Plano, TX – Show organizers can get the answers on how the U.S. Affordable Care Act will impact the trade show industry from a webinar presented on Monday, February 25 by the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the human resources consulting firm SESCO Management Consultants. The webinar is sponsored by Trade Show Executive.
President Obama’s State of the Union address on February 12 didn’t provide any new information on the ambitious healthcare program, but ESCA and SESCO have been analyzing the potential consequences for months and will provide a comprehensive overview of the new responsibilities businesses will face as well as the consequences of non-compliance with the new law.
“It’s a killer,” said SESCO Vice President Jamie Hasty, who will be the lead presenter. “The law makes it extremely hard on employers when you look at some of the penalties and other challenges involved. They will also be focusing more time on training, paperwork and communications.”
“There will be significant challenges to meet and decisions to be made, but some folks haven’t event started to address them.” Hasty added.
The ESCA webinar, titled Employer’s Guide to Healthcare Reform, will take place February 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CST. The cost is $25 for ESCA members and $50 for nonmembers.
SESCO has been monitoring the development of the Affordable Care Act since it debuted in 2010. The firm has drawn upon the expertise of lawyers, human resources specialists and federal officials to create a practical analysis of what the legislation means to the business community.
Employers will no doubt face some thorny questions, such as possible reductions in the hours of full-time workers and in collective-bargaining negotiations with unions. Adding to the high stakes will be the ongoing interpretations and adjustments coming out of the hallowed halls of the Internal Revenue Service.
“The challenge is companies are dealing with all of this when there is still so much that has to be defined,” Hasty added. “We are still at the point where one government agency is saying one thing and another agency is saying another, it is challenging for employers and groups.”
The ideal strategy is to be as pro-active as possible, which Hasty said was a challenge in itself due to the still-fluid situation. Regardless of what individual show organizers have done so far to prepare for Obamacare, the ESCA webinar will provide useful guidance for the rest of the journey.
Reach Mitt Arnaudet, ESCA member services director, at (972) 447-8212 or mitt@esca.org
