The GPBCH Annual Conference - Employers Driving Value: Emerging Best Practices - drew over 260 registrants - a record number! Keynote speakers included Jim Klein, President of the American Benefits Council, who discussed the impact of federal policy and politics on employers, and Dr. Jaan Sidorov, President of the Care-Centered Collaborative of the Pennsylvania Medical Society, who discussed best practices for promoting high-quality primary care. Leapfrog Group President & CEO Leah Binder, the Healthcare Improvement Foundation and Capital Blue Cross shared advances on driving improvement in patient safety. Led by Andrew Webber of Discern Health, Linda Brady of Boeing and Gaye Fortner of HealthCare 21 discussed the merits and challenges of direct contracting with providers. We also learned about the movement toward value-based pricing of pharmaceuticals from Harry Vargo of Aetna and David Hartenbaum of Merck. Regional and national employers Urban Outfitters, Pinnacle Foods and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories shared their challenges and successes in implementing innovative approaches to benefits management, and reversing or slowing cost trends. GPBCH employer and affiliate members were recognized with the Healthcare Innovation Award for their successes in improving employee health and benefits spend value through well-being programs and benefits design innovation. Award winners were Accolade, Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), City of Philadelphia and Vanguard. Organizations receiving an “Honorable Mention” were Drexel University, Health Advocate and Lincoln Financial.