2026 PLANADVISER 360
Registration and Breakfast
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
Facilitator
Jay L. Gershman, President, Founder, Retirement Visions, LLC
Break
Opening Remarks
Alison Mintzer, Publisher, PLANADVISER
Jason Chepenik, Principal and Senior Vice President, OneDigital Financial Services
A View From the Top
Daniel Aronowitz, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the DOL’s Employee Benefit Security Administration, offers thoughts on the regulator’s priorities, retirement plan litigation, and what the future might hold.
Interviewer
Alison Cooke Mintzer, Publisher, PLANADVISER
Interviewee
Daniel Aronowitz, Assistant Secretary of Labor for the DOL’s Employee Benefit Security Administration
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
Jay Hays, Senior Director, Investments, WTW
Phil Senderowitz, Managing Director, Strategic Retirement Partners
Bringing Private Markets into 401(k) Plans
As retirement plan professionals seek innovative ways to improve participant outcomes, private markets are becoming an increasingly important part of the defined contribution conversation. Plan sponsors, consultants, and advisors are evaluating how private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and other private market investments may enhance diversification, strengthen portfolio resilience, and help participants build greater retirement security over the long term.
Drawing on decades of experience helping individuals navigate retirement readiness and financial decision-making, Anne Lester explores the opportunities and considerations associated with bringing private markets into 401(k) plans. The discussion examines key fiduciary, governance, and implementation factors, while providing a practical framework for evaluating how private markets may fit within the evolving retirement landscape and support better participant outcomes.
Presenter
Anne Lester, Partners Group Board of Directors
Sponsored by Partners Group
Lunch
Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Asset Management
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
Meghan Wojton, VP, Advisor Consultant, Fidelity
The 2026 Midterms: What may be next for workplace retirement plans?
With divided government comes opportunities for bipartisan engagement on key issues related to retirement security.
Presenter
Lance Schoening, Director of Policy – Government Relations, PrincipalSM
Sponsored by Principal
From Benefit to Bedrock: What Emergency Savings Means for Your Practice
Emergency savings can help participants avoid tapping retirement assets when unexpected expenses arise. For plan sponsors, however, turning that idea into a workable benefit requires thoughtful guidance on benefit buy-in, program design, implementation, and participant engagement.
Commonwealth Senior Vice President Nick Maynard joins Anthony Carter, Director, Financial Wellness from Compass Financial Partners, a Division of MMA Securities LLC (retirement plan adviser), Christen Davis, Benefits Director, Savings, Retirement, and Recognition of Starbucks (an employer benefits leader), and Rachel Weker, Retirement Strategist of T. Rowe Price (a recordkeeper) to walk through what it takes to make an emergency savings benefit work in practice. Together, they will discuss how the conversation begins, the questions and tradeoffs that emerge, what implementation requires, and learnings along the way.
Attendees will leave with practical considerations for starting the conversation with plan sponsors, evaluating options, and determining what approach fits a client’s workforce.
Moderator
Nick Maynard, Senior Vice President, Commonwealth
Panelists
Anthony Carter, Director, Financial Wellness, Compass Financial Partners, a Division of MMA Securities LLC
Christen Davis, Benefits Director, Savings, Retirement, and Recognition, Starbucks
Rachel Weker, Retirement Strategist, T. Rowe Price
Sponsored by Build Commonwealth
Break
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, Senior Vice President, HUB Retirement and Wealth Management
Panelists
Chris Bailey, Director, Retirement, Cerulli
Elizabeth Goldberg, Partner, Morgan Lewis
Daniel Oldroyd, Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Manager on the SmartRetirement target date series, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
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
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.
An Evening in the Spotlight
Celebrate the achievements of our industry while connecting with peers, sponsors, and friends over drinks.
Fun Run
(Registration starts at 6:45 a.m. at Fairways Bridge)
Breakfast
Opening Remarks
Edward Rueda, Editor, PLANADVISER
Kelli Send, Co-Founder, Senior Vice President – Financial Wellness Services, Francis LLC (Emcee)
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
BREAKOUT 1
Adviser M&As: Do’s and Don’ts
Join industry leaders for a candid discussion of the opportunities and challenges involved in adviser M&A. Panelists will explore lessons on cultural fit, client retention and considerations that might not be on your radar.
Moderator
Greg Kaplan, Practice Leader, Newfront
Panelists
Sean Bjork, Senior Vice President, HUB Retirement and Wealth Management
Barbara Delaney, Principal, SS/RBA – a member firm of Global Retirement Partners, LLC
BREAKOUT 2
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.
Moderator
Edward Rueda, Editor, PLANADVISER
Panelists
Jon Anderson, Head of Workplace & Retirement, Cetera Financial Group
Chad Wilson, Market Principal, Wealth Services, OneDigital Retirement + Wealth
Break
BREAKOUT 1
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
BREAKOUT 2
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
WORKSHOP 1
From Numbers to Next Steps: Applying insights from the 2026 Newport/PLANSPONSOR NQDC Plan Trends Survey
Discover what nonqualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plan sponsors care most about. Newport and PLANSPONSOR experts, Clay Kennedy and Alison Cooke Mintzer, will share key findings from the 2026 Newport/PLANSPONSOR NQDC Plan Trends Survey. From plan management and technology to participant engagement and plan financing, find out how plan sponsors approach their NQDC programs, plus get ideas that can help you add value to your clients, whether they’re plan sponsors or high-net-worth individuals.
Presenters
Clay Kennedy, Vice President, Insurance & Nonqualified Retirement Plan Sales, Newport
Alison Cooke Mintzer, Publisher, PLANADVISER
Sponsored by Newport, an Ascensus company
WORKSHOP 2
The PEP Journey
Since their introduction on January 1, 2021, Pooled Employer Plans have evolved significantly, gaining greater visibility and momentum across the retirement plan marketplace. As PEPs approach their seventh year, we examine how employers view this increasingly established solution and explore the key features driving broader consideration and adoption.
Presenter
Mark Christensen, PEP Sales Director, The Standard
Sponsored by The Standard
Lunch
Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Asset Management
BREAKOUT 1
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
Panelists
John Bartlett, Director of Retirement Services, CFS Investment Advisory Services
Nikki Pirrello, Chief Operating Officer, DCIIA
Marcia Wagner, Founder and Managing Partner, Wagner Law Group
BREAKOUT 2
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
Panelists
Brea Dantin, Retirement Plan Advisor, Shepherd Financial
Deena Rini, SVP, Co-Managing Director, Health and Benefits, Managing Director, Retirement Plan Services, Oswald Companies
BREAKOUT 1
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.
Moderator
Edward Rueda, Editor, PLANADVISER
Panelists
Eric Dyson, Executive Director, 90 North Consulting
Andrew Salek-Raham, Principal | Litigation Practice Leader, Groom Law Group
BREAKOUT 2
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.
Moderator
Jessica Ballin, Principal, Investment Adviser Representative, 401k Plan Professionals
Panelists
Kristi Baker, Managing Partner, CSi Advisory Services, a division of HUB International
George Sepsakos, Principal, Groom Law Group
Break
From Prudent Process to Product Readiness
A fiduciary conversation on retirement income as an alternative investment option in defined contribution plans.
Presenters
John Faustino, Head of Fiduciary Governance Solutions, Broadridge
Kent Peterson, Senior Vice President Institutional Retirement Solutions, Securian Financial
Sponsored by Securian
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.
Moderator
John Bartlett, Director of Retirement Services, CFS Investment Advisory Services
Panelists
Lisa Buffington, SVP, National Brand and Market Development Leader- Retirement & Wealth Services, Marsh McLennan Agency
Chuck Williams, CEO, Finspire
Havana Sunset
Enjoy a taste of Havana as you explore the exhibit hall, connect with sponsors, and unwind over tropical drinks and Cuban-inspired cuisine.
Breakfast
Opening Remarks
Rebecca Moore, Managing Editor of Custom Content, PLANADVISER
AI in Practice
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a powerful productivity tool for advisers. This live demonstration will showcase how customized AI agents can handle time-consuming tasks such as meeting preparation, note-taking, industry monitoring and document review, freeing advisers to focus on strategic client relationships.
Speaker
Joey Madigan, Senior Associate Retirement Director, Janus Henderson Insurance and Retirement Group
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
Panelists
Thomas “Mitch” Austin, Division Manager – Retirement and Benefit Services, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
Heather Stempien, Employee Engagement and Benefits Director, Healthesystems
WORKSHOP 1
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.
Facilitator
Jessica Powers, Organizational Psychologist and Executive Coach, Jessica Powers Coaching and Consulting
WORKSHOP 2
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
To-Go Lunch
Sponsored by J.P. Morgan Asset Management