Recently we celebrated ASPPA’s 50th anniversary. As part of our ongoing commitment toward excellence, this year we INSPIRE.
Join us at the 2018 ASPPA Annual Conference to be challenged and motivated. Choose from nearly 90 workshops. Attend six general sessions led by top industry experts. Network with colleagues and share ideas to solve your most pressing challenges.
It’s all at the ASPPA Annual Conference!
| Early Bird Price (valid until 9/14/18) |
Regular Price (valid 9/15/18 – 10/12/18) |
On-site Price (valid after 10/12/18) |
|
| ASPPA or ACOPA Member | $1,110 | $1,410 | $1,710 |
| Additional ASPPA or ACOPA Member | $1,010 | n/a | n/a |
| Non-member | $1,415 | $1,715 | $2,015 |
8 AM – 7 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN
5:40 – 7 PM
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
Vendor partners will showcase the essential products and services for plan sponsors and plan practitioners. The exhibit hall is a terrific way to quickly keep abreast of the latest industry developments. The Sunday and Monday evening receptions, breakfast and beverage breaks will all be held in the exhibit hall to give you an opportunity to meet with the exhibitors and sponsors. In addition, the exhibitors will join us for lunches, providing yet another networking opportunity.
10:30 – 11:15 AM
FIRST TIME ATTENDEE ORIENTATION
Welcome Class of 2018 to your very first ASPPA Annual Conference! Get the most of your conference experience by attending this quick first time attendee orientation. Connect with other first time attendees while we review all of the events the conference has to offer, help you access the mobile app, give you a lay of the land and where the sessions are located and give you tips and tricks for navigating the exhibit hall. We are excited to have you join us!
12 – 12:50 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 1: E-Notices in an Increasingly Online World
Workshop 2: DOL Investigations – Part I
Workshop 3: Limiting Your Business Liability
Workshop 4: No Down Time-Hot Topics in the Recordkeeping World – Part I
Workshop 5: A Deeper Dive into the 436 Regulations – Part I
Workshop 6: Mergers, Acquisitions & Spinoffs – A Focus on Defined Benefit Plans
1:05 – 1:55 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 7: Taking the Leap – Adding a DB Plan
Workshop 8: DOL Investigations – Part II
Workshop 9: The Ethical Leader: How to Prevent Ethical Problems Before They Happen
Workshop 10: No Down Time-Hot Topics in the Recordkeeping World – Part II
Workshop 11: A Deeper Dive into the 436 Regulations – Part II
Workshop 12: Miscellaneous DB Topics
1:55 – 2:10 PM
BEVERAGE BREAK
2:10 – 3 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 13: Ethics-Doing What’s Right Even When it’s Tough
Workshop 14: Mergers and Acquisitions – Tips, Tricks, and Traps
Workshop 15: Cyber and Data Security Considerations for the Business Owners and Manager
Workshop 16: Getting the Attention of your Participants
Workshop 17: Ethics for Actuaries
Workshop 18: The Challenges of Takeovers
3:15 – 4:05 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 19: Myth Busting in 401(k) Plan Design – The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Workshop 20: Fiduciary Considerations for TPAs
Workshop 21: Evaluating a New Service Line – 3(16) Point and Counterpoint
Workshop 22: The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes-Issues in Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
Workshop 23: An Advanced Look at the ASOP’s
Workshop 24: 415 Limits and the Impact of the Interest Crediting Rate
4:20 – 4:50 PM
OPENING GENERAL SESSION 1: ASPPA BUSINESS MEETING
Come celebrate the achievements of the ASPPA! Adam Pozek, ASPPA President, will provide a year in review, incoming at-large members of the 2018 ASPPA Leadership Council will be presented to the membership, and an awards presentation will take place. The Washington Update session will begin immediately following, so come get your seats early!
4:50 – 5:40 PM
GENERAL SESSION 2: WASHINGTON UPDATE
Developments in Washington continue to have a significant impact on retirement plans. Take this opportunity to become in-the-know on recent legal and regulatory developments and discover what may be lurking on the legislative horizon.
Douglas Fisher, Director of Retirement Policy, American Retirement Association
Brian H. Graff, Esq., APM, Executive Director/CEO, American Retirement Association
Craig P. Hoffman, Esq., APM, General Counsel, American Retirement Association
5:40 – 7 PM
WELCOME RECEPTION IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN
7 AM – 5:20 PM
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
7 – 8 AM
BREAKFAST IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
8 – 8:50 AM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 25: Litigation Trends in Retirement Plan
Workshop 26: Your Friend the CPA – How to Work Efficiently with the Plan’s Independent Auditor
Workshop 27: S/He Did What? How You Can Prevent Sexual Harassment in Your Firm
Workshop 28: Incorporating HSAs into Recordkeeping Services
Workshop 29: Government Plans
Workshop 30: TBD
9:05 – 11:05 AM
GENERAL SESSION 3: CURRENT EVENTS
Strategy merges with current events of today’s retirement plan world. You won’t want to miss this fast paced, must-see “edutainment” session as we answer your most pressing questions!
11:05 – 11:35 AM
BEVERAGE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 31: Hide and Seek, What to Do About Missing Participants
Workshop 32: Davis-Bacon/Prevailing Wage Plans – A Primer
Workshop 33: HR Hot Topics and Legal Updates Relevant to the TPA Business Owner
Workshop 34: Women in Recordkeeping
Workshop 35: Actuarial Challenges -Lessons Learned from the Trenches
Workshop 36: DB Funding: Given the Min/Max Range, What do you Recommend?
12:25 – 2 PM
LUNCH IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
2 – 2:50 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 37: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 – What Does it Really Mean for Retirement Plans – Part I
Workshop 38: Controlled Groups and Affiliated Service Groups – A Case Study- Part I
Workshop 39: Business Metrics That Help You Measure Business Success- Part I: The Overview
Workshop 40: Participant Level Operational Realities – Part I
Workshop 41: The Ins and Outs of Cash Balance Plans- Part I
Workshop 42: ASC 715 – The Basics
2:50 – 3:20 PM
BEVERAGE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
3:20 – 4:10 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 43: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 – What does it Really Mean for Retirement Plans – Part II
Workshop 44: Controlled Groups and Affiliated Service Groups – A Case Study- Part II
Workshop 45: Business Metrics That Help You Measure & Manage Business Success- Part II: The Deep Dive – Peer-to-Peer Session
Workshop 46: Participant Level Operational Realities – Part II
Workshop 47: The Ins and Outs of Cash Balance Plans- Part II
Workshop 48: ASC 715 – The Changes
4:25 – 5:15 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 49: HSA 101 – The Ins and Outs of Health Savings Accounts
Workshop 50: You Can’t Make This Up – Unbelievable Mistakes Found in Retirement Plans
Workshop 51: Using Professional Service Providers to Grow and Manage Your Business Hiring Outside Service Provider
Workshop 52: Ethics in Recordkeeping
Workshop 53: DB Regulatory Update
Workshop 54: From the Sale to Implementation of a Combo Plan – What Went Wrong?
MONDAY NIGHT – OPEN EVENING
National Harbor is not so much a destination as it is an experience. Immerse yourself in the sights, scents, and sounds of this unique waterfront wonderland. Stroll the riverside streets, ride The Capital Wheel, play at the new MGM National Harbor, shop at Tanger Outlets or dine at any of the more than 40 dining spots. Visitwww.nationalharbor.com to plan your visit!
7 AM– 5:30 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN
7 AM – 3:05 PM
EXHIBIT HALL OPEN
7 – 8 AM
BREAKFAST IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
8 – 8:50 AM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 55: Employee, Independent Contractor and Leased Employee – How to Tell Them Apart
Workshop 56: Life is Full of Hardship. Don’t Make Distributions a Part of It
Workshop 57: Managing Stress, Preventing Burnout, and Encouraging Engagement in the Workplace
Workshop 58: Translating the Plan Document into the Day to Day
Workshop 59: Guiding the Plan Sponsor through the DB Termination Process
Workshop 60: Defined Benefit Distributions – a Focus on QDROS and Restricted Payments
9:05 – 10:45 AM
GENERAL SESSION 4: GOVERNMENT UPDATE
10:45 – 11:15 AM
BEVERAGE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
11:15 AM – 12:05 PM
GENERAL SESSION 5: ETHICS
12:05 – 1:45 PM
LUNCH IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
12:05 – 1:45 PM
ACOPA LUNCHEON
1:45 – 2:35 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 61: MEPs and PEPs – Legal and Regulatory Developments
Workshop 62: Pre-Approved Plan Documents Update – Are You Ready for the Next Cycle?
Workshop 63: Workforce Development: Developing Training Strategies and Policies for Your Team
Workshop 64: Going It Alone-the Solo 401(k) Plan
Workshop 65: Litigation Update – DB Plans
Workshop 66: Plan Designs – Should You Push the Envelope? – Part I
2:35 – 3:05 PM
BEVERAGE BREAK IN THE EXHIBIT HALL
3:05 – 3:55 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 67: Compensation – What Are We Allowed to Use
Workshop 68: So You’re Interested in New Comp – Cross Testing in Defined Contribution Plans
Workshop 69: Technology Tips and Trends to Make Your Business More Efficient
Workshop 70: Making Sense of your Structure
Workshop 71: DB Documents and Restatements
Workshop 72: Plan Designs – Should You Push the Envelope? – Part II
4:10 – 5 PM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 73: Case Studies in Compensation – Follow-up to “What Are We Allowed to Use”
Workshop 74: Cross Testing in DC/DB Combo Plans – A Follow-up to Cross Testing in Defined Contribution Plans
Workshop 75: Peer to Peer – Business Leaders Will Discuss It All
Workshop 76: Face to Face – Recordkeeping Version
Workshop 77: DB Experts Q&A
8 – 11 PM
THE DELOREANS CONCERT
The Deloreans are the newly celebrated 80’s show band in Virginia and well beyond. Dedicated to taking you “Back to the Eighties,” they play all the mega hits from the new wave, pop and rock scenes of the decade – there is never a tune not from the 80’s or a dull moment. Like a time machine, they take you back to the famous era of glitz and glam. Along with big lights, sound, costumes and personality you can expect nothing less than a “totally awesome” show!
7 AM – 12:20 PM
REGISTRATION OPEN
7 – 8 AM
BREAKFAST
8 – 8:50 AM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 78: The Non-ERISA world of Government, Tribal and Non-Electing Church Plans
Workshop 79: EPCRS Self-Correction Case Studies – Part I
Workshop 80: Communication Land Mines: Why Critical Communication Is Important
Workshop 81: Preventing Garbage Out by Avoiding Garbage In
Workshop 82: PBGC Reporting and Notices
9:05 – 9:55 AM
CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Workshop 83: Just Because You Can Doesn’t mean You Should – Plan Design Ideas to Avoid
Workshop 84: EPCRS Self-Correction Case Studies – Part II
Workshop 85: Peer to Peer – Business Leaders Bringing It All Together
Workshop 86: Playing Nice in the Sandbox-Considerations for TPA and Recordkeeper Partnerships
Workshop 87: A Deeper Dive in the 430 Regulations
9:55 – 10:15 AM
BEVERAGE BREAK
10:15 AM – 12:20 PM
GENERAL SESSION 6: ASK THE EXPERTS
One of the most in-demand sessions at ASPPA Annual! Get answers to the most difficult industry questions from this all-star panel of experts. Submit your questions in advance.
12:20 PM
CONFERENCE ADJOURNS
Thank you for attending the 2018 ASPPA Annual Conference! Be sure to share your #ASPPA18 experience and remember to save the date for the 2019 ASPPA Annual Conference on October 20-23, 2019 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center!
Airlines
Alaska Airlines: Earn up to 10% off when you book through Alaska Airlines when flying into Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), or Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Reservations and ticketing are available by clicking here, and entering discount code ECMZ584. If you have questions about the Discount Code, please contact the Group Desk at 800-445-4435. Alaska Airlines Group Desk hours of operation are Monday through Friday 6am-6pm PST, Saturday 7:30am-6pm PST, closed Sunday.
Delta: Earn up to 10% off when you book through Delta when flying into Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles Airport (IAD), or Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). Reservations and ticketing are available by clicking here, select book your flight and entering meeting event code NMS2S. Reservations may also be made by calling Delta Meeting reservations at 800-328- 1111 Mon-Fri 7am-7pm CDT. (Offer is valid traveling October 16-29, 2018 using meeting code NMS2S).
United: Earn up to 10% off when you book through United when flying into Washington National Airport (DCA). You may book online by clicking here, select all search options and entering offer code ZF5Q463567. Reservations may also be made by calling our United Reservations Meetings Desk at 800-426-1122 Mon-Fri 8am – 10pm ET and Sat/Sun 8am – 6pm ET and providing Z code ZF5Q and Agreement Code 463567. (Offer is valid traveling October 18-27, 2018 using offer code ZF5Q463567).
Airport Shuttle Discounts
SuperShuttle: Receive 10% off when you make your reservation online by clicking here and entering discount code 7UPDR. The discount code is available October 18-26, 2018 when traveling to and from the Gaylord National Resort.
Arrival Procedures into DCA: After collecting luggage, customers must proceed to the SuperShuttle ticket counters in terminal A (near Door 1), B (door 4 on the lower level), and C (door 9 on the lower level) baggage claim areas. Counters are staffed from 6:30 AM to 1:00 AM daily*. After hours, customer may call 1 (800) 258-3826 to secure their ride.
Arrival procedures in IAD: After collecting your luggage, customers must proceed to the SuperShuttle ticket counters, located on the lower level by Door 2 for international arrivals, and Door 6 for domestic arrival. After checking in, a uniformed representative will direct customer to the loading areas located at curb 1E. Representatives are on site 24-7.
Amtrak Discounts
Amtrak: Receive 10% off the best available rail fare to Washington, DC between October 18 – October 27, 2018. To book your reservation call Amtrak at 1 (800) 872-7245 and reference fare code X66H-999.
Attire at the conference is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers, blouses, and most importantly, comfortable shoes! Remember that hotel meeting rooms tend to be cool, so be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket.
When you book your sleeping room for this year’s ASPPA Annual Conference, it’s extremely important that you stay at ASPPA’s headquarters hotel — the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. The discounted room rates that we negotiate are based on the total number of anticipated sleeping rooms and meeting space booked, so if you stay at another hotel, ASPPA is held accountable. That means ASPPA will pay attrition penalties for the rooms not utilized, which could ultimately increase registration prices for everyone. To minimize potential penalties, an additional $250 facilities surcharge will be assessed for anyone not staying at the conference host hotel. Once you register for the conference, you must then visit the reservations link on the conference website to make your hotel reservation.
*Please note: The facilities surcharge does NOT apply to members of the media or to attendees living within a 50-mile radius of the conference location. Multiple attendees staying in the same room are not subject to the facilities surcharge, provided each attendee’s name is listed on the hotel reservation.
First-time Attendee Orientation
Sunday, October 21, 10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
Welcome Class of 2018 to your very first ASPPA Annual Conference! Get the most of your conference experience by attending this quick, first-time attendee orientation. Connect with other first-time attendees while we review all of the events the conference has to offer, help you access the mobile app, give you a lay of the land and where the sessions are located, and give you tips and tricks for navigating the exhibit hall. We are excited to have you join us!
If you need help onsite, visit the conference registration desk. Our staff and volunteers want to make navigating the meeting as easy as possible.
We put a lot of work into new initiatives for our first-timers. As an ASPPA Annual Conference pro, you can help! You can identify first-time attendees by their “First Time Attendee” ribbons.
When you see a first-timer, say hello! Introduce them to some of your contacts. Sit by them in the sessions. Not only will you be helping the first-timers, you’ll build your own network and make a new friend.
Substitution of registrations is permitted prior to the conference and onsite. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for updating any contact information.
All registration cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing by October 12, 2018. A refund of the conference fee, minus a $100 processing fee, will be given for cancellations received by that date. No refunds will be granted for requests received after October 12, 2018. Submit all requests to accountsreceivable@usaretirement.org. Please note that refunds will not be given for no-shows.
Attendees registering in advance may pick up their badge at the Registration Desk during registration desk hours. If you do not check in at the conference registration desk to pick up your badge, you will be deemed a no-show and continuing education credit will not be issued. Refunds will not be given for no-shows. Attendees may not pick up other attendees’ badges/materials.
All education sessions (except where noted) will be recorded for access after the conference. These archives will offer many hours of recorded content, plus you’ll have access to the session handouts. Your conference registration includes free access to all available recordings.
Sunday, October 21 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Monday, October 22 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 23 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 24 7:00 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Contact the ASPPA Conferences department at conferences@usaretirement.org
Continental breakfast on Monday through Wednesday
Morning and afternoon beverages Sunday through Wednesday
Lunch in the exhibit hall on Monday and Tuesday
Food and beverages at the Sunday Reception
Hotel Cut-Off Date: September 28, 2018
Room rate $299 per night
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
201 Waterfront St
National Harbor, MD
Continuing Education
The conference is designed to offer up to 25 ASPPA CE credits with 3 ethics credits available. ERPA, JBEA, State Insurance, and Legal Credits are also available (certain restrictions apply). To request approval for a specific type of credit, click here.
Continuing Education Calculator
How many ASPPA CE credits is each session worth?
50 minutes = 1 credit hour
75 minutes = 1.5 credit hours
100 minutes = 2 credit hours
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The views and opinions expressed by speakers or others who have provided materials to and for this conference are not necessarily those of ARA, ASPPA or its affiliate organizations. ARA, ASPPA and its affiliate organizations assume no responsibility for, nor endorses any of the comments, recommendations or materials that are provided. Your registration and attendance at, or participation in, the ASPPA Annual Conference and other activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to ASPPA permission to utilize photos taken of you at the event for news, promotion and similar purposes. Solicitation of business by anyone other than ASPPA exhibitors and sponsors is strictly prohibited. Please report any violations to the registration desk.
