ASPPA ANNUAL MOVES VIRTUAL
Until recently, ASPPA was moving ahead with its plans to hold this year’s Annual Conference in Chicago this fall. However, Illinois is pursuing a state-wide reopening plan that does not allow hotels to host conference gatherings of our size until a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 is available.
Like you, we love ASPPA Annual! We know this conference provides all of us with incredible educational content and helps us connect with each other. We remain committed to providing outstanding educational and networking opportunities for our members, which is why ASPPA is transforming this event into a unique, interactive, virtual conference that will be held throughout the fall of 2020 and through which attendees will access content, connect with sponsors and network with peers, not over just a few days, but over four weeks!
FOR 2020, we HAVE changed the game and brought ASPPA2020 to YOU with an unprecedented 100 percent digital experience that will help you grow your network and build lasting relationships. Our All Access community allows you share your ideas and connect with your peers before, during and after the event.
How It Works
Be part of the excitement! ASPPA2020 All Access is not just another webinar, but an interactive experience, offering many opportunities to make connections that will fuel you and your team well after the event.
We’re bringing the ASPPA community together for a new kind of event. This year will have a much different look, rhythm and feel from those of years past, but will continue to feature a wealth of timely, useful content, delivered by industry experts, and lots of great chances to network with colleagues; all of which we’ll deliver to you online. We’re here for you and are on this journey together. ASPPA’s got your back! What to expect:
About ASPPA
The American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA), affiliate organization of the American Retirement Association, was founded in 1966 in efforts to educate retirement plan professionals and create a framework of public policy that gives every working American the ability to have a comfortable retirement.
Agenda
This event will be anchored by a number of keynote sessions from some of the top thought leaders, breaking into tracks for TPAs, actuaries, recordkeepers and business owners at various points. Join these virtual hangouts in advance of the conference to learn more!
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMuc-ytqT8sH9y2lai_PHI3hOC-PFNEKQZz
Date: 09/16/2020, 1:30pm Pacific / 4:30pm Eastern – 45 Minutes
Hosts: Kirsten L. Curry, APM, Amanda R. Iverson, APM, William C. Presson, QPA, QKA
Join us for a virtual hangout where we will share and facilitate a discussion about what it’s like to be a TPA firm leader during the current Pandemic. Grab a drink and participate in the interactive hangout pre-ASPPA All Access!
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwpfumsqz4vG9JXArfvZUjhGw7UTGWDUKbK
Date: 9/17/2020, 1pm Pacific / 4pm Eastern – 30 minutes
Hosts: Norman Levinrad, FSPA and Angela Vadnais
Join us for this fun casual interactive virtual hangout pre-ASPPA All Access where we will discuss 1-2 topics from ASEA Google Group over the last year.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEucuuqrjstGd34A2pEbvbL0Hz3kJ38Z067
Date: 09/23/2020, 1:30pm Pacific / 4:30pm Eastern – 1 hour
Hosts: Shannon M. Edwards, QPA, QKA, Kelsey N.H. Mayo, J.D., James J. McKinney, IV, CPC, QPA, QKA
Do you think it’s fun to hear stories of the stuff you can’t believe administrators have seen? Join these co-hosts for a virtual hang out as they discuss and share your own stories too!
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMocu-ppzktE9LJ1L2Yt500VOdYl2OTqFul
Date: 10/07/02020, 1pm Pacific/ 4pm Eastern – 45 minutes
Co-Hosts: Kirsten L. Curry, APM, Frank Porter, QKA, QPA, Maggie Younis, CPC, QPA, QKA, TGPC
Join us as we host a virtual interactive hangout pre ASPPA All Access to discuss what it’s like to be a Recordkeeper during the current Pandemic.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0ldOmtqjkuHNfFKJCODdUBbry9xVGIX19Z
Date: 10/16/2020, 1:30pm Pacific / 4:30pm Eastern – 30 minutes
Hosts: Genelle M. Brakefield, QKA, QPFC, TGPC, Miriam G. Matrangola, Esq, QPA, QKA, J. Tyler Wilson, QPA, QKA
Wouldn’t it be great to meet a few TPA folks prior to the conference? Join us for a virtual hangout pre ASPPA All Access for newer attendees. We’ll share our first experience at ASPPA Annual and facilitate an interactive discussion about what life is like in 2020.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElcumtrzIvH9w3TMFwaVASRFPZM0gwr_Tf
Date: 10/20/2020, 1pm Pacific/ 4pm Eastern – 1 hour
Hosts: Megan Crawford, Jennifer Gibbs Swets, QPA, QKA, Lynn M. Young, MSPA
Calling all Retirement Plan Professional Women!! Join us as we host a virtual hangout pre ASPPA All Access where we will discuss the biggest changes and opportunities that have arisen as a result of the current Pandemic.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2020
12:30–1 p.m. ET | WELCOME TO ASPPA2020 – ALL ACCESS
Welcome to ASPPA2020 – All Access! We have a great event in store for you, which we’ll introduce by delivering an introduction to the agenda, explaining how to watch your favorite sessions and describing some of the fun we’ll be having throughout the next four weeks! And, ARA President Kyla Keck and ASPPA President Missy Matrangola will deliver a year-in-review roundup.
Brian H. Graff, Esq., APM, Chief Executive Officer, American Retirement Association
Kyla M. Keck, CPC, QPA, QKA, Principal, SageView Advisory Group
Miriam Matrangola, QKA, QPA, President, Atlantic Pension Services, Inc.
1–2 p.m. ET | RETIREMENT ROUNDTABLE
The ink was barely dry on the SECURE Act when we were forced to change gears to focus on the challenges brought about by COVID-19 and the CARES Act. Our panel of industry leaders, representing all facets of the industry, will discuss how they’ve gotten their clients through these trying times.
Thomas J. Finnegan, FSPA, CPC, QPA, President- Actuarial Division, CBIZ Retirement Plan Services
Miriam Matrangola, QKA, QPA, President, Atlantic Pension Services, Inc.
James J. McKinney, IV, CPC, QPA, QKA, Principal Consultant, ERA
Rodney Stortenbecker, CPC, QPA, Assistant Vice President of Compliance, Lincoln Financial Group
2–3 p.m. ET | CYBER THREATS, TRENDS & LEADERSHIP MID/POST-PANDEMIC
Cybercriminals, identity thieves and scammers love to exploit a crisis. While our attention is focused elsewhere (e.g., COVID-19 and the economy), hackers take advantage of the new software we’re using (Zoom), highly profitable scams (fake stimulus payment sites) and our general sense of panic and confusion. Taking smart steps to protect your identity, devices, online accounts and the wealth they connect to is more critical than ever. In this virtual session, cybersecurity author and expert John Sileo will give you concrete tools to protect what is rightfully yours, now and long after the crisis recedes.
John Sileo, Cyber Security Expert, The Sileo Group
3–3:30 p.m. ET | BRAIN BREAK
3:30–4:30 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: COVID-19 DISTRIBUTION FAQS
Do you have questions on how to administer the COVID-19 distributions? You’re alone; most practitioners do. This fast-paced interactive session will cover who is entitled to a distribution, how the repayments rules work and how administration is impacted. We’ll cover:
- Which participants are eligible for the COVID-19 distributions.
- How the repayment provisions may be applied.
- How these distributions need to be reported to the IRS at the time of distribution and repayment.
Robert M. Kaplan, CPC, QPA, QKC, QKA, Director of Technical Education, American Retirement Association
Kelsey N.H. Mayo, J.D., Lead Partner, Employee Benefits, Poyner Spruill LLP
ACTUARY: DB PLANS IN A VOLATILE MARKET
There have been many ups and downs in 2020. How many plans have been frozen? What changes affect frozen plans? When should you unfreeze? In this session, we will review best practices for managing DB plans in a volatile market.
Kevin J Donovan, CPA, FSEA, Managing Member, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
Lauren R. Okum, ASA, MSEA, Actuary, Premier Actuarial Solutions
OWNER: WHAT THESE BUSINESS LEADERS HAVE LEARNED OVER THE LAST YEAR
To say that 2020 has been an unusual year is an understatement. We started the year deciphering the SECURE Act before being thrown into the deep end of the coronavirus challenge, with the CARES Act as our life jacket. Our funding deadlines were moved; then the next round of document restatements was announced in the midst of an economic downturn and businesses felt the impact of the FFCRA and PPP (Paycheck Protection Program, not Pooled Plan Provider). The last 12 months have proved that business leaders must remain flexible to adjust to changing times. In this session, we’ll discuss the lessons all of us have learned in the midst of trying to keep all these plates spinning while keeping our heads on straight. Some of the areas that have required thinking in new ways include:
- Effectiveness of work from home arrangements — will you allow employees to work remotely even when we are all allowed back in the office? And what office modifications have you had to make, if any?
- Billing and collections — have you adjusted your timing for sending invoices or your methods for accepting payment?
- Procedural changes — which of your internal processes have been the most challenging to adapt?
- Engagement — have you changed the way you interact with your team, referral sources and/or clients?
Justin Bonestroo, MSEA, CPC, QPA, QKA, CPFA, Senior Vice President, CBIZ Retirement Plan Services
Amanda R. Iverson, APM, COO, Partner, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
Adam C. Pozek, QPA, CPFA, Partner/CFO, DWC – The 401(k) Experts
RECORDKEEPER: SECURE & CARES ACT
Given the many changes ushered in by the SECURE and CARES Acts and significant business disruption for service providers and clients, how are recordkeepers navigating through all these changes? Join this session as the panel discusses:
- Changes to recordkeeping operations and products caused by the SECURE Act regulations.
- How recordkeepers have responded to the CARES Act and COVID-19 changes.
- Lessons in virtual/remote workforce.
- Ways we can help our clients successfully handle significant events and prepare for future events.
Maura Lamb, QPA, Director, SS&C Technologies, Inc.
Rodney Stortenbecker, CPC, QPA, Assistant Vice President of Compliance, Lincoln Financial Group
John T. Webb, QKA, QPA, TGPC, CPFA, Second VP, Retirement Plans, Ameritas Life Insurance Corporation
4:30–5:30 p.m. ET | WASHINGTON UPDATE
Find out what you need to know about the rapid policy developments coming from Washington, D.C. The agencies are busy pumping out retirement plan administrative guidance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the CARES Act, as well as working on longer term projects like SECURE Act implementation, an update of the Fiduciary Rule, and more! Also, hear the latest on what could be on the political horizon as America votes for the next president in November.
Brian H. Graff, Esq., APM, Chief Executive Officer, American Retirement Association
Will Hansen, Chief Government Affairs Officer, American Retirement Association
Allison Wielobob, General Counsel, American Retirement Association
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2020
12–1 p.m. ET | SPONSOR LOUNGE OPEN
Visit with sponsors at your convenience and chat live with expert solutions providers, watch demos or videos, download materials or leave your contact information for follow-up.
1–2 p.m. ET | ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A PENSION GEEK?
Strategy merges with current events affecting today’s retirement plan world. See ASPPA’s take on “Are You Smarter than a Pension Geek?” during which contestants will compete and use lifelines to win. You won’t want to miss this fast-paced, must-see “edutainment” session, as we answer your most pressing questions! Hosted by our very own Derrin Watson and Kizzy Gaul!
Kizzy M. Gaul, Esq., QKA, QPA, CPC, TGPC, Director, Regulatory Supervision, Prudential Retirement
Derrin Watson, APM, Attorney, Ferenczy Benefits Law Center; FIS Relius
2–3 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: ELECTRONIC DISCLOSURES – WHAT’S NEW
The DOL has issued guidance on distributing notices electronically. Adhering to these rules may be more cost efficient and effective for your clients. Come to this session and see which notices are covered by the rules and what needs to be done in order to abide by them.
- Which notices are covered by the electronic disclosure Safe Harbor delivery method in the DOL rules?
- What steps should a plan administrator take to be able to rely on Safe Harbor?
- How often and when must notices be updated and what does this entail?
Frank Porter, QKA, QPA, Head of Institutional Business Development, Empower Institutional
Robert M. Richter, J.D., LL.M, Retirement Education Counsel, American Retirement Association
ACTUARY: WHAT WE’VE LEARNED IN 2020
2020 has been a wild ride. What have we learned? Has recent guidance or additional relief been issued? How do we move forward in future years?
Thomas J. Finnegan, FSPA, CPC, QPA, President- Actuarial Division, CBIZ Retirement Plan Services
Karen Smith, President, Nova 401(k) Associates
OWNER: HOW THE SECURE ACT AND THE CARES ACT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS PRACTICES AND SERVICE MODEL
Presenters will discuss how the SECURE and CARES Acts may affect the business side of your firm. They’ll cover areas surrounding new services offerings, marketing strategy changes, staffing need fluctuations and cash flow considerations. Attendees will leave the session with ideas on how they may need to adapt their service models due to changing legislation.
Shannon M. Edwards, QPA, QKA, President, TriStar Pension Consulting
William C. Presson, QPA, QKA, Executive Vice President – Sales & Consulting, EGPS, Inc.
RECORDKEEPER: DATA SECURITY AND FRAUD RECOVERY FOR RECORDKEEPERS
Are you secure in handling client’s assets and do you understand how to mitigate fraud? This breakout session will focus on:
- Best practices for recordkeepers when fraud and/or data theft occurs.
- Who is responsible for fraud recovery, including third party custodians, third party administrators and even the plan’s Trust.
- How to work with TPAs and plan sponsors to limit fraud and data theft.
Paul Perry, Member | Security, Risk and Controls Practice Leader, Warren Averett, LLC
3–3:30 p.m. ET | BRAIN BREAK
3:30–4:30 p.m. ET | ETHICS
There is no single set of rules governing professional conduct in our industry. And when a flurry of guidance is released, impacting our industry, we can be faced with not only interpreting and applying the guidance, at the request of plan sponsors, trustees and other service providers to unique facts and circumstances, but also having to make recommendations to our clients while staying in your own lane. 2020 has left us asking and wondering “does anyone remember what we are supposed to do with the SECURE Act”, “what is an ‘adverse financial consequence’ for purposes of a covid related distribution”, “…unless the plan sponsor knows differently.” We will address ethical issues that Plan Administrators, Actuaries, Recordkeepers, and others have come across in the midst of helping our clients through the pandemic and market turbulence. Our discussion will include ethical dilemmas related to failure to fund a plan, untimely adoption of plan document changes and other common ethical challenges in our practices. Kirsten L. Curry, APM, CEO, Leading Retirement Solutions
Kevin J Donovan, CPA, FSEA, Managing Member, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
Shannon M. Edwards, QPA, QKA, President, TriStar Pension Consulting
Moderator: Heather Bader-Abrigo, Esq., Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
4:30–5:30 p.m. ET | HAPPY HOUR
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2020
2–2:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: FIXING COMMON MISTAKES UNDER EPCRS – ADVANCED CASE STUDIES PART I
Have you ever wondered whether there was a statute of limitations for correcting plan errors? Or maybe you’d like to know when you can correct the error yourself versus when you have to submit the correction for review by the IRS. During these two sessions, we will explore multiple examples of self-correction, submissions under VCP, the potential for changes to the IRS Correction Program and whether there’s ever there are cases in which the error no longer requires correction.
- Identify the changes under EPCRS, such as the expansion of SCP.
- What to do when EPCRS doesn’t appear to cover you.
- What to do when EPCRS instructs a correction under VCP but the client only wants to self-correct.
Heather Bader-Abrigo, Esq., Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Maggie Younis, CPC, QPA, QKA, TGPC, National Director, Consultant Relations, Lincoln Financial Group
ACTUARY: DB PLAN TERMINATIONS
With the fluctuations in the markets over the past couple of years from record gains to significant losses, plans have gone from being overfunded to being significantly underfunded. This session will focus on consulting issues regarding plan terminations in view of our market conditions over the past couple of years.
- List termination procedures for PBGC-covered and non-PBGC-covered plans.
- Describe the PBGC plan termination process and recent changes to instructions.
- Identify potential issues in the termination process and how to communicate the available solutions to the client.
Mary Ann Rocco, Owner, Mary Ann Rocco, EA, Consulting Actuary
Angela Vadnais, Enrolled Actuary, Pension Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
3–3:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: FIXING COMMON MISTAKES UNDER EPCRS – ADVANCED CASE STUDIES, PART II
This session takes up where part I leaves off but covers more advanced topics.
Heather Bader-Abrigo, Esq., Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Maggie Younis, CPC, QPA, QKA, TGPC, National Director, Consultant Relations, Lincoln Financial Group
4–4:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
OWNER: SERVICE OFFERING CONSIDERATIONS ON MEPS AND PEPs FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AND MANAGERS
Due to the SECURE Act, many TPAs have considered adding a new service line surrounding MEPs and PEPs. During this exciting session, we’ll hear colleagues’ opinions on this potential new service line. Presenters will explore opportunities and challenges and attendees will gain insight from business leaders who have already evaluated this “new” territory. They’ll speak to both sides of the decision-making process. Attendees will also gain insight into what they should consider when evaluating whether they should or should not add MEPs and PEPs to their firms’ service line.
Theresa S. Conti, QKA, CPFA, President, Sunwest Pensions
Pete Swisher, President, Waypoint Fiduciary LLC
RECORDKEEPER: MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS – A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN OF RECORDKEEPING OPERATIONS
There seems to be an uptick in business activity around mergers and acquisitions, with a spinoff or two thrown in for good measure. It’s hard enough to get your clients to tell you about their plans ahead of time and they seem to typically include a mad dash to get documents in order once you do find out about the transaction. With all these moving pieces, we’ll share the recordkeeper’s perspective, including tips on how to best work with your service provider, what information the provider needs and factors to consider even if you handle the recordkeeping services in-house.
Amy E. Ouellette, QPA, QKA, CPFA, TGPC, VP Retirement Services, Vestwell
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2020
2–2:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: COMPENSATION – HANDS ON PRACTICAL APPLICATION, PART I
Have you sat through sessions that discuss the different plan options for selecting compensation but would rather have a practical, hands-on approach? This session will give you the opportunity to work through them through real-life, practical case studies. To accommodate the format and team problem-solving approach, this session will be limited to 50 attendees. Sign up early, bring your calculator and be ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
- Which definition of compensation may be right for your clients to provide?
- What types of compensation may be excluded and how do you test for discrimination?
- What post-severance compensation may be included for plan purposes?
Steve S. Riordan, CPC, QPA, QKA, Director, Testing & Reporting Services, Fidelity Investments
David Schultz, J.D., APM, Attorney/Product Manager, FIS
ACTUARY: RECENT EVENTS AT THE PBGC
A panel of PBGC representatives provides an overview of recently published PBGC guidance and program operations with hints, tips and relevant information about their various programs. Potential topics include plan terminations and audits, reportable events, coverage determination and premium filing requirements. Learn about recent PBGC updates and events.
- Utilize PBGC’s available resources.
- Apply guidance from the PBGC to future reporting.
Mary Ann Rocco, Owner, Mary Ann Rocco, EA, Consulting Actuary
3–3:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: COMPENSATION – HANDS ON PRACTICAL APPLICATION PART II
Steve S. Riordan, CPC, QPA, QKA, Director, Testing & Reporting Services, Fidelity Investments
David Schultz, J.D., APM, Attorney/Product Manager, FIS
4–4:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
OWNER: EMPLOYEE OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES
What strategies does your firm employ to ensure your recruitment efforts are successful? What happens when you have the perfect candidate who does not have the perfect compensation expectations? How do unusual compensation arrangements affect the rest of your workforce? How do you keep your current and new workforce engaged? Do you have any long-term employees whose compensation arrangements leave you scratching your head? Our speakers will discuss these topics and touch on service model structures (team approaches, remote team members, functionalized roles, sales teams, etc.) and disclose what has and has not worked for their dynamic and unique firms. They’ll also review development team service models to help them determine the firm’s success. Attendees will leave with new ideas on employee recruitment, employee engagement and staff utilization.
Genelle M. Brakefield, QKA, QPFC, TGPC, Vice President, Ekon Benefits
Kirsten L. Curry, APM, CEO, Leading Retirement Solutions
RECORDKEEPER: COURT CASES INVOLVING RECORDKEEPERS
The retirement plan industry has seen its share of litigation over the past few years. With an initial focus on large 401(k) plans, the rise in court cases has extended to health care and higher education organizations. This session will dive into recent cases involving recordkeepers and what changes these professionals are making as a result of recent litigation.
Wayne McClain III, Senior Director, Associate General Counsel, TIAA
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020
2–2:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: NONDISCRIMINATION TESTING – HANDS-ON APPROACH WITH REAL CASE STUDIES
It’s time to get your hands dirty! This isn’t your everyday speaker-at-the-front-of-the-room presentation. In this two-part session, you’ll be directly involved in the practical application of various components of nondiscrimination testing. From the impact of the testing method, to what compensation is used, you’ll have the opportunity to manually determine various non-discrimination tests, based on a presented set of facts and circumstances. To accommodate the format and team problem-solving approach this session will be limited to 50 attendees. Sign up early, bring your calculator and be ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work!
- What is the potential impact of electing top-paid group (or top-paid vs not top-paid)?
- When is a Safe Harbor plan subject to ACP testing?
- How do you avoid detrimental testing results through the election of prior/current method?
Robert M. Kaplan, CPC, QPA, QKC, QKA, Director of Technical Education, American Retirement Association
Erin D. Patton, CPC, QPA, QKA, Third Party Administrator, Striegel Knobloch & Company, LLC
ACTUARY: CLOSED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN – DB PLANS, PART I
The SECURE Act adopted relief for closed plans. These sweeping changes are not isolated to large plans but can be applied to small plans as well. This session will review the rules and their utilization in the small plan market.
- Learn the definition of a closed plan.
- Gain an understanding of the new discrimination testing rules for closed plans.
Lawrence Deutsch, FSPA, Owner, Penguin Consulting and Design, Ltd.
James E. Holland, Jr., Chief Research Actuary, Cheiron, Inc.
3–3:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: ADVANCED NONDISCRIMINATION TESTING – HANDS-ON APPROACH WITH REAL CASE STUDIES
This session takes up where the previous nondiscrimination testing session leaves off.
- Learn the ramifications of excluding various types of compensation.
- What additional testing is necessary when tiered matching contributions are being funded?
- Learn how to perform coverage under 410(b) ratio percentage testing and identify next steps in the event of a failure.
Robert M. Kaplan, CPC, QPA, QKC, QKA, Director of Technical Education, American Retirement Association
Erin D. Patton, CPC, QPA, QKA, Third Party Administrator, Striegel Knobloch & Company, LLC
ACTUARY: CLOSED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN, DB PLANS – CASE STUDIES, PART II
This session will build on the previous session, utilizing case studies on the impact of the changes for closed plans in the small plan market. It will consist of a review of case studies illustrating the new discrimination testing rules for closed plans.
Lawrence Deutsch, FSPA, Owner, Penguin Consulting and Design, Ltd.
James E. Holland, Jr., Chief Research Actuary, Cheiron, Inc.
4–4:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
OWNER: INNOVATION IN THE WORKPLACE
Do you want your office to have a culture of innovation? When you think of innovation, there are few changes more radicalizing to American civilization than those that occurred when Thomas Edison created the electric lightbulb, or when Bob Dylan plugged in at Newport. But if you look under the hood at these two breakthroughs, you’ll notice something interesting: Edison famously created 10,000 prototypes for the electric lightbulb, making small improvements until he finally came up with a working model. And Dylan was booed and heckled for turning acoustic folk music on its head. But he kept playing — for all of 15 minutes — and changed music forever. This interactive session will help attendees see innovation as a habit — not as a moment of divine inspiration. It will show you how innovation, applied from a smaller, pragmatic and more realistic lens, can help envision and sustain the organization of the future. If you want to have a culture of innovation, do not miss this session!
Sheri Fitts, CVP, CEO/Founder, ShoeFitts Marketing
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2020
2–2:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: NEW RMD RULES UNDER SECURE & CARES
First, the SECURE Act significantly changed the rules for required minimum distributions for both the starting date and death benefits. Then the CARES Act waived the RMD requirement for 2020. This interactive session will review The SECURE Act’s impact on when participants must begin to receive benefits, how 2020 distributions may be rolled over and how the five- and ten-year payout rules for beneficiaries were impacted.
- Which participants are affected by the change beginning in age of 70 1/2 to 72?
- Which beneficiaries are required to complete distributions within 10 years, and which are not?
- How do the rules impact death benefit distributions to beneficiaries of beneficiaries?
Kizzy M. Gaul, Esq., QKA, QPA, CPC, TGPC, Director, Regulatory Supervision, Prudential Retirement
Tyler Wilson, QPA, QKA, Retirement Plan Consultant, DWC – The 401(k) Experts
TPA: HOT TOPICS IN 403(b) PLANS
This session will cover current developments for 403(b) plans. We’ll discuss changes for 403(b) plans due to the SECURE and CARES Acts, plan document issues, how MEPs are changing the 403(b) marketplace and the SEC sweep of 403(b) plans and providers.
- Changes for the 403(b) plan due to SECURE and CARES Acts.
- Plan document requirements and correcting for failures.
- How trends like MEPs are impacting the market.
- About the SEC sweep on the industry.
John P. Griffin, J.D., LL.M., Principal, ASC Institute
3–3:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: LONG-TERM, PART-TIME EMPLOYEES – IN OR OUT?
Starting next year, 401(k) plans will have to track participants who work more than 500 hours per year but are not eligible for the plan. This interactive session will review the requirements, how testing will be impacted and when the rules go into effect.
- When long-term, part-time employees will have to enter the plan.
- How coverage, top heavy and nondiscrimination testing will be impacted by the inclusion of these employees.
- How these rules interact with the other eligibility requirements under the plan.
John P. Griffin, J.D., LL.M., Principal, ASC Institute
ACTUARY: THE ART OF ASSUMPTION SETTING IN THE SMALL PLAN WORLD
Under PPA, some of our assumptions are already set for us, but there are many assumptions that we’re setting with each valuation we do. This session will focus on complying with the ASOPs on assumption setting in the small plan world. During this session, we’ll:
- Review the assumptions we set in the small plan market.
- Gain a broader understanding of the Code of Conduct, Standards of Practice and JBEA regulations and their interplay in the art of assumption setting.
Karen Smith, President, Nova 401(k) Associates
Lynn M. Young, MSEA, Partner, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
4–4:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
OWNER: TECHNOLOGY CONSIDERATIONS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS & MANAGERS
Have you ever asked yourself or others any of the following questions?
- Should I have physical in-house servers or is it better to be entirely cloud based?
- What does cloud based even mean?
- If I have a remote workforce, does my setup need to change?
- What the heck is Microsoft Azure or Amazon Workspace and do I need either of them?
- Can Microsoft 365 provide my team with an entire network setup that will work for us?
- What is a BOT or AI and how will it affect my company?
Technology is always changing and business leaders need to know what options they have to provide the most secure, efficient and cost effective technology for their firms.
During this session, the speakers will introduce technology solutions to streamline and address many speedbumps your organization may encounter. This discussion will include network setup options, AI and BOTs, new software programs and other innovative technology ideas.
Kevin Boercker CPC, Chief Operations Officer, Spectrum Pension Consultants, Inc.
Paz Terry, Cybersecurity Consultant, Self Employed
RECORDKEEPER: PARTICIPANT COMMUNICATIONS IN AN E-DELIVERY WORLD – ARE RECORDKEEPERS READY?
The retirement plan industry has been behind the times as the world turns to a digital age, especially when it comes to participant communications. While the DOL has finally issued proposed regulations for electronic delivery, recordkeepers will need to determine how they’ll change their service models to utilize new distribution methods. This session will discuss:
- The DOL’s proposed regulations and new Safe Harbor.
- Participant behavior and engagement.
- Procedures for handling nondeliverable emails and database management.
- Tips for dealing with lost participants.
Frank Porter, QKA, QPA, Head of Institutional Business Development, Empower Institutional
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2020
2–2:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: MISSING PARTICIPANTS – WHAT AM I MISSING?
What do you do when plan participants go missing? What are the best practices to prevent this from happening? Sometimes, the only thing harder than getting employees to participate in a qualified plan is getting them paid out of the plan. The DOL has taken an aggressive approach in reviewing missing participants during investigations. Learn the steps your clients can take to help manage the options for handling missing participant accounts.
- Best practices in plan design to prevent administrative issues for missing participants.
- Steps that the DOL suggests be taken to locate participants before deeming them missing.
- Options the plan fiduciary has for getting rid of missing participant accounts.
Derrin Watson, APM, Attorney, Ferenczy Benefits Law Center; FIS Relius
Maggie Younis, CPC, QPA, QKA, TGPC, National Director, Consultant Relations, Lincoln Financial Group
3–3:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO GET IN SHAPE! SAFE HARBOR PLANS UNDER THE SECURE ACT
Cooped up for COVID? It’s not too late to burn some calories. Just like it’s not too late to adopt a safe harbor non-elective contribution to the plan. Along with the required timing for adding safe harbor contributions, the SECURE Act made other changes affecting safe harbor plans ranging from whether or not you have to supply an annual notice to QACA changes. In this aerobics-inspired session, we will discuss each of these changes as well as touching on unanswered issues that stemmed from the legislation (and get you back in shape with some light exercises).
- How late can you adopt a safe harbor feature and can it be used as a creative solution to remedy a testing failure.
- How does the lack of a required safe harbor notice impact midyear changes to a safe harbor plan;
- What is the impact of the new automatic escalation limit under a QACA?
Genelle M. Brakefield, QKA, QPFC, TGPC, Vice President, Ekon Benefits
Brian Furgala, Esq., CPC, QPA, Director of ERISA Services, Wolters Kluwer/ftwilliam.com
ACTUARY: ARE YOU AN ACTUARY OR A FIDUCIARY?
Actuaries perform a variety of roles for their clients. This session will discuss issues and actions that may have the potential to cross over the line of inadvertently have you functioning as a fiduciary.
- Gain an understanding of best practices to avoid crossing over the line from actuary to fiduciary.
- Learn from court cases involving instances in which the line may have been crossed.
- Review cases studies focused on the small plan market.
Kevin J Donovan, CPA, FSEA, Managing Member, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
Kelsey N.H. Mayo, J.D., Lead Partner, Employee Benefits, Poyner Spruill LLP
4–4:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
OWNER: BUSINESS METRICS THAT EVERY TPA BUSINESS LEADER SHOULD KNOW
Have you ever scrapped what you were doing and started over?
- How do you know if you’re moving forward in your sales, customer service and overall business practices?
- As business leaders, we try new strategies and implement new practices all the time, but how do we know whether they’re working?
- Can find a simple way to measure the effects of our efforts?
During this session, we’ll discuss general business metrics that business owners can put in place and how you can utilize technology to keep these metrics current and valuable. Additionally, we’ll discuss industry specific metrics that can be utilized and changed as businesses develop and grow. This session will provide totally new content, experience and ideas and attendees will leave with practical strategies they can put in place to improve the overall analysis of their businesses.
Megan Crawford, Member, Williams Benefit Consulting, LLC
William C. Presson, QPA, QKA, Executive Vice President – Sales & Consulting, EGPS, Inc.
RECORDKEEPER: THE WELLNESS MOVEMENT – SHOULD THE RECORDKEEPER BE YOUR COACH?
Financial wellness continues to be a hot topic for plan sponsors and participants. But should the recordkeeper serve as the coach to consolidate information for financial fitness? Attend this session to learn:
- How the trend of overall wellness landed with retirement plan recordkeepers.
- Basic and enhanced wellness offerings such as health savings accounts and student loan and debt planning.
- How to use data to perform financial wellness assessments.
- Participant outcomes and utilization of financial wellness programs.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020
2–2:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: 25 QUESTIONS (GIVE OR TAKE) ABOUT NEW COMPARABILITY
What is a New Comparability Plan? Who is a good candidate for New Comp? What happens when the owner’s daughter or mother starts working for the company? In this session, dive into the top questions about cross-tested DC plans. We probably won’t get to all 25 of them but we’ll definitely cover the most pressing questions.
Stephen W. Forbes, J.D., LL.M, Forbes Retirement Plan Consulting
Steve S. Riordan, CPC, QPA, QKA, Director, Testing & Reporting Services, Fidelity Investments
ACTUARY: DB EPCRS PART I
We’ll take a close look at how EPCRS covers DB issues, including certain rules that are only applicable to DB plans. We’ll highlight common plan errors and corrections.
- Gain an understanding of issues that can be self-corrected.
- Review the VCP submission process.
Freeman Levinrad, ERISA Attorney, Trucker Huss, APC
Norman Levinrad, FSPA, President, Summit Benefit & Actuarial Services, Inc.
3–3:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: FORM 5500 UPDATES INCLUDING COMBINED 5500 ISSUES
Are you “SECURE” with your 5500’s? The SECURE Act drastically increased penalties for late filers and introduced consolidated Form 5500 filings. This session will discuss the changes in Form 5500 due to the SECURE Act. We will also discuss any new developments regarding Form 5500.
- Form 5500 late filing fees under SECURE.
- Consolidated Form 5500 under SECURE — Who can? Why would you? Why wouldn’t you?
- Updates regarding the proposed changes originally set for 2019 reporting.
Kristina G. Kananen, QPA, QKA, Customer Support, DATAIR Employee Benefit Systems, Inc.
James J. McKinney, IV, CPC, QPA, QKA, Principal Consultant, ERA
ACTUARY: DB EPCRS PART II
Through realistic case studies and examples, learn about the self-correction and VCP submission process. Review applicable EPCRS case studies as they apply to DB plans.
Freeman Levinrad, ERISA Attorney, Trucker Huss, APC
Norman Levinrad, FSPA, President, Summit Benefit & Actuarial Services, Inc.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2020
2–2:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: DC PLAN TERMINIATIONS – FROM BEGINNING TO THE END
Times have been hard and the sponsor is over it, but the decision to terminate a plan is the easiest part of the process! “What do you mean I just can’t stop the plan?” This workshop will detail the plan termination process, including submitting a determination letter, implications of a merger or acquisition and missing participant problems. We’ll discuss realistic situations that may arise during your plan termination and discuss best practices for communicating necessary steps to the plan sponsor.
- IRS and DOL requirements for plan terminations.
- M&A implications.
- Missing participants.
- Communication tips.
Julie A. Altig, QPA, QKA, V.P. of Operations, Atlantic Pension Services, Inc.
Claire P. Rowland, Esq., QPA, QKA, Counsel, Nixon Peabody LLP
ACTUARY: THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY – IN-SERVICE DB DISTRIBUTIONS AT AGE 59 ½
The SECURE Act lowered the age for in-service distributions to age 59½. While allowing for in-service distributions is an option, what are the pros and cons of adopting an earlier in-service distribution provision?
- Learn issues to consider when contemplating adding an in-service distribution age prior to normal retirement age.
- Review changes to distributions in the CARES Act and how they affect defined benefit plans.
Michael Eaton, MSEA, CPC, Actuary, Goldleaf Partners, part of FuturePlan by Ascensus
Martin Pippins, MSEA, Executive Director, ASEA, American Retirement Association
3–3:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
TPA: WATCH OUT! – TRENDS IN DOL & IRS AUDITS
DOL investigations and IRS audits are on the rise. Help your clients be ready when the DOL or IRS come knocking. This session will look at examination trends and initiatives and provide realistic examples that can help TPAs be better prepared to guide clients through the investigation/audit process. We’ll review:
- Current trends in DOL investigations and IRS audits.
- True samples of DOL investigation and IRS audits.
- How to identify and avoid common issues.
- Best practices in working with DOL and IRS examiners.
Heather Bader-Abrigo, Esq., Partner, Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
Freeman Levinrad, ERISA Attorney, Trucker Huss, APC
ACTUARY: DB REGULATORY UPDATE
What’s new since the SECURE and CARES Acts were passed? This session will provide an overview of the new legislation and recent IRS/Treasury guidance that are impacting defined benefit plans.
- Review guidance that has been recently released by the IRS and Treasury.
- Identify situations in which the recent changes in available guidance may have an effect.
- Learn best practices for what to do in the absence of formal guidance.
Thomas J. Finnegan, FSPA, CPC, QPA, President- Actuarial Division, CBIZ Retirement Plan Services
Martin Pippins, MSEA, Executive Director, ASEA, American Retirement Association
4–4:50 p.m. ET | WORKSHOPS
RECORDKEEPER: SECURE ACT – RECORDKEEPING MEPS, ARE YOU IN OR ARE YOU OUT?
We’re all in the midst of dealing with changes resulting from the SECURE Act. Attend this MEPs-focused session to learn about:
- Making the decision to offer a MEP solution.
- How recordkeepers are changing the way they offer and work with MEPs.
- How recordkeepers are overcoming MEP operational challenges.
Linda Kurz, Vice President & National MEP Practice Leader, Transamerica
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2020
1–1:50 p.m. ET | 2020 ELECTION RESULTS
Brian H. Graff, Esq., APM, Chief Executive Officer, American Retirement Association
2–3:50 p.m. ET | ASK THE EXPERTS
Join us live, one last time, to ask any question that hasn’t been answered. We want to make sure you have all the answers you need to help your clients. We’re on this journey together, united by our commitment to a secure retirement for all!
Kizzy M. Gaul, Esq., QKA, QPA, CPC, TGPC, Director, Regulatory Supervision, Prudential Retirement Jennifer Gibbs Swets, QPA, QKA, Partner, DWC – The 401(k) Experts
Norman Levinrad, FSPA, President, Summit Benefit & Actuarial Services, Inc.
Kelsey N.H. Mayo, J.D., Lead Partner, Employee Benefits, Poyner Spruill LLPModerator: Robert M. Richter, J.D., LL.M, Retirement Education Counsel, American Retirement Association
Register
Summer Early Bird Price | Regular Ticket Price |
|
Member | $649 | $749 |
Non-Member | $749 | $849 |
• Access to 35+ hours of live and on-demand content
• Explore topics spanning today’s biggest industry trends
• Network and connect through our event platform
• Engage with top retirement plan experts
What type of firm do you work for?
If you need to register a group of 5+ people using the same payment method, please email Accounts Receivable.
On-Demand Sessions
You have unlimited access to these 50-minute talks — watch when you want, where you want and as many you want!
Sessions Designed for TPAs
New RMD Rules under SECURE and CARES
Long-term Part-Time Employees – In or Out?
Missing Participants – What am I missing
Fixing Common Mistakes under EPCRS – Advanced Case Studies Part I
Fixing Common Mistakes under EPCRS – Advanced Case Studies Part II
Changes to Safe Harbor plans under the SECURE Act
25 Questions (Give or Take) about New Comparability
Form 5500 Updates including Combined 5500 Issues
Hot Topics in 403(b) Plans
DC Plan Terminations – From Beginning to the End
Non-Discrimination Testing – Hands on with real Case Studies
Advanced Non-Discrimination Testing – Hands on with real Case Studies
Compensation – Hands on Practical Application Part I
Compensation – Hands on Practical Application Part II
Watch Out! – Trends in DOL and IRS Audits
Sessions Designed for Actuaries
DB Plan Terminations
Recent Events at the PBGC
The Art of Assumption Setting in the Small Plan World
Are you an Actuary or a Fiduciary?
Closed, but not Forgotten, DB Plans – Part I
Closed, but not Forgotten, DB Plans – Case Studies – Part II
Correcting DB Plan Errors – EPCRS Part I
DB EPCRS Case Studies Part II
The good, The bad and The ugly – In-service DB Distributions Age 59 ½
DB Regulatory Update
Sessions Designed for Recordkeepers
Mergers and Acquisitions – A Peek Behind The Curtain of Recordkeeping Operations
Court Cases Involving Recordkeepers
Participant Communications in an E-Delivery World – Are Recordkeepers Ready?
The Wellness Movement – Should The Recordkeeper Be Your Coach?
SECURE Act – Recordkeeping MEPs, Are You In or Are You Out?
FAQs
Will the event sessions be recorded?
Yes, the sessions will be recorded. All registrants will have access to the recordings after the virtual live event has concluded.
Engage on Your Terms
Whether you enjoy following Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, the ASPPA 2020 All Access website provides a list of all the social and mobile options available. From photo sharing to suggested hashtags, there are plenty of opportunities for you to connect and engage during the conference — when you and how you wish.
Committee
Kirsten L. Curry, Esq., Leading Retirement Solutions– Conferences Co-Chair
Lynn M. Young, MSPA, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC– Conferences Co-Chair
Angela Barclay, MSPA, Pension Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
Genelle M. Brakefield, QKA, QPFC, TGPC, Ekon Benefits
Amanda R. Iverson, APM, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
Tyler Wilson, QPA, QKA, DWC – The 401(k) Experts
Margaret A. Younis, CPC, QPA, QKA, TGPC, Lincoln Financial Group
Adam C. Pozek, QPA, QKA, CPFA, DWC- The 401(k) Experts- Senior Advisor
ASPPA Management Council
Miriam G. Matrangola, Esq, QPA, QKA, Atlantic Pension Services, Inc.- ASPPA President
- Frank Porter, QPA, QKA, Empower Retirement, ASPPA President-Elect
Confirmation
You will receive an email confirmation of your registration from ASPPA. If you have not received a confirmation within 10 business days after registering, please contact the Accounting Department at accountsreceivable@usaretirement.org. Details of how to join the virtual event will be provided to all registered attendees shortly and recordings will become available post-event for those who are not able to join live.
Cancellation
Submit all requests to accountsreceivable@usaretirement.org by October 16, 2020. A refund of the conference fee, minus a $100 processing fee, will be issued for cancellations received by that date. No refunds will be granted for requests received after October 16, 2020. Please note that refunds will not be given for no-shows.
Substitution
Substitution of registrations is permitted prior to the conference. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for updating any contact information.
ASPPA2020 All Access Recorded Sessions
All education sessions will be recorded for access after the conference. These archives will offer many hours of recorded content; you’ll also have access to the session handouts. Your conference registration includes free access to all available recordings.
Program Content
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.
Questions? We’re here to help!
Our customer care team is standing by to answer all your questions from the technology, CE credits, to the structure of the agenda! Feel free to connect with us at customercare@asppa-net.org.
Continuing Education
Need CE credits? We’ve Got You Covered!
ASPPA’s current CE cycle is winding down and this year’s opportunity to attend or watch every session will allow attendees to earn 35+ ASPPA CE credits at this conference alone! How’s that for access!
Additional credits such as ERPA, JBEA, NASBA, state insurance and state legal credits are still being determined. More information will be posted here as it becomes available.
To request pre-approval for a specific type of credit, please visit here by September 4
ASPPA Members
The 2020 ASPPA Annual Conference offers more than 30 hours of ASPPA CE credit. This includes up to 1.2 hours of ASPPA Ethics CE. Additional hours can be earned by viewing recorded content. In total, 52.8 hours of recorded content will be made available to attendees.
Actuaries (JBEA Credit)
Attendees can earn up to 52.8 hours JBEA CE, including 15.8 hours of JBEA Core, 37 hours of JBEA Non-Core, and up to 1.2 hour of JBEA Ethics CE. Please note that only 30 hours of credit are available through live sessions, but more can be earned by watching recordings. We will provide the maximum amount of JBEA CE possible based on your reported attendance. Please also note that only live events are eligible for JBEA Formal credit (see IR-2020-177).
Attorneys (CLE Credit)
Pending Approval: Pennsylvania, California, Nebraska, Texas, Ohio, Kansas
Accountants (NASBA)
Approved for 30.6 CE (including 15.2 Specialized Knowledge and 15.2 Taxes – NASBA requires that credit be given in 0.2 CE increments, and that must be rounded down)
Please note that KS an NY state boards of accountancy will not accept credits from this event. For more information on the impact of COVID-19 on NASBA and state boards of accountancy, please click here: https://www.nasbaregistry.org/impact-of-covid-19
Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents (ERPA Credit)
Attendees can earn up to 50 ERPA CE credits, including up to 1 hour of ERPA Ethics CE. Please note that only 30 hours of credit are available through live sessions, but more can be earned by watching recordings. We will provide the maximum amount of ERPA CE possible based on your reported attendance.
Insurance
Pending Approval: Pennsylvania, California, Ohio, Wisconsin
Only live sessions will be approved for insurance credit.
SHRM
Approved for 52.8 PDC
IMCA Credit
Self-reporting available
Event Sponsors
