Why Attend
Get Energized, Be Inspired, Gain Insights
No industry moves faster than healthcare. Take a moment. Immerse yourself in a gathering of the people and ideas reshaping our industry.
Join the conversation. Collaborate and learn with some of the best minds in healthcare on today’s hottest topics. And leave with actionable insights to share with your team.
- Inspirational keynote from New York Times bestselling author & Blue Zones Founder, Dan Buettner
- Healthcare thought leaders from Aetna / CVS Health, Anthem, Medicaid Health Plans of America, UnitedHealthcare, Walmart Health
- Engaging and diverse panels on SDoH, health equity, member experience, & more
- Innovation Island hosted by Icario’s top health action, behavioral research, data science, & CMS experts
- Hosted in Minneapolis at the beautiful Nicollet Island Pavilion

Add your energy to Trailblaze 2022!
Trailblaze 2022 Speakers

Dan
Buettner
Blue Zones Founder |
New York Times Bestselling Author & National Geographic Fellow



Cyrus
Batheja, Ed. D, MBA, BSN, PHN, FAAN
National Vice President – Strategic Initiatives | UnitedHealthcare

Andrey
Ostrovsky, MD, FAAP
Former Chief Medical Officer of US Medicaid Program & Managing Partner | Social Innovation Ventures



Innovation Island
“What is really unique about this summit is we bring incredibly innovative leaders together, and they’re going to walk out of here with 2-3 actionable ideas that support the strategies they’re working to implement in their markets.”

Steve Wigginton
CEO, IcarioTrailblaze 2022 Agenda
August 10th
5:00-7:00 PM
“Welcome to the Island” Reception at the Aster Cafe
To kick off the event, join us at the lovely Aster Cafe on the prettiest street in Minneapolis. Enjoy appetizers, drinks, and plenty of Island-themed fun while gazing out over the Mississippi River and the city skyline.
August 11th
8:00-8:30 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Innovation Island
Enjoy all-day access to Innovation Island, a creative space with Icario’s top health action, behavioral research, data science, and CMS experts to explore new ideas, interact in activities, and apply outside-of-the-box thinking to real-life situations around member experience, SDoH, and health equity.
8:30 AM
Welcome to Trailblaze!
8:30-9:30 AM
Keynote: Dan Buettner
Blue Zones: Secrets From the World’s Longest-Lived
Don’t miss this eye-opening keynote from New York Times bestselling author and National Geographic Fellow, Dan Buettner. In his inspirational talk, Dan will reveal the secrets from his blue zones research on longevity and the healthiest places in the world (including Ikaria, Greece, the inspiration for the Icario name and mission), as well as the common lifestyle and cultural traits of those locations. He will discuss how these concepts have been implemented in communities throughout the US and what the findings mean for helping your members live their best lives.
9:30-10:00 AM
Smoothie Break + Book Signing!
Grab a delicious, tropical-flavored smoothie and then Dan Buettner will be available for a Trailblaze-exclusive book signing! You can also experience our Innovation Island while we play original music from our very own Matt Herzog to kickstart your morning.
10:00-10:45 AM
A New Kind of Thinking: Using Retail Strategies to Elevate the Member Experience
Convenience. Personalization. Speed. Service. The retail industry has gotten a lot of things right during the consumer experience revolution. Leading health plans have been wise to take note and now lead the way in using powerful retail concepts to transform the member experience. Learn competitive insights from our panel of healthcare pioneers as they relay how rethinking and reengineering the member experience drives real results. This discussion will help you understand how meeting this new level of expectations has become a critical success factor for health plans in their efforts to engage and retain members.
Speakers

Marcus Osborne
Former SVP, Walmart Health

Kimberly Switlick-Prose
VP, Enterprise Star Performance, Anthem, Inc

Elizabeth Canis
Healthcare Executive, Board Director, Advisor
10:45-11:00 AM
Break
11:00-11:45 AM
From Insights to Action: How to Level Up CAHPS Scores & Boost ROI
Hear from national and regional health plans that have achieved impressive results by thinking differently about their member satisfaction strategy. From pre-CAHPS surveys to member action plans and more, learn the tactics these top performers use to build human-centered engagement programs that drive higher CAHPS scores and ROI. This session will focus on ways to personalize outreach while minimizing member abrasion.
Speakers

RJ Briscione
Senior Director of SDoH Strategy & Execution, CVS | Aetna

Christi Kruse
SVP, Federal Solutions, OptumServe at UnitedHealth Group

Lora Alexander
VP, Engagement & Design, Icario

Louise Briguglio
SVP, Integrated Experience, Icario
11:45 AM-1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00-1:45 PM
On a Mission to Break Down SDoH Barriers – Real Stories From Life-Changing Programs
Join us for this inspiring discussion about the programs tackling SDoH challenges and making an impact. From providing free diapers and healthy food to families to housing adults who have mental illnesses, these creative social initiatives drive change and resilience in the communities they serve. This dynamic panel includes members of these programs who will share their journey and the pivotal role a helping hand has in breaking down SDoH barriers.
Speakers

Lauren Barca
Executive Officer, Population Health & Quality, UnitedHealthcare of Tennessee

RJ Briscione
Sr. Director, Social Determinants of Health, CVS | Aetna

Julie Plante & Vail Place Clubhouse Member
RN Manager | Vail Place
1:45-2:00 PM
Break
2:00-2:45 PM
Pioneer Panel: Turning the Tide on Health Equity & SDoH
Combatting health equity issues in everyday life requires compassion, a willingness to learn—and a data-driven mindset. Our panel of experts will share success stories based on their programs and experiences to inspire you with takeaways relevant to your own members. You’ll gain a new appreciation for how understanding your unique members and the SDoH barriers they face reveals new opportunities to serve them and shape your offerings.
Speakers

Craig Kennedy
President and CEO, Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA)

Andrey Ostrovsky
Former Chief Medical Officer of US Medicaid Program & Managing Partner, Social Innovation Ventures

Cyrus Batheja, Ed. D, MBA, BSN, PHN, FAAN
National Vice President – Strategic Initiatives, UnitedHealthcare
2:45 PM
Thank You & Closing Remarks
3:00-5:00 PM
Happy Hour
Join us to celebrate the day with drinks, appetizers, and incredible views of the Mississippi River from Nicollet Island.

Save your seat for Trailblaze 2022!
Hotel & Travel
Join us in Minneapolis on August 10-11th for Trailblaze. Below are details to help you book your travel. Space is limited, so book now to reserve your hotel room at one of the two options. Room blocks are available—please reach out to trailblaze@icariohealth.com for more info!
Airport
Minneapolis−Saint Paul
International Airport (MSP)
20 min. drive or 30 min. Light Rail ride from airport to hotel
Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot
225 3rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55401
0.80 miles from summit venue
Venues
Summit Venue
August 11th at 8 AM CT
Nicollet Island Pavilion
40 Power Street
Minneapolis, MN 55401
FAQ
What does my registration include?
- Welcome Reception (Wednesday)
- General Sessions + Access to the Innovation Island
- All Speakers Including Keynote + Panels
- Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks, & Refreshments
- Happy Hour (Thursday)
What COVID precautions are being taken?
We are continuously monitoring the situation and will stay up-to-date on all relevant guidance from health authorities and will communicate all on-site details to registered attendees in the weeks leading up to the on-site event. Your health, safety, and comfort it our top priority!
What is the closest airport to Minneapolis?
The closest international airport to Minneapolis is the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport (MSP), which is 15 miles away from the event venue.
What are my transportation options from the airport?
A ride-share service or taxi will take approximately 25 minutes to reach the event venue and the light rail (blue line) is a secondary option that will take about 35 minutes.
What if unexpected closures impact the summit?
We are continuously monitoring the situation and will stay up-to-date on the latest guidance and restrictions from health authorities and vendors. Any updates to the event will be communicated to all attendees as soon as we have all the necessary information. Your health, experience, and comfort are the top priority!
What should I wear?
Trailblaze is a business casual event. Although it will be summer, the Pavilion will likely be well air-conditioned. Bring layers!
Where should I park?
Parking at the Nicollet Island Pavilion will be included and is exclusively available to Trailblaze attendees.
What is the weather like in Minneapolis in August?
In August, the temperature in Minneapolis averages 80 degrees, with variable humidity. Thunderstorms are common in the evenings this time of year – bring your umbrella just in case!
For the latest weather conditions, visit The Weather Channel before heading to Minneapolis.

5+
action-packed sessions covering SDoH, health equity, and member experience
16+
top healthcare experts presenting groundbreaking ideas
745+
attendees ready to change healthcare
Registration for Trailblaze 2022 is Now Open!
Your Trailblaze Package Includes:
*Valued at $1,995
- Welcome Reception (Wednesday)
- General Sessions + Access to Innovation Island
- All Speakers Including the Keynote & Panels
- Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks & Refreshments
- Happy Hour (Thursday)
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