Special Activities

Meet the IRS
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY!

The office of Employee Plans under the Tax Exempt & Government Entities operating division of the Internal Revenue Service helps retirement plan sponsors, plan participants, and practitioners working in the retirement benefits arena understand and comply with the pension law.

Representatives of the Employee Plans division of the IRS are at this meeting to answer any questions you may have. They are available throughout the meeting at a special table set up for them.

Come meet the IRS – they’re here to help you.

Monday General Session Keynote Speaker
Michael Shackleford

Michael Shackleford, a.k.a. the Wizard of Odds, is originally from Orange County, California. In 1988 he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in math and economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

From 1992 to 2000 he worked in the Office of the Chief Actuary at the Social Security Administration headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. There he worked doing short-range actuarial estimates on congressional legislation on Social Security. The earnings test and taxation of benefits were two areas of emphasis. On a more fun note, he also tabulated the most popular baby names, based on Social Security card applications, which have been featured in many newspapers, books, magazines, and television.

Meanwhile, in 1997 Michael launched his gambling web site Wizard of Odds. The site started out as a fun project in web site design. However, it quickly developed a strong following, and many requests for consulting work. In 2000 he left Social Security to devote himself full time to the web site and gaming consulting. A year later, he moved back west to Las Vegas, to have a more active roll in the gambling scene.

Today, Michael still lives in Las Vegas with his wife and three children. He actively practices what he writes about, looking for advantages primarily in video poker, sports betting, and tournaments. In the office, his time is divided between updating his web site, and consulting on new casino game design. His book, Gambling 102, offers gambling advice on many popular casino games. His other hobbies include juggling, unicycling, and license plate collecting.

Monday Luncheon
Register for the Academy Luncheon Only

CCA is pleased to welcome the American Academy of Actuaries as a sponsor of Monday’s luncheon. The Academy conducts its Annual Meeting during lunch. At the October 27, Annual Meeting luncheon, John Parks is installed as the new Academy President and new members of the Academy’s Board of Directors are elected. In addition, the Academy presents two awards. The 2008 Jarvis Farley Service Award goes to an actuary whose volunteer efforts on behalf of the Academy have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the profession. The 2008 Robert J. Myers Public Service Award honors an actuary who has made a single noteworthy contribution to the common good or who has devoted an entire career to public service.

Academy Members attending only the Academy Annual Meeting may purchase individual tickets for the luncheon.

Monday Luncheon Tickets

The CCA meeting attendee registration fee includes Monday’s luncheon. Purchase tickets for the Academy Luncheon and for guests (accompanying persons) by completing the appropriate section on the registration form or registering online. A limited number of lunch tickets may be sold on-site at the registration desk.

Monday Evening
Gala Event

This year the Monday Evening Gala Event takes place on-site at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Resort & Spa. Registered CCA Meeting attendees and their registered guests are treated to an informal and relaxed event. Meander around the beautiful pool grounds, dance, or just sit back, relax, and listen to music while enjoying local cuisine. This is a great opportunity to relax away from the meeting and spend social time with your peers.

CCA Annual Meeting Name Badges Required

A networking meeting hosted by the CCA’s Committee for Smaller Actuarial Consulting Firms is scheduled from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Anyone interested is invited to stop by, meet, and discuss small firm issues, news, and outlooks.