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2024 ASEA Actuarial Symposium

The ASEA Advanced Actuarial Symposium is designed for senior pension actuaries and professionals who are concerned about the impact of recent regulations. The sessions are geared specifically toward issues affecting actuaries in the pension field. The final “Ask the Experts” session provides an opportunity for you to ask questions relevant to your specific area of expertise.

Join us August 16-17, 2024 at the Hotel Kansas City in Kansas City, MO!

 

Quick Links:


REGISTRATION

 

Early Bird Pricing

(Expires 6/21/24)

Regular Pricing

(Expires 8/9/24)

Onsite Pricing

(After 8/10/24)

Member

$855

$955

$1,055

Non-Member

$1,005

$1,105

$1,205

Confirmation

You will receive an email from ASEA with confirmation of your registration. If you did not receive a confirmation within 10 business days after registering, please contact the Accounting Department.

By registering for this event, you agree to abide by our Event Policies.


CONFERENCE LOCATION

 

New Conference Location!

Hotel Kansas City
1228 Baltimore Avenue
Kansas City, MO, 64105

Room Rate: $199/night 
Cut-off Date: July 17, 2024

 


AGENDA

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16, 2024
 
7:00a.m. - 8:00 a.m. 
Breakfast
 
8:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Welcome and General Session 1: Regulatory Update

Panelists will review the latest developments from the IRS, DOL, and PBGC as well as proposed and enacted legislation.  The focus will be on the developments that potentially impact your work and advice to clients.

Allison Wielobob, General Counsel, American Retirement Association / Executive Director, ASEA
James E. Holland, Jr., FSEA, FCA, MAAA, ASA, EA, Chief Research Actuary, Cheiron, Inc.
 
9:45-10:00 a.m.
Break
 
10:00 a.m, - 11:15 a.m.
General Session 2: Cash Balance and Combo Plan Design
 
This session will explore the many facets of cash balance and DBDC plan design.  Discussions will center on the determination of EBARs, strategies for minimizing gateways, and the manipulation of normal and most valuable accrual rates to avoid HCEs from being in each other’s rate groups.
 
Lawrence Deutsch, FSEA, President, Larry Deutsch Enterprises
Kevin Donovan, FSEA, Senior Advisor, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
 
11:15 a.m.  - 11:30 a.m.
Break
 
11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
General Session 3: Self-employed Issues
 
Sole proprietorship and partners face unique restrictions due to the complex nature of how they are compensated. The speakers at this session focus on the determination of compensation for self-employed individuals, special rules on self-employed contributions and how to allocate contributions to partners.
 
Lorraine Dorsa, MSEA, Aegis Pension Services, Inc
Karen Sebach, MSEA, Enrolled Actuary, DATAIR Employee Benefits Systems, Inc.
 
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Lunch
 
1:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
General Session 4: GS4: Navigating Plan Administration When Interest Rates Fluctuate
 
Just after we had adapted to the incredibly low segment rates of 2020 and 2021, we now see a sharp increase in 430(h), 404(o), and 417(e) rates.  In this session we’ll discuss how best to help and warn our clients about the resulting changes in their contribution ranges, PBGC Variable Rate Premiums, and Lump Sum participant distributions in a world where the prescribed rates fluctuate. 
 
Lauren, Okum, ASA, MSE, Actuary, Premier Actuarial Solutions
Angie Vadnais, MSPA, Senior Consulting Actuary, Pension Benefits Unlimited, Inc.
 
2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Break
 
3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
General Session 5: Unlocking the Power of EPCRS: Mastering Corrections for Defined Benefit Plans Post-SECURE 2.0
 
Delve into the dynamic world of EPCRS for defined benefit plans! Despite best efforts, plan errors can sneak in, but fear not – the IRS has your back with the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS). Join us as we explain the latest updates to EPCRS and get ready to revolutionize your approach to plan corrections as we guide you through practical strategies for rectifying common defined benefit plan errors. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your expertise and unlock the full potential of EPCRS for correcting your defined benefit plans.
 
Kelsey Mayo, Partner, Poyner Spruill LLP
Mike Spaid, FSPA, QPA, Actuary, Internal Revenue Service
 
4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Break
 
4:30 p.m. - 5:20 p.m.
General Session 6: Managing Missing Participants: Strategies and Solutions 

No matter how meticulously records are maintained, the presence of non-responsive or missing participants can pose challenges during distribution periods. This session delves into the intricacies of conducting a diligent search, eligibility for utilizing the PBGC's Missing Participant program, step-by-step guidance on leveraging the program, and additional practical tips and tricks for effectively resolving this issue.

Mary Ann Rocco, FSEA, Owner, Mary Ann Rocco, Consulting Actuary
 
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Networking Reception
 
 
SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024
 
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
 
8:00 a.m. - 8:50 a.m.
General Session 7: Strategies to Minimize the Section 4980 Excise Tax on Plan Termination
 

Code Section 4980 imposes a heavy tax on reversions from terminating defined benefit plans. In this session speakers take an in-depth look at strategies to avoid or lower the tax, including the use of qualified replacement plans and the allocation of all or a portion of excess assets to plan participants.

 
Kevin Donovan, CPA, FSEA, Senior Advisor, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
Tiffany Myers, MSPA, Actuary, Ascensus, LLC
 
8:50 a.m. - 9:05 a.m.
Break
 
9:05 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
General Session 8: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas
 
This session delves into ethical dilemmas we encounter in our day-to-day practice and the ethical standards we must employ when faced with these situations.  Our ethical standards and conduct are guided by the regulations under the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries, Code of Professional Conduct, Qualification Standards and Circular 230. Scenarios discussed may include conflicts of interest, difficult clients, and disagreements between actuaries. This session is intended to be interactive between the panelists and the audience members.
 
Lynn Young, EA, FSEA, Partner/Consulting Actuary, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
Erin Russell, MSEA, CPC, QPA, QKA, Pension Administration, Manager, Actuaries Unlimited, Inc.
 
10:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Break
 
11:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m.
General Session 9: Benefit Restrictions
 
This session reviews the pertinent rules pertaining to restrictions on benefits, including the restrictions of section 436 and 401(a)(4), as they pertain to small plans.  Emphasis is placed on how to avoid the restrictions.
 
Lawrence Deutsch, FSEA, President, Larry Deutsch Enterprises
Jim Holland, Jr., FSEA, FCA, MAAA, ASA, EA, Chief Research Actuary, Cheiron, Inc.
 
11:50-1:00 p.m.
Lunch
 
1:00-2:15 p.m.
General Session 10: Ask the Experts
 
Join us one last time, with this panel of industry powerhouses that will dive into relevant topics to provide you with insights, perspective, and perhaps even a solution or two!  We want to make sure you have all the answers you need to help your clients.
 
Jim Holland, Jr., FSEA, FCA, MAAA, ASA, EA, Chief Research Actuary, Cheiron, Inc.
Kelsey Mayo, Partner, Poyner Spruill LLP
Mike Spaid, FSPA, QPA, Actuary, Internal Revenue Service
Lynn Young, EA, FSEA, Partner/Consulting Actuary, Pinnacle Plan Design, LLC
 

 


FAQs

Will the event sessions be recorded?

No, sessions for the 2023 ASEA Actuarial Symposium will not be recorded. 

 

Confirmation

You will receive an email from ASEA with confirmation of your registration. If you did not receive a confirmation within 10 business days after registering, please contact the Accounting Department.

 

Cancellation

All conference registration fees are fully refundable until July 21, 2024. After this date the conference fee, minus a $100 cancellation fee, will be refunded for cancellations. Requests for refunds should be submitted to [email protected]. No refunds will be granted for requests received after this date. Please note that refunds will not be given for no-shows.

 

Substitution

Substitution of registrations is permitted prior to the conference. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for updating any contact information. Requests for substitutions should be submitted to [email protected] by July 21, 2024. No substitutions will be accepted after this date.

 

Program Content

The views and opinions expressed by speakers or others who have provided materials to and for this conference are not necessarily those of ASEA or ARA or its affiliate organizations. ASEA, ARA, and its affiliate organizations assume no responsibility for, nor endorse, any of the comments, recommendations or materials that are provided.

 

Questions? We’re here to help!

Our customer care team is standing by to answer all your questions from the technology, CE credits, to the structure of the agenda! Connect with Customer Care


CONTINUING EDUCATON

Need CE credits? We’ve got you covered!

 

Continuing Education Calculator

50 minutes = 1 credit hour

75 minutes = 1.5 credit hours

100 minutes = 2 credit hours

 

ASEA Members

The 2024 ASEA Actuarial Symposium offers up to 13 hours of CE credits, including 1 hour of Ethics CE. 

 

Enrolled Actuaries (JBEA)

More information coming soon. 

 

Accountants (NASBA):

More information coming soon. 

 

Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents (ERPA Credit)

More information coming soon.

 

More details on other types of CE credit offered will be posted to this site once the agenda is finalized.
To request approval for a other specific type of CE credit, please fill out this form. Request must be submitted by June 28, 2024.

 

 


EVENT POLICIES

Registration Refund Policy

All conference registration fees are fully refundable until July 21, 2024. After this date the conference fee, minus a $100 cancellation fee, will be refunded for cancellations. Requests for refunds should be submitted to [email protected]. No refunds will be granted for requests received after this date. Please note that refunds will not be given for no-shows.

 

Substitution Policy

Substitution of registrations is permitted prior to the conference. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for updating any contact information. Requests for substitutions should be submitted to [email protected] by July 21, 2024. No substitutions will be accepted after this date.

 

Badges

Attendees who register in advance may pick up their badge and onsite materials at the Registration Desk during conference hours. If you do not check in at the Registration Desk to pick up your badge, you will be deemed a no-show and continuing education credit will not be issued. Attendees are not permitted to pick up other attendees’ badges/materials.

 

Covid Waiver & Safety Protocols


By participating in this conference and any associated events, you acknowledge and understand the highly contagious nature of Coronavirus/COVID-19, and that current medical knowledge of the virus, including its transmissibility and risk remains uncertain, particularly in light of evolving variants of the virus. There is not a cure for the virus, and those with certain medical conditions may be at high risk for contracting the virus and/or experiencing significant and life-threatening complications.

You understand and acknowledge that neither the American Retirement Association (ARA) nor the event venues are able to provide a guarantee against transmission of the virus, infection and/or illness and that they are not responsible for any potential exposure to COVID-19 and injuries related thereto or other infectious disease which you may experience in connection with the conference.  As such, you assume all risks related to COVID-19, even if arising from the negligence or fault of ARA and you release and hold harmless the ARA, its officers, employees, agents, representatives, affiliates, legal successors, and all persons acting pursuant to its authority from any and all liability for damages for exposure to and/or infection with COVID-19 in connection with or on account of your participation in the conference.

If you test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of the event or have COVID-19 related symptoms, including if the conditions emerge while you are at the event, you will not attend the conference. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should follow the current CDC guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html. In addition, ARA may immediately remove or prohibit you from in-person activities at the conference if you exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you fail to comply with any safety procedures stipulated by ARA or the event venue.  Please refer to our event policies for additional information about safety protocols and the covid waiver.

 

Event Performance

If the event is canceled, ASEA will refund your registration fee. ASEA is not responsible for individual airfare, hotel or any other travel expenses that may be incurred.

 

Consent to Use of Photographic Images

Your registration and attendance at, or participation in, the event and other affiliated activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to grant ASPPA permission to use photos taken of you at the event for news, promotion and similar purposes.

 

Unauthorized Solicitations

Solicitation of business by anyone other than ASEA exhibitors and sponsors is strictly prohibited. Please report any violations to the registration desk.

 

Program Content

The views and opinions expressed by speakers or others who have provided materials to and for this conference are not necessarily those of ASEA or ARA or its affiliate organizations. ASEA, ARA, and its affiliate organizations assume no responsibility for, nor endorse, any of the comments, recommendations or materials that are provided.

 

Event Code of Conduct

The American Retirement Association, the umbrella organization for the individual membership organizations: ASPPA, ASEA, NAPA, NTSA and PSCA (collectively the “ARA”), is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants at ARA events. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, service providers and ARA staff members, and all others are expected to abide by this Events Code of Conduct. This policy applies to all ARA events (in-person and virtual), including all meetings and conferences, as well as events sponsored by organizations other than ARA but held in conjunction with ARA events. Read the full Event Code of Conduct.

 

Antitrust Policy

The American Retirement Association, the umbrella organization for five affiliate organizations, ASPPA, ASEA, NAPA, NTSA and PSCA (collectively the “ARA”), assigns the highest priority to full compliance with both the letter and the spirit of antitrust laws and it is vital that any ARA meetings be conducted in a manner consistent with this policy. Read the full Antitrust Policy.

 

Questions? We’re here to help!

Our customer care team is standing by to answer all your questions from the technology, CE credits, to the structure of the agenda! Connect with customer care.

 


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