I always say that RIMS is like a big family reunion and I look forward to it every year. The days are long, but rewarding, filled with meeting our clients, stakeholders, colleagues and new friends. This year we will hit a special milestone as Sedgwick marks 50 years in business and extends our celebration to RIMS. While many things have changed over the years for both our company and the industry, the most important thing that remains steady is Sedgwick’s focus on taking care of people. I am encouraged by the overall commitment in our industry to putting that sentiment first as we help people get back to their daily lives.

Once again, we are hosting the Wellness ZENter in partnership with RIMS. This year’s impressive lineup of guests and Sedgwick thought leaders includes Kimberly George, who will lead a session on the social determinants of health, a topic getting a lot of attention. Dr. Teresa Bartlett’s session will consider when, if ever, marijuana should be a substitute for opioids. Jason Landrum and Kathy Tazic will host an informative session on predictive modeling – and all of that is just on Monday. Kathy returns on Tuesday to check in on the state of advocacy in the industry today. Max Koonce will look at how retailers are putting the caring in claims. Finally Dr. Bartlett closes the ZENter on Wednesday with a trending topic of fasting and the role it plays in healing, weight loss and reducing inflammation. While you are at the Wellness ZENter, don’t forget that we will again have therapy animals joining us to help you relax and regroup during your busy week. Last year it was very rewarding to hear how many people found their animal therapy time to be one of the most memorable moments of the week.

While in the RIMS Marketplace, visit us at booth #769, where this year I’m pleased to say you can find all the Sedgwick family in one location. Our experts from all lines of business, representing Sedgwick’s solutions around the world, will be available to answer your questions and share their expertise, so take advantage of this opportunity to learn more.

We are also honored to present a full slate of educational sessions at this year’s conference alongside many of our business partners. And we are extremely proud to again sponsor the fifth annual Spencer and Sedgwick 5K, which will take place on Tuesday morning to raise funds for risk management and insurance education. Then, of course, stay Wednesday night for the Sedgwick and RIMS closing party as we celebrate 50 years and look forward to 50 more in this great industry.

I encourage you to visit our Sedgwick RIMS page to find out more about the opportunities to join Sedgwick in all that we will be doing this week.

See you in Boston,

Dave