On August 2, 2017, Dr. Brian Gifford, IBI’s Director of Research and Measurement, gave two presentations at DMEC’s Annual Conference in Anaheim. On a panel discussion with Jennifer Sheehy, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Disability Employment Policy, US Department of Labor, and Dr. Jennifer Christian, President of Webility, Dr. Gifford discussed the "potential for evidence-based early intervention to preserve workforce productivity":https://www.mathematica-mpr.com//our-publications-and-findings/publications/targeting-early-intervention-to-workers-who-need-help-to-stay-in-the-labor-force. Dr. Gifford also presented findings on the disability costs and lost work time associated with arthritis—with a focus on research showing how effective treatments can mitigate productivity losses due to rheumatoid arthritis.