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L.A. Advanced Pension & 401(k) Conference

The L.A. Advanced Pension & 401(k) Conference — designed especially for practicing pension actuaries and TPA retirement plan professionals — focuses on networking and education, with hands-on learning about current regulatory, legislative, administrative, actuarial and consulting topics during sessions led by industry experts. The conference comprises general sessions and workshops that allow participants to actively engage with peers.

  • Explore cutting-edge information with customized solutions.
  • Discuss difficult concepts with renowned educators, to create a game plan for success, and return home reenergized with new skills and solutions you can implement immediately.
  • Engage in exploratory conversations on employee benefit issues with colleagues.

 

Conference Agenda

7:30–8:30 a.m.
Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:30–8:40 a.m.
Welcome & Introductions

8:40–10:20 a.m.
General Session 1: Washington Update

Developments in Washington continue to have a significant impact on retirement plans. Shift into high gear on recent legal and regulatory developments, and discover what may be lurking on the legislative horizon. Hear the latest on the SECURE Act, and where things stand on the financial transaction tax proposals and student loan matching programs. New proposed rules from DOL on electronic disclosure of ERISA notices will also be discussed.

Will Hansen, Chief Government Affairs Officer, American Retirement Association

10:20–10:35 a.m.
Beverage Break

10:35–11:50 a.m.
Concurrent Workshops

Workshop 1: 3(16) Outsourcing
3(16) Fiduciary Plan Administrator services are now a part of the landscape for qualified retirement plans. Does your company or do your competitors offer these services? We’ll discuss the type and scope of services the marketplace offers, along with pros and cons for service providers and the value proposition for clients.

Adam C. Pozek, QPA, QKA, CPFA, Partner/ Retirement Plan Consultant, DWC – The 401(k) Experts

Workshop 2: DC Document Issues
Stay ahead of the never-ending changes in the DC document arena. We’ll focus on some of the more problematic provisions found in DC documents, and provide insight into common mistakes and how to fix them.

Robert M. Richter, Esq., APM, Retirement Education Counsel, American Retirement Association

Workshop 3: The Good, the Bad and the Benefits of Insurance and Annuities in Plans
There may be reason to include insurance products in qualified plans. We’ll review reasons for inclusion, the pros and cons of such products and the administrative procedures needed for proper handling within the retirement plan framework.

  • Ensure compliance with benefits, rights and features.
  • Report product values accurately.
  • Effectively explain options for purchasing and removing insurance from the plan.

Holly L. Scott, CPC, QKA, Consultant, Liden, Nestle, Soled & Associates, Inc.
Meredith J. Sesser, Attorney, Brucker & Morra, APC

Workshop 4: Plan Designs — How far should you go?
We’ll examine some of the issues of deciding how far a rule can be pushed.

  • What constitutes a reasonable business classification vs. the effect of identifying people by name.
  • How often a plan can be amended without raising issues, including the concept of one-year amendments (which expire after that period).
  • How far can the definition of different types of compensation be pushed, particularly for a plan sponsor with only one owner.
  • Interest crediting rate and conversion factor limits in a cash balance plan.

Lawrence Deutsch, FSPA, President, Larry Deutsch Enterprises
James E. Holland Jr., FSPA, Chief Research Actuary, Cheiron

11:50 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
Lunch

12:20–1:10 p.m.
Markets and Economy Lunch Presentation

Start the afternoon with a 2020 market update and benefit from insights gleaned from major portfolio managers.

Gary Bryce, Vice President & Retirement Plan Counselor, Capital Group | American Funds

1:10–1:20 p.m.
Break

1:20–2:35 p.m.
Concurrent Workshops

Workshop 5: When to Fire Clients and Referral Sources
It has been said that 20% of your clients produce 80% of your results. Are you focusing on the most important clients and referral sources? Do you regularly review your client list and prune those that require a great deal of extra work or are not in your service sweet spot? Have you trained your referral sources to know what types of clients to send you for optimal results? If not, learn from this workshop, when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.

Sarah Simoneaux, CPC, Founding Partner, Simoneaux & Stroud Consulting Services

Workshop 6: Audits on DOL
Actuaries, TPAs and other service providers need to understand what to expect and how to respond during a DOL examination. Let’s take a practical walk through the process and outline steps to avoid problems with DOL to:

  • Understand the examination process.
  • Figure out why a plan was selected for examination.
  • Pinpoint potential areas of concerns.
  • Identify common mistakes.
  • Learn how to avoid (or at lease minimize the risk of) an investigation.

Meredith J. Sesser, Attorney, Brucker & Morra, APC

Workshop 7: DB Restatements
Restatements are due early next year. We’ll review the new provisions in the DB restatements, as well explain the benefits and limitations of using pre-approved plans. Attendees will:

  • Be able to identify and avoid pitfalls during the restatement process.
  • Understand reliance and the limitations of using a pre-approved plan.

Robert M. Richter, Esq., APM, Retirement Education Counsel, American Retirement Association

Workshop 8: I want to close my pension plan! Now what?
Sponsors often ask to have their pension plans closed down immediately without knowing the various complexities and issues that can arise when terminating a DB or CB plan. Explore the issues involved and the various points to consider when terminating a defined benefit pension plan, including how to handle the differences between assets and benefits.

  • Develop a timeline of what needs to be done to close a DB plan.
  • Identify what notices and documentation are needed to satisfy the termination rules.
  • Determine what options are available when the plan is overfunded or underfunded.

Mary Ann Rocco, MSPA, Owner, Mary Ann Rocco, Consulting Actuary

2:35–2:50 p.m.
Beverage Break

2:50–4:05 p.m.
Concurrent Workshops

Workshop 9: Fiduciary Developments
Join this lively discussion about the next iteration of DOL fiduciary regulations, SEC Reg BI, initiatives moving forward at the state level and the implications for plans, sponsors and participants, along with other fiduciary issues.

Craig P. Hoffman, Esq., APM, Counsel, Trucker Huss, APC

Workshop 10: Creating Synergies Between TPAs & Advisors
Successful retirement providers develop relationships with others in the industry for reference, synergy and referrals. When knowledge-based, your input can be part of that equation; you can provide important insights into how to develop successful relationships or terminate those that just don’t work. Learn relationship techniques from experienced consultants in the TPA, recordkeeper and investment advisory space. Leave with tips and tools on developing loyalty.

Aaron P. Karr, QKA, Financial Advisor, Ameriprise Financial
Scott Ann MacDonald Setzer, Self-employed Consultant

Workshop 11: Section 436 – Going Beyond the Regulations
Current regulations do not address a number of important issues that arise, including how is the presumed AFTAP determined upon changes in valuation dates (to end of year from beginning of year and vice versa), how does valuation date changes affect mergers or spin-offs, how are multiple plan amendments handled when restrictions on amendments will only allow one to take effect. These questions and, time permitting, others will be covered in a session that goes beyond the current state of existing regulations. Basic knowledge of section 436 is assumed.

James E. Holland Jr., FSPA, Chief Research Actuary, Cheiron

Workshop 12: Actuarial Assumptions: Is there a method to my assumption?
How small-plan and other pension actuaries provide responsible services is their choice — based on the recommendation of actuarial and other assumptions and methods. We’ll examine practical techniques for choosing actuarial and other assumptions and methods in the post-PPA landscape, including timing and details. We’ll also focus on revised ASOP 4 and its impact on the process discussed. Bring your questions and thoughts — including points and counterpoints — to make this session interactive.

Lawrence Deutsch, FSPA, President, Larry Deutsch Enterprises
Kurt F. Piper, FSPA, Owner & Chief Actuary, Piper Pension & Profit Sharing

4:05–4:15 p.m.
Break

4:15–5:30 p.m.
Concurrent Workshops

Workshop 13: Using Tech to Make Your Practice More Efficient
With so much new technology available, how do you identify and implement tech that will make you more efficient? Learn to use technology to your best advantage.

Sarah Simoneaux, CPC, Founding Partner, Simoneaux & Stroud Consulting Services

Workshop 14: Using Prevailing Wage in Retirement Plan Design
Prevailing wage regulations include a fringe benefit component that can be used in a variety of ways to help businesses and retirement plan design. Learn the details of prevailing wage rules, and how companies required to pay prevailing wage can use the fringe benefits to benefit 401k plan testing and to offset employer contributions.

Elizabeth K. Harrington, QPA, Founder, Benefit Resources, Inc.
Marcel P. Weiland, Attorney, Employee Benefits Law Group

Workshop 15: Benefit Freezes and Their Aftermath
We’ll discuss differences between soft, hard and partial benefit freeze, ERISA 204(h) notice requirements, and explore the effects of the benefit freeze on all aspects of plan operation and compliance testing. Learn:

  • What happens when 204(h) notice is not provided or is defective.
  • How actuarial increases are affected by the benefit freeze.
  • What vesting requirements are triggered.
  • How top-heavy minimums are satisfied in a standalone and combo plan designs.
  • Meaningful benefit requirements and Sec 401(a)(26) prior benefit structure test coordination.
  • How Sec 415 maximum benefits and Sec 430 funding requirements are affected.
  • Plan operation when the Sec 436(e) benefit freeze is in effect.
  • Actuarial consulting challenges during the year of the freeze and in subsequent plan years.

Richard A. Block, FSPA, Actuary, Block Consulting Actuaries, Inc.

Workshop 16: Nitty Gritty Numbers of DB/DC “Combo Plan” Non-Discrimination Testing
The creative use of combo plan designs has become the norm. While a powerful tool, a combo design can be a beast that lends itself to many problems. We will methodically go through where the testing numbers come from.

  • Calculate the allocation and accrual rates necessary to perform cross testing on DB/DC combo plans (including cash balance).
  • Identify common problems in cross testing and potential solutions.
  • Learn how cash balance interest crediting rates impact DB/DC combo plan testing, including 401(a)(26).

Mary Ann Rocco, MSPA, Owner, Mary Ann Rocco, Consulting Actuary

5:30–6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception

 

7:10–8:10 a.m.
Continental Breakfast

8:10–9:25 a.m.
General Session 2: Trends in IRS, DOL and PBGC Audits and Investigations

Hear directly from government representatives and practitioners about issues they are seeing in their day to day work. This will include issues arising in IRS, PBGC, and DOL audits or investigations. Participants can ask about general areas of concern directly to government representatives. Attendees will learn about the IRS TE/GE Compliance Program for FY 2020, current issues the PBGC is seeing in standard termination audits, and what the Department of Labor is currently focusing on in its investigations of retirement plans. Also gain perspective on when recently issued regulations that might be implemented.

Heather Abrigo, APM, Partner, Drinker, Biddle & Reath
Avaneesh K. Bhagat, Manager EP Voluntary Compliance Group, Internal Revenue Service
James H. Goldstein, Senior Investigator, US Department of Labor
Martin L. Pippins, MSPA, Executive Director, ACOPA & Director of Regulatory Policy

9:25–9:35 a.m.
Break

9:35–10:50 a.m.
Concurrent Workshops

Workshop 17: Litigation Risks for Plan Sponsors and Fiduciaries
Get ready for a rundown on current retirement plan litigation, along with risks and issues that plan sponsors and fiduciaries should consider — from the perspective of an experienced attorney who litigates these issues every day!

Joseph C. Faucher, Attorney, Trucker Huss, APC

Workshop 18: HR Hot Topics for Business Owners & Clients
One former plaintiff attorney — experienced in suing large companies for employment issues — switched sides and now counsels’ employers how to avoid the top 10 stupid mistakes employers make that are likely to end in litigation. Full of energy, she will entertain and inform you how to: Foster a healthy workplace.

  • Handle disciplinary issues effectively.
  • Avoid litigation.
  • Communicate effectively with employees.

Renee Noy, Esq., WorkWise Law, PC

Workshop 19: MASD and effects of different CB crediting rates on 415
There is little guidance on how to handle a defined benefit plan’s IRC section 415 when there are multiple annuity starting dates (MASD). This session will provide in depth examples on compliance with MASD and 415. We’ll illustrate several methodologies and examples and when one method may be chosen over another.

Richard A. Block, FSPA, Actuary, Block Consulting Actuaries, Inc.
Michael W. Spaid, FSPA, QPA, Actuary, Internal Revenue Service

Workshop 20: DB Plan Disclosures
Myriad disclosures are required for defined benefit plans. We’ll highlight the common disclosures needed for plan administration as well as some of the nuances that require additional disclosure.

  • Review annual administration disclosures, SAR and AFN.
  • Gain an understanding of the additional disclosure requirements when payments are missed.
  • Become versed in the participant disclosures for distributions.

Lynn M. Young, MSPA, Partner, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC

10:50–11:10 a.m.
Beverage Break

11:10 a.m.–12:25 p.m.
Concurrent Workshops

Workshop 21: 401(k) Hot Topics
401(k) plans remain extremely popular with both plan sponsors and participants. Last year’s federal budget bill triggered changes in the rules for hardship distributions. Proposed IRS regulations provide guidance and transitional options plan sponsors must consider in bringing their plans into compliance. Providing matching contributions for student loan repayments is another 401(k) plan design concept garnering a great deal of attention. How does it work and what are the pitfalls? “Backdoor” Roth contributions have been touted in the popular press but don’t always make sense.

  • Understand how a “backdoor” Roth contribution works.
  • Learn what changed in the final hardship regulations.
  • Learn how to assess whether a student loan 401(k) matching program makes sense.

Craig P. Hoffman, Esq., APM, Counsel, Trucker Huss, APC

Workshop 22: A New Day for MEPs and PEPs
Final DOL MEP rules are in place and some groups have already started using them to establish plans. The IRS has issued proposed regulations, which improve MEPs’ ability to correct some problems. Congress wants to play, too. Be prepared for a fast-paced explanation of what’s new and what it means for you.

S. Derrin Watson, APM, Attorney

Workshop 23: Tips and Tools for Combo Plan Testing
Are you up to date on plan design and compliance testing techniques for cash balance and combo plans? Hear about design parameters to solve problems and what not to use to avoid scrutiny. Areas of concern in combo testing to be addressed:

  • Top Heavy.
  • Exclusions.
  • Gateway solutions.
  • Multiple plan options.

Kevin J. Donovan, FSPA, President, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC

Workshop 24: Ethics for Actuaries
Ethics is a nebulous framework that dictates how we should conduct ourselves, not only in business, but in our everyday lives. It dictates acting in the best interest of the parties involved and doing the right thing in difficult circumstances. We’ll review how Circular 230 dictates our responsibilities, and give a refresher on demonstrating courtesy and respect.

Angela Barclay, MSPA, Enrolled Actuary, Pension Benefits Unlimited, Inc.

12:25–1:25 p.m.
Lunch

1:25–2:40 p.m.
Concurrent Workshops

Workshop 25: Retirement Plan Eligibility
Which employees must be covered in a retirement plan and which groups can be excluded? What rules apply to 401(k) Safe Harbor Plans? What is the impact of excluding employees on coverage and nondiscrimination testing? What rules apply to non-resident aliens who are employees? Join us to learn the answers to these questions and much more!

James C. Paul, APM, Attorney, Employee Benefits Law Group

Workshop 26: Alternative Investments in Retirement Plans: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly!
Alternative investments are increasingly popular with plan sponsors (especially defined benefit plan sponsors). From the always-popular investment of plan assets in real property, hedge funds and artwork, to the resurgence of collective trusts in defined contribution plans, we’ll discuss these topics and the issues that arise. Understand the issues that surface with alternative investments in qualified plans that include valuation issues, prohibited transact issues and fiduciary issues. We’ll also discuss what issues the IRS and DOL have, and what plan sponsors should look for.

Heather Abrigo, APM, Partner, Drinker, Biddle & Reath
Scott Ann MacDonald Setzer, Self-employed Consultant

Workshop 27: RMD & 401(a)(9) Table Changes
On Nov. 8, IRS and Treasury published proposed regulations under section 401(a)(9), which affect RMDs for both DC and DB plans, as well as IRAs. This reflects the Executive Order issued in August 2018. A public hearing has been scheduled for Jan. 23. Learn about the updates to the life expectancy and distribution period tables for RMD purposes, as well as potential issues with the proposed effective date of the regulations.

Martin L. Pippins, MSPA, Executive Director, ACOPA & Director of Regulatory Policy
Michael W. Spaid, FSPA, QPA, Actuary, Internal Revenue Service

Workshop 28: FASB Calculations
We’ll review current practices in pension accounting — including a discussion of the ASC 715 requirements from the viewpoint of the Plan Sponsor (CFO, senior management, Board), auditor and actuary. This involves identification of critical calculations, assumptions and disclosures. How are the concerns different depending on the size of the pension plan relative to the size of the plan sponsor? Learn how the funded status of the pension plan or the health of the plan sponsor impacts these calculations. Consider the practical impacts different levels of plan sponsor sophistication impose.

  • Understand the different roles played by the actuary, plan sponsor and auditor and their concerns.
  • Provide the plan sponsor with guidance on selection of assumptions.
  • Be sensitive to consulting issues in various situations.

Richard Kutikoff, MSPA, President, Pacific Benefit Services

2:40–3 p.m.
Beverage Break

3–4:40 p.m.
General Session 3: Ask the Experts

Kevin J. Donovan, FSPA, President, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
James C. Paul, APM, Attorney, Employee Benefits Law Group
Kurt F. Piper, FSPA, Owner & Chief Actuary, Piper Pension & Profit Sharing
S. Derrin Watson, APM, Attorney

4:40 p.m.
Conference Adjourns

 

Preliminary agenda as of November 2019

 

Registration Rates

  Early Bird
(Ends 1/3/20)
Regular
(1/4/20 – 1/17/20)
On-site
(After 1/17/20)

Member

$815 $915 $1,015

Non-Member

$965 $1,065 $1,165

 

Venue

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
555 Universal Hollywood Drive
Universal City, CA 91608
818.623.1434

Room Rate: $229/night double or single
Reservation Cut-Off Date: Dec. 30, 2019

 

Committee

Co-Chairs

James C. Paul, APM, Employee Benefits Law Group
Holly L. Scott, CPC, QKA, Consultant, Liden, Nestle, Soled & Associates

Members

Roman V. Andro, CPC, MSPA, QPA, Director of Actuarial Services, PenSys, Inc.
Mark W. Clark, QPA, Partner, Benefit Associates, Inc.
Elizabeth K. Harrington, QPA, President, Benefit Resources, Inc.
Kurt F. Piper, Owner & Chief Actuary, Piper Pension & Profit Sharing

ACOPA Executive Director

Martin L. Pippins, MSPA, American Retirement Association

 

Sponsors

Thank you to our sponsors

General Information

Confirmation

Registrants will receive confirmation if registration and payment are received by Jan. 17, 2020.

Cancellation Refund Policy

Submit all requests to [email protected] by Jan. 17, 2020. 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 Jan. 17, 2020. Please note that refunds will not be given for no-shows.

Substitution Policy

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.

Badges

Attendees registering in advance may pick up their badge and on-site materials at the Registration Desk during conference 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. Attendees will not be allowed to pick up other attendees' badges/materials.

Continuing Education

The conference is designed to offer up to 17 ASPPA CE credits with 1.5 ethics credit available. ERPA, JBEA, State Insurance, and Legal Credits are also available (certain restrictions apply). JBEA credit will be identified for each session once the agenda is finalized. To request approval for a specific type of credit, please click here.

For other types of continuing education credit, including CLE, CE or state insurance credit, please submit your request for pre-approval by Dec. 2, 2019.