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Sessions from the 2009 CCA Annual Meeting

01 - Gray Book Review

11/01/2009 - 5:00-7:05 PM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Compliance Issues
Credits: EA Core 2.50 CPD 2.50

Experienced practitioners lead a review of government responses to the Gray Books. The panelists discuss the practical implications of the answers and any new information developed since the 2009 EA Meeting.

Speakers:

2. Bruce Cadenhead - Mercer
3. David A. Coronel - Towers Watson

02 - General Session: It’s not Web 2.0. It’s not Web 3.0. It’s simply life.

11/02/2009 - 8:00-10:15 AM
Session Category: Cross Discipline - General
Credits: CPD 1.50

We have more technology than ever before. We can reach more people than ever before, in shorter amounts of time. But that doesn’t mean we should do it! You can have all the tools in the world—it doesn’t mean you know what to do with them!

When Help a Reporter launched in March 2008, it quickly became one of the most successful word of mouth programs ever, attracting more than 75,000 current members without spending one penny on advertising. How?

The beauty of social and viral technology is that it allows us to reach many, many people in nanoseconds. The danger of it? The exact same thing.

Peter Shankman discusses social networking, viral marketing and all the “fun ways” to use them—and perhaps most important why sometimes not using any of them is your best bet. He'll show you how marketers, businesses, publicists, and everyday humans are:

Speakers:

2. Peter Shankman

03 - Retiree Medical -- Innovative Designs and "Cutting-Edge" Accounting

11/02/2009 - 10:35-11:50 AM
Session Category: Health - Retiree Medical
Credits: EA Noncore 0.75 CPD 1.50

Employers are now looking at some retiree medical designs that likely were never envisioned when FAS 106 was put into place. Come learn about some of these designs and how to account for them.

Speakers:

1. Stuart H. Alden - Towers Watson
2. Gary M. Koscielny - Cynomys, Inc.

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Brad Howard - Deloitte Consulting LLP

04 - "Why Do I Have to Provide You With an Incentive to Take Drugs?"

11/02/2009 - 10:35-11:50 AM
Session Category: Health - Prescription Drugs
Credits: CPD 1.50

Speakers at this session explore cost effectiveness of incentive based prescription drug plan designs. Are they working? Do they reduce costs?

Speakers:

1. Thomas S. Tomczyk - Buck Consultants
2. Jack E. Bruner - CVS Caremark
3. Sara Corrough Teppema - Valence Health

05 - What's Up in Washington?

11/02/2009 - 10:35-11:50 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - General
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

New Administration, new Congress, new thoughts? Where is the country headed in relation to retirement plans?

Speakers:

1. Thomas L. Totten - Nyhart
2. J. Michael Keeling - The ESOP Association
3. Chantel Sheaks - Buck Consultants

06 - Wrap-up in Nori: Overview of Pensions in Japan

11/02/2009 - 10:35-11:50 AM
Session Category: International - Pension Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

Japan's cultural and language barriers have made understanding its pension environment difficult for US multinationals. But those communication barriers will be lifted at this session. With an approaching deadline (March, 2012) by which to restructure tax qualified pension plans (TQPPs) and a gradual movement toward hybrid contribution plans underway, a look at Japan's benefits scene is interesting and timely.

Speakers:

1. Barry S. Blecher - Towers Watson
2. Mitsu Nishiwaki - Towers Watson

07 - No Country for Old Men (and Women): Mortality Trends & Longevity Hedges

11/02/2009 - 10:35-11:50 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Assumptions/Methods
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

Are actuaries adequately planning for the "living to 100 generation?" How can we assist clients (and the general public) to manage and/or hedge longevity risk? The speakers explore and contrast risk management options, US mortality trends, and longevity hedging techniques being considered in the UK.

Speakers:

1. Kenneth F. Hohman - Bryan Pendleton Swats & McAllister LLC
2. Keith Barton - Aon Hewitt
3. David K. Sandberg - Allianz Life Ins Co of North America

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Jeffrey A. Rees - Deloitte Consulting LLP

08 - Public Employee Retirement Plan GASB

11/02/2009 - 10:35-11:50 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - GASB Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) is in the process of rethinking the principals behind reporting and disclosure for public employee retirement plans. The speakers discuss the process GASB is going through, what they have produced so far and where this may be headed.

Speakers:

1. Ira M. Summer - Public Pension Professionals Inc.
2. David R. Bean - Governmental Accounting Standards Board
3. James J. Rizzo - Gabriel Roeder Smith & Company

09 - "Check Your WRERA View Mirror"

11/02/2009 - 10:35-11:50 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Compliance Issues
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

WRERA relief update – a general discussion of where we are to date on regulations and how actuaries have been managing the application of the rules in the current environment.

Speakers:

1. Matthew R. Maloney - Aon Hewitt
2. Maria M. Sarli - Towers Watson
3. Howard A. Freidin - Deloitte Consulting LLP
4. Eric A. Keener - Aon Hewitt

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Anthony Michael Casale - Towers Watson

10 - It's a Small World After All

11/02/2009 - 10:35:11:50 AM
Session Category: International - Pension Issues
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

It's a world of hope and a world of new legislation, regulatory guidance, and financial turmoil. Come hear what's new in small plan valuations and administration.

Speakers:

1. Scott A. Hittner - October Three LLC
2. Glen C. Gahan - SilverStone Group Inc.

11 - IAS and FAS - How to Help Companies Make the Transition from US GAAP to IFRS

11/02/2009 - 2:15-3:30 PM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Accounting Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

The SEC has issued a proposed road map for US public companies to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards. The presenters at this session attempt to help you understand where US GAAP is headed and what it means for accounting for employee benefits.

Speakers:

1. Joseph P. Strazemski - Buck Consultants
2. Richard G. Lemieux
3. Diana J. Scott - Towers Watson

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Casey Shork - Deloitte Consulting LLP

12 - Late Breaking Developments

11/02/2009 - 2:15-3:30 PM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - New Rulings/Development
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

A panel of diversified professionals discuss the latest developments affecting retirement plans on the legislative, regulatory and legal fronts. Among the topics that may be covered are: PPA, 2009 legislation, guidance from the IRS, DOL, Treasury and recent court decisions.

Speakers:

1. Donald J. Segal
2. Ethan E. Kra - Ethan E. Kra Actuarial Services LLC
3. Martin Pippins - Internal Revenue Service

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Frank B. Gallagher - Towers Watson

13 - Serving the Interest of the Public

11/02/2009 - 2:15-3:30 PM
Session Category: International - General
Credits: EA Core 0.75 EA Noncore 0.75 CPD 1.50

In 2007, the leaders of the North American Actuarial Council (NAAC) signed a statement acknowledging "the paramount importance of acting in the public interest" and indicating that it "is important to identify, protect, and advance the public interest in the work of our profession—its organizations and its members."

What does this mean for an individual actuary? Who is the "public?” Is there one "public" or do different segments of the "public" have different interests? Is this a call for each actuary to serve the interests of the "public" or a call to the profession as a whole?

Actuaries in the UK are currently dealing with implementing a similar call to serve the public interest with regard to setting standards of practice on ethical issues. Panelists from the UK and the US, including a member of the Actuarial Standards Board, lead a discussion on how these calls may change how we provide actuarial services.

Speakers:

1. Douglas J. Carey - Deloitte Consulting LLP
2. Lawrence J. Sher - October Three LLC
3. Nick Salter - Barnett Waddingham LLP
4. Stephen G. Kellison

14 - If We Build It, Will They Come? A Retirement 20/20 Update

11/02/2009 - 2:15-3:30 PM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - General
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

The Society of Actuaries Pension Section launched the Retirement 20/20 project in late 2005 in reaction to the shortcomings of both traditional defined benefit (DB) plans and defined contribution (DC) plans, shortcomings which have been further accentuated during the recent financial crisis. Retirement 20/20 is a strategic multi-year project to look at the possibilities that could exist outside of the traditional DB/DC framework in both the U.S. and Canada. Since its inception, Retirement 20/20 has systematically brought together actuaries (pensions and annuities), economists, attorneys, employers, investment advisors and public policy experts to debate what we need for a robust retirement system in the 21st century without regard to the constraints of existing legislative requirements.

The speakers at this session bring you up to date on what has been learned in our three conferences, present the measurement framework tool and demonstrate its application to several actual design models, summarize the Retirement 20/20 capstone report presented at the Pension Research Council Conference at Wharton earlier this year, and give you a preview of our plans for 2010, including our unique and exciting “Call for Models Contest.”

Speakers:

1. Scott A. Hittner - October Three LLC
2. R. Evan Inglis - Vanguard, Investment Strategy Group
3. Andrew J. Peterson - Society of Actuaries

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Brad Howard - Deloitte Consulting LLP

15 - Increasing Your Personal Actuarial Value

11/02/2009 - 2:15-3:30 PM
Session Category: Cross Discipline - General
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

More then ever before we are all challenged to convince clients and employers that we bring value to the table. The speakers explore how each of us can do this, whether it be by incorporating ERM, broadening our skills, publishing, etc.

Speakers:

1. Phillip A. Merdinger - Mercer
2. Andrew Dietz - Creative Growth Group

16 - A Case Study in Workforce Planning

11/02/2009 - 2:15-3:30 PM
Session Category: Cross Discipline - General
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

In a hypothetical scenario, a large employer with an aging workforce embarked on a workforce planning exercise. Some retirement-related issues were encountered, including the affects of wear away. These and other issues/affects are examined.

Speakers:

1. Linda A. Konarik - Buck Consultants
2. Nancy Emerson - Buck Consultants

17 - Retiree Medical: Still in the Trenches

11/02/2009 - 2:15-3:30 PM
Session Category: Health - Retiree Medical
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

This is an open-forum discussion about actuarial OPEB issues, both private and public sector moderated by leading consultants. Come discuss your hot topics.

Speakers:

1. Steven D. Bryson - Lewis & Ellis, Inc.
2. John E. Bartel - Bartel Associates, LLC

18 - Consumer Driven Healthcare -- Emerging Data & Trends

11/02/2009 - 2:15-3:30 PM
Session Category: Health - Consumerism
Credits: CPD 1.50

This session starts with a review of the key findings from the American Academy of Actuaries' paper on CDH Emerging Data. With this as a basis, we will move on to discuss CDH analyses that emerged too late to be considered by the AAA CDH committee and other practical observations of how CDH is faring in light of the economy and the prospects for health care reform.

Speakers:

1. L. J. Mac McCarthy - McCarthy Actuarial Consulting
2. Ronald G. Barlow - Deloitte Consulting LLP

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Michelle L. Raleigh

19 - Small Plan Design -- "Taking it to the Limit"

11/02/2009 - 3:50-5:05 PM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Small Plan Issues
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

What's new in designing retirement plans in the small plan market? Bring your ideas and be ready to share.

Speakers:

1. Raymond J. Lee - Lee ACS
2. J. Gregory Gaston - J. G. Gaston & Associates Inc.

20 - New Buyer Perspective

11/02/2009 - 3:50-5:05 PM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Non-Technical Communications
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

With companies focused on belt tightening and the bottom line, consulting services may be viewed as expensive, or worse, expendable. How can we effectively market our services in a distressed environment? A professional services advisor and corporate procurement officer discuss best practices and broader new buyer perspectives. Learn how to better understand your client’s needs, how they drive value internally and how you can better align your work to help them maximize value.

Speakers:

1. Phillip A. Merdinger - Mercer
2. Michael McKiernan - Citrix Systems, Inc.
3. Whitney Green - JM Family Enterprises

21 - GASB 43/45: Raiders of the Not-So-Lost ARC

11/02/2009 - 3:50-5:05 PM
Session Category: Health - GASB Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

How are public OPEB sponsors dealing with these very large liabilities? Hear from both sides of the table. A finance director and a consultant discuss strategies, successes and failures.

Speakers:

1. Steven D. Bryson - Lewis & Ellis, Inc.
2. Ferdinand Gaenzel - Harris County Hospital District
3. Brian J. Fuller - Mercer
4. Bonnie Albritton - Lewis & Ellis, Inc.
5. Thomas F. Duensing - City of Tempe, AZ

22 - Healthcare Reform -- Budget Implications

11/02/2009 - 3:50-5:05 PM
Session Category: Health - General
Credits: CPD 1.50

The new Administration has promised healthcare reform before the end of the President's first term. Dramatic progress has been made to date. The panel discusses short-term and longer-term implications of proposed initiatives on the US budget and its impact on individuals.

Speakers:

1. Dale H. Yamamoto - Red Quill Consulting
2. Anne E. Crumlish - Aon Hewitt
3. Stephen Heffler - Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Svcs.

23 - I Have a Friend Who… An Ethics Workshop

11/02/2009 - 3:50-5:05 PM
Session Category: Professionalism
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

Bring your burning ethics questions to this interactive workshop. Current and former ABCD members lead discussions of attendees' issues. (This is a workshop limited to 40 attendees.)

Speakers:

1. William J. Falk
2. Robert J. Rietz - Consulting Actuary
3. Carol R. Sears - Actuarial Consulting Group Inc.

24 - DC Plans -- Is That Your Final Answer?

11/02/2009 - 3:50-5:05 PM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Defined Contribution Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

How were 401(k) plan participants impacted by the financial crisis? Are 401(k) plans a failure? The panelists focus on DC plan risks, retirement income adequacy, and how plan sponsors are working to manage those risks and improve the outcomes.

Speakers:

1. Robert J. Reiskytl - Aon Hewitt
2. Brent W. Walder - Prudential Financial
3. Grace Katherine Lattyak - Aon Hewitt

25 - Are You Smarter Than an Actuarial Student?

11/02/2009 - 3:50-5:05 PM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - General
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

How many years has it been since you sat for an actuarial exam? Do you still think you have your edge? Join us for the latest actuarial game show where contestants are asked to test their knowledge, with help from recent Enrolled Actuary exam passers. The emphasis is on material a pension consulting actuary should know. Don't be in jeopardy of not knowing what you should.

Speakers:

1. Patricia A. Rotello - Towers Watson
2. Donald J. Segal
3. Alice C. Hicks - Aon Hewitt

26 - Asset Liability Modeling Today - Liability Driven Investing Approaches

11/02/2009 - 3:50-5:05 PM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Investment Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

Investments - LDI 101, LDI -- what happened in 2008/2009? What alternative investments are suggested for the future?

Speakers:

2. Travis John Winkels - Towers Watson
3. F. Gary Knapp - Prudential Fixed Income

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Eric J. Roling - Deloitte Consulting LLP

27 - "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" PPA-Unanswered Questions

11/03/2009 - 8:00-9:40 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - New Rulings/Development
Credits: EA Core 2.00 CPD 2.00

There are still a number of issues under PPA where final guidance has not been issued. The panel identifies and discusses the top outstanding issues.

Speakers:

1. Matthew R. Maloney - Aon Hewitt
2. Douglas K. German - Buck Consultants
3. Ellen L. Kleinstuber - The Savitz Organization
4. Rob Austin - Aon Hewitt

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Matthew R. Maloney - Aon Hewitt

28 - Workshop on Public Employee Retirement Systems (Part I)

11/03/2009 - 8:00-9:40 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Beyond Corporate Retirement Plans
Credits: EA Core 1.00 EA Noncore 1.00 CPD 2.00

Come join an open forum to exchange ideas, information and experiences on current topics of interest to actuaries who work with public employee retirement systems. Topics for discussion may include actuarial assumptions, plan design trends and more.

Speakers:

1. Ira M. Summer - Public Pension Professionals Inc.
2. Paul Angelo - The Segal Company

29 - EACAs, QACAs, and MRD Waivers

11/03/2009 - 8:00-9:40 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Funding and Schedule B Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 2.00 CPD 2.00

Eligible Automatic Contribution Arrangement (EACA), Qualified Automatic Contribution Arrangement (QACA), Minimum Required Distribution (MRD). How has the financial crisis affected defined contribution plans? The speakers discuss short-term concerns and opportunities and expected long-term trends, including steps employers can take now to allow participants to recover from the economic downturn.

Speakers:

1. Robert P. Mast - Towers Watson
2. Amy L. Alexander - Towers Watson
3. Flora Olsen - Towers Watson

30 - When the CFO says: "*!?*!!?"

11/03/2009 - 8:00-9:40 AM
Session Category: Cross Discipline - General
Credits: EA Noncore 2.00 CPD 2.00

First, the CFO tells all departments, "cut everything by 10%"… then you enter into talks about pension funding!! When he awakens from the coma, he says, "I need a business advisor, not an actuary!!" What DOES he want and why??

Speakers:

1. Larry Lee Helmke - Towers Watson
2. Lewis Walker - AT&T
3. Richard French - Del Monte
4. Phillip A. Merdinger - Mercer

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Jeffrey A. Rees - Deloitte Consulting LLP

31 - Case Studies from Health Data Warehouse Users

11/03/2009 - 8:00-9:40 AM
Session Category: Health - General
Credits: CPD 2.00

Representatives from two analytic firms present new technology that's available today to help plans, employers and employees manage healthcare.

Speakers:

1. Erich Y. Blumberg - Lockton Dunning Benefit Company
2. Mary Henderson - HDMS
3. Cindy Montgomery - Blue Cross/Blue Shield of AZ

32 - Legislative and Regulatory Reform

11/03/2009 - 8:00-9:40 AM
Session Category: Health - General
Credits: CPD 2.00

Experts say $X billion is wasted each year due to incomplete, inaccurate, and/or redundant healthcare records. At the same time, real questions of privacy and flexibility have arisen. Come listen to all sides of the argument and form your own opinions.

Speakers:

1. Stuart H. Alden - Towers Watson
2. Anne E. Crumlish - Aon Hewitt
3. Dale H. Yamamoto - Red Quill Consulting

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Robert W. Bruechert - Towers Watson

33 - X-Men and Other Super Heroes: Expatriate Benefits and Compensation

11/03/2009 - 8:00-9:40 AM
Session Category: Cross Discipline - General
Credits: EA Core 0.50 EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 2.00

A fascinating in-depth presentation on benefits and compensation for expatriates. Speakers at this session cover the legal and business issues involved in providing benefits to US citizens working overseas, particularly the interplay of US federal law (ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA), US state insurance laws, foreign/local legislation and inter-county tax treaties. Additional discussions include the provision of overall compensation packages to expatriates globally, and the various cost savings opportunities that are currently available to the employer.

Speakers:

1. Barry S. Blecher - Towers Watson
2. Edward P. Hannibal - ORC Worldwide
3. Brian P. Iaia - CIGNA International Expatriate Benefits

34 - "Hang 'Em High" Executive Compensation Issues in Today's World

11/03/2009 - 8:00-9:40 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Nonqualified Plans
Credits: EA Noncore 2.00 CPD 2.00

Risk management in executive compensation arrangements. No execs were harmed in the making of this session. Hear what is new and what exactly is happening after the events of the past year.

Speakers:

2. Max Schwartz - Sullivan & Cromwell LLP
3. Andrew Mandel - Buck Consultants, a Xerox Company

35 - Blazing Saddles: Underfunded Plans and the PBGC

11/03/2009 - 10:00-11:40 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - PBGC/Plan Termination Issues
Credits: EA Core 2.00 CPD 2.00

The economic downturn has raised everyone’s awareness of pension plan funding levels, including the PBGC. Hear from the speakers about how to deal with a broad range of PBGC issues including reportable event traps, annual employer financial and actuarial information reporting and PBGC’s enhanced ability to pursue “downsizing liability.”

Speakers:

1. Patricia A. Rotello - Towers Watson
2. Harold J. Ashner - Keightley & Ashner, LLP
3. Ajit Gadre - Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.
4. Roger Reiersen - Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp.

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

James P. Neal - Towers Watson

36 - Employer Approaches to Improve Quality and Control Cost of Healthcare

11/03/2009 - 10:00-11:40 AM
Session Category: Health - Consumerism
Credits: CPD 2.00

Two employers and an MD will discuss the spectrum of approaches they have used to improve outcomes and control cost of health care. Employers will review the broad range of options considered, their rationale for program selection, emerging results where available, and lessons learned. In addition to traditional care management and health promotion/disease prevention programs, panelists will review innovative programs, which range from care support for complex conditions focusing specifically on the most expensive 1% of participants to effective use of on-site clinics.

Speakers:

1. George B. Wagoner - Mercer
2. Dr. Bruce Hochstadt - Mercer
3. Steven A. First - Pfizer
4. Charlotte Teklitz - American Airlines

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Michelle L. Raleigh

37 - DC Rodeo - How to Get Employees in the Game and Help Them Stay on Top When the Riding Gets Rough

11/03/2009 - 10:00-11:40 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Defined Contribution Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 2.00 CPD 2.00

Our panel discusses behavioral finance in DC plans and some of the latest research on the influence of ethnicity on retirement plan behavior.

Speakers:

1. Robert J. Reiskytl - Aon Hewitt
2. Rob Austin - Aon Hewitt
3. Barbara J. Hogg - Aon Hewitt

38 - Legislative and Regulatory Update

11/03/2009 - 10:00-11:40 AM
Session Category: Health - General
Credits: CPD 2.00

The speakers provide an up-to-date overview of the status of healthcare reform (HCR) and other new and potential legislative/regulatory that is happening in the healthcare arena.

Speakers:

1. Justin N. Hornburg - American Benefits Consulting
2. Dale H. Yamamoto - Red Quill Consulting
3. Chip Kerby - Liberté Group LLC

39 - Return of the Workshop on Public Employee Retirement Systems (Part II)

11/03/2009 - 10:00-11:40 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Beyond Corporate Retirement Plans
Credits: EA Core 1.00 EA Noncore 1.00 CPD 2.00

Continuing discussions of topics that were not covered in the previous session on public employee retirement systems. Topics may include assumption setting, reporting and disclosure, valuation and funding of DROP and OPEB.

Speakers:

1. Ira M. Summer - Public Pension Professionals Inc.
2. John E. Bartel - Bartel Associates, LLC
3. Paul Angelo - The Segal Company

40 - Spanning the Globe "and Nobody Got Hurt"

11/03/2009 - 10:00-11:40 AM
Session Category: International - Pension Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 2.00 CPD 2.00

How has the global financial crisis impacted retirement plans around the world? Do some countries have better mechanisms in place to avoid or manage large losses? The speakers at this session delve into and explore these issues.

Speakers:

1. Douglas J. Carey - Deloitte Consulting LLP
2. Nick Salter - Barnett Waddingham LLP
3. William C. Walter Jr. - Towers Watson
4. William A. Branch - Towers Watson

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

James L. Jones - Deloitte Consulting LLP

41 - What's in it for Me? Communicating Complex Concepts

11/03/2009 - 10:00-11:40 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Non-Technical Communications
Credits: EA Noncore 1.00 CPD 2.00

As actuaries, we pride ourselves on communicating complex information to our clients. But are we providing the information they really need? Join us for a working session focused on moving from actuarial results to true awareness advice.

Speakers:

1. Alice Pegel Stuart - Towers Watson
2. Stephen Parahus - Towers Watson
3. Sarah Wright - Aon Hewitt

42 - The ASB and You: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

11/03/2009 - 12:15-2:20 PM
Session Category: Professionalism
Credits: EA Core 2.50 CPD 2.50

What do we need to know about the new ASOPs? What have we forgotten about the old ASOPs? What is the process to identify new ASOPs or ASOPs for updating? Representatives of the ASB discuss recent and proposed ASOPs affecting consulting actuaries, especially ASOP 41. Other topics include how ASOPs implement the Council of US Presidents’ (CUSP) statement regarding actuaries and the public interest.

Speakers:

1. Lawrence J. Sher - October Three LLC
2. Thomas D. Levy - The Segal Company
3. James F. Verlautz - Mercer

43 - Multi-employer Workshop

11/04/2009 - 8:00-9:15 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Beyond Corporate Retirement Plans
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

Discussion of issues impacting consulting to the multi-employer world. WARNING -- discussion may include health & welfare funding issues.

Speakers:

1. Raymond J. Lee - Lee ACS
2. Jay K. Egelberg - First Actuarial Consulting, Inc.

44 - Communicating Uncertainty

11/04/2009 - 8:00-9:15 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Non-Technical Communications
Credits: CPD 1.50

How to go beyond just delivering "the number(s)" whether they be next year's host country (H.C.) budget, program risk management (PRM)/RAB & expenses, pension liabilities/exp., etc. Incorporates the EA/consulting actuary conflict and ERM issues.

Speakers:

1. Thomas S. Terry - TTerry Consulting LLC
2. Frank Todisco - U.S. Government Accountability Office
3. Shawn P. Maloney - Towers Watson

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

James P. Neal - Towers Watson

45 - Dances with Wolves

11/04/2009 - 8:00-9:15 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Compliance Issues
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

The devil is in the details -- what's involved in making sure that a plan's administration is compliant with all of the various notices and limitations.

Speakers:

1. Joseph P. Strazemski - Buck Consultants
2. Barbara Haws - Towers Watson
3. Christine J. Drager - Deloitte Consulting LLP
4. Scott M. Japko - The Savitz Organization

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Edward A. Quinn - Buck Consultants

46 - ERM - Actuaries and Credentials

11/04/2009 - 8:00-9:15 AM
Session Category: Cross Discipline - General
Credits: CPD 1.50

The role of actuaries in enterprise risk management is evolving around the world. The SOA has created the CERA designation and a global actuarial credential is being pursued. The speakers discuss what is being taught to ERM actuaries and what credentials are important and why.

Speakers:

1. Kenneth F. Hohman - Bryan Pendleton Swats & McAllister LLC
2. Daniel P. Cassidy - P-Solve Cassidy
3. S. Michael McLaughlin - McLaughlin Actuarial Consulting

47 - Is Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) the Best Approach for Employers - or - RDS Alternatives?

11/04/2009 - 8:00-9:15 AM
Session Category: Health - Retiree Medical
Credits: CPD 1.50

Historically, the primary value of employer sponsored retiree health plans for Medicare eligibles resided in the prescription drug benefit. However, the retiree health care environment changed considerably with the launch of Medicare Part D in 2006. Many employers elected to remain the primary payer of prescription drug benefits for their Medicare eligible retirees and to apply for federal subsidies under the Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS) program. Now in the fourth RDS year and in challenging economic times, many employers are revisiting their decision to elect RDS and examining ever evolving options to sponsorship and delivery of health benefits for Medicare eligibles, particularly benefits where the employer subsidy is capped. The speakers during this session review employer alternatives to RDS from the consulting and Prescription Benefit Management points of view. In doing so, we may identify what actions employers are taking and the drivers behind that decision.

Speakers:

1. Trevis G. Parson - Towers Watson
2. Briton Pim - Express Scripts Insurance Co.
3. Edward M. Pudlowski - Buck Consultants, a Xerox Company

48 - A Modest (Actuarial) Proposal: Responsible Healthcare Reform

11/04/2009 - 8:00-9:15 AM
Session Category: Health - General
Credits: CPD 1.50

A panel of two physicians, with an actuary as moderator discuss how physicians view health information technology (HIT) initiatives, Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHP), Disease Management and Wellness.

Speakers:

1. Thomas S. Tomczyk - Buck Consultants
2. L. J. Mac McCarthy - McCarthy Actuarial Consulting
3R. Michelle L. Raleigh

49 - Stand By Your Plan

11/04/2009 - 8:00-9:15 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Plan Design Issues
Credits: EA Core 0.75 EA Noncore 0.75 CPD 1.50

A panel of two physicians, with an actuary as moderator discuss how physicians view health information technology (HIT) initiatives, Consumer Driven Health Plans (CDHP), Disease Management and Wellness.

Speakers:

1. Ellen L. Kleinstuber - The Savitz Organization
2. R. Evan Inglis - Vanguard, Investment Strategy Group
3. Robert O. Bacher - ConocoPhillips

50 - Impact of the Economic Downturn on Employers' Health & Welfare Benefits

11/04/2009 - 9:30-10:45 AM
Session Category: Health - General
Credits: CPD 1.50

What impact does/will this unprecedented economy and attempts to control it have on employers' health and welfare budgets? Specific potential topics include:

Speakers:

1. Erich Y. Blumberg - Lockton Dunning Benefit Company
2. John Bagley - Towers Watson

51 - Medicare Futures

11/04/2009 - 9:30-10:45 AM
Session Category: Health - General
Credits: CPD 1.50

Changes to Medicare are in continual debate in Congress and in policy circles, ranging from the role of private plans to overall provider payment policy. More broadly, elements of Medicare could influence the development of a public plan option under national healthcare reform. Major healthcare changes are on the horizon for 2010 and later, and Medicare is clearly a central part of these evolving changes. Tune into the speakers at this session to get a current reading on how future changes in Medicare might impact insurers, employers and other parties involved in the management of post-65 benefits in particular, as well as Medicare's potential role in national healthcare reform.

Speakers:

1. Trevis G. Parson - Towers Watson
2. Mark F. Olson - Towers Watson
3. Barry Carleton - Towers Watson

52 - Life Insurance for Pension Actuaries

11/04/2009 - 9:30-10:45 AM
Session Category: Cross Discipline - General
Credits: CPD 1.50

The product development engine in the life insurance industry is running as strong as ever. The panelists describe some of the more creative products relevant to employers and the actuaries who consult to them.

Speakers:

1. Justin N. Hornburg - American Benefits Consulting
2. Dale H. Yamamoto - Red Quill Consulting

53 - If I Could Do it All Over Again - Retirement Plan of the Future

11/04/2009 - 9:30-10:45 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Plan Design Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

Based on what we know today, how would you change pensions (outside of stringing up FASB?) Design, funding, investments, the whole ball of wax. In this interactive session, speakers provide their thoughts, along with audience critique of designs.

Speakers:

1. Thomas L. Totten - Nyhart
2. Patricia A. Rotello - Towers Watson
3. John Landis Dowell - Nyhart

54 - Convergence with IAS

11/04/2009 - 9:30-10:45 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Accounting Issues
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

Have your clients asked how convergence to international accounting standards might impact them? If so, come to this session to learn about the important nuances and potential pitfalls of IFRS. Bring your questions too!

Speakers:

1. John T. Stokesbury - Deloitte Consulting LLP
2. Keith Barton - Aon Hewitt
3. Marcus H. Rafiee - Woodlawn School
4. Gregory M. Heise - Morneau Shepell

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Kenneth MacDonald - Deloitte Consulting LLP

55 - Dialogue with the IRS

11/04/2009 - 9:30-10:45 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Compliance Issues
Credits: EA Core 1.50 CPD 1.50

This is an excellent opportunity for attendees to ask questions and discuss important developments with representatives of the IRS. Don't miss your chance to (possibly) get answers to some questions that have been troubling you.

Speakers:

1. Donald J. Segal
2. Martin Pippins - Internal Revenue Service
3. Sarah Wright - Aon Hewitt

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Barbara Haws - Towers Watson

56 - Seeing the Forest for the Trees: Bringing Value Back to the Actuary-Client Relationship

11/04/2009 - 9:30-10:45 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Non-Technical Communications
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

The credit crisis, recession, and other economic impacts put pressure on the further commoditizing actuarial services. The volatility of PPA funding rules pushes us to become short-term managers of risk at the expense of a longer-term view. Senior actuaries will lead an interactive session on how we can be more relevant and add value to our client relationships.

Speakers:

1. Stephen N. Eisenstein - The Newport Group
2. Thomas S. Terry - TTerry Consulting LLC
3. Paul B. Zeisler - Buck Consultants
4. Richard E. Jones - Aon Hewitt

Session Coordinator/Recorder:

Blake P. Murphy - Aon Hewitt

56A - Update on Asset Smoothing for Public Plans

11/04/2009 - 9:30-10:45 AM
Session Category: Employee Benefits - Beyond Corporate Retirement Plans
Credits: EA Noncore 1.50 CPD 1.50

Speakers:

1. Paul Angelo - The Segal Company

57 - ABCD Hearing

11/04/2009 - 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Session Category: Professionalism
Credits: EA Core 2.00 CPD 2.00

Attend an ABCD hearing and listen in on the subsequent deliberations. Current and former ABCD members portray the subject actuary, the Investigator, and the ABCD chair(s) in a live hearing. Selected audience members serve as ABCD members.

Speakers:

1. William J. Falk
2. Robert J. Rietz - Consulting Actuary
3. Carol R. Sears - Actuarial Consulting Group Inc.
4. John J. Schubert - Deloitte Consulting LLP
5. Paul B. Zeisler - Buck Consultants
6. John T. Stokesbury - Deloitte Consulting LLP
7. Dale H. Yamamoto - Red Quill Consulting

SF - Small Firms Networking Forum

11/03/2009 - 3:30-6:00 PM
Session Category: Cross Discipline - General
Credits: EA Core 2.20 CPD 2.20

Anyone interested is invited to stop by, meet, and discuss small firm issues, news, and outlooks.

Speakers:

1. S. Aquil Ahmed - Actuarial Retirement Services, LLC