Brian Arnold: CCWC - The Happiest Conference on Earth!

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🎙️ Brian Arnold from World Insurance Brokers is here to talk about the California Coalition on Workers' Compensation (CCWC) Annual Conference, and more importantly, why showing up at conferences matters for your career.

Networking Built His Career

Brian's been in workers' comp for 25 years. He started as a claims assistant at a boutique TPA and worked his way up through different carriers and TPAs. But here's what really moved the needle: "It was mainly through networking that really helped me advance in my own personal career."

He talks about how he built solid relationships through nonprofit boards, made meaningful connections in the Sacramento Valley, and how those connections are still carrying him forward today, now on the broker side at World Insurance Brokers, where he helps adjusters shine.

Why CCWC Matters

Brian deeply values the symbiotic relationship between brokers and adjusters: we need each other. That's the energy you'll find at CCWC: professionals actively working to make things better for injured workers and employers across California.

The conference is California's premier educational forum for understanding the state's unique workers' comp system. It's where legislation, policy, and practice collide, and where you'll find the brightest minds in the industry.

Things to Know About CCWC

The Location: Disneyland. Yes, really. "Disney is a longtime supporter," Brian says. "The magic's everywhere. And it makes the conference a bit lighter once the heavy intellectual dump is done." There's even an in-park event Thursday night (limited free tickets available).

The Sessions: Over 100 applications were submitted. A committee of seasoned professionals narrowed it down to 15 of the best sessions. You're getting rigorously curated sessions, not filler. 

Who Should Attend? Any workers' compensation professional who seeks to better understand the nuances of the California workers' compensation system. 

The Must-Sees:

• Legislative Updates: Paul Yoder and Jason Schmelzer report back on the real efforts. Best in the country.
• Bloggers Panel: A panel discussion that's always fun and informative! This year includes a 10th-anniversary tribute honoring the late David DePaulo.
• Trauma Trifecta: Defending TBI, PTSD, and Cumulative Trauma Claims in an Evolving Legal Landscape. Rare claims that can run away from you if you're not paying attention. This panel features: Yvonne Guibert (moderator), Anthony Carlton with Arthur J Gallagher, Mark Maragay with the NFL Los Angeles Chargers, Kate Lozano with Laughlin, Falbo, Levy and Moresi, and Dr. Garland Tang, Board-certified Neurologist with Institutes of Health. 
• AI & Best Practices: Best Practices: Californians Can Learn From Other States to Find Solutions for Cost Containment, AI Adaptation and More
  How AI is reshaping reserving and claims management. This panel features: Stuart Colburn, Bill Zachry, Gerald Hogue from FedEx, and Mike Simmons from WKS Restaurant Group. 
• CAT Claims: Blueprint for Handling CAT Claims featuring Tyrone Spears with City of Los Angeles, Jeff Rush with CA JPIA, and Stephen Peacock with Safety National on handling catastrophic claims. 
• Managing Change: Managing Change, Culture, and Success During Transformation is all about advocacy, networking, and managing change during transformation and featuring Sheri Lawrence with SoCalGas, Barry Bloom with BDB Group, Angel Guerra-Chagolla with Arrowhead Evaluation Services, and Matthew Howard with City of Pasadena. 

Why It's Different: CCWC answers the "why" behind how the California workers' comp system works. It pairs networking with legislative backing so you understand not just what's happening, but where the industry is heading—especially with a new administration coming in.

Check out CCWC's full agenda: https://ccwcworkcomp.org/Events/Annual-Conference-Agenda

Register: https://ccwcworkcomp.org/Events/Annual-Conference

What's on the Radar: Post-employment cumulative trauma claims are surging (now 1 in 4 to 1 in 5 claims). Permanent disability increases are overdue. The Fix California Workers' Comp initiative (fixcaworkerscomp.com) is advancing real reform efforts to restore balance to the CA workers' compensation system https://fixcaworkerscomp.com/

The Secret to Real Connection

When Brian talks about presence, he nails it: "Be aware of where you are and give that your full attention." That's the real magic of attending a conference: when you show up mentally, not just physically, and allow yourself to be open and "fully present" for connections. That's when career-changing conversations actually happen.

Make the Conscious Choice

Brian's parting wisdom: attend. Make a conscious choice to invest in your career, your community, and your growth. We said it at the start of this season: try to attend at least one to two conferences per year. This is one not to miss!

¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp