2026 PLANADVISER 360

Day 1

- Monday November 9, 2026

8:45 – 9:45 a.m.

Registration and Breakfast

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
Facilitator
Tara Krueger, RPS Product Director, 1834 Investment Advisors

9:30 – 10:00 a.m. — Table Talks: Plan Reviews
Facilitator
Deana Calvelli, Vice President, Wealthspire Retirement Advisory

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. — Table Talks: Requests for Proposals

10:30 – 10:40 a.m.

Break

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?

Moderator
Rob Massa, Managing Director, Houston Market Retirement Practice Leader, Prime Capital Financial

Panelists
Kim Cochrane, Director, Client Services, Hub International MidAtlantic
Phil Senderowitz, Managing Director, Strategic Retirement Partners

12:30 – 1:20 p.m.

Main Stage

1:20 – 2:20 p.m.

Lunch

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?

Moderator
Kelli Send, Co-Founder, Senior Vice President – Financial Wellness Services, Francis LLC

Panelists
Phil Sherman, Founder, Lead Advisor, FoxHedge Advisors
Leah Sylvester, Executive Partner, President – Retirement Plans, Shepherd Financial

3:10 – 3:25 p.m.

Industry Talk
Sponsored by Principal

3:25 – 4:15 p.m.

Main stage
Sponsored by Build Commonwealth

4:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Break

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.

Moderator
Sean Bjork, President, Bjork Asset Management

Panelists
Chris Bailey, Director, Retirement, Cerulli
Elizabeth Goldberg, Partner, Morgan Lewis

5:20 – 6:00 p.m.

Table Talks: Adviser Pricing
Join an interactive discussion with peers about adviser pricing models, trends and challenges.

Facilitator
Russell Warye, Area Director,, HUB Retirement and Private Wealth

6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Emerging Leaders and Excellence in Operations Awards
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

- Tuesday November 10, 2026

7:00 – 8:15 a.m.

Fun Run

7:30 – 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast

9:00 – 9:10 a.m.

Opening Remarks
Edward Rueda, Editor, PLANADVISER
Kelli Send, Co-Founder, Senior Vice President – Financial Wellness Services, Francis LLC (Emcee)

9:10 – 10:00 a.m.

Understanding Private Equity’s Interest in Advisory Firms
Retirement plan advisory firms are receiving increasing attention from private equity investors, but what happens after a deal is signed? In this fireside chat, we’ll discuss why PE firms are investing in the space, how these transactions work, and the ways outside capital can influence everything from expansion plans and technology investments to culture, governance and succession strategies.

Interviewer
Alison Mintzer, Publisher, ISS Media

Interviewee
Vidur Khatri, Principal, Abry Partners

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.

Panelist
Barbara Delaney, Principal, SS/RBA – a member firm of Global Retirement Partners, LLC

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.

Panelists
Jon Anderson, Head of Workplace & Retirement, Cetera Financial Group
Chad Wilson, Senior Vice President, OneDigital Retirement + Wealth

10:55 – 11:25 a.m.

Break

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.

Facilitator
Derek Fiorenza, COO/CCO, Summit Group Retirement Planners, Inc

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.

Facilitator
Liz Aidoo, Principal, Director of Inclusive Engagement Strategy, Francis, LLC

12:00 – 12:50 p.m.

Workshop #1
Sponsored by Newport Group

Workshop #2
Sponsored by The Standard

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.

Moderator
Rita Riccardi, Director – Retirement Plans, Fiduciary Pension Partners

Panelist
Marcia Wagner, Founder and Managing Partner, Wagner Law Group

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.

Moderator
Lisa Buffington, SVP, National Brand and Market Development Leader- Retirement & Wealth Services, Marsh McLennan Agency

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.

Panelist
Andrew Salek-Raham, Principal | Litigation Practice Leader, Groom Law Group

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.

Panelist
George Sepsakos, Principal, Groom Law Group

3:50 – 4:05 p.m.

Industry Talk

4:05 – 4:30 p.m.

Break

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.

Panelists
Lisa Buffington, SVP, National Brand and Market Development Leader- Retirement & Wealth Services, Marsh McLennan Agency
Chuck Williams, CEO, Finspire

5:20 – 6:10 p.m.

Main Stage

6:15 – 7:30 p.m.

Themed Party and Dinner

Day 3

- Wednesday November 11, 2026

7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Breakfast

8:00 – 8:10 a.m.

Opening Remarks

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.

Moderator
Deana Calvelli, Vice President, Wealthspire Retirement Advisory

10:00 a.m. – 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 a.m. – 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.

Facilitators:
Barbara Delaney, Principal, SS/RBA – a member firm of Global Retirement Partners, LLC
Jamie Greenleaf, Co-Founder, Fiduciary in a Box

12:00 p.m.

To-Go Lunch