Sessions by Topic
General Sessions
1-A-1 - Post-Election Legislative/Regulatory Landscape
Over the last few years, broad retirement legislation has passed Congress and become law. This includes the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0, The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (which modified and extended interest rate stabilization), as well as pandemic‐related legislation (CARES Act, ARPA, etc.). Today there are additional bills and prospective legislation floating through the halls of Congress, as well as proposals included in the political parties’ platforms. Speakers at this session review potential legislation that could affect the retirement plan landscape if they eventually pass.
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-B-1 - Ethics
In this highly interactive session, panelists and audience members discuss solutions to difficult ethical situations faced by actuaries in their day‐to‐day practices, including dealing with the IRS, correcting errors, billing clients, and clarity of communications. We also discuss how ethical determinations may be affected by professional rules, and the differences between Joint Board regulations and rules of the US actuarial organizations (AAA, SOA, CCA, ASEA).
Credits:
CPD Credit: 2.00
EA Ethics Credit: 2.00
EA Formal Credit: 2.00
3-D-1 - Megatrends and Macro Risks for Retirement Plans
The pandemic shook the world, and we are still trying to understand the long-term implications and whether another pandemic could be somewhere on the horizon. At the same time, we are contending with other potentially disruptive forces, from artificial intelligence to climate change, from changes in fertility and immigration to medical advances extending our lives, and from increasingly protectionist trade policies to growing geopolitical risks from Russia, Iran, and China. How do these macro risks affect the long-term sustainability of single-employer, multiemployer, and public retirement systems? And what should actuaries do today to protect retirement systems from these risks?
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
Retirement Sessions
1-A-1 - Post-Election Legislative/Regulatory Landscape
Over the last few years, broad retirement legislation has passed Congress and become law. This includes the SECURE Act and SECURE 2.0, The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (which modified and extended interest rate stabilization), as well as pandemic‐related legislation (CARES Act, ARPA, etc.). Today there are additional bills and prospective legislation floating through the halls of Congress, as well as proposals included in the political parties’ platforms. Speakers at this session review potential legislation that could affect the retirement plan landscape if they eventually pass.
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
1-C-1 - Capital Market Update - Economic Assumptions in a Changing Environment
Interest rates and capital market assumptions have rapidly increased in the last two years. Is this a long‐term reversal of the two‐decade trend to lower and lower interest rates and capital market expectations? Or is it just a short‐term spike to combat inflation and we can expect a return to the prior low‐interest rate environment? The speakers in this EA Conference session explore the various economic expectations and discuss how actuaries should factor these into their assumption setting process.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
1-D-1 - Recent Court Cases of Interest to Retirement Actuaries
The speakers review recent court decisions, ongoing litigation and complaints filed that could affect defined benefit plans or pension actuaries. This year's cases involve actuarial malpractice, actuarial equivalence, actuarial assumptions, erroneous benefit determinations, recent Supreme Court decisions, and many others.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-A-1 - De-Risking Investment Strategies
Large and small plan sponsors continue to evaluate strategies to transfer or mitigate pension plan risk. Speakers discuss strategies involving governance, fiduciary considerations, lawsuits about the choice of annuity provider, and DOL’s review of 95‐1.
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-C-1 - Pension Regulations Post-Chevron
A potentially seismic shift in federally regulated industries may occur with the Supreme Court’s elimination of Chevron deference, and allowing regulations to be challenged many years after their publication. What does this mean for regulations governing fiduciary duties, actuarial assumptions, pension benefits, and more? Panelists will discuss what Chevron deference was, how it affected agency interpretations of pension statutes, and the likely effect of Loper Bright and Corner Post on pension actuaries.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-D-1 - Practical Applications and Professional Risks of AI
This session explores the application of large language models and other advanced AI and analytic technologies in the actuarial workplace, by diving deeper into specific ways that pension actuaries might potentially use AI in preparing work products, as well as the professionalism aspects to consider as we evaluate adoption of these new technologies.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-A-1 -The Next Round of Innovation in Defined Contribution Plans
Are defined contribution plans headed for a period of meaningful transformation? With the creation of pooled employer plans and the continually emerging area of lifetime income, there is the potential to see a shake up the defined contribution plan landscape. Speakers in this session discuss how pooled employer plans are continuing to grow and why employers are deciding to join them. Speakers also address the evolving landscape of lifetime income products and solutions including what’s holding employers back from adopting them for their plans and why employees are hesitant to utilize them.
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-B-1 - Adverse Selection - Effect on Pension Liabilities and Plan Design
Will annuitants have lower mortality in pension plans with a lump sum option? Do early retirement factors affect turnover? Panelists discuss how insurance actuaries reflect the effects of adverse selection on insurance and annuity design and pricing, and the implications for pension plan design and valuation.
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-C-1 - Required Minimum Distributions
The IRS finalized new 401(a)(9) regulations in July 2024, reflecting SECURE Act and certain SECURE 2.0 changes, and proposed regulations for other SECURE 2.0 changes. While the changes were more significant for defined contribution plans, certain changes affect defined benefit plans as well. Speakers explain the changes at a high level, and the effects of 401(a)(9) on defined benefit plans, including special rules for 5% owners.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-D-1 - Megatrends and Macro Risks for Retirement Plans
The pandemic shook the world, and we are still trying to understand the long-term implications and whether another pandemic could be somewhere on the horizon. At the same time, we are contending with other potentially disruptive forces, from artificial intelligence to climate change, from changes in fertility and immigration to medical advances extending our lives, and from increasingly protectionist trade policies to growing geopolitical risks from Russia, Iran, and China. How do these macro risks affect the long-term sustainability of single-employer, multiemployer, and public retirement systems? And what should actuaries do today to protect retirement systems from these risks?
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
Single Employer Plans Sessions
1-B-1 - Plan Design Pitfalls & Opportunities in the Current Environment
Description forthcoming.
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
1-C-2 - Non-discrimination Rules – Current Issues
The speakers at this EA Conference session focus on aspects of the IRC 410(b)/401(a)(4) nondiscrimination rules that are coming into play with increasing frequency in the current economic and plan design environment. The speakers address issues that arise for closed plans where future employees are primarily covered by DC programs, or when grandfathered groups within a plan have more generous benefits. This includes the relief provided by the SECURE Act(s) – including areas of uncertainty.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
1-D-3 - Plan Termination Nut & Bolts
Standard plan terminations have been on the rise over the last ten years and their prevalence is expected to continue into the near future. Plan terminations follow a very prescriptive process with timelines, notices, filings, and the eventual liability settlement. Speakers at this session review the plan termination process and discuss the considerations that need to be given as we work with clients to successfully navigate the process.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-C-3 - Hot Topics in Accounting or Accounting from Sponsor Perspective
Speakers address recent accounting issues and considerations from the perspective of both actuaries and auditors under ASC 715, 960 and 965 as well as IAS 19.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-D-2 - Late Breaking Developments
Speakers discuss the latest developments in the private pension plan sector. Topics that may be covered include recently enacted and pending legislation; proposed and final regulatory guidance and other regulatory activity; recent litigation; and pending and adopted revisions to the Actuarial Standards of Practice.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-A-3 - Actuarial Aspects of Advanced Benefit Administration
The speakers at this session cover a number of more complicated issues that arise in performing benefit calculations. Potential topics are: multiple annuity starting dates, benefits beyond normal retirement date, determining amounts eligible for rollover, and QDROs.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-B-2 - How to Deal with Missed Quarterly Payments and Funding
Description forthcoming.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-C-3 - Single Employer Regulator Update: IRS, PBGC and Treasury
A panel of representatives from the IRS, PBGC, and Treasury Department provide updates and field your questions on a number of challenging issues. This is your chance to ask what you've always wanted to know about guidance. This session is not intended to address specific client issues.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
Professionalism Sessions
1-C-4 - Joint Board Update & Joint Board Regs
At this EA Conference session representatives of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries discuss current developments and other information relevant to Enrolled Actuaries and the profession at large. In addition, the panelists provide an overview of the requirements that the Joint Board regulations impose on Enrolled Actuaries. Attendee questions are encouraged.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-A-4 - Actuarial Crime and Punishment (JBEA & ABCD Systems)
Speakers present pension‐related scenarios from beginning to end: original source of conflict, actuary’s efforts to resolve, nature of complaint, investigation by ABCD, IRS or the Joint Board, actuary’s responses, and subsequent action by federal agencies and actuarial organizations. Scenarios are de‐identified but attempt to capture key elements and representative resolutions. Attendees are invited to add their questions and insights via chat.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-C-4 - Overview of the Code of Professional Conduct and JBEA Regs
It may have been a while since you last reviewed our profession’s Code of Professional Conduct or Joint Board regulations in detail. Our panel of experts helps you refresh your knowledge of the Code and JBEA regs and discuss some common situations faced by Enrolled Actuaries.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-B-4 - Bias in Pension Actuarial Work
How does bias creep into the assumptions and models pension actuaries use to providing actuarial services? What can you do to identify and avoid bias?
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
Public Plans Sessions
1-B-2 - Social Security and Public Plans: Coverage, Safe Harbor, WEP, GPO
Description forthcoming.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
1-D-2 - Current Events in Public Plan Funding Policy
In 2014 the CCA published the definitive white paper on actuarial funding policies and practices for public pension plans. The CCA Public Plans Community is currently revising the white paper to reflect practical experience with white paper model practices as well as new ASOP requirements. Panelists discuss the proposed revisions.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-A-2 - Managing Public Plan Risks
Description forthcoming.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-C-2 - Public Pensions - Analysis and Developments in Public Finance
Credit Rating Agencies continually refine and expand their methodologies for analysis of public pension financial ramifications for state and local governments. Our panelists review the latest pension guidance from S&P Global Ratings that illuminates analytical views on key pension risk factors, including the discount rate and amortization components. An overview of S&P’s three-pronged approach (funding level, funding discipline, and affordability) to analyze public pension budgetary pressures is also presented, as well as details on how the guidelines were created, what risks they address, and how they are applied to credit analysis.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-A-2 - Update on Public Plan OPEB
New GASB Statements 74 and 75 for Other Postemployment Benefits (OPEB) are beginning to apply for years beginning after June 15, 2016 and June 15, 2017 respectively. The Implementation Guide for GASB No. 74 came out last fall. Drawing upon the experience with GASB Nos. 67 and 68, presenters cover the highlights of the new statements and potential issues to consider during their implementation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-C-2 - Public Employee Retirement Systems Workshop
Join your public plan colleagues in a candid, open discussion of current issues. Session topics may include ASOP 4, plan design, impact of inflation, and practical discussions of issues raised in other sessions.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Non-Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
Multiemployer Plan Sessions
1-B-4 - PBGC Update - Multiemployer Edition
Over the past year, PBGC has updated its final regulations governing the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) Program, as well as its assumptions guidance and filing instructions. The Agency also issued proposed regulations on 4044 interest rates and other assumptions. This EA Conference session is an opportunity for multiemployer pension actuaries to hear directly from PBGC on the SFA program and other key topics of interest in regard to PBGC’s multiemployer insurance program. Representatives discuss updated statistics about plans that have already received assistance, observations on the application process, PBGC guidance, “lessons learned” from applications received to-date, what to expect for plans that have not yet applied, changes in census data review and other changes in the last year, and information on compliance with conditions after receiving SFA, including the impact of new 4044 rules on the SFA withdrawal liability interest rate conditions; provide an update on the 4213 regulation on withdrawal liability interest rates, proposed in late 2022; review PBGC’s most recent financial position and projected funding position of the multiemployer insurance program; and cover other PBGC activities – including upcoming regulations, recent PBGC guidance, and newly available resources (i.e., the most recent pension insurance data tables and recent multiemployer plan-related research reports).
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
1-D-4 - Withdrawal Liability – Interest Rates and Beyond
While the interest rate used to determine withdrawal liability has been the subject of much litigation, there have also been a number of cases that addressed other aspects of withdrawal liability. When is a company in the construction industry? When is the plan in the entertainment industry? How is the highest contribution rate determined post-MPRA 2014? Can the actuary change the assumptions after the measurement date? These and other issues will be discussed by a panel of practitioners.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-D-4 - SFA Post-Receipt Investment / Fiduciary Issues w/ ME Provisions of ARA
Description forthcoming.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-A-4 - Offloading Multiemployer Plan Risk
Description forthcoming.
Note that the allocation of EA Core/Non-Core credit depends on the actual content of the presentation.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 0.75
EA Non-Core Credit: 0.75
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-C-4 - Multiemployer Plan Mergers and Spinoffs
One solution for troubled multiemployer plans has been to seek a merger with another plan, or the transfer of liabilities to a separate plan. In December 2014, the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA) expanded the available options to PBGC-facilitated mergers, including potential "financial assistance." New PBGC regulations must be considered with respect to any merger or transfer, even if not facilitated. The speakers at this session cover the issues and rules related to mergers of and transfers from multiemployer plans under MPRA in comparison to the prior rules.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
Small Plans Sessions
1-B-3 - Cash Balance for Small Plans
Cash balance plans have become the plan of choice for professional employers and other small business owners. During the EA Conference session panelists discuss cash balance designs including the impact of SECURE 2.0 on combined plan designs.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
1-C-3 - Section 415 Issues with an Emphasis on Multiple Annuity Starting Dates
During this EA Conference session panelists review calculations under IRC Section 415 with an emphasis on multiple annuity starting dates (MASDs). Topics might also include limitations on lump sums, annuity starting dates below age 62 and after age 65, multiple annuity starting dates, and the impact of the interest crediting rates in cash balance plans.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-A-3 - Small Closed Plans
The SECURE Act added Code section 401(o) to provide relief to frozen plans of large employers, but the law also creates incentives for many small employers to freeze their DB Plans after five years. Combined with the ability to amend Code Section 401(a)(26), you may be able to freeze the Plan to new entrants, avoid Section 401(a)(26) going forward, and pass combined plan testing without a gateway requirement. Too good to be true? Seems so, but it's in the law. Attend this session to learn all about it.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
2-D-3 - Interest Rate Swings and Impact on Design, Deductions, and Funding Minimums
As the interest rate environment changes actuaries must react to the implications of these changes on cash balance plans in both design and administration. Presenters cover how interest rates impact the way actuaries and defined benefit consultants administer cash balance plans, how interest rates are selected, and the impact these decisions have on various plan calculations.
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50
3-B-3 - Designing Owner-Only Plans
Presenters focus on designing owner-only (or owner and spouse) DB plans. What data is needed to perform your analysis? Is there historical compensation that can support the desired contribution/benefit? Does the taxpayer's entity matter, and should it change? Can your client sustain the first-year contribution in future years - and do they want to? Should you use a cash balance plan or a traditional plan? What can be done with an accompanying DC plan?
Credits:
CPD Credit: 1.50
EA Core Credit: 1.50
EA Formal Credit: 1.50