Events
2026 Wisconsin Rural Health Conference
This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of CEOs, administrators, chief financial officers, controllers, nurse executives, chief medical officers, medical directors, marketing/public relations directors, quality managers, risk managers, public health officials, and hospital board of director members of rural health care organizations.
DATE
Jun. 8 - Jun. 10, 2026
5:00 PM - 12:00 PM
LOCATION
The Osthoff Resort & Spa
101 Osthoff Avenue
Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
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Jun. 8, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AMGolf Outing Registration
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms
1 Long Drive
Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
Each golfer will be provided with a name tag and 2 drink tickets. Hole prize winners will be announced at the conference on June 9. -
Jun. 8, 2026
11:00 AM - 3:00 PMGolf Outing
Optional activity for conference attendees only.
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms
1 Long Drive
Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
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Jun. 8, 2026
12:00 PM - 2:00 PMBBQ Grilling Cooking Class
Optional activity for conference attendees only, held at The Osthoff Resort & Spa.
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Jun. 8, 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PMWelcome Reception
Please join us for this social and networking reception. Light appetizers and hosted bar will be available.
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Jun. 9, 2026
7:30 AM - 8:30 AMRegistration, Breakfast, and Visiting Exhibitors
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Jun. 9, 2026
8:30 AM - 8:40 AMWelcome and Speaker Introduction
Derek Daly, CEO, Tomah Health
WHA Chair, Council on Rural Health -
Jun. 9, 2026
8:40 AM - 10:10 AMThe Generations in Health Care
Phil Gwoke
CEO, Generational Expert and Thought Leader -
Jun. 9, 2026
10:10 AM - 10:40 AMBreak and Visiting Exhibitors
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Jun. 9, 2026
10:40 AM - 12:00 PMThe State of Health Care in Wisconsin
Kyle O'Brien, CEO and President, WHA
Tim Size, Executive Director, RWHC
Kyle O’Brien and Tim Size team up to discuss the current state of health care in Wisconsin, how health care providers are affected and how health care can affect the current environment. -
Jun. 9, 2026
12:00 PM - 1:00 PMLunch and Visiting Exhibitors
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Jun. 9, 2026
1:00 PM - 2:00 PMBreakout Session 1
1A: Pediatric Readiness: Ensuring Rural and Critical Access Hospitals are Prepared
Pediatric readiness is the capacity of an emergency department to provide safe, timely, and high-quality emergency care to children, regardless of where they live. Many children in Wisconsin seek care at rural and critical access hospitals, therefore a strong commitment to pediatric readiness is essential to support these local systems that are often the first point of care for critically ill and injured children. Sustained focus on pediatric readiness strengthens local care delivery, equips frontline teams with the resources and processes needed to manage pediatric emergencies and ensures that children receive the right care in the right place at the right time. Continued investment in and collaboration with rural and critical access hospitals is a proven strategy to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality, improve outcomes and advance health equity for Wisconsin’s children. This presentation will describe the core components of pediatric readiness, highlight the ongoing work of the Wisconsin Pediatric Readiness for Community Hospitals Project and identify practical strategies to implement and sustain pediatric ready practices in rural and critical access settings.
Maureen Luetje, DO, Medical College of Wisconsin, Michael Kim, MD, Carissa Brunner, MPH, Children’s Wisconsin, and Anna VerKuilen, MPH, Children’s Wisconsin
1B: Multi generational Employee Wellness Programs
This panel will explore how organizations can design and implement multi generational employee wellness programs that meet the unique needs of today’s diverse workforce. Discussion will focus on practical strategies to enhance engagement, support well-being across age groups, and strengthen retention through inclusive wellness initiatives.
Katie Ott, Director of Benefits Engagement Solutions, Partner, M3 Insurance and Panel, TBA
1C: 340B Update for Rural Providers
With changes in administrations and the legal landscape, understanding the permissions and limitations on disclosures to law enforcement is a necessity for ensuring health care organizational compliance with privacy regulations. In this presentation, we will discuss the interplay between HIPAA, 42 C.F.R. Part 2, and Wisconsin-specific laws governing the disclosure of protected health information (PHI) to law enforcement, including discussion on when disclosure is permitted versus required by law. In addition, we will highlight processes, procedures and training that can help health care organizations be prepared for when law enforcement officers come knocking, including verifying the identity and authority of law enforcement officials before responding to requests for PHI and evaluating warrants, subpoenas, and administrative orders. With increased law enforcement activity at and near health care facilities, we welcome audience participation in discussing what is being seen and experienced within the industry and how health care organizations are responding.
James Junger, Attorney, Hall, Render, Killian, Heath & Lyman, P.C. -
Jun. 9, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:30 PMBreak and Visiting Exhibitors
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Jun. 9, 2026
2:30 PM - 3:30 PMBreakout Session 2
2A: Empathy Restored Among Healthcare Workers: Rebuilding Connection, Improving Care, Sustaining Well-Being
In today’s healthcare environment, empathy fatigue is a silent crisis. Clinicians are expected to deliver exceptional care while operating under relentless stress, time pressure, and administrative complexity. This presentation offers a pragmatic framework for restoring empathy across clinical teams—without adding one more thing to the to-do list. Participants will leave with tools they can use on their very next shift to reset emotionally, engage meaningfully, and maintain professional boundaries that protect their own well-being. The session combines research, storytelling, and hands-on practice to make empathy tangible and sustainable, even in high-acuity or fast-paced settings.
Hank Drummond PhD RN, Enterprise Chief Nurse Executive, Divisional Senior Vice President Cross Country
2B: Better Health Better Margins The Role of Energy in Rural Healthcare
A panel focused on the opportunities, misconceptions, and unknowns of energy use for rural hospitals and health systems. Healthcare is causing adverse health effects to our communities – an action that contradicts our mission. Learn how to improve the environment while improving your margins. Learn about rural hospitals and clinics that have reaped the benefits of energy sustainability. Understand the opportunities of energy sustainability and energy management to improve margins and the environment.
Emily Dilley, CEO, Cumberland Health, Kristie McCoic, and Keith Edgerton, U.S. Director of Climate Solutions Practice, GreenHealth
Facilitated by Laura Olson, CBDO, Eneration
2C: Delivering Care for Rural Women and Babies: The Wisconsin Way
Rural Wisconsin has had 9 labor and delivery unit closures in the last 3 years. It is up to each of us to begin creating change now to preserve the quality and quantity of obstetrical care available in our state. This session will share how rural hospitals in Wisconsin are working collaboratively and internally to preserve access to safe obstetrical care. Panelists will discuss workforce shortages, supportive staffing and provider coverage models, financial challenges, and quality/safety concerns surrounding rural obstetrical care. The tangible initiatives shared will equip and inspire hospital attendees with practical ideas they can use to serve women and babies in their communities successfully, whether they still offer L+D services or are seeing these patients in clinic, the ED, or postpartum.
Marie Barry, Director of Community Economic & Workforce Development, RWHC, Eilidh Pederson, , CEO, Western Wisconsin Health, Theresa Hollinger, CNO, Grant Regional Health Center, and Brianna Juszczak, Director of Acute Care and OB, , Mile Bluff Medical Center -
Jun. 9, 2026
3:30 PM - 3:45 PMBreak and Visiting Exhibitors
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Jun. 9, 2026
3:45 PM - 4:45 PMBreakout Session 3
3A: Caring for Wisconsin’s Caregivers: A Panel on Advancing Health Workforce Well Being Across Hospital Settings
Rising patient complexity, and an aging population are demographic factors largely beyond the state’s control, that will continue to increase health care demand and stress on the health care workforce for decades to come. Recognizing the urgency to support and sustain those who care for Wisconsin’s communities, the Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin Endowment (AHW) selected the Health Workforce Well Being Initiative as a landmark investment and awarded the Wisconsin Hospital Association (WHA) the responsibility to lead this transformative statewide effort. This session will highlight the early work, vision, and impact of the five year initiative to strengthen workforce well being across all care settings. Grounded in evidence, national standards, and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation multi phase model, the initiative is building a statewide infrastructure to equip hospitals and health systems with tools, resources, training, and other strategies to better support clinician well being.
Dr. Mike Stadler, Chief Medical Officer & AHW Initiative Champion, Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin (AHW), Nadine Allen, Chief Quality Officer & WHA Initiative Sponsor, WHA and Other Panel Members: TBA
Facilitated by Dr. Stefanie Simmons, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation (LBF)
3B: National Perspectives: Rural Health Transformation Programs
Identifying key commonalities across states, compare and contrasting different State operating models for the Rural Health Transformation Programs, with examples of unique State programs.
Ramona Pereira-Chakka, Principal, Deloitte and Dr. Elizabeth Baca, Managing Director, Deloitte
3C: Top 10 Rural Hospital Wins for 2026 that can be implemented without draining your finances
In this session, a presentation of practical, low-cost performance improvements that rural hospitals can implement across finance, nursing, HR, operations, and clinics will be shared. Also, the conditions that make these strategies effective in small and rural settings will be explored. Early-warning signs of operational or financial fragility that can be mitigated through targeted improvements will be discussed. In addition, an examination of how cross-department teams can collaborate to achieve measurable gains without major new investments will be provided. Finally, ten evidence-based strategies that rural hospitals across Wisconsin and the U.S. have used to strengthen performance in the past 12–24 months will be shared.
Kris Jacobson, MBA, LNHA,LALD – CEO/Owner Momentum Healthcare Solutions Group and Matthew Borchardt, MBA, CPA – Atrelis Co
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Jun. 9, 2026
4:45 PM - 4:45 PMAdjourn
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Jun. 9, 2026
6:00 PM - 8:00 PMDinner Reception and Exhibitor Showcase
Join us for a gourmet dinner, while networking with peers and visiting the expansive group of WHA Corporate Members who are in attendance and ready to share their products and services to assist WHA member hospitals with their needs.
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Jun. 10, 2026
7:30 AM - 8:30 AMBreakfast and Visiting Exhibitors
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Jun. 10, 2026
8:30 AM - 8:40 AMWelcome and Speaker Introduction
Derek Daly, CEO, Tomah Health
Chair, WHA Council on Rural Health -
Jun. 10, 2026
8:40 AM - 10:10 AMOpening Presentation
TBA
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Jun. 10, 2026
10:10 AM - 10:30 AMBreak and Visiting Exhibitors
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Jun. 10, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PMConference Closing
TBA
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Jun. 10, 2026
12:00 PM - 12:00 PMAdjourn and Save the Date for 2027
The 2026 Wisconsin Rural Health Conference will be held at:
The Osthoff Resort & Spa
101 Osthoff Avene
Elkhart Lake, WI 53020
Lodging
A block of hotel rooms are on hold for our conference attendees. Rates are:
- Standard Rooms and 1 Bedroom Suites: $219/night
- 2 Bedroom Woodland Suites: $259/night
- 2 Bedroom Courtyard Suite: $299.00/night
Overflow Lodging
TBA
Meeting Attire
The attire for this conference is business casual. Please remember that meeting rooms and public areas may be too cool or too warm for your preference. Please wear layers, in order to be as comfortable as possible.
Questions
For questions regarding the conference please contact the WHA Education department at education@wha.org or 608-274-1820.
Cost is $525/person and the online registration deadline is Wednesday, June 3. To register, please click
After this date, please register in person at the conference.
Attendees of the June 9 Dinner Reception are welcome to bring a guest. The cost for each dinner guest is $70.
Optional Activities - The below activities are optional for conference attendees ONLY.
Golf
The golf outing this year will be held at:
The Bull at Pinehurst Farms
1 Long Drive
Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085
Cost for participating in the golf outing is $145 and includes:
- 18 holes with a cart
- Box Lunch
- 2 drink tickets
Registration is between 10:00-11:00 AM, with shotgun start at 11:00 AM.
BBQ Grilling Cooking Class
Indulge your taste buds and elevate your grilling game by joining our specialty BBQ class at The Osthoff Resort & Spa. Uncover the secrets behind crafting mouthwatering brisket and baby back ribs, paired with roasted veggies. Experience includes enjoying your own creation and 2 complimentary beverages (Wine, Beer or Soft Drinks). Cost for participating is $115/person.
Class is being held from 12:00 - 2:00PM. Space is limited to 20 people total.
Please note: The Golf and Cooking Class options are listed on the conference registration. All payment (conference, golf option and cooking class option) must be received prior to the conference beginning in order for your registration to be active.
Payment Information
WHA accepts the following payment types:
Credit Card: Visa or MasterCard are accepted. Please note: There is a 3.5% PayPal service charge for all credit card payments.
Check: Checks should be made out to Wisconsin Hospital Association. If paying by check, please include a copy of your registration generated invoice and send to:
Wisconsin Hospital Association
Attn: 26RURAL
5510 Research Park Drive, Suite 200
Fitchburg, WI 53711
ACH: If you are interested in receiving ACH payment information, please email us at education@wha.org
WHA Cancellation Policy
Cancellations received in writing up to fifteen (15) business days prior to the conference will be given a full refund less a $50 processing fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations received less than fifteen (15) business days prior and day-of-program no-shows. Substitutions are accepted.
Special Needs
Dietary special needs can be indicated through the registration process. If you have any other special needs, please contact the WHA Education department at education@wha.org
The opportunity to exhibit and/or sponsor at the Wisconsin Rural Conference is available for WHA Corporate Members only. If you are interested in learning how you can become a Corporate Member, please email WHA's VP of Education and Corporate Partnerships Leigh Ann Larson
Phil Gwoke
CEO, Generational Expert & Thought Leader
As an internationally recognized speaker, Phil has spoken in 47 different See more
Phil Gwoke
continents to over a quarter of a million people. He continues to inspire audiences with valuable insights that are the result of working with people for over 25 years as a high school teacher, college admissions professional, marketing coordinator, corporate trainer, and even small business owner. He is a mentor and consultant to young entrepreneurs and employs his diverse background and skill set as the CEO of the BridgeWorks team.
Phil brings his unique humor, experiences, research, and generational expertise to every keynote, workshop, and training session he delivers. He is a firm believer that with the proper motivation, training, and support system, members of any generation are capable of remarkable accomplishments. With his down-to-
earth, relatable style, and dedication to presenting research in a digestible, entertaining way, Phil has become a fast favorite with audiences around the country both virtually and in person. Phil is a firm believer that with the proper motivation, training, and support system, members of any generation are capable of remarkable accomplishments.
