The NAGDCA Annual Conference is the can’t-miss event for the public sector defined contribution retirement plan industry. The event is an opportunity for you to build a national network of plan sponsors and industry representatives, share ideas with peers, learn innovative techniques for improving retirement outcomes, and much more.
Whether it’s educational sessions, receptions, roundtable discussions, or networking events, NAGDCA volunteers develop the program specifically for our unique audience to ensure that all aspects of the conference are valuable for attendees.
WHEN : Sunday, September 15 – Wednesday, September 18
WHERE : Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
Registration Information
As of September 10, the ‘Pay Later’ option is no longer available.
Registration fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.
If you are a government registrant who requires an invoice for payment, please contact registration@nagdca.org for assistance.
Click here to download fee information.
Registration Type |
Registration Fee
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Registration Fee
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|---|---|---|
| Government Member¹ | $700 | $800 |
| Government Non-member² | $900 | $1,000 |
| Industry Member | $1,300 | $1,400 |
| Industry Non-member | $1,900 | $2,000 |
¹ 2024 membership dues must be paid by July 31. If your organization does not pay dues by that date, you will be switched to the Non-member rate and must pay the balance to attend.
² Government Non-member registration includes complimentary NAGDCA membership beginning on the date of purchase through Dec. 31, 2024. Only available to entities who have not been members within the past three years. If you are unsure if you qualify for the non-member rate, please review our Plan Sponsor Membership Map here or contact us at registration@nagdca.org.
Questions? Please email registration@nagdca.org if you have conference registration questions.
Day 1 | Sunday, September 15 |
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| 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Introduction to Governmental Defined Contribution Plans
Speakers:
This session offers an introduction to public sector defined contribution (DC) plans, tailored for new and experienced professionals alike. The panel will review the foundational elements of DC plan design, governance, and best practices, ensuring you have a solid grasp of these critical components. Additionally, discover how to leverage NAGDCA’s extensive resources to enhance your plan management and stay ahead of industry trends. Whether you’re looking to bolster your knowledge or seeking new insights, this session will equip you with tools and information to excel in managing public sector DC plans. This session is free of charge for all attendees. For planning purposes, please let us know you’d like to attend by RSVPing on the registration form. |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ MEET-AND-GREET AND HEADSHOTS
Open to 2025 committee members. Committee members are invited to have a headshot taken by the professional conference photographer. Headshots will be shared with committee members for personal use. |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | FIRST RESPONDERS RECEPTION
Open to First Responders only. First responders are invited to a private reception offering a unique opportunity for fire and safety professionals to network and build valuable connections within the NAGDCA community. |
| 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | WELCOME RECEPTION
A can’t miss event! Connect with the NAGDCA community over drinks and hors d’oeuvres during this conference kick-off reception. |
Day 2 | Monday, September 16 |
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| 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | CONFERENCE OPENING AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER
(re)Discovering Happiness at Work | Jennifer Moss We’ve come through a crisis and for better or worse – it changed us. We gained plenty of skills – how to pivot on the fly, work from anywhere, adopt new tech, build resiliency. We might be feeling hopeful, but we have a long way to go – Gallup says that less than 1 in 4 people are thriving at work. If the dust is settling and our well-being is (re)booting in our personal lives, why does work still feel so “meh”? We feel less confident, less effective, less connected – blame that on chronic stress – but we’re also hungry for purpose and meaning. We want our spark back! In her newest keynote offering (re)Discovering Happiness at Work, award-winning author and journalist, Jennifer Moss, will engage audiences with novel ways to bring that lost sense of purpose back to work and life. With the latest behavioral and economic sciences research, Jennifer explains what makes us want to show up at work and how to tear down the psychological barriers that are holding us back. This is a high energy, future-focused, entertaining, data-backed discussion. It will have the audience nodding, “you get me,” while feeling like, “I can do this!” We’ve changed and so has our relationship with work. To make it the best it can be, we must come together – leaders and teams – to (re)Discover Happiness at Work. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS | GROUP 1 – (3 options)
Harnessing AI: Risks, Engagement, and Opportunity Moderator: Amy Timmons, Segal Panelists: Discover the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in public sector defined contribution (DC) plans. This session will cover the importance of AI governance, emphasizing the need for audits and comprehensive policies to mitigate risks such as bias, transparency, and security concerns. Learn how AI can significantly enhance participant engagement and improve retirement outcomes by personalizing experiences and targeting specific demographics. The panel will also explore the integration of AI in investment strategies, illustrating how data science and natural language processing (NLP) are reshaping the financial landscape. Mastering Strategic Contract Negotiations to Maximize Plan Success Moderator: Andrew Ness, SageView Advisory Group Panelists: Navigating the complexities of contract negotiations for public retirement plans can be challenging. This session provides an in-depth look at the critical aspects of contracting, aimed at achieving alignment and mitigating risks in plan operations. Our expert panel will guide you through the entire process, from understanding the fundamental goals of contracting to the nuances of preparing effective RFPs and selecting appropriate contracting documents. You will learn about the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders, essential components of contracts, and strategic tips to ensure successful negotiations. Real-life examples will illustrate common pitfalls and best practices. By the end of this session, attendees will understand how to approach contract negotiations to safeguard their plans and optimize outcomes. Target Date: The Right Answer to the Wrong Question? Moderator: Kevin Kneafsey, Allspring Global Investments Panelists: This session focuses on how a defined contribution (DC) plan can best complement a defined benefit (DB) plan in a government retirement program. The panelists will begin by contrasting DB and DC investing across a few key dimensions including investment horizon, governance, accumulation and decumulation phases, information asymmetry, and investment skill. Next, given the ubiquitous nature of target date strategies within DC plans, the speakers will debate the benefits and shortcomings of these strategies. Building on these insights, the panel will then move to how best to complement DB benefits with DC savings. The session will provide practical recommendations for improving or replacing target date funds (TDFs) to better suit the unique needs of government plan participants. |
| 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. | Opening Luncheon |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. | Industry Members’ Business Meeting Industry Members only. |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | GOVERNMENT BREAKOUT SESSONS BY ASSET SIZE Government attendees only. Join your peers from plans of a similar size to discuss common issues.
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| 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Break |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | GENERAL SESSION
Retirement Insights Across Public Sector Segments: Strategies for Success Moderator: Ted Grigsby, Hyas Group Panelists: This session will explore the diverse landscape of retirement plans within the public sector, providing a comprehensive overview of how different segments—state governments, local governments, and special districts—navigate unique challenges and opportunities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the strategies employed by various public sector entities to enhance retirement readiness, manage plan costs, and comply with evolving regulatory requirements. The panel will discuss best practices, share case studies, and offer practical advice for plan administrators aiming to optimize retirement outcomes for their participants. This session will offer actionable takeaways to improve plan performance and participant engagement. |
| 4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Leadership Award Winner Photos
2024 Leadership Award Winners, pick up your plaque and have a group picture taken. |
Day 3 | Tuesday, September 17 |
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| 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | GENERAL SESSION
Washington Update Moderator: Matt Petersen, NAGDCA Panelists:
Join members of NAGDCA’s Legislative Committee and attorneys from Groom Law Group, the association’s legislative affairs firm, for a discussion around SECURE 2.0 challenges, opportunities, and the latest implementation guidance as well as current and future federal legislative and regulatory priorities. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS | GROUP 2 – (3 options)
Effective Governance and Fiduciary Excellence in Public Sector DC Plans Moderator: Ben Hensarling, State of Florida Panelists: This session explores the critical aspects of governance and fiduciary responsibilities for public sector defined contribution (DC) plans. The panel will examine the nuances of fiduciary classifications under ERISA and state laws, the importance of establishing robust governance structures, and the role of fiduciary insurance. Learn about the creation and enforcement of by-laws and charters, the significance of diligent and consistent governance practices, and methods to systemize fiduciary education and best practices. Additionally, the session will cover the evaluation of plan fees and investment expenses, offering insights into benchmarking and industry best practices. Demographic Dynamics and Spending Behaviors Impacting Retirement Readiness Moderator: Sue Walton, Capital Group | American Funds Panelists: Unlock the full potential of your retirement plan by understanding the dual impact of demographic data and spending patterns on participant outcomes. This session explores how leveraging demographic insights, including generational perspectives and gender differences, can illuminate the specific needs of your participants. Additionally, we will delve into the implications of household spending spikes on retirement readiness and how in-plan provisions, such as emergency savings, can mitigate these impacts. By integrating data-driven strategies from the Public Retirement Research Lab (PRRL) and recent research collaborations, the panel will discuss how to enhance plan design, boost participant engagement, and ultimately achieve better retirement outcomes. Shared Responsibility in Cybersecurity: Protecting Retirement Plans in the Digital Age Moderator: Doug Peterson, Empower Panelists: In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding retirement plans against cyber threats requires a collaborative effort between plan sponsors, recordkeepers, and participants. This session delves into the shared responsibility model of cybersecurity, offering insights into best practices for drafting and implementing robust cybersecurity policies. Attendees will learn how to critically evaluate recordkeepers’ security measures, ensure participant compliance, and navigate the evolving threat landscape, including the impact of AI and new fraud schemes. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with practical strategies and tools to enhance their organization’s cybersecurity posture and protect their members’ data. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. | Government Members’ Lunch and Business Meeting Government members only. |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION DECK
Crafted exclusively for the conference, this interactive session encourages thoughtful conversation in a roundtable discussion format. Each group discussion is unique and allows members to learn from each other by discussing a range of engaging and interesting questions. You don’t want to miss this enriching networking session.
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| 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. | Break |
| 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS | GROUP 2 REPEATED – (3 options)
Effective Governance and Fiduciary Excellence in Public Sector DC Plans Moderator: Ben Hensarling, State of Florida Panelists: This session explores the critical aspects of governance and fiduciary responsibilities for public sector defined contribution (DC) plans. The panel will examine the nuances of fiduciary classifications under ERISA and state laws, the importance of establishing robust governance structures, and the role of fiduciary insurance. Learn about the creation and enforcement of by-laws and charters, the significance of diligent and consistent governance practices, and methods to systemize fiduciary education and best practices. Additionally, the session will cover the evaluation of plan fees and investment expenses, offering insights into benchmarking and industry best practices. Demographic Dynamics and Spending Behaviors Impacting Retirement Readiness Moderator: Sue Walton, Capital Group | American Funds Panelists: Unlock the full potential of your retirement plan by understanding the dual impact of demographic data and spending patterns on participant outcomes. This session explores how leveraging demographic insights, including generational perspectives and gender differences, can illuminate the specific needs of your participants. Additionally, we will delve into the implications of household spending spikes on retirement readiness and how in-plan provisions, such as emergency savings, can mitigate these impacts. By integrating data-driven strategies from the Public Retirement Research Lab (PRRL) and recent research collaborations, the panel will discuss how to enhance plan design, boost participant engagement, and ultimately achieve better retirement outcomes. Shared Responsibility in Cybersecurity: Protecting Retirement Plans in the Digital Age Moderator: Doug Peterson, Empower Panelists: In today’s digital landscape, safeguarding retirement plans against cyber threats requires a collaborative effort between plan sponsors, recordkeepers, and participants. This session delves into the shared responsibility model of cybersecurity, offering insights into best practices for drafting and implementing robust cybersecurity policies. Attendees will learn how to critically evaluate recordkeepers’ security measures, ensure participant compliance, and navigate the evolving threat landscape, including the impact of AI and new fraud schemes. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with practical strategies and tools to enhance their organization’s cybersecurity posture and protect their members’ data. |
| 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Break |
| 3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. | GENERAL SESSION
Empowering Retirement Readiness: Bridging Expectations with Realities Moderator: Jenny Glowacki, Corebridge Financial Panelists: This session explores the multifaceted landscape of retirement planning, focusing on the diverse experiences and needs of retirees. Attendees will gain insights into the impact of various pre-existing retirement income solutions on retirees’ satisfaction and decision-making. We will delve into a plan sponsor’s perspective and specific plan retiree data. The panel will explore multiple sides of the current landscape – including perceived drawbacks to current solutions, how solutions have evolved and the role of institutional fiduciaries to aid the plan sponsors in the decision-making process and how plan sponsors can quickly view the income replacement for their plan participants. This session aims to bridge the gap between retirement expectations and realities, ensuring participants are well-prepared for their retirement years. |
| 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | OFF-SITE EVENT | Arizona Science Center
Join your fellow attendees for food and drinks as you enjoy a night out at the Arizona Science Center. Transportation is provided to and from the Sheraton. |
Day 4 | Wednesday, September 18 |
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| 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Luggage Storage
Please note, luggage must be picked up by 12:00 p.m. |
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | NAGDCA Case Studies – (3 options)
Moving the Needle: Effective Collaborative Program and Outreach Efforts | City of Milwaukee Speakers: Explore how the City of Milwaukee enhanced employee engagement and financial literacy through collaboration among trustees, administration, departments, and their recordkeeper. This case study will cover targeted outreach in the Fire Department, including financial wellness presentations, new employee orientations, and testimonial videos. Learn about using data analytics to benchmark enrollment trends, participation, and contributions. Gain insights into replicable strategies for boosting engagement and participation. Enhancing Retirement Security: Effective Campaigns and Rollouts | Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) and Nassau County Speakers: This session will showcase the award-winning initiatives of the Missouri Deferred Compensation Plan and Nassau County. Discover how Missouri’s “Retirement Security. It Starts With You.” campaign educated state employees on safeguarding their retirement savings against cyber threats. Learn about Nassau County’s successful rollout of the Roth source, highlighting the importance of on-site education and comprehensive communication strategies. Gain valuable insights and practical takeaways from these case studies to enhance your own retirement security efforts. Enhancing Retirement Readiness: Innovative Tools and Engagement Strategies | Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) and State of North Carolina Speakers:
Discover how MERS of Michigan and the State of North Carolina are enhancing retirement readiness for public sector employees. MERS will present the myMERS app, providing real-time access to retirement plan information. North Carolina’s myNCRetirement Journey campaign encourages proactive retirement planning, increased contributions, and completed beneficiary designations. Learn from their experiences and gain actionable strategies to improve participant engagement and retirement outcomes. |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | GENERAL SESSION
Engaging a Diverse Workforce: Effective Communication Strategies for Retirement Plans Moderator: Greg Jenkins, Invesco Panelists: Effective communication is crucial for engaging participants in retirement plans, especially in the diverse and dynamic public sector workforce. This session will explore innovative strategies and best practices for crafting messages that resonate with different groups, from state employees to high-need participants. Attendees will gain insights from case studies on how personalized communication and targeted campaigns can drive participation and improve retirement readiness. The session will also highlight the importance of incorporating a diversity lens into communications to ensure inclusivity and relevance. By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with practical tools to enhance their communication efforts and better serve their diverse participant base. |
Lodging & Meeting Venue
Only registered attendees can book a hotel room.
Upon registering, you will receive a link to make reservations in NAGDCA’s room block. You must use that link to receive the group rate.
Please note, NAGDCA’s hotel block is closed. All rooms are currently sold out at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown, but some may become available if any cancellations are made. Please try to book directly at the Sheraton or at another nearby hotel.
Conference Hotel: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
340 N 3rd St,
Phoenix, AZ 85004
(602)262-2500
The Phoenix Sheraton Downtown is the host hotel for the 2024 NAGDCA Annual Conference. When you reserve your hotel through the link provided by NAGDCA in your registration confirmation, your reservation is secure. NAGDCA has not authorized any travel companies to make reservations on members’ behalf. Please do not share your credit card or personal information with unauthorized hotel solicitors or fraudulent websites.
Sponsors
Click here to learn about NAGDCA sponsorship opportunities.
VISIONARY
PREMIER
PARTNER
SUPPORTER
Continuing Education Credit
Please contact Carly Abernathy at cabernathy@amrms.com if you have any continuing education questions.
National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators 108617 is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org.
National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators (NAGDCA) is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. The total number of PDCs this program will be listed once approved (credits awarded based on session attendance). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.
NAGDCA is also eligible to offer continuing education credits for CFP and CRC designations. For more information about the CFP program, please visit www.CFP.net, and for more information regarding the CRC program, please visit www.InFRE.org.
For the sessions at the NAGDCA Annual Conference, no advanced preparation nor prerequisites are required.