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 27 – Wednesday, September 30
WHERE : Caribe Royale Orlando
Registration Information
Questions? 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 | $750 | $850 |
| Government Non-member² | $950 | $1,050 |
| Industry Member | $1,400 | $1,500 |
| Industry Non-member | $2,000 | $2,100 |
Payment reminder: To help finalize on-site planning, the “pay later” option will be disabled two weeks prior to the conference. Registrations submitted on or after September 11 will require payment at the time of registration.
¹ 2026 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, 2026. 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.
Day 1 | Sunday, September 27 |
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| 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. | NAGDCA Executive Board Meeting |
| 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Fundamentals of Public Sector DC Plans Through discussion and guided examples, attendees will gain a clearer framework for understanding how these elements work together to support participant outcomes. Speakers:
Strategic Communications for DC Plans Through discussion and shared insights, participants will walk away with a stronger framework for building more intentional and effective communications. Speakers:
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| 5:00 – 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 28 |
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| 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | CONFERENCE OPENING SESSION
Marta Norton, Chief Investment Strategist, EmpowerWith more than 20 years of experience in investment management, Marta is one of the industry’s leading voices on the economy, financial markets, and the trends shaping investors’ decisions. Known for her thoughtful market analysis and ability to make complex economic issues accessible, Marta is a frequent commentator featured in major financial media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Bloomberg. Join us as Marta kicks off the conference with a timely discussion on the economic landscape, market trends, and what public sector retirement leaders should be watching in the months ahead. |
| 10:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Break |
| 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS | Three session repeat on Tuesday.
Bridging Silos: Delivering a Unified Retirement Message Across Agencies and Programs Speakers:
From Data to Decisions: How Plan Design and Financial Advice Improve Retirement Outcomes Public employees face increasingly complex financial decisions throughout their careers, yet many lack access to trusted guidance and effective planning tools. New research highlights the behavioral and structural challenges influencing retirement outcomes and points to opportunities for improving participant support. This session examines how plan design, financial advice, behavioral nudges, and hybrid guidance models can help participants navigate complexity and make better decisions. Attendees will explore evidence-based strategies that combine technology and human support to improve engagement, simplify decision-making, and strengthen retirement readiness. Speakers:
Where Is the Money Going? Understanding and Reducing DC Plan Leakage in the Public Sector Speakers:
Strengthening the Connection Between Financial Wellness and Mental Health (does not repeat) Financial stress and mental health challenges often reinforce one another, affecting employee engagement, workplace performance, and retirement readiness. Yet these issues are frequently addressed in isolation. This session explores the connection between financial well-being and mental health, how financial stress influences decision-making and participant outcomes, and the important role plan sponsors can play in recognizing signs of financial distress and fostering a culture where employees feel comfortable seeking support. Through polling, real-world examples, and panel discussion, attendees will learn practical strategies for integrating financial wellness, mental health awareness, and participant support to improve outcomes across the workforce. Speakers:
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| 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Opening Luncheon
Open to attendees only. |
| 1:15 – 2:15 p.m. | ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION DECK
Designed 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. |
| 2:15 – 2:45 p.m. | Break |
| 2:45 – 3:45 p.m. | GENERAL SESSION
Retirement Income Planning Across Pension and DC Systems Public sector retirement systems are evolving as pension designs change and employees assume greater responsibility for achieving retirement security. At the same time, participant expectations are shifting and many workers seek greater confidence and stability in retirement. This session explores how defined benefit and defined contribution plans work together to support retirement outcomes and examines how plan design, participant behavior, and retirement income strategies influence long-term financial security. Through research and case studies, panelists will discuss how different plan structures produce varying outcomes and share practical ideas to help sponsors strengthen retirement readiness and support participants throughout the transition from saving to spending. Speakers:
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| 4:00 – 4:45 p.m. | Leadership Award Winner Photos
2026 Leadership Award Winners, pick up your plaque and have a group picture taken. |
Day 3 | Tuesday, September 29 |
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| 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:00 – 8:45 a.m. | Breakfast |
| 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. | GENERAL SESSION
Washington Update: Legislative and Regulatory Developments Impacting Public Sector Retirement Plans |
| 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS | Three sessions repeat from Monday.
Bridging Silos: Delivering a Unified Retirement Message Across Agencies and Programs Speakers:
From Data to Decisions: How Plan Design and Financial Advice Improve Retirement Outcomes Public employees face increasingly complex financial decisions throughout their careers, yet many lack access to trusted guidance and effective planning tools. New research highlights the behavioral and structural challenges influencing retirement outcomes and points to opportunities for improving participant support. This session examines how plan design, financial advice, behavioral nudges, and hybrid guidance models can help participants navigate complexity and make better decisions. Attendees will explore evidence-based strategies that combine technology and human support to improve engagement, simplify decision-making, and strengthen retirement readiness. Speakers:
Where Is the Money Going? Understanding and Reducing DC Plan Leakage in the Public Sector Speakers:
Private Investments in DC Plans: Progress, Perspectives, and Practical Realities (not repeated) Interest in private investments within defined contribution plans continues to grow as regulatory developments, product innovation, and market trends reshape the conversation. This session examines the evolving landscape and explores the practical considerations involved in evaluating private market exposure within DC plans. Panelists will discuss governance, due diligence, implementation structures, and communication challenges while sharing lessons learned from early adopters. Rather than advocating for a particular approach, the discussion will focus on the questions sponsors should consider and the factors that may influence whether private investments are appropriate for their plans. Speakers:
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| 11:15 – 11:30 a.m. | Break |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | GOVERNMENT PEER GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Government attendees only. Join your peers from plans of a similar size to discuss common issues.
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| 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Government Members’ Lunch
Government attendees only. |
| 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS | Three session repeat on Wednesday.
Artificial Intelligence in Retirement Plan Administration: Balancing Innovation, Risk, and Governance Artificial intelligence is already finding its way into retirement plan operations, vendor platforms, and workplace tools. As public plans explore opportunities to improve efficiency and participant experiences, they must also address governance, compliance, and fiduciary considerations. This session examines practical use cases for AI, common risks, and the policies and controls organizations are implementing to support responsible adoption. Panelists will discuss governance frameworks, vendor due diligence, and real-world scenarios facing plan sponsors today. Through audience interaction and case studies, attendees will gain practical insights into balancing innovation with oversight and learn how to evaluate AI opportunities through an operational and fiduciary lens. Speakers:
Beyond the Final Paycheck: Public Sector Income, Spending, and Financial Security in Retirement Retirement planning does not end when participants stop working. As more employees approach retirement, plan sponsors face growing demand for guidance on spending, withdrawals, and income strategies. This session examines how public employees navigate the transition from accumulation to decumulation and explores research on retirement spending patterns, participant behavior, and sources of retirement income. Panelists will discuss the advantages and tradeoffs of various approaches and consider how plan design, communications, and retirement income solutions can help participants achieve greater confidence and financial security throughout retirement. Speakers:
Leveraging Participant Data to Improve Engagement and Retirement Outcomes Participant-level data can provide valuable insights that help plans move beyond broad averages and develop more targeted strategies to improve outcomes. This session highlights how plans are using analytics, segmentation, and retirement readiness measures to inform communications, plan design, and participant engagement efforts. Through case studies from Tennessee and Wyoming, attendees will learn how organizations are turning data into action while balancing privacy, governance, and operational realities. The discussion will also explore practical approaches that plans of all sizes can use to better understand participant needs and support long-term retirement readiness. Speakers:
Rethinking Retirement Readiness in the Public Sector: New Metrics, Behaviors, and Strategies (does not repeat) Speakers:
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| 2:45 – 3:00 p.m. | Break |
| 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. | GENERAL SESSION
Beyond the Binary: Active, Passive, and Blended Approaches in DC Plans The traditional active-versus-passive debate no longer captures the full range of investment approaches available to defined contribution plans. This session explores how public sector plans are evaluating active, passive, and blended strategies in light of changing market conditions, participant behavior, and evolving investment structures. Panelists will discuss the role of fees, diversification, target date design, and broader retirement plan objectives while sharing examples of how different approaches are being implemented. Attendees will gain insights into the tradeoffs involved and considerations for building investment lineups that support long-term participant outcomes. Speakers:
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| 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. | OFF-SITE NETWORKING EVENT
Open to all attendees and registered guests. A name badge is required to attend. Spend your last evening in Orlando at Paradise Cove, a remote oasis on the shores of Lake Bryan. Enjoy great food and drinks, live music, and plenty of cozy spots to relax and connect. It’s the perfect way to close out our time together in a laid-back, tropical setting. |
Day 4 | Wednesday, September 30 |
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| 8:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Registration Open |
| 8:00 – 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 – 10:00 a.m. | BREAKOUT SESSIONS | Three session repeat from Tuesday.
Artificial Intelligence in Retirement Plan Administration: Balancing Innovation, Risk, and Governance Artificial intelligence is already finding its way into retirement plan operations, vendor platforms, and workplace tools. As public plans explore opportunities to improve efficiency and participant experiences, they must also address governance, compliance, and fiduciary considerations. This session examines practical use cases for AI, common risks, and the policies and controls organizations are implementing to support responsible adoption. Panelists will discuss governance frameworks, vendor due diligence, and real-world scenarios facing plan sponsors today. Through audience interaction and case studies, attendees will gain practical insights into balancing innovation with oversight and learn how to evaluate AI opportunities through an operational and fiduciary lens. Speakers:
Beyond the Final Paycheck: Public Sector Income, Spending, and Financial Security in Retirement Retirement planning does not end when participants stop working. As more employees approach retirement, plan sponsors face growing demand for guidance on spending, withdrawals, and income strategies. This session examines how public employees navigate the transition from accumulation to decumulation and explores research on retirement spending patterns, participant behavior, and sources of retirement income. Panelists will discuss the advantages and tradeoffs of various approaches and consider how plan design, communications, and retirement income solutions can help participants achieve greater confidence and financial security throughout retirement. Speakers:
Leveraging Participant Data to Improve Engagement and Retirement Outcomes Participant-level data can provide valuable insights that help plans move beyond broad averages and develop more targeted strategies to improve outcomes. This session highlights how plans are using analytics, segmentation, and retirement readiness measures to inform communications, plan design, and participant engagement efforts. Through case studies from Tennessee and Wyoming, attendees will learn how organizations are turning data into action while balancing privacy, governance, and operational realities. The discussion will also explore practical approaches that plans of all sizes can use to better understand participant needs and support long-term retirement readiness. Speakers:
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| 10:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Break |
| 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. | GENERAL SESSION
Healthcare Costs and Retirement Readiness: Strategies for Public Sector Pla Healthcare expenses represent one of the largest and most uncertain costs retirees face. Public sector employers often have access to unique benefit structures that can help employees prepare for these expenses, yet many participants are unaware of how these programs fit into their overall retirement strategy. This session explores the role of healthcare-focused savings and reimbursement arrangements, coordination with other benefit programs, and practical considerations for plan design and participant education. Attendees will learn how healthcare planning can complement broader retirement readiness efforts and help employees better prepare for future medical expenses. Speakers:
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Lodging & Meeting Venue
Hotel reservations are only available to registered attendees.
The booking link is included in your registration confirmation email and must be used to receive the group rate.
Host Hotel: Caribe Royale Orlando
Room Rate: $229 single/double + taxes & fees
Make the most of your time at the NAGDCA 2026 Annual Conference by staying at our host hotel, Caribe Royale Resort. We’ve secured a special group rate of $229 per night, along with a reduced resort fee of $20 per day. The resort fee includes basic internet access and use of onsite amenities such as pool tables, bicycles, and a state-of-the-art fitness center.
Staying in the room block helps support NAGDCA, ensuring we can continue to offer high-quality programming and experiences.
The Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando is the host hotel for the 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.
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 (PDCs) 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.
Sponsors
Click here to learn about NAGDCA sponsorship opportunities.
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