2017 ASPPA CONFERENCES CINCINNATI NOVEMBER 13-14, 2017 Northern Kentucky Convention Center The ultimate conference experience for retirement plan professionals.
2017 CONFERENCE COMMITTEE CHAIR Rebekah H. Whitaker, QKA, TGPC Nationwide, Columbus, OH COMMITTEE Jayne Gaffney Sheakley Pension Administration, Cincinnati, OH Kim Miller, QKA Tennessee Pension Administrators, LLC, Knoxville, TN Patty Perry, QKA Pension Corporation of America, Cincinnati, OH Steve Riordan Fidelity Investments, Conni Toth, QPA, QKA Applied Pension Professionals, LLC, Fort Wayne, IN Ryan S. Wells, CPC, QPA, QKA, Retirement Services Manager, Cicinnati, OH GENERAL CONFERENCES CO-CHAIRS Craig Hoffman, Esq., APM General Counsel, American Retirement Association 2017 ASPPA CONFERENCE: CINCINNATI 2
AGENDA MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2017 7:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. Registration and fast 8:00 a.m. 8:15 a.m. Welcome & Introductions 8:15 a.m. 9:55 a.m. General Session 1: Washington Update CE: 2 ERPA, JBEA Non-core, JBEA Formal, ASPPA A new Congress and a new President raises the potential for significant changes to the rules governing qualified retirement plans. Once again, tax reform is front and center with the potential to dramatically reduce tax incentives for qualified plans. Other legislative proposals are sure to be woven into the fabric of a comprehensive tax bill, including bipartisan efforts to encourage the use of MEPs. Recent regulatory initiatives, such as the conflicted advice regulation, are up for review as a result of new leadership taking office at the relevant federal agencies. After attending this session, attendees will be able to: Understand how tax reform proposals will impact qualified retirement plans; Identify how MEPs will be encouraged under new legislative proposals; and Prepare for forthcoming changes in the regulatory landscape. Craig P. Hoffman, Esq., APM, General Counsel, American Retirement Association 9:55 a.m. 10:10 a.m. 10:10 a.m. 11:25 a.m. General Session 2: IRS Update The IRS and Treasury Department are expected to continue their guidance and enforcement efforts in 2017. A new and improved program for pre-approved plan documents is expected to be announced at any time. In addition, the updating cycle for 403(b) plans has begun. And, audits and examinations continue to focus on areas of concern to the IRS. Attendees will: Identify IRS examination priorities; Hear about the new pre-approved plan program; and Learn about new IRS guidance. Donald J. Kieffer, Jr., Tax Law Specialist, Internal Revenue Service, TE/GE (Invited) Richard A. Hochman, JD, APM, GFS, Director, Retirement Plan Consulting Services, Actuarial Systems Corporation 11:25 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Luncheon with Panelists: Reliance of Qualified Plans; Be aware of the Gaps Attendees will hear from industry experts with differing views regarding the impact of the five-year restatement cycle elimination and no approval process for Trust document language. More importantly attendees will have the opportunity to exchange ideas as to how they and their clients will respond to these potentially significant changes. While the individually designed plan change will primarily impact large employers, the trust change will impact plans of all sizes. Attendees will: Learn about the changed environment for approving qualified plans in 2017 and beyond Learn what options their clients may have as they seek assurances to the qualification of their plan document Explore potential strategies and methods that may be used to protect their clients. Richard A. Hochman, JD, APM, GFS, Director, Retirement Plan Consulting Services, Actuarial Systems Corporation Donald J. Kieffer, Jr., Tax Law Specialist, Internal Revenue Service, TE/GE (Invited) John Utz, Utz & Lattan, LLC 1:05 p.m. 2:20 p.m. 1:05 p.m. 2:20 p.m. Workshop 1: The Making of a Regulation How Guidance is Born This session will cover how regulations (and other guidance) are made from concept through finalization. To be discussed is who is involved at Treasury, IRS and DOL and what they do? How does the political affiliation of the House, Senate or Presidency impact the regulatory process? The speaker will also review how the guidance process is controlled by Federal law. Upon completion of the session, the attendee will be able to: Summarize how guidance is created by the various agencies from concept to publication; Understand the impact of the Administrative Procedures Act and other Federal laws; and Appreciate the politics involved in the process and how it may impact guidance. Craig P. Hoffman, Esq., APM, General Counsel, American Retirement Association 1:05 p.m. 2:20 p.m. Workshop 2: Defined Benefit Plans- I ve Got One, Now What? You re a pro at DC plan administration but now you have a DB plan. You know a lot of the same rules apply, but do they all? And 2017 ASPPA CONFERENCE: CINCINNATI 3
there is the actuarial valuation what does it mean and how do you explain it to the client? Come speak with Lorraine Dorsa about DB plans how they differ from DC plans and how they are the same. Learning objectives for this session include: Understanding the basics of traditional DB plans and cash balance plans; How to get a DB/Cash Balance plan combo off to a good start; Developing and putting in place appropriate systems and administrative procedures; and Techniques for communicating plan requirements and benefits to clients and advisors. Lorraine Dorsa, MSPA, Actuary, Aegis Pension Services, Inc. 2:20 p.m. 2:35 p.m. 2:35 p.m. 3:50 p.m. 2:35 p.m. 3:50 p.m. Workshop 3: Mergers and Acquisitions Do the issues that arise when one company acquires another continue to confuse and frustrate you? Does the mere mention of 410(b)(6) employees cause your blood pressure to rise? Do you think M&A is really a pain in the A? Don t go postal, we re here to help. Join Ilene Ferenczy for a discussion of not just what the rules are, but the nuts and bolts of dealing with them. After attending this session, attendees will be able to: Distinguish between the different M&A transaction structures; Know how to review M&A situations; Understand the basic issues that arise; and Evaluate what happens in the plan after the transaction. Ilene H. Ferenczy, Esq., CPC, APA, Managing Partner, Ferenczy Benefits Law Center LLP 2:35 p.m. 3:50 p.m. Workshop 4: Pre-Approved Plan Documents Plan Documents Now On the Horizon With the end of the 5-year Determination Letter cycle for individually-designed plans, the IRS is expanding the pre-approved plan document program. Many individually-designed plan sponsors may be eligible and interested in converting to a pre-approved plan document. Attendees will learn: What plans can (or will soon ) fit on a pre-approved document; Pros and cons of an individually-designed vs pre-approved document; When can a submission for a Determination Letter be made; and What amendments and restatements are needed (and when) to maintain a plan. Donald J. Kieffer, Jr., Tax Law Specialist, Internal Revenue Service, TE/GE (Invited) Richard A. Hochman, JD, APM, GFS, Director, Retirement Plan Consulting Services, Actuarial Systems Corporation 3:50 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:15 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:15 p.m. Workshop 5: 501(c)(3) s ERISA vs. NON-ERISA - Benefit Consulting for Tax-Exempt Organizations, Governmental Employers and Church Plans Tax-exempt organizations can use a wide variety of qualified and nonqualified retirement vehicles including 401(a), 403(b) and 457(b) and (f) plans. Governmental employers, including public schools and state universities, have similar options. Even more unique are the options that are available to churches. This session will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plan and how a consultant might present these alternatives to a tax-exempt organization, governmental employer or a church organization. Included in the session will be a discussion of the new RAP period associated with the new pre-approved 403(b) plans. Goals are to: Understand the different types of 403(b) plans and employers that can adopt these plans; Learn how to distinguish an ERISA plan from a non-erisa plan; Learn how the TPA or consulting firm can discuss the multiple options available to these employers; and Understand the significance of the first RAP period for 403(b) plans. Robert J. Toth, Jr., Law Office of Robert J. Toth, JR. 4:00 p.m. 5:15 p.m. Workshop 6: Going Rogue with Cross-testing This advanced workshop is geared toward practitioners with prior experience using cross-tested allocations. The session provides examples of effectively using cross-testing in plan design, each demonstrated by intricate census spreadsheet calculations. Walk away with knowledge on when cross-testing will and will not work with actual plan demographics and tips to get failing tests to pass. Session learning objectives include: 2017 ASPPA CONFERENCE: CINCINNATI 4
When cross-testing/new comparability is most effective; Learn how to obtain the best result and solve for failures; and Case studies, examples, and the benefits to the plan. Steve S. Riordan, CPC, QPA, QKA, Senior Technical Manager, Fidelity Investments 5:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. Networking Reception TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2017 7:30 a.m. 8:15 a.m. fast 8:15 a.m. 9:30 a.m. General Session 3: DOL Update There is a new Secretary at the Department of Labor, and with a new leader comes change. This session will provide an update on the latest developments affecting retirement plans from the Department s Employee Benefits Security Administration, including what to expect with respect to future enforcement and regulatory initiatives. After attending this session, attendees will: Understand the priorities for the new administration; Learn about current enforcement initiatives; and Hear about recent and expected guidance. David N. Levine, Principal, Groom Law Group, Chartered 9:30 a.m. 9:40 a.m. Transit Time 9:40 a.m. 10:55 a.m. General Session 4: Professionalism and Ethics - Case Studies CE: 1 ERPA, JBEA core, JBEA Ethics, ASPPA Is today the day you will encounter a situation that will require your ability to recall Circular 230 and the American Retirement Association s Code of Professional Conduct? Pension professionals find they are faced with difficult scenarios that test their professionalism and at times their ethics. Morality governs individual and personal situations, yet not what our discussions are about today. Ethics are considered in professional interactions and can lead to legal considerations that govern our society as a whole. The retirement profession may present tough situations that will test professionals and their ethical decision making. Participating professionals will find this workshop interactive while exploring case studies that build on real-life interactions. Together we ll explore challenging decision-making experienced by professionals and paths taken to reach appropriate actions that may apply to any real-life scenario. Session objectives include: Gaining a deeper understanding of the ASPPA Code of Conduct and Circular 230; Enhancing ethical issue recognition skills; and Developing an effective ethics program for your business. Charles M. Lax, Esq., APM, Owner, Benefits and Tax Attorney, Maddin, Hauser, Roth & Heller, P.C. 10:55 a.m. 11:10 a.m. 11:10 a.m. 12:25 p.m. 11:10 a.m. 12:25 p.m. Workshop 7: Controlled and Affiliated Service Groups Advanced Issues RELATED EMPLOYERS NEED MORE THAN A GROUP HUG. Controlled and affiliated service groups provide unique challenges in how to design a plan to be adopted by one or more group members. Year-to-year compliance testing and plan administration is also complicated in these circumstances. This session will use case studies and analysis to help you come to grips with these challenges. Attendees will: Understand the complications inherent in controlled and affiliated service groups; Analyze plan design and compliance testing options; and Recognize traps for the unwary in this area of law. S. Derrin Watson, JD, APM, Attorney 11:10 a.m. 12:25 p.m. Workshop 8: Growing Your Business with Cash Balance Plans CE: 1 ERPA, ASPPA Interested in growing your business? Cash Balance and Defined Benefit plans can provide an opportunity if you understand how they work and when to present them. This session will be real-world and practical, not actuarial or techie. This session will go over the basics as well as plan design and how they can boost tax-qualified retirement savings for business owners. Key takeaways from this session will be: A better understanding of what cash balance and defined benefit plans can offer your clients; An improved ability to identify prospects, within both an existing book of business and outside sources; and Enhanced client communication and plan design skills to produce better results for clients. Lorraine Dorsa, MSPA, Actuary, Aegis Pension Services, Inc. 12:25 p.m. 1:45 p.m. 2017 ASPPA CONFERENCE: CINCINNATI 5
Luncheon with Speaker: The Next Big Thing Karyn B. Dzurisin, QPA, QKA, Regional Vice President, American Funds 1:50 p.m. 3:05 p.m. 1:50 p.m. 3:05 p.m. Workshop 9: The Trials and Tribulations of the Conflicted Advice Regulation The new definition of fiduciary investment advice took effect depending on timing on June 9, 2017, even though the Department of labor (DOL) is in the midst of a review of the regulation ordered by the President. A transition period under the Best Interest Contract Exemption (BICE) expires on December 31, 2017, further complicating compliance. What will this all mean for retirement professionals and plan sponsors? This session will explore the latest developments in the regulation, its enforcement and potential legislative changes. Attendees will: Analyze how the rule is working and the potential for modifications; Learn about DOL education and enforcement activities; and Be prepared for the road ahead. Ilene H. Ferenczy, Esq., CPC, APA, Managing Partner, Ferenczy Benefits Law Center LLP 3:05 p.m. 3:20 p.m. 3:20 p.m. 5:00 p.m. General Session 5: Ask the Experts Ilene H. Ferenczy, Esq., CPC, APA, Ferenczy Benefits Law Center, LLP Robert M. Kaplan, CPC, QPA, CFP, APA, VP, National Training Consultant, Voya Financial Craig P. Hoffman, Esq., APM, General Counsel, American Retirement Association 3:30 p.m. CONFERENCE ADJOURNS 1:50 p.m. 3:05 p.m. Workshop 10: The Not So Hard Facts on Hardships & Loans Some of the biggest compliance challenges facing TPAs arise out of two of the most common plan events: hardship distributions and participant loans. Whether it is the recent IRS examination guidelines regarding hardships, or the consequences of missed loan payments, TPA s need to be up to date with appropriate policies and procedures to ensure their client s continued plan compliance. Learning objec tives: To recognize what constitutes a legitimate hardship eligible for a distribution under the plan. To understand what sufficient proof of hardship will withstand scrutiny in the event of an audit. To be able to evaluate what hardship distribution provisions are suitable for a particular plan. Offset loan, multiple loans, loan interest, and consolidation. Do I deem the loan or default it? How are multiple missed payments handle, what if the loan s not timely deemed/defaulted and I cross over into a new plan year Robert M. Kaplan, CPC, QPA, CFP, APA, VP, National Training Consultant, Voya Financial 2017 ASPPA CONFERENCE: CINCINNATI 6
CONFERENCE LOCATION One West RiverCenter Blvd 41011 Phone: 859.261.1500 Headquarter Hotel Cincinnati Marriot at RiverCenter 10 West RiverCenter Blvd 41011 Phone: 859.261.2900 Room Rate: $159/night Cutoff Date: October 22, 2017 Continuing Education Information ASPPA Members This conference offers up to 18 hours of ASPPA CE credits, including 1.5 ethics credits Attorneys Accountants This conference is a group-live event and will grant a total of 18 CE credits. The American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA) is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing education on the National Registry of CE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CE Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org. Enrolled Actuaries (JBEA) The conference is designed to provide up to 14.5 JBEA Non- Core credits, including 1.5 ethics credits, for enrolled actuaries. The final decision as to the number of JBEA credits rests solely with the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries (JBEA). Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents (ERPA) This conference qualifies for up to 17 ERPA CE credits. The final decision as to the number of ERPA credits rests solely with the Internal Revenue Service. Continuing Education Credit Approval For other types of continuing education credit, including CLE or state insurance credit, please email customercare@asppa.org by October 13, 2017 to submit your request for approval. We will apply for advance approval of the program if the application process and filing fees are not prohibitive. Please check the website periodically for updates. We will post approved credit and credit applied for as it is available. REGISTRATION METHODS OF REGISTRATION* Choose ONE method. ONLINE To expedite your registration, please register at www.aspparegionals.org/cincinnati http://www.asppa.org/labc FAX 703.516.9308 Credit card only *Please MAIL note that ASPPA registration PO Box 34725 forms sent Alexandria, without VA payment 22334-0725 will NOT be processed For express/overnight until payment deliveries is received. (FedEx, DHL, etc.) send to: ASPPA 4245 N Fairfax Dr Ste 750 Arlington, VA 22203 ONSITE Registrations will be accepted on-site. Higher registration fees will apply. Please see the registration form for applicable fees. *Please note that registration forms sent without payment will NOT be processed until payment is received. GENERAL CONFERENCE INFORMATION Confirmation All attendees will receive an electronic confirmation sent to the email address listed on the registration form. This confirmation/ receipt verifies your address information, the event(s) you have signed up for and how much you have paid. Attendees are urged to review their confirmation and print for their records. If you have not received your confirmation within three weeks of registering, please contact the American Retirement Association Customer Care department at customercare@usaretirement.org. 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 Registration Desk to pick up your badge, you will be deemed a no-show and continuing education credit will not be issued. No refunds will be given for no-shows. Attendees will not be allowed to pick up other attendee badges/materials. Dress Code Attire at the conference is business casual. Feel free to be comfortable in slacks, polo shirts, sweaters, blazers and blouses. Remember that hotel meeting rooms tend to be cool, so be sure to being a sweater or light jacket. Disclaimer The statements and materials presented at ASPPA conferences are solely the opinions of the speaker and do not represent the opinion or position of ASPPA. ASPPA assumes no responsibility for the content of the statements and materials presented by speakers at ASPPA conferences. Questions If you have any questions, contact the American Retirement Association Conferences department at 703.516.9300 or email us at customercare@usaretirement.org. 2017 ASPPA CONFERENCE: CINCINNATI 7
REGISTRATION FORM 2017 ASPPA Regional Conference: Cincinnati STEP ONE: Registrant Information Please register only one person per form. All fields are required. Please type or print legibly. First Name: Badge Name: Middle Initial: Designations: Title: Company: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Fax: Email: Last Name: Please note that information printed above for Badge Name, Company, City and State will appear on your conference badge exactly as stated. Is this your preferred mailing address for all ASPPA correspondence? q Yes, please change my address q No Please check dietary requirements (if applicable): q Kosher q Vegetarian q Gluten Free q Other: If you require any other special accommodations, please specify: Your Industry Role (Please check the MOST applicable description.) q Accounting q Administration Systems q Broker Dealer Registered Representative q Broker Dealer Home Office q Legal q Marketing q Registered Investment Advisor Financial Advisor q Registered Investment Advisor Home Office q Sales q Third Party Administrator Non-producing TPA q Third Party Administrator Producing TPA STEP TWO: Registration Fee Payment Early* (until 10/13/17) Regular (10/14/17 11/11/17) On-site (after 11/11/17) ASPPA Member q $645 q $745 q $845 Non-Member q $670 q $770 q $870 q Check Payment: Check number: Credit Card: q Visa q Mastercard q American Express q Discover Name as it appears on card: Card Number: Expiration Date: Authorized Signature: To prevent duplication of payment, send your registration form only once. If you are mailing it, do not fax it and vice versa. *To qualify for the early registration rate, registration and payment must be received in the American Retirement Association office by October 13, 2017. The fee is calculated based on the receipt date of the registration form, not the postmark. Registrations will be accepted through November 11, 2017 at the regular registration rate. Any registrations received after this date will be charged the on-site registration fee. Tel: 703.516.9300 Fax: 703.516.9308