Health & Benefits Innovation Summit: Where Game-Changing Ideas Take the Field
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Tuesday, June 9, 2026 

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10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

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Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia

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2 SHRM PDC & 2 NJ Insurance CE Credits
(PA Pending Approval)

Overview

This year, we're bringing our annual Health & Benefits Innovation Summit to Citizens Bank Park — where game-changing ideas take the field.

Join us for a day of bold ideas, real-world strategies, and meaningful connections. Headlined by keynote speaker Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, the summit features expert-led fireside chats on the trends reshaping employee benefits, peer discussions on today's most pressing topics, and exclusive behind-the-scenes ballpark tours. View the full agenda here.

Whether you’re rethinking your benefits strategy or looking for new ways to improve employee experience and plan performance, this summit offers insights you won’t want to miss.

Note: CE information will be collected at the event.

Location

Citizens Bank Park The Philadelphia Insurance Club (formerly the CP Rankin Club)
1 Citizens Bank Way, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Onsite parking available — View map

Registration

Agenda

 Download the full agenda and speaker details here.

10:00 AM
Registration, Light Breakfast & Citizens Bank Park Tours
Kick off the day with networking and optional ballpark tours.
11:00 AM
KEYNOTE: The Evolution of Happiness!®
Explore how happiness, connection, and culture drive engagement on the field and in the workplace.
Dave Raymond, Original Phillie Phanatic
12:15 PM
State of the State: Trends Shaping Employee Benefits
A forward-looking perspective on the evolving benefits landscape and what it means for employers.
Joseph DiBella
12:45 PM
Lunch & Hot Topic Table Discussions
Enjoy lunch and engage in open conversation with peers on today's most pressing topics.

FIRESIDE CHATS
1:45 PM to 3:45 PM
1:45 PM
Rethinking Benefits Strategy
A real-world case study on transitioning from traditional plans to alternative designs, such as ICHRA and reference-based pricing, to better serve both employees and the bottom line.
Michael Curran & Dawn Saffayeh
2:05 PM
Interactive Discussion:  Driving Better Outcomes Through Innovative Solutions
How a multi-faceted approach improved employee health, engagement, and overall plan performance.
Jill Ambrose & Kristine Klepper
2:35 PM
Pharmacy Trends & Insights
A fresh look at pharmacy strategies and emerging solutions, focused on doing things differently to make an impact on costs.
Patrick Fiduccia, Ritu Malhotra, Nathan White, & Simon Leung (Moderator)
3:05 PM
Elevating Care Through Advocacy
Discover how nurse navigation and personalized advocacy programs are transforming employee experiences and outcomes.
Joyce Hess, Betty Long, & Joseph DiBella (Moderator)

3:45 — 5:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Networking Reception
Unwind with food, drinks, prize drawings, and the opportunity to connect with peers — plus meet Dave Raymond!

Keynote Speaker

Photo source: University of Delaware and Evan Krape

Meet Dave Raymond, the Hero of Happiness!

From college student to an iconic figure in sports entertainment, Dave Raymond broke new ground as the original Phillie Phanatic.

For 16 years, his innovative approach to the art of mascots transformed the Philadelphia Phillies and propelled the Phanatic into global stardom, forever changing the mascot industry.

But Dave’s true passion goes far beyond the green fur. Building on the insights he gained from this one-of-a-kind experience, Dave transitioned seamlessly into entrepreneurship, founding Raymond Entertainment Group nearly two decades ago. Through his company, he’s reimagined character brands for Fortune 500 companies, sports teams, and universities, and launched the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2005. Yet, it is his dedication to teaching how fun can fuel genuine well-being that truly sets him apart.

In his keynote, The Evolution of Happiness!®, Dave shares how fun isn’t just an idea—it’s a proven process. While many discuss the value of fun, Dave lived it. He introduces his Power of Fun® process, a roadmap to sustainable happiness, improving both personal and professional lives with ease. His mission? To inspire others to embrace joy as a critical tool for lasting fulfillment, health, and productivity.

Speakers

Jill Ambrose

Jill Ambrose, MBA, BSN, RN

Partner, Head of Population Health
Conner Strong & Buckelew

Michael Curran

Michael Curran

Partner, Senior Consultant, National & Major Accounts
Conner Strong & Buckelew

Joseph DiBella

Joseph DiBella, REBC

Co-President, National Employee
Benefits Practice Leader
Conner Strong & Buckelew

Patrick Fiduccia

Patrick Fiduccia

Vice President, Account  Management
Express Scripts

Joyce Hess

Joyce Hess, ISCEBS
Fellow, CEBS, SPHR,
SHRM-SCP, CHRO

Chief Human Resources Officer
Firstrust Bank

Kristine Klepper

Kristine Klepper, CEBS

Executive Partner, Chief Operating
Officer, Employee Benefits Practice
Conner Strong & Buckelew

Simon Leung

Simon Leung, PharmD

Vice President, Head of Pharmacy
Conner Strong & Buckelew

Betty Long

Betty Long, MHA, RN

President, CEO and Founder
Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates

Ritu Malhotra

Ritu Malhotra, PharmD

President
Illuminate Rx

Dawn Saffayeh

Dawn Saffayeh

President & CEO
Heartshare 

Nathan White

Nathan White

Chief Client Officer
RxBenefits

Sponsors

PLATINUM SPONSOR

PREMIER SPONSORS

CORPORATE SPONSORS

If you are interested in sponsoring this event, please reach out to Maureen Sojka at msojka@connerstrong.com.