NEEBC Trade Show Features Diversity Expert Mary-Frances Winters and Benefits Professional Robert Kennedy

WALTHAM, MA--(Marketwired - April 21, 2014) - The New England Employee Benefits Council (NEEBC) announces its Annual Benefits Fair and Trade Show "The Benefits of Engagement: Connecting with Your Diverse Workforce." The organization's signature event will provide a series of dynamic and inspiring speakers who will discuss the many forms of diversity in the workforce. Presenters will focus on emerging trends and strategies for connecting with a diverse population and the benefits that engagement can bring to a business.

Mary-Frances Winters, president and founder of The Winters Group, a diversity and inclusion-consulting firm, and Robert Kennedy, Vice President, Fidelity Investments Benefits Consulting, keynote the June 5 event in Norwood, Massachusetts. The event also includes three afternoon presentations that highlight the unique tactics and approaches that some employers are using to cultivate a culture of engagement with their employees.

Winters will address ethnic and multicultural issues in the workforce and why diversity in the workplace is more than just the right thing to do. She says "cross-cultural competencies are a vital aspect of an organization's ability to operate effectively and companies need to be equipped with the knowledge to implement successful initiatives." Kennedy will highlight findings from the 2014 National Business Group on Health/Fidelity Investments Benefits Consulting Survey, which focuses on employer investments in improving employee health. He will discuss the types of worksite wellness programs offered by employers, their incentive strategies and the future of health improvement investment amidst healthcare reform.

During the afternoon sessions, Deb Iaquinto from Covidien and Marion Lunt from Willis will discuss how companies can use stories to engage their workforce; Erika Illiano from Aon Hewitt will explain the differences in retirement saving among minorities and provide strategies to better increase understanding and participation; and Kristen Carlucci from Pitney Bowes will demonstrate how employers can use social media to engage employees. 

The NEEBC Benefits Fair and Trade Show will also give attendees the chance to visit with more than 50 exhibitors, including Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, UNUM and Vanguard, as well as brokers and consultants. Attendees can enjoy NEEBC's innovative Benefits Bar, which will provide short "how to" sessions on topics ranging from social media to career development.

The June 5 program is sponsored by UnitedHealthCare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, Mercer, Cigna, Tufts Health Plan and Aetna and will be held from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at the Four Points Conference Center in Norwood, Massachusetts. More information about NEEBC is available at www.neebc.org. For details about the event, click here. Register for the event here, call 781-684-8700 or contact sue@neebc.org.

About NEEBC
NEEBC (www.neebc.org) is a Waltham, Massachusetts nonprofit that advances knowledge and education in employee benefits. NEEBC's 1,250 members manage benefits for an estimated 2.5 million employees. Members include employers and providers of benefits consulting and services throughout New England. NEEBC's monthly educational programs feature presentations by guest speakers on topics of interest to the benefits community. Members have the opportunity to discuss ideas, become informed about new developments in the field and network with peers. Follow NEEBC on Facebook, LinkedIn and on Twitter at @NEEBC. Follow the conference conversation on Twitter at #NEEBCengage14.