Retirement by the Numbers: The State of Public DC Participants

This closing mainstage session features new research that sheds light on how public sector employees are saving and investing for retirement. Experts from J.P. Morgan, MissionSquare Retirement, and PGIM DC Solutions will present findings from two major studies examining participant behavior, with a focus on savings habits, loan trends, and default investment patterns. The session will offer valuable data-driven insights to help plan sponsors improve plan design and participant outcomes

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T10:17:38-05:00October 1st, 2025|Comments Off

Economic Outlook & Washington Update

This year’s Washington Update returns with an expanded format to give you a broader view of the forces shaping public sector retirement. The 90-minute session opens with a 30-minute Economic Outlook, featuring expert insights on the current state of the economy, market trends, and the broader financial landscape impacting plan sponsors and participants. Following the outlook, a panel of national policy experts will deliver a 45-minute Washington Update highlighting critical legislative and regulatory developments, including CIT access for 403(b) plans, DOL and SEC guidance on private assets, fiduciary rulemaking, litigation reform, SECURE 3.0, and more.

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T10:12:50-05:00September 30th, 2025|Comments Off

The Century Club: Redefining Longer Retirement

The traditional three-legged stool for retirement—pensions, Social Security, and personal savings—has become increasingly unsteady. Today, just 11% of Americans have access to a pension, and public confidence in Social Security is declining. This has placed more weight than ever on personal savings, often driven by defined contribution plans. As more Americans live well into their 90s and beyond, including a projected fourfold increase in centenarians over the next 30 years, our concept of retirement must evolve. This session will explore new consumer research from the Nationwide Retirement Institute and The American College of Financial Services, as well as perspective from the National Council on Aging, regarding how public sector plans can adapt to support longer lifespans, changing needs, and financial longevity.

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T10:10:26-05:00September 30th, 2025|Comments Off

AI and the Future of Public Sector Retirement: Trends, Strategy, and Impact

Artificial intelligence is poised to fundamentally shift how public sector retirement plans operate and serve participants. This general session provides a high-level exploration of the transformative potential of AI—what it is, why it matters now, and how it’s beginning to shape the retirement landscape. Speakers from Empower, RVK, and MERS of Michigan will discuss emerging trends, strategic considerations for responsible adoption, and the evolving role of AI in improving outcomes. Real world examples will illustrate how organizations are beginning to integrate AI tools while laying the groundwork for broader implementation.

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T10:07:38-05:00September 29th, 2025|Comments Off

2025 Annual Keynote Speaker – Mellody Hobson

In a dynamic one-on-one conversation with NAGDCA Executive Director Matt Petersen, Mellody will share insights from her extraordinary career - spanning her leadership at Ariel and her board service with Starbucks and JPMorgan Chase. Recognized as one of Fortune’s “100 Most Powerful People in Business” in 2024, Mellody is known not only for her work in business strategy and management, but also for her advocacy for financial literacy, education, and equity.

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T10:05:10-05:00September 29th, 2025|Comments Off

Engaging a Diverse Workforce: Effective Communication Strategies for Retirement Plans

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.

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T09:47:50-05:00September 18th, 2024|Comments Off

Empowering Retirement Readiness: Bridging Expectations with Realities

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.

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T09:57:33-05:00September 17th, 2024|Comments Off

Retirement Insights Across Public Sector Segments: Strategies for Success

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.

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T09:56:24-05:00September 16th, 2024|Comments Off

Recruitment, Retention, and Total Employee Wellbeing

The pandemic accelerated a societal shift that’s been going on for years; our work lives and our personal lives are merging. Wise employers are recognizing that to have a highly productive workforce, they need to help employees develop a healthy mind, body, wallet, and life. This session will explore how some employers are making that goal a reality and provide tips for marketing the value of a career in public service with current staff or prospective job candidates. The panel will also review research that sheds light on the benefits of most interest to public employees and the characteristics of the work that attract them to the field in the first place.

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T08:25:11-05:00November 14th, 2023|Comments Off

NAGDCA Award Case Studies – Targeted Messaging

Presented by the City and County of Honolulu and Maryland Teachers & State Employees Supplemental Retirement Plans (MSRP).

By Carly Abernathy|2026-01-15T08:26:16-05:00November 14th, 2023|Comments Off

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