This week, planning for the DMEC 20th Annual Conference is underway! Mark your calendar for the conference August 2-5 in San Francisco and register [here](https://dmec.formstack.com/forms/ac15registration).
Here are a few conference highlights we’re most looking forward to:
**1. Getting Updates on What’s Next in Washington**
Hearing from FMLA Branch Chief Helen Applewhaite, Pierce Blue from the EEOC, Jeff Nowak from FMLA Insights and Jackie Willingham from The Standard for the panel, [Washington Update: Don’t Get Caught Unprepared](http://dmec.org/annual-conference/).
**2. Networking**
The DMEC conference gives attendees many opportunities to network with HR leaders from all across the U.S. and meet with [vendors](http://dmec.org/annual-conference/acexhibitordir/) face-to-face. Don’t miss the Welcome Reception Sunday night. Most of the breakfasts and lunches are hosted in the exhibit hall so it’s a convenient opportunity to scope out your next HR tech purchase. You’ll also receive a game card for a chance to win the $1,000 conference grand prize. We’ll be raffling an Apple iWatch at booth #509 so stop by and say hello!
**3. Session: Elevating Disability Management: How Chevron Leverages Integrated Data to Manage Absence**
Mark Huggins, Team Lead, Disability Management at Chevron will be discussing Chevron’s most recent initiatives in employee absence management and how these best practices can translate to your organization for increased program effectiveness and lower disability durations. Don’t miss this Chevron/Optis session on Monday at 1:30 p.m.
Stay tuned for more updates on the DMEC Conference. We’ll see you at booth #509!
*Visit Optis at booth #509 for a chance to win an Apple iWatch!*
Gearing Up for the #DMECAC15 Conference
