Thrive Summit 2026: What we heard at the Client Community Pre‑Conference Workshop

Ahead of Thrive Summit 2026, members of the Client Community came together for an interactive pre‑conference workshop focused on connection, collaboration, and peer learning.

This highly interactive, peer driven session blended connection, collaboration, and real time feedback. Attendees began by sharing small wins and challenges with peers at their tables before breaking into scenario based discussions focused on moments that matter most—such as early engagement, navigation clarity, sustaining momentum, and evolving challenges.

Groups then participated in structured feedback and prioritization exercises to identify what’s working, what needs refinement, and where new ideas could have the greatest impact. The session concluded with a guided discussion and live feedback exchange around an early Admin Wizard concept, giving participants the opportunity to react, ask questions, and help shape thinking around how insights could better support confident decision making.

Key themes and insights

Below are several themes that surfaced from those conversations — highlighting both what’s working and how peers are navigating complexity thoughtfully and intentionally.


Creating Clarity in a Complex Benefits Landscape

As engagement strategies grow more robust, many clients shared the importance of intentional communication — especially when helping members understand where to start and how different parts of their program connect.

• What peers shared: Clear positioning and simple language help members take action with confidence, reducing confusion and building early momentum.

• What this reflects: Clients seeing strong engagement often focus less on adding more offerings, but rather on clearer communications — reinforcing clarity as a core engagement lever.
  

Moving Beyond One‑Size‑Fits‑All Engagement

Workshop participants discussed how engagement naturally evolves over time. While incentives and challenges remain helpful tools, many clients are now focusing on how relevance, timing, and personalization influence sustained engagement.

• What peers shared: Points and Challenges can spark interest, but sustained engagement depends on thoughtful follow‑up and recognizing that different populations respond to different motivators.

• What this reflects: Rather than viewing engagement as a single moment, clients are thinking in cycles — planning how interest builds, peaks, and continues across the year.

Approaching Preventive Care with Empathy and Flexibility

Preventive care remains a shared priority, and clients exchanged perspectives on how they approach it in ways that feel supportive rather than prescriptive.

• What peers shared: Time, access, and outcome concerns influence member engagement. Clear, reassuring messaging and small steps help participation feel more approachable.

• What this reflects: Clients are increasingly framing preventive care as a conversation and journey, not just a checkbox — meeting members where they are.
  
  

Building Trust Through Transparency

Trust surfaced as a foundational element of successful programs, particularly as strategies mature and reach broader populations.

• What peers shared: Participants shared that transparency helps their members feel comfortable and confident in participating, while visible leadership support further reinforces credibility and trust in the program.

• What this reflects: Open, proactive communication — especially around privacy and data use — enables trust that supports long‑term engagement.
  
  

Telling the Story of Progress and Impact

As programs evolve, many participants noted the importance of being able to articulate impact, especially when speaking with internal stakeholders.

• What peers shared: Participants noted that their Leadership values context and progress. Many also noted that confident storytelling—supported by real examples—helps shape effective messaging.

• What this reflects: Clients are increasingly viewing wellbeing as a strategic, evolving investment, and focusing on storytelling that reflects that reality.
  
  

Admin Wizard Sneak Peek & Feedback

As part of the workshop, participants also had the opportunity to share targeted feedback on our Admin Wizard prototype. We’re currently reviewed and synthesized their input, focusing on the themes clients prioritized most—such as the role of data, visibility into how your peers approach similar challenges, and the desire for greater confidence and control when planning engagement efforts.

This feedback is now part of our broader client feedback process, where insights from sessions like this help inform ongoing evaluation and discussion. Our next step is assessing the key questions this type of experience should help answer and exploring what an initial, practical starting point could look like—ensuring what comes next reflects real client needs and creates a meaningful foundation for future iteration.

Learning, together 

Throughout the session, one theme was clear: peer connection matters. Clients openly shared ideas, compared approaches, and learned from one another’s experiences—an exchange that was especially valuable for those newer to their roles or navigating periods of change.

While no two organizations are the same, many participants discovered that they’re exploring similar questions—and doing so with intention, care, and creativity. Learning from peers builds confidence, sparks new ideas, and reminds us that progress doesn’t happen in isolation.

Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation and shared their perspectives. These moments of connection continue to shape how we learn together, support one another, and move this work forward as a community.