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2023 ASPPA Spring National

Join Us at the 2023 ASPPA Spring National Conference!

 

SECURE 2.0 is here! Can you keep up?

The 2023 ASPPA Spring National, May 17-18, is two half days of an interactive virtual experience, offering opportunities for attendees to make connections that will fuel you and your team well after the event.

ASPPA Spring National features 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. Here’s what to expect:

  • presentations that cover the hottest topics in the industry
  • event staples including Washington Update, Ask the Experts and Ethics
  • watch the virtual sessions live or on-demand at a time most convenient for your schedule


 

 

 

12-12:50 p.m.
 
GS1: Cashing In on the SECURE 2.0 Act
Participants have more opportunities to receive distributions from retirement plans after the passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act.  However, with more opportunity comes more complexity and the possibility for more mistakes by retirement plan administrators.  The proper handling of distributions already is one of the most frequent questions received by ASPPA staff.  Therefore, with the additional distribution provisions enacted by the SECURE 2.0 Act, there will be continued interest in appropriately handling all the various distribution types.  To help address questions, this session will highlight most of the newly enacted SECURE 2.0 provisions addressing distributions from a plan, including: 
  • Withdrawals for certain emergency expenses.
  • Withdrawals from emergency accounts linked to individual account plans.
  • Qualified birth or adoption distribution repayment.
  • Employee self-certification of hardship withdrawals.
  • Withdrawals by individuals in the case of domestic abuse.
  • Penalty exception on early distributions for individuals with terminal illness.
  • Use of retirement funds in connection with qualified federally declared disasters.
Attendees will be able to:
  • Identify newly allowable distribution circumstances and relief enacted by the SECURE 2.0 Act.
  • Understand how to properly administer the distributions.
  • Identify common mistakes in distribution processing to prevent errors.

 

Kelsey Mayo, J.D., Partner, Poyner Spruill, Director of Regulatory Affairs, American Retirement Association
 
 
==
 
1-1:50 p.m.
 
WS1: (In)Secure about your plan document?
 
This session will be a potpourri of SECURE 1.0, 2.0, and restatement plan document-related topics. Highlights include a review of adding safe harbor to a 401(k) plan after year end, establishing a qualified plan after year end, and SECURE amendment deadlines. Other topics to be addressed are upcoming plan restatement deadlines and plan termination takeaways.
 
Attendees will be able to:
  • Explain the timeline of the restatement process for all pre-approved plan documents
  • Understand the SECURE Act amendment deadline and how it applies to all plan documents
  • Understand how certain plans can be established after the initial plan year has already ended
  • Explain how a 401(k) plan can become a safe harbor 401(k) plan retroactively
  • Explain what plan document language is required to terminate a plan in the SECURE 2.0 environment
 
Brian Furgala, CPC, QPA, Director of 401(k) Education, Employee Fiduciary
Moderator: Jeanne Schanzenbach, CPC, QPA, Retirement Plan Consultant, Limestone Pension Associates 
 
==
 
WS2: Increased catch up contributions and Rothification - Don’t miss your chance!
 
This session will focus on the SECURE 2.0 increased catch up limits for certain individuals in 401(k), 403(b), and SIMPLE plans; the requirement for certain individuals to receive Roth catch up contributions; and the ability to treat employer matching or nonelective contributions as Roth.
 
Attendees will be able to:
  • Understand the current catchup rules for 401(k), 403(b), and SIMPLE plans and the effects of the SECURE 2.0 changes on them
  • Explain what we know regarding the treatment of match and nonelective as Roth
  • Understand why additional guidance and technical corrections are needed for these SECURE 2.0 items prior to 2024
 
Jennifer Swets, QPA, QKA®, ERPA, Partner, DWC – The 401(k) Experts
Moderator: Suzanne Jenkins, QKA, Manager, The Standard
 
==
 
2-2:50 p.m.
 
WS3: Secure in your EPCRS knowledge? 
 
The IRS and DOL sponsor different programs to enable a retirement plan to correct operational failures.  The EPCRS program focuses on specific types of errors that may be remedied through self-correction.  Join this session to understand how Secure 2.0 has updated self-correction options for plan errors.  
 
We will discuss an overview of the newly expanded EPCRS program including:
  • Technical details on the updates
  • ‘Real Life’ examples/case studies
  • Best practices for avoiding common mistakes
 
Melissa  Terito, CPA, Partner, Sentinel Pension
Moderator: Julie Altig, QPA, CPC, Owner/Partner, Atlantic Pension Services, Inc.
 
==
 
WS4: Long Term Part-Time Employees - Blessing or curse?
 
Expanding coverage for part-time workers arrived with SECURE 1.0. This session will provide a review of the SECURE 1.0 rules for Long Term Part-Time (LTPT) employees as we approach its inception in 2024. It will also overlay the SECURE 2.0 rules on the 1.0 rules and show how it all fits together.
 
Attendees will be able to:
  • Explain how SECURE 1.0 rules are retroactively modified by 2.0
  • Explain how SECURE 2.0 changes LTPT rules prospectively
  • Learn how service providers are dealing with gaps in the guidance such as FICA wages
  • Explore alternative plan designs

 

Alison Cohen, Partner, Ferenczy Benefits Law Center
Moderator: Rachel Roberts, QKA, Director of Retirement Services, Spectrum Employee Benefits
 
==
 
3-3:50 p.m.
 
WS5: Demystifying Mergers and Acquisitions
 
This thorny topic can cause the most seasoned professional to groan aloud when the ‘call’ comes in referencing a past corporate transaction.  Explore why the sponsor may be unaware of the implications a new group of employees may pose for the plan.  When recovery is the only option, it is important to understand the table stakes, what questions to ask and in what order.  Join this session to gain an overview of how the transition rules impact plan participants. 
 
We will discuss strategies to identify the following:
  • Key questions to ask concerning protected benefits, employee coverage and timing for document amendments
  • Identifying operational corrections
  • Utilizing a decision tree beginning with the type of purchase:  Stock versus Asset
 

Lyndsey Barnett , Attorney, Bricker Graydon LLP
Moderator: Rob Kaplan, QPA, QKA, Member, Cozen O'Connor

 
==
 
WS6: Ready or Not Here I Come! The Missing Participant Game
 
Missing participants is a continuing issue in retirement plans.  We’ve had some help with the DOL’s Missing Participant Guidance and more recently with the SECURE 2.0 Act’s retirement savings lost and found program.  This session will discuss the missing participant issue, what we know to date, what we may expect from the new lost and found database, and what may be coming on the horizon to help plan administrators in this participant game of hide-and-seek.  Additionally, the SECURE 2.0 Act has updated the dollar limit for mandatory distributions, which will be addressed along with the cash-out rules.  Lastly, this session will discuss the most recent IRS notice of proposed rulemaking regarding rules relating to the use of forfeitures in qualified retirement plans, including the deadline for the use of forfeitures in defined contributions plans.  
 
Attendees will be able to:
  • Understand the missing participant issue.
  • Identify guidance and best practices to help prevent missing participants.
  • Identify guidance and best practices to help find participants when they go missing.
  • Understand the changes to the mandatory distribution limit from the SECURE 2.0 Act.
  • Understand the changes the relating to use of forfeitures in qualified retirement plans and the deadline for use of forfeitures.
 
Mickie Murphy, ERPA, CPC, QPA, QKC, President, Blue Benefits Consulting, Inc
Moderator: Megan Crawford, ERPA, QPA, Partner, TPA, Williams Benefit Consulting, LLC
 
==
 
4-4:50 p.m.
 
GS2: Plan Design under SECURE 2.0
 
Join us for a session on how to use SECURE 2.0 to your plan design advantage!  This session is created for sales consultants as well as plan administrators.  We will discuss how provisions of SECURE 2.0 will affect your plan design choices going forward and what types of employers they make the most sense for.   
With more plan sponsors focusing on hiring and retaining good talent, these new plan features will be a great way for your clients to stay competitive in the hiring marketplace (and they will have you to thank)!  This session will review the plan design aspects of Starter(k) plans, the Student Loan Matching Program, Top Heavy Disaggregation considerations, and treatment of employer contributions as Roth. 
 
Attendees will be able to: 
  • Identify current and potential clients that will benefit from these new provisions. 
  • Use these provisions as a part of their sales pitch.
  • Teach your clients how to relay these additional benefits to their employees.
 
Steve Riordan, VP, Plan Consulting, Fidelity Investments
John Webb, MBA, ERPA, QKA, QPA, TGPC, CPFA, ASRI, Compliance, Consulting, and Plan Services, Ameritas
Moderator: Bob Kaplan, CPC, QPA, QKC, QKA, Director of Technical Education, American Retirement Association
 
==
 
5-5:40 p.m.
 
Peer-to-Peer Roundtable Discussions
 
Calling all TPAs! Are you trying to wrap your head around what the many provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act mean for your business and clients? Well, you’re not alone. This new law opens up exciting opportunities but will require you to make a lot of adjustments as well. And we’re giving you a rare opportunity to explore both — and other top-of-mind issues — with your colleagues during our Peer-to-Peer Roundtable discussions! Join other TPAs to examine relevant provisions, share perspectives and concerns and help each other figure out how to navigate in this exciting—and challenging new landscape. Don’t miss this chance to cover a lot of useful ground in a casual give-and-take that will also help you reinforce current relationships and make new connections.
 
Disclaimer: Due to the informal nature of this discussion time, CE credit is not available for attending this session. 
11-11:50 a.m.
 
Auto Portability and Its Potential Impact for TPAs

One of the provisions in the SECURE 2.0 Act addresses automatic portability services. Pete Welsh of Millennium Trust Company explains how auto portability works and some things to consider if you are thinking about adopting it as an add-on feature to an auto rollover solution.

Pete Welsh, Managing Director, Retirement Services Sales, Millennium Trust Company, LLC

Sponsored by Millennium Trust Company, LLC

==
 
12-12:50 p.m.
 
GS3: Let's Make a Choice
 
To continue using game shows, reality television, and other popular entertainment to keep our ethics hour lively, Rob Kaplan and Peter Gulia present Let’s Make a Choice—adapted from Let’s Make a Deal, on television over 60 years. “What’s behind door number . . . one, two, or three?” will be responses to real-world business problems, calling for ethical reasoning grounded on professional-conduct rules for an ASPPA member, an actuary, an ERPA, or another IRS-recognized practitioner. In-studio contestants and at-home viewers make their ethical choices. When all three doors’ responses are revealed, will your choice be a goat, a zonk, or the prize-winning answer under your professional-conduct rules. The judges’ rulings are final!
 
Peter Gulia, Shareholder, Fiduciary Guidance Counsel
Robert Kaplan, QPA, QKA, Member, Cozen O'Connor
Moderator: Ken Marblestone, Senior Counsel, MandMarblestone Group, LLC
 
==
 
1-1:50 p.m.
 
WS7: Common Control/Affiliated Service Groups – It’s all relative
 
In-depth analysis of the determination of whether related business entities must be treated as one employer and the impact on the retirement plans they maintain.  The discussion will include the two key changes to the ownership attribution rules for families made by SECURE 2.0.
 
Attendees will be able to:
  • Understand the basics of employers related through Common Control or Affiliated Service Groups.
  • Find out how SECURE 2.0 has affected the ownership attribution rules.
  • Recognize the impact of the nondiscrimination testing, 415 limits, top-heavy testing and other compliance rules on the retirement plans maintained by related employers.
 
David Schultz, J.D., APM, Product Manager/Attorney, FIS Wealth & Retirement
Moderator: Jeanne Schanzenbach, CPC, QPA, Retirement Plan Consultant, Limestone Pension Associates
 
==
 
WS8: Automatic Enrollment 
 
Mandatory automatic enrollment is here! Well almost.  Join us for a refresher of the EACA rules and requirements, find which plans and employers are exempt, and review timing of when this will go into effect.  
e will also discuss how to run an automatic enrollment plan successfully and discuss tips and tricks! 
 
Attendees will be able to: 
  • Identify what plans are required to implement automatic enrollment and when.
  • Discuss how to implement automatic enrollment with their clients.
  • Understand what notices are required to be given and when to give them.
 
Theresa Conti, QKA, APR, ERPA, CPFA, President, Sunwest Pensions
Moderator: Shannon Edwards, CPC, QPA, QKC, QKA, CPFA, President, TriStar Pension, LLC
 
==
 
2-2:50 p.m.
 
WS9: You Want Me to Report What?  -  Recent Form 5500 Updates
 
The DOL, IRS, and PBGC issued final forms and instruction revisions in the federal register in February relating to statutory amendments to ERISA and the IRC as part of the SECURE Act along with other changes to improve reporting.  As such, the 2023 Form 5500 and Form 5500-SF will reflect these changes.  There are a number of larger changes that plan administrators need to know about, which include: a consolidated Form 5500 reporting option for certain groups of DC plans, improved reporting by PEPs and other MEPs, a change in the participant counting methodology for determining type of filer, a breakout of administrative expense types, additional compliance questions, and technical adjustments among other changes.  This session will attempt to cover the changes that a plan administrator needs to know about so you are ready to address client questions and prepare for the 2024 filing season.  

Attendees will become aware of the recent changes to the Form 5500 for the 2023 plan year, including:

  • the new reporting option for certain groups of DC plans.
  • the improved reporting updates by PEPs and other MEPs.
  • the new participant counting methodology for determining type of filer.
  • the new administrative expense types.
  • the new compliance questions added.

 

Mary Andersen, CEBS, ERPA, QPA, President, ERISAdiagnostics, Inc.
A. Paul Protos, ERPA, President, ATR, Inc.
Moderator: Chris Ciminera, QKA, Manager, Belfint Lyons & Shuman, PA
 
==
 
WS10: RMDs – Who, What, When, How?
 
SECURE 2.0 is increasing the age at which a person must start taking RMDs.  What happens when a participant dies?  This session will cover the differing circumstances for timing and method of payment of the account balance from a defined contribution plan depending on the identity of the beneficiary. 
 
Attendees will be able to:
  • Determine the time-frame over which a death benefit distribution must be fully paid.
  • Ascertain whether the beneficiary is an “eligible designated beneficiary” or even a “designated beneficiary”.
  • Understand how to calculate the remaining life expectancy to determine the RMD each year depending upon the relationship of the beneficiary to the deceased participant.
 
David Kupstas, MSEA, Chief Actuary, Actuarial Consulting Group, Inc.
Moderator: Andy Ledewitz, CPC, QPA, QKA, QPFC, TGPC, Sr. ERISA Consultant, Empower Retirement
 
==
 
3:05-4:45 p.m.
 
GS4: Ask the Experts
 
Watch as host Robert Richter talks with this panel of industry powerhouses and dives into topics relevant to you to provide you with insights, perspective and perhaps even a solution or two! Submit your questions here.   
 
Alison Cohen, Partner, Ferenczy Benefits Law Center
David Kupstas, MSPA, Chief Actuary, Actuarial Consulting Group, Inc.
David Schultz, J.D., APM, Product Manager/Attorney, FIS Wealth & Retirement
Jennifer Swets, QPA, QKA®, ERPA, Partner, DWC – The 401(k) Experts
Moderator: Robert Richter, J.D., LL.M., Retirement Education Counsel, American Retirement Association

 

 

Registration Rates (Registration Closes 5/12/23)

Member

$480

Non-member

$580

  

*Current ASPPA and ASEA members qualify for this discounted event ticket price.

  • Latest information on Washington and SECURE 2.0
  • Network and connect through our event platform via Zoom
  • Engage with nationally known speakers
  • Get answers to your most pressing questions through Ask the Experts
  • Live and on-demand viewing available

 

Need CE credits? We’ve Got You Covered!

For each session you attend, a CE verification code will be provided at the end of each session. Click here to submit your CE verification code so you can receive CE credit. For faster processing, please have your ASPPA attendee ID handy from your login email. If not available, you can enter your email address.

 

ASPPA Members

The 2023 ASPPA Spring National is designed to offer up to 11 hours of ASPPA CE credit, including 1 hour of Ethics CE credit. Additional credits can be earned by viewing recordings and completing a quiz related to program content. Recordings will be available 2-3 weeks after the live conference concludes.

 

Enrolled Agents (JBEA)

Up to three hours of Core, eight hours of Non-Core, and one hour of Ethics credit will be available for live sessions. Formal credit is available for viewing live sessions only. Additional Non-Core credits may be earned by watching recorded sessions. 

 

 

Accountants (NASBA):

ASPPA is not an approved provider through NASBA for online education. No CPE credit will be available.

 

Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents (ERPA Credit)

Attendees can earn up to 10 ERPA CE credits, including 1 hour of ERPA Ethics CE. Additional credits can be earned by viewing recordings and completing a quiz related to program content. Recordings will be available 2-3 weeks after the live conference concludes.

 

ASPPA cannot accommodate third-party CE requests for this virtual event.

 

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. You’ll also have access to the session handouts. Your conference registration includes free access to all available recordings.

Engage on Your Terms

Whether you enjoy following Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn, the ASPPA Spring National 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.

 

linkedin.com/ASPPA

@ASPPA

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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] by May 12, 2023. 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 May 12, 2023. 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.

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 [email protected].