners in Education
The Institute's primary focus continues to be the provision of educational opportunities at affordable costs in all areas of relevance to the workers' compensation industry. This is primarily accomplished by establishing partnerships with state and national organizations recognized as leaders in their areas of interest.
Throughout 2006, the Institute has established educational cooperative arrangements with The National Underwriter Company, Florida Underwriter, the University of South Florida NIOSH Supported Sunshine ERC, the Safety & Health Institute, OSHA, several state regulators of workers' compensation, the Florida Orthopedic Association, the Florida Chiropractic Association, and the Florida Workers' Compensation Claims Professionals organization. With the assistance of a national steering committee comprised of representatives from throughout the United States, educational seminars have been created allowing national organizations to participate. The Institute has also sponsored educational forums on the workers' compensation laws of several states in the southeast.
Educational publications continue to be a centerpiece of the Institute's activities in 2006. The Institute sponsors a monthly newsletter, has an updated web site, and is responsible for and endorses the printing of the Florida Workers' Compensation Desk Manual, the Florida Workers' Compensation Reference Manual, state laws of several southeastern states and various safety manuals. With the exception of the Florida Workers' Compensation Desk Manual, these publications are distributed at the annual conference in August.
A Year-Long Volunteer Effort
In addition to this year's annual conference, the Institute has sponsored and/or endorsed several one day mini-conferences throughout the state of Florida, including the annual Spring Forum on Florida workers' compensation issues. The Institute also funded the annual Workers' Compensation Judges Conference in Orlando. In support of injured workers, scholarships were given to children of workers who otherwise would be unable to attend advanced educational opportunities because of an injury to a parent. Several scholarship stipends were awarded to children of state regulators and deserving students in the state of Georgia.
During 2006, the Institute has strived to continue in its tradition as an all inclusive, truly nonprofit organization. Made up of many volunteers, all of whom give their time and talents without financial reward, the Institute has followed the purpose of its original foundation of providing support for issues related to workers' compensation. The Institute does not lobby for any particular position, but recognizes that each "player" in the system plays a vital role and should be recognized for contributions made. We encourage maximum participation in all activities of the Institute and welcome any recommendations for improvement.
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