Caroline works with employers to design and implement customized benefit strategies that best meet the needs of the company and its employees. She enjoys exploring creative solutions for cost containment as well as evaluating new benefits and perks for employees. She also finds that digging into the math behind renewal work-ups, conducting in-depth compliance assessments, and articulating strategic benefits philosophies are among the most satisfying projects she has the opportunity to complete. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and participating in Vita's book club.
5 Key Lessons From 2025 Open Enrollment That Will Strengthen Your 2026 Benefits Strategy
January 27, 2026
11 AM Pacific
Earn 1 SHRM & HRCI
CE Credit
Open Enrollment often gets checked off and left in the past, but it’s one of
the most critical measures of how well your benefits strategy, communication,
and broker partnership are working. But many organizations never pause to extract
the lessons that matter most.
In this webinar, Vita’s benefits experts will break down 5 key lessons from the
2025 Open Enrollment cycle that every HR team should carry into 2026 planning.
These insights will help you strengthen participation, improve cost efficiency, and
create a positive employee benefits experience in the year ahead.
You'll Learn:
- Where transparency and market data strengthen negotiating leverage
for 2026 renewals - How consumer-directed plans and high-performance networks are
shaping the market - When self-funding makes sense—and when it doesn't
- Tactical best practices: what to audit, how to fix issues, and why it matters
- How to maximize communication beyond the OE window
Claim Your Access Today
Elements of a Meaningful Post-Mortem
Wins to Repeat & Pitfalls to Avoid
The Data That Matters Most
Market Trends Shaping 2026
The Power of Partnership
See how the right broker partnership strengthens decision-making, and the key questions that ensure you’re getting true strategic value.
Your Blueprint for 2026 and Beyond
SHRM & HRCI Credits
This webinar qualifies for 1 SHRM & HRCI general HR continuing education credit.
Featured Speakers
Caroline Barkley
Benefits Practice Lead | Vita
Caroline partners with employers to design and implement benefits strategies that meet both company and employee needs. She enjoys exploring cost-saving solutions, evaluating new perks, and tackling projects like renewal analysis, compliance assessments, and strategic benefits planning.
Erik Hansen
President | Vita
Erik has been in the employee benefits industry his entire life, working at Vita in different capacities since 2001. As President, he leads the team in delivering exceptional knowledge, service, and client experiences, ensuring the company remains focused on its partners, clients, and the employees they serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
This session is designed for HR decision-makers, employee benefits managers, and anyone responsible for Open Enrollment execution or strategy.
This event qualifies for 1 hour of SHRM and HRCI general HR CE.
CE certificates will be emailed to attendees following the event.
You’ll get the webinar link automatically in your confirmation email (from events@vitamail.com) right after you register, as well as in reminder emails sent before the event.
Attendees will receive a follow-up email with the slides and any additional resources shared during the session.