THANK YOU to everyone who attended our conference this year!

It was so great to spend the day networking, learning, and celebrating another great year.

The First Coast Worksite Wellness Council and title sponsor, Florida Blue, were honored to host the 18th Annual Worksite Wellness Conference and Healthiest Companies Luncheon on May 6th, 2026, at the Florida Blue Conference Center.

The theme this year - People First: Reimagining Work Through Wellness, Leadership, and Connection, is more than just a title; it is a call to action. In an era of rapid technological change and shifting workplace dynamics, we are at a pivotal moment. We have the collective opportunity to move beyond "perks" and "programs" to fundamentally redesign the way we work, ensuring that human-centered well-being is the foundation upon which all organizational success is built. 

Throughout the conference, we explored three critical pillars:

• Wellness: Moving toward a holistic, integrated approach to physical, mental, and emotional health.
• Leadership: Empowering leaders to manage with empathy, authenticity, and a "people-first" mindset. 
• Connection: Strengthening the social fabric of our organizations to foster belonging and purpose. 

Download Photo Gallery

Conference Highlights

Keynote Speaker

Jennifer Moss - Creating a Work Culture Everyone Wants

A global workplace strategist, researcher, and acclaimed journalist, Jennifer tackles serious topics with a sense of humor and an approachable speaking style. Based on her provocative new book, the next one in her award-winner series for Harvard Business Press, Jennifer enlightens audiences with the latest research, novel case studies and leadership insights. She's best known for explaining through science those feelings we can't put our finger on and leaving attendees with practical strategies and next steps to sole the big problems. 

Breakout Sessions

Jocelyn Donahue & Annie Erstling - Finding Your Center When Life Shifts

Change is inevitable—but feeling grounded through change takes intention. How do you build, maintain, and prioritize your well-being while navigating personal and professional transitions? Jocelyn and Annie shared their current career transition journeys and the practices that helped them stay centered during times of uncertainty. This session offered an honest, in-the-moment perspective—exploring what it looks like to care for yourself while things are still evolving. Attendees walked away with practical, creative ideas to help them stay anchored, regain clarity, and support their wellness through life’s inevitable shifts.

Panel Discussion - Wellness Reimagined: Culture Over Compliance Moving beyond participation rates to build leadership-led, high-impact wellness programs.

Panel discussion with Brian Bush (VP, Tom Bush Family of Dealerships), Chris Margolin (CEO, Health Designs), Mallory Rubek (Manager of Employee Wellbeing Programs, GatorCare), facilitated by Cassie Bruce (Director of Corporate Health, Baptist Health)

Ashlyn Schwartz, PhD - Regulate to Elevate: From Stress Reactivity to Strategy in the Workplace

Over 70% of U.S. adults experience chronic stress, yet many lack practical tools to regulate it in real time. When the nervous system is in a stress response, individuals are more likely to operate in reactive patterns, limiting clarity, decision-making, and performance. This session introduced a science-informed approach to nervous system regulation. Participants learned practical, evidence-based techniques to shift their physiology, reduce stress, and move from reactivity to more intentional, strategic action.

Gina Gonnella, M.Ed., NBC-HWC, CWPM - The Triple Threat of weLLLness: Loyalty, Longevity, and Legacy in the Workplace

Attendees discovered how the weLLness framework connects employee well-being to the outcomes that matter most: loyalty, longevity, and legacy. They walked away with actionable strategies to strengthen retention, boost engagement, and create a thriving workplace culture where both employees and the organization succeed.

Adriana Dobbs - Sound Bath Experience with Serenity Sounds

Participants experienced a restorative sound bath—an immersive, full-body listening journey designed to calm the mind and relax the body. Surrounded by the soothing vibrations of quartz crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and other healing instruments, guests were guided into a deeply meditative state. These frequencies work at a cellular level to release tension, regulate the nervous system, and promote profound relaxation and inner balance. Benefits of a Sound Bath: Reduces stress and anxiety. Enhances sleep quality and relaxation. Supports emotional well-being and mindfulness. Encourages nervous system regulation.

Emcee

Eden Kendall - Co-host of River City Live

Eden Kendall co-hosts River City Live alongside Rance Adams, bringing her lively presence and passion for Jacksonville to the weekday morning show on Channel 4. A longtime media personality in Northeast Florida, Eden began her career in morning radio while attending the University of Florida and became a familiar voice to listeners during her years on-air WAPE 95.1 and then 99.9 Gator Country. She connects with viewers through engaging stories, local events, and vibrant conversations that celebrate the people and culture of the River City. Outside of television, Eden co-hosts the podcast Uncluttered and Unfiltered, where she and professional organizer Christine Stone offer practical and empowering advice to women over 50. A proud wife and a mom of two, she's a runner, dog lover, trivia fan, and unapologetic peanut butter enthusiast. 

Florida Blue Presenter

Tony Jenkins - Market President, North Florida

Tony Jenkins is a native of Jacksonville and the Market President for the Northeast Florida region where he is responsible for regional business operations and community engagement efforts for 17 counties. He works closely with customers, local healthcare providers, and local organizations to improve health outcomes and access to care. Tony succeeds Darnell Smith, who recently announced his retirement after 35 years of dedicated service to Florida Blue.

The First Coast Worksite Wellness Council, Inc. would like to thank all of our amazing sponsors, exhibitors and others who made the conference possible through their generous donations!