Monday, May 4

1-A-1 - Megatrends and Macro Risks for Retirement Plans

In the coming decades, America’s demographic and economic landscape is poised for significant transformation, influenced by a variety of dynamic forces. Evolving patterns of work and retirement as well as the shifting age‐dependency ratios both in the US and globally, are set to reshape our society. While some experts are optimistic about the potential advances to enhance our longevity, it is important to acknowledge challenges such as public health, future pandemics, fiscal sustainability, and lifestyle choices. Additionally, the roles of artificial intelligence, climate change, retirement readiness, stability of financial markets and other global trends present uncertainty and risk for the future.

This session explores ideas, data trends, and analysis of these megatrends and macro factors while considering how these factors may influence the long‐term sustainability of single‐employer, multiemployer, public retirement systems and other financial security programs.

Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-B-1 - Late Breaking Developments

Speakers discuss the latest developments in the private pension plan sector. Topics that may be covered include recently enacted and pending legislation; proposed and final regulatory guidance and other regulatory activity; recent litigation; and pending and adopted revisions to the Actuarial Standards of Practice.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 0.75
EA Non-Core Credit: 0.75
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-B-2 - Contribution Management in an Improved Funding Environment

Recent favorable asset returns and the full payment of certain legacy amortization bases have resulted in many public sector retirement plans anticipating the possibility of full funding in the near future or at least seeing some future contribution rate drops. This situation can result in significant expected near-term contribution volatility and opportunity for risk management strategies. How are plans dealing with this “good problem to have?” A panel of experts discuss recent developments in funding policy and related considerations to reflect this changing environment.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-B-3 - Dealing With Takeover Issues

Panelists detail issues related to takeover cases including difficulties in replicating prior valuation results, missing data and documents, and an uncooperative prior actuary. Additionally, they discuss warning signs that give hints about sticky takeover cases.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-B-4 - Update from the PBGC - Multiemployer Edition

This session is an opportunity for multiemployer pension actuaries to hear directly from PBGC on the SFA program and other key topics of interest in regard to PBGC’s multiemployer insurance program. Representatives discuss updated statistics about plans that have already received SFA, observations on the current stage of the application process, PBGC guidance, “lessons learned” from applications received to‐date, updates on the census data review process in the last year, and information on filings to demonstrate compliance with conditions after receiving SFA; review PBGC’s most recent financial position and projected funding position of the multiemployer insurance program; discuss new developments in withdrawal liability; and cover other recent and upcoming PBGC activities – including changes to Form 5500 reporting requirements, and newly available resources (i.e., the most recent pension insurance data tables).
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-C-1 - Recent Court Cases of Interest to Retirement Actuaries

The speakers review recent court decisions, ongoing litigation and complaints filed that could affect defined benefit plans or pension actuaries. This year's cases involve actuarial malpractice, actuarial equivalence, actuarial assumptions, erroneous benefit determinations, recent Supreme Court decisions, and many others.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-C-2 - Breathing New Life Into Retirement Plans: The Corporate Pension Revitalization Council

The Corporate Pension Revitalization Council is a CCA-supported initiative charged with developing ideas for a new retirement plan model to bridge the gap between current DB and DC plans. The project has been underway for over a year, and in this session council members share some of the concepts that have come out of the deliberations. The panel will also review the council’s key objectives and priorities, and there will be ample time for comments and feedback from the audience.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-C-3 - Small Plan Design (Nondiscrimination Issues, Too)

Small plan design and nondiscrimination testing go hand in hand. Our panelists share practical tips for designing DB/DC small plans, from testing basics to less common strategies such as designing plans that are primarily DB in nature and staggering rate groups to improve testing results. Come and see case studies exploring various plan design options.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-C-4 - Do Your Reports Measure Up? ASOP Communication and Disclosure Rules

We all issue actuarial reports, but do we all know what should (and must) be in them? Many of the pension ASOPs have undergone review and update in recent years, and new ASOPs have been introduced. With these changes in the communication and disclosure rules in the ASOPs, it can be easy to miss a step. The presenters have planned a practical session to help you make sure your actuarial reports comply with professionalism standards and the various ASOP requirements. You can also learn about some of the common pitfalls to avoid when issuing an actuarial communication.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-D-1 - Required Minimum Distributions Issues (and More?)

The IRS finalized new 401(a)(9) regulations in July 2024, reflecting the SECURE Act and certain SECURE 2.0 changes, and concurrently issued proposed regulations for other SECURE 2.0 RMD changes not addressed in the final regulations. Speakers review both the proposed and final rules affecting defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-D-2 - Public Plan Asset Liability Modeling and Discount Rate Selection in Volatile Capital Markets

Panelists discuss the concepts behind a pair of papers due to be released shortly by the American Academy of Actuaries. The first paper explores the collaboration necessary between actuaries and investment consultants to appropriately manage public pension plan assets and liabilities. The second paper discusses techniques and approaches to select discount rates for public pension valuations when capital market assumptions change materially from year to year.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-D-3 - Hot Topics in Accounting

Speakers address recent accounting issues and considerations from the perspective of both actuaries and auditors under ASC 715, 960 and 965 as well as IAS 19.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

1-D-4 - Variable Benefit Plans – What Problems Do They Solve?

In recent years there has been a gradual but steady trend of multiemployer plan sponsors moving toward variable benefit plans. In this session, speakers discuss the forces behind this trend. Topics include the issues and challenges these designs address, and how variable benefit plans have the potential to benefit both participant and employer stakeholders. In addition to the actuarial perspective, the panel will include speakers from both labor and management who have hands-on experience with these plan designs.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

Wednesday, May 6

2-A-1 - Economic Assumptions in a Changing Environment

Equity and fixed income markets have faced volatility and uncertainty recently. How can plan sponsors and actuaries navigate this economic environment? Speakers review recent developments in capital markets, explore how those developments affect the management of retirement plans and discuss how actuaries should approach the assumption setting process.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 0.75
EA Non-Core Credit: 0.75
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-A-2 - Update on Public Plan OPEB: ASOP No. 6 Exposure Draft

The Actuarial Standards Board recently released an ASOP No. 6 exposure draft, which outlines proposed changes impacting Other Postemployment Benefits (OPEB) actuarial work. Speakers discuss the proposed revisions to ASOP No. 6, including new requirements as well as topics of particular interest to actuaries working with public plans.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-A-3 - EPCRS for Small Plans

Panelists review the uses of the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) and discuss ways to solve issues that commonly arise in small plans. Issue may include those involving cross-tested plans and failure to satisfy top-heavy requirements or gateway rules.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-A-4 - ASC 715 Overview

Speakers provide a general overview of ASC 715 accounting for pension and other postretirement benefit plans. This session is meant for attendees that are newer to working under this standard or who need a refresher. Some examples of special events such as curtailments and settlements will also be discussed.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-B-1 - Ethics

In this highly interactive session, panelists and audience members discuss solutions to difficult ethical situations faced by actuaries in their day‐to‐day practices, including dealing with the IRS, correcting errors, billing clients, and clarity of communications. We also discuss how ethical determinations may be affected by professional rules, and the differences between Joint Board regulations and rules of the US actuarial organizations (AAA, SOA, CCA, ASEA).
Credits:
CPD Credit: 2.00
EA Ethics Credit: 2.00
EA Formal Credit: 2.00

2-C-1 - Church Plans (or Not)

Panelists review the latest developments in church plan litigation and discuss practical actuarial and administrative issues for church plans in the current environment.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-C-2 - Pension Reform Strikes Back

Following the Great Recession, many public pension systems implemented significant pension reforms – closing defined benefit (DB) plans to new hires, creating reduced benefit tiers, or suspending COLAs. In recent years, a surprisingly counter trend has emerged: A number of these reforms are being partially or fully reversed. This session will examine real-world case studies of DB plan re-openings, tier restorations, and COLA reinstatements. Speakers explore the workforce, fiscal, and political dynamics driving these reversals, and the lessons they offer for designing sustainable, resilient pensions. Attendees can expect to gain a deep insight into how workforce effects fiscal policy and stakeholder engagement can make or break pension reform.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-C-3 - Thawing a Frozen Plan / New Plans

Your client’s plan has been frozen for a number of years. You’ve spent meeting after meeting prepping them for plan termination. But now… they’re suddenly interested in… re-opening the plan? What do you – and they – need to know? What are the hidden tricks and traps – the rules and regulations you’ve never thought about but are suddenly very meaningful? Is it different between re-opening an existing plan or starting a new defined benefit plan from scratch? Speakers cover these issues, so you’re ready to address this rapidly trending topic.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-C-4 - Risk Mitigation Strategies

A key lesson from the past 15 years is that multiemployer pension plans become increasingly vulnerable to market declines as they mature. Purchasing annuities for a segment of the retiree population can be an effective tool for mitigating this risk, and one that has become more cost‐effective as interest rates have retreated from historic lows. Panelists discuss the factors that trustees should consider when making this decision, review best practices for actuaries helping boards understand the key issues, and provide an overview of the process from start to finish.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-D-1 - Credible or Incredible Experience Data

Pension and other retirement benefit valuations require actuaries to set many different assumptions. For medium‐sized plans this often involves reviewing experience data that is too small to be credible but too large to ignore. Panelists explore the art and science of fitting appropriate rates to small experience sets, leveraging information from other similar sources, and validating proposed rates as better than the prior assumption when applicable. Panelists also discuss actuarial judgement and adjusting rates to better predict the future as opposed to replicating the past.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-D-2 - Plan Termination Consulting and Considerations

Standard plan terminations have been on the rise over the last ten years and their prevalence is expected to continue into the near future. Plan terminations follow a very prescriptive process with timelines, notices, filings, and the eventual liability settlement. Speakers at this session review the plan termination process and discuss the considerations that need to be given as we work with clients to successfully navigate the process.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-D-3 - Retirement Plan Issues for Persons With Self-Employment Income

Sole proprietors and partners face unique restrictions on funding their retirement plans. The speakers focus on the determination of compensation for self-employed persons, special rules on self-employed contributions and how to allocate contributions among partners and between self-employed persons and other employes.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 0.75
EA Non-Core Credit: 0.75
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

2-D-4 - Update from the Joint Board

Representatives of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries discuss current developments and other information relevant to Enrolled Actuaries and the profession at large. In addition, the panelists provide an overview of the requirements that the Joint Board regulations impose on Enrolled Actuaries. Attendee questions are encouraged.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

Friday, May 8

3-A-1 - Social Security Funded Status and Future Alternatives to Save it

Panelists provide an overview of the Social Security program’s current financial position along with near‐ and long‐term projections, and identify the most critical economic and demographic drivers of the program’s financial well‐being. Key assumptions relied on in making these projections are identified, along with the methodology used in selecting them.

Our experts also discuss the kinds of changes to current taxes and benefits are projected to be required to achieve long-term sustainability, and look at legislative proposals (past and potential in the future) to bolster the long‐term financial status of the program.

Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-A-2 - 415 for Public Plans in the Current Economy

Panelists at this session review the mechanics of 415 and special rules for public sector plans. Section 415 calculations in the public sector have different treatment for certain public safety employees, issues surrounding COLAs and may have hidden surprises in early retirement incentives for plans that otherwise may not have 415 concerns.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 0.75
EA Non-Core Credit: 0.75
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-A-3 - Funding Strategies, Minimum Requirements, Opportunities, and Pitfalls

Qualified single employer plans must meet minimum funding requirements including in some cases quarterly deposits and potentially even liquidity shortfall contributions. Panelists cover the key elements of minimum required contributions, such as annual amounts, quarterly deposits, voluntary/mandatory/automatic credit balance elections, and liquidity shortfall contributions. In the process, speakers present strategies to mitigate these challenges, as well as discuss opportunities to accelerate or characterize contributions to reduce plan costs like PBGC premiums or to minimize other administrative burdens such as benefit restrictions.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-A-4 - SFA Post-Receipt Investment / Fiduciary Issues

Special financial assistance (SFA) is a lifeline for eligible multiemployer pension plans, but navigating both the application process and ongoing compliance requirements can be complex. Speakers briefly review recent developments in SFA applications, highlighting key trends with a focus on post‐SFA requirements, including the annual statement of compliance, funding rules, and applicable conditions and restrictions. Come and gain a better understanding of how to maximize the chances of a successful SFA application and ensure plans remain compliant after receiving SFA.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-B-1 - New Issues in DC Plans

The Defined Contribution (DC) plan landscape continues to evolve amid significant legislative and regulatory change. Panelists addresses key issues that plan sponsors and consultants should consider as they navigate this shifting environment. Speakers examine emerging issues in DC plans, including recent trends in DC plan design, administrative challenges stemming from SECURE 2.0 implementation, and the evolving regulatory landscape.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-B-2 - Missing Participants and Post-NRA Issues

Plans are continuing to experience problems with missing participants, many who may be past the Normal Retirement Date. Do you know what to do when you are trying to terminate the plan and can’t locate someone? What about when people appear after age 65 or age 70? Get some help with your questions as our panel reviews how to determine the benefits that should be provided when people reappear, and thoughts on what to do if they don’t.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-B-3 - Retro Adoption/Amendments

The SECURE Act allows plans to be adopted after year end and creates new avenues for incorporating post–year end amendments—offering new opportunities to sponsors but also adding complexity. Panelists discuss various approaches to post–year end amendments, highlighting when retroactive changes can be beneficial, how they can be implemented, and the regulatory and compliance challenges that must be considered.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 0.75
EA Non-Core Credit: 0.75
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-B-4 - Bias in Pension Actuarial Work

How does bias creep into the assumptions and models pension actuaries use to providing actuarial services? What can you do to identify and avoid bias?
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-C-1 - Single Employer Regulator Update: IRS, PBGC and Treasury

A panel of representatives from the IRS, PBGC, and Treasury Department provide updates and field your questions on a number of challenging issues. This is your chance to ask what you've always wanted to know about guidance. This session is not intended to address specific client issues.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-C-2 - Public Employee Retirement Systems Workshop

Join your public plan colleagues in a candid, open discussion of current issues. Session topics may include ASOP 4, plan design, impact of inflation, and practical discussions of issues raised in other sessions.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-C-3 - Settlement of Pension Liabilities

So your client wants to settle their pension liabilities. The speakers on this panel examine the decision considerations between using lump sum cash outs or annuities. They discuss anti‐selection, legal and compliance issues. Also the panel looks at lump sum cash out implementation steps, communications strategies, and recent plan sponsor experience.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-C-4 - Withdrawal Liability Litigation Update

Court decisions that affect the assessment, calculation, and collection of withdrawal liability continue apace. Speakers discuss these developments, with particular emphasis on actuarial assumption challenges, the treatment of partial withdrawal liability credits, statute of limitations, and issues particular to plans that have or hope to receive Special Financial Assistance.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

3-D-1 - AI and Technology in the Actuarial Workplace

ChatGPT and other advanced AI and analytic technologies are becoming increasingly prevalent in today’s workplace. Learn about what these technologies do, how they are being used, and how they will shape the future of work in actuarial consulting.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50

Meetings & Education