About
Where advisers connect
The retirement plan advisory industry is evolving rapidly—with new business models, changing client expectations and expanding services for sponsors and participants. Advisers need practical insights, proven strategies and strong connections to stay ahead.
PLANADVISER 360 is designed for that purpose. This interactive event brings together top retirement plan advisers and industry leaders for candid conversations, actionable education and peer-to-peer insights.
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What you’ll gain:
The agenda will cover:
…and more! |
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Join us as we work together to advance the retirement plan advisory profession and create better outcomes for plan sponsors and participants.
Agenda
(This agenda is subject to change.)
Day 1
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8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
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9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Advisers in Conversation at PLANADVISER 360
Join adviser and advisory firm operations peers to discuss top issues affecting retirement plan advisers, their businesses and their clients today.
9:00 – 9:30 a.m. — Table Talks: Operational Efficiency and Technology Use
9:30 – 10:00 a.m. — Table Talks: Plan Reviews
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. — Table Talks: Requests for Proposals -
10:30 – 10:40 a.m.
Break
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10:40 – 10:50 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Alison Mintzer, Publisher, PLANADVISER -
10:50 – 11:40 a.m.
A View From the Top
An industry executive offers thoughts on developments in the retirement plan advisory industry, what’s in flux and what the future might hold. -
11:40 – 12:30 p.m.
Debate: Private Market Investments in DC Plans
Join us for a high‑stakes, real‑time clash of perspectives, as industry leaders take the stage to debate a consequential question facing America’s retirement system: Should private market investments be included in defined contribution plans such as 401(k)s? Do private markets hold the key to stronger retirement outcomes for participants or do they introduce risks and complexities that may challenge the very foundation of DC plan design?Panelist
Kim Cochrane, Director, Client Services, Hub International MidAtlantic -
12:30 – 1:20 p.m.
Main stage
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1:20 – 2:20 p.m.
Lunch
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2:20 – 3:10 p.m.
The Odd Couple
Recordkeeper and advisory firm leaders discuss opportunities for collaboration and improvement. What do recordkeepers wish advisers knew, and vice versa? -
3:10 – 3:25 p.m.
Industry Talk
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3:25 – 4:15 p.m.
Main stage
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4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Break
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4:30 – 5:20 p.m.
Let’s Get Real About DC Plan Investing
Does the personalization of managed accounts really improve participant outcomes? What’s next for target-date funds? Has integrating retirement income solutions in TDFs been successful? What other retirement income solutions are there, and would it be better to provide participants with an out-of-plan marketplace? Speakers will offer straight answers and, sometimes, opposing views. You’ll also get your chance to weigh in on the discussion. -
5:20 – 6:00 p.m.
Table Talks: Adviser Pricing
Join an interactive discussion with peers about adviser pricing models, trends and challenges. -
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Emerging Leaders and Excellence in Operations Awards Dinner
Join us as we recognize the future advisory firm leaders and those who are already leaders in advisory firm operations. -
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.
Celebratory reception and dinner
Day 2
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7:00 – 8:15 a.m.
Fun Run
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7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
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9:00 – 9:10 a.m.
Opening Remarks
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9:10 – 10:00 a.m.
The AI-Powered Advisory Firm
Learn how the growth of artificial intelligence is reshaping the way advisers run their businesses and how they serve clients. See live demonstrations of AI use in practice. -
10:05 – 10:55 a.m.
BREAKOUT
Adviser M&As: Do’s and Don’ts
Hear from advisers who’ve been happy with their experience acquiring new firms or being acquired—and from those who have not. Learn what considerations might not be on your radar—but should be. -
10:05 – 10:55 a.m.
BREAKOUT
Future-Proofing Your Practice
Industry leaders will share insights for ensuring your advisory business remains resilient and competitive as client expectations, technology and regulations evolve. In addition to adopting scalable processes, leveraging digital tools and expanding services beyond investment management, they’ll talk about preparing for demographic shifts and succession planning. Learn how to build a flexible, forward‑looking firm positioned to thrive amid ongoing industry change. -
10:55 – 11:25 a.m.
Break
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11:25 – 11:55 a.m.
BREAKOUT
Table Talks: Adviser Compliance
Join an interactive discussion with peers about efficient ways to market and run an advisory business while staying compliant with SEC and FINRA regulations and ERISA. -
11:25 – 11:55 a.m.
BREAKOUT
Table Talks: Building and Managing a Multi-Generational and Diverse Team
Join an interactive discussion with peers about the diversity problem in the retirement plan advisory business, mentorship programs and how to structure your business efficiently for success. -
12:00 – 12:50 p.m.
Workshop #1
sponsored by Newport GroupWorkshop #2
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12:50 – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch
(separate lunch for advisory board meeting) -
2:00 – 2:50 p.m.
BREAKOUT
SECURE Acts, Smarter Plans
Speakers will discuss the savings and financial wellness opportunities created by legislation such as the SECURE Act and the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022, how to determine which features meet clients’ needs and how to implement them. -
2:00 – 2:50 p.m.
BREAKOUT
Data-Driven Designs
Learn how to filter through the plethora of retirement plan and investment information provided to you to find what most helps your clients and your business.Panelist
Brea Dantin, Retirement Plan Advisor, Shepherd Financial -
2:55 – 3:45 p.m.
BREAKOUT
Litigation Lessons
Experts will help advisers and advisory firms develop processes to protect themselves and their clients from litigation by dissecting legal cases that have been brought against plan sponsors—and sometimes plan advisers—and relevant court decisions. -
2:55 – 3:45 p.m.
BREAKOUT
Committee Meeting Evolution
Retirement plan committee meetings—once mostly focused on investments—have evolved into much more as advisers’ roles have expanded. Join a discussion with leading advisers about the adviser role in meetings, meeting frequency and what should be on the agenda. -
3:50 – 4:05 p.m.
Industry Talk
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4:05 – 4:30 p.m.
Break
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4:30 – 5:20 p.m.
What I Wish I Knew Earlier
Hear from seasoned advisers about what they have learned about themselves, practice building, practice management and clients—and how they have adapted to evolving industry trends. -
5:20 – 6:10 p.m.
Main Stage
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6:15 – 7:30 p.m.
Themed Party and Dinner
Day 3
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7:00 – 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
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8:00 – 8:10 a.m.
Opening Remarks
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8:10 – 9:10 a.m.
Navigating Political Change in Retirement Plan Advising
Discover how shifting legislative priorities, regulatory updates and election‑year volatility can reshape a retirement plan adviser’s world. A speaker will break down the real‑world impact of political movements on plan design, fiduciary responsibilities and investment strategy—equipping advisers with the clarity and confidence needed to guide clients through any policy environment. -
9:10 – 10:00 a.m.
Plan Sponsor Perspectives
DC retirement plan sponsors will share case studies about what they look for when searching for an adviser or advisory team, what they need and what they value in the plan sponsor/adviser relationship. -
10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Leadership and Career Development Workshop
Hear from an executive coach about pragmatic steps to stay on a successful path in the retirement plan advisory industry. Participate in group discussions and exercises that will help you plan your career path, establish connections and more. -
10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
Health Plan Fiduciary Duties Workshop
Whether you are interested in becoming a health care expert or not, you want to be able to answer questions from clients about changes for health benefit administration and compliance. During this expert-led workshop, you’ll get an overview of the requirements of the Consolidated Appropriations Act and the implications for plan fiduciaries of recent health and pharmacy benefit litigation. You’ll also learn how to apply what you know about the retirement plan fiduciary process, compensation disclosures and contract negotiations to aid plan sponsors in building a process for their health benefit plans. -
12:00 p.m.
To-Go Lunch
Register
PLANADVISER 360 focuses on the complete adviser experience, from team building and growth to practice management and efforts beyond an adviser’s practice—reaching the broader advisory industry and advisers’ communities. We hope you can join us.
Pricing
Take advantage of the super early bird pricing—
50% off until March 31, 2026
Adviser/Consultants: $247.50 (regular price $495)
Speakers
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Kim Cochrane
Director, Client Services
Hub International MidAtlanticKim CochraneDirector, Client Services
Hub International MidAtlanticKim Cochrane, QPA, TGPC, is the Director of Client Services at HUB International Mid Atlantic LLC in Rockville, MD. She has over 25 years of experience, primarily in the consulting area of IRS, Department of Labor and ERISA regulations.
Kim focuses on corporate and non-profit retirement plans, including pension plans, 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, profit sharing, cash balance and executive benefit plans. Kim’s day-to-day responsibilities include working with plan trustees on addressing their fiduciary responsibilities and working with individuals on managing their retirement accounts.
Kim holds FINRA Series 6, 63 and 65 securities registrations, life and health insurance licenses and is a credentialed and active member of The ARA (American Retirement Association), NAPA (The National Association of Plan Advisers) and WIPN.
At HUB, Kim is a Non-Profit Specialty Expert and has received numerous industry awards, including NAPA’s Top Woman Advisor, PLANADVISER’s Top Retirement Plan Adviser and PLANSPONSOR Adviser of the Year Finalist.
Prior to joining HUB in January 2022, she was the Director of Client Services with Raffa Retirement Services. She has spent over 20 years as a relationship manager and consultant at some of the
biggest recordkeepers in the industry. -
Brea Dantin
Retirement Plan Advisor
Shepherd FinancialBrea DantinRetirement Plan Advisor
Shepherd FinancialBrea is a Retirement Plan Consultant at Shepherd Financial. Prior to joining Shepherd Financial in 2025, Brea was a Retirement Plan Advisor at MJ Retirement, where she advised retirement plan committees and oversaw the department’s operations.
Brea is listed as a PLANADVISER Top 100 Retirement Plan Adviser. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from University of Evansville.
Sponsors
Become a sponsor
Join a select group of industry product and service providers who are maximizing their firm’s exposure in front of this highly influential group of retirement plan advisers.
Sponsorship Information: Advertise | Advertise@ISSMediaSolutions.com
General Information: Katie Campbell | 203-517-6470 | Katie.Campbell@ISSMediaSolutions.com
Venue
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
4012 Central Florida Parkway
Orlando, FL 32837
BOOK NOW!
We have reserved a block of rooms at the conference rate of $359.
Click here to reserve your room.
For questions, please contact Lucille.Velander@ISSMediaSolutions.com.
Photos
2025 PLANADVISER 360 | Photographs by Anthony Collins
