(1) The purpose of a prehearing conference is to prepare the case for hearing by scheduling prehearing deadlines and by identifying the issues. At the prehearing conference, the presiding officer will encourage the parties to engage in settlement negotiations as the case proceeds.

(2) Appearance by a party or by the party's representative at a prehearing conference is mandatory. If a party fails to attend a prehearing conference, that is not justified by good cause, the presiding officer may issue an order of default against the absent party or other appropriate action.