2021 Annual Conference

Thank you for joining us!

Ensuring a happy, healthy and productive
workforce for the future of Iowa

Thank you to everyone who joined us on April 29 for the 2021 Healthiest State Annual Conference! We hope you enjoyed gathering virtually with wellness leaders from across the state to learn about innovative and thought-leading preventative health services and programs for employees and citizens. 

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About the 2021 Annual Conference

The 2021 Healthiest State Annual Conference will be held via Zoom and include keynote speakers, breakout sessions and interactive breaks led by local and national wellness experts. You don't want to miss this year's conference! 

The 2021 Healthiest State Annual Conference has been approved for 4.25 Entry Level CHES Category 1 continuing education contact hours (CECH)  through the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:

Mike McDonald Senior Workplace Consultant, Gallup Redefining “Wellness”: The World, Our Workplace, My Wellbeing Mike McDonald works with Gallup clients – from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies – to create learning strategies and initiatives that produce high levels of performance, employee engagement and well-being. Mike will share that expertise with conference attendees as he sets the stage of what workplace wellness looks like in 2021 – and beyond. PREVIEW: Learn more about what Mike will share with attendees

Rachel Druckenmiller Founder & CEO, UNMUTED I'm Still Standing: Ready, Set, Reconnect! Rachel Druckenmiller had built a successful, 13-year career in the health and wellness industry, yet she found herself dealing with burnout and disconnection. She now helps empower leaders and teams to feel refreshed and recharged in their purpose. Rachel will end the conference with an inspirational and energizing keynote on resilience in times of challenge and change. PREVIEW: Learn more about what Rachel will share with attendees

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BREAKOUT SESSIONS: 

2021 Healthiest State Annual Conference attendees will have the opportunity to attend three out of four live breakout sessions offered. All breakout sessions will be recorded and sent to registered attendees following the 2021 Annual Conference! 

Read descriptions of the sessions below:

• Powered by Purpose: Defining Organizational Purpose to Promote Engagement & Well-Being
  • PRESENTERS: Erin Drinnin (United Way of Central Iowa) and Ali Payne (ethOs)
  • Our purpose is our “why.” In this session, explore the definition of “purpose” within an organization and understand its impact on employee engagement, productivity and well-being from Erin and Ali. Gain insight from United Way of Central Iowa’s Powered by Purpose pilot project and hear examples of actionable steps and outcomes from purpose-driven organizations.
• Clear & Aligned: Preparing Millennials to Take the Lead
  • PRESENTER: Adam Carroll, Adam Speaks
  • Millennials make up a vast majority of the workforce today. With a more values-centered approach to leadership, they're focused on communication, empowerment and relationships. In this session, Adam will share tactical strategies organizations can do today in order to better prepare and support millennials to handle all facets of leadership.
• Redefining Employee Wellbeing Through Focus on Mental Health & Organizational Culture During Times of Uncertainty
  • PRESENTERS: Becky Rafferty (University of Iowa Center of Advancement Organization) and Joel Spoonheim (HealthPartners UnityPoint Health)
  • In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic, racial justice movement, natural disasters, and economic upheaval provided employers an opportunity to accelerate changes to improve employee health. Joel from HealthPartners UnityPoint Health and Becky from the University of Iowa Center of Advancement will share actions and data-driven insights from their organizations’ efforts.
• Unlocking Workplace Wellness: Why Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is Key  
  • PRESENTERS: Linda Howard, WithLindaHoward
  • Workplaces are increasingly becoming more diverse. What does it mean to create an inclusive culture of wellness? Linda, a multicultural competency executive, will lead a deep dive into inclusive practices that can impact wellness initiatives' success. Explore the essential role that DEI plays in designing, structuring, and implementing wellness initiatives to effectively support all employees.

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INTERACTIVE BREAKS:

The Healthiest State Initiative knows that a full day on Zoom is taxing on the body and mind! That's why we've incorporated some screen-free time throughout the day, including a few interactive breaks: 

Rest & Reset: Mindfulness Break  Mindfulness can cultivate self-awareness and can also improve mental clarity and performance. Join Allison Peet, a MBSR  instructor, to learn how you can incorporate mindfulness practices into your day.

Stand & Stretch: Movement Break After a long day on Zoom, it’s time to stand up and stretch! Join Lauren Kollauf, RYT-200, for some yoga-inspired movement to help counteract the hours we spend sitting in front of our computers.

Smoothie Break & "Produce For Wellness" Dive into the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables with the produce pros from Capital City Fruit! Join Mike Schmitt and Hannah Burke to make a delicious blueberry banana protein smoothie.