• 7:30-8:30am
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall) & Outside Summit A/B/C

Breakfast

Rise and shine! Breakfast is served in two places: the Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall), or, in front of the Breakfast Session rooms (Summit A and Summit B). Have breakfast in the hall and network with your fellow attendees and sponsors, or, attend one of this morning's Breakfast Sessions to learn while you nosh!

• 8:00-8:30am
• Lisa Smith | Carrie Ohm
• Summit A

WE Inspire. Promote. Network. Presents 2020 Research

WIPN launched the first-of-its-kind research with partner Escalent and sponsors T. Rowe Price and OneDigital | Retirement + Wealth. Learn how the research project came to life as well as what it means to members, sponsors, advocates of WIPN, and our industry as a whole.

• 8:00-8:30am
• Jean Duffy | Erica Blomgren
• Summit B

Managing the Difficult Committee Member

During this session, we will discuss the challenges you may face with difficult committee members. We will also discuss some key components of creating an effective committee structure and what you can do to make sure the committee is aligned.

• 8:40-9:05am
• Brad Arends | Erin Hall | Jamie Greenleaf | Sam Mitchell | John Clark | Jania Stout
• Summit Ballroom

Welcome to Wealth@wor(k)!

• 9:05-9:55am
• Glenn Dial
• Summit Ballroom

In-Plan Guaranteed Income: Will the SECURE Act Spark a Transformation of the 401(k) Industry?

The passage of the SECURE Act in 2019 removed the last barriers facing plan sponsors adoption of “in-plan” guaranteed income features. This session will explore participant demand, the types of guaranteed solutions offered, and how to implement the three-step process outlined in the SECURE Act when evaluating guaranteed solutions.

• 10:05-10:35am
• David Stofer | John DiMatteo
• Summit A

PEP or Group Trust?

PEP, Group Trust or MEAP? We will talk about the opportunities each of these options offer advisors. We will also cover the pros cons, and target prospects for each option. This is valuable information for advisors targeting micro to large plans and everything in between.

• 10:05-10:35am
• Craig Dewey
• Summit B

The Virtual Advisor: The Service Model of the Future?

This session will show the different varieties of virtual meetings. Does an advisor need to meet face-to-face with their clients/prospects anymore? We do not think so. Virtual meetings make for a better life style for advisors (come see why).

• 10:05-10:35am
• Jessica Fitzgerald | Will Hackler
• North Coast B

Practice Management Fin Tech to Help You Run Your Business

Join this session to hear about and share ideas on tools to help you scale your practice. What tools have helped other advisors create efficiencies and increase productivity?

• 10:05-10:35am
• Kara Kidney
• Summit C

Grow Your Practice: Opportunities in the Tax-Exempt Marketplace

Despite regulatory changes in 2009, many tax-exempt entities remain non-compliant. This market accounts for nearly one-third of the total DC marketplace with $2.6T AUM, but is underserved as 46% of plans do not work with an advisor today, thus creating opportunities for you. Join OneAmerica to learn about consultative plan design ideas and how to leverage key intel from the lesser known IRS Form-990 that will set you apart from the competition.

• 10:40-11:10am
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall)

Break in the Exhibit Hall

• 11:15am-12:05pm
• Alan Gross
• North Coast B

Dust Off Your Marketing Plan

Marketing plan? What plan? Alan Gross is sure to deliver his usual super-practical ideas to get you revved up and ready for 2022!

• 11:15am-12:05pm
• Brad Arends | JD Carlson
• Summit A

Monetizing the 401(k) Participant: Who "Owns" the Participant?

Is there a battle looming when it comes to monetizing the participant? How will the different roles in the retirement plan industry compete and/or partner as it relates to the future of participant monetization?

• 11:15-12:05pm
• Erin Hall | Jamie Greenleaf
• Summit B

The Evolution of Fiduciary Duties Beyond Retirement Plans

The Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) has inserted ERISA smack in the middle of health care. Just as 408(b)(2) changed our industry, CAA will change the health care industry. Learn how retirement plan advisors can add value (and revenue) by bringing fiduciary expertise to change the conversation. Spoiler alert: it’s not by becoming a health insurance broker!

• 11:15-12:05pm
• Alex Assaley | Tom Clark
• Summit C

Does ESG Investing Have a Place in Retirement Plans?

There’s growing interest among investors and retirement plan participants to invest in ESG funds – is this the next evolution in building diversified investment menus or a legal trap that carries significant liability for plan sponsors? The Biden administration will now take its turn to address this issue that has been addressed by every presidential administration since Clinton! Identifying the different types of ESG-themed investments, those focusing on risk-adjusted return v. those solely on moral / ethical grounds (e.g., divesting from South Africa investments because of its apartheid policy) could add clarity and resolution to concerns among plan sponsors and the industry at large.

• 12:05-1:05pm
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall)

Lunch

• 12:05-1:05pm
• Regina Lewis
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall) - Table 2

Lunch & Learn: What to Do In Nashville: Hear From A Local!

• 12:05-1:05pm
• Brad Arends
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall) - Table 1

Lunch & Learn: How Should I Pay My Salespeople?

• 12:05-1:05pm
• Brian Hartstein
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall) - Table 3

Lunch & Learn: Cryptocurrency in Retirement Plans?

• 1:15-1:45pm
• John Sullivan | Steven Glasgow | Josh Itzoe | Jim Sampson
• Summit A

Higher Returns: Nontraditional Investment Options in 401(k)s

Bitcoin, cannabis stocks, alternative asset classes--do they belong in investment menus? Plan sponsors (and their advisors) are understandably conservative in the choices they include. Yet younger workers are increasingly interested in nontradtional options. How far should sponsors and advisors go in accommodating younger participants' requests? Will it eventually become a fiduciary issue If they don't offer such investments simply due to personal bias? Our panel of top advisors weighs in.

• 1:15-1:45pm
• Jim Holland | Melissa Cowan
• Summit B

Do I Have to Do Wealth Management to Survive?

Industry convergence marches on. Can you continue to build and scale a successful practice managing 401(k) plans without expanding your services to include financial planning for individual participants? How can you continue to specialize in this niche part of our industry, while remaining competitive with your peers and responding to industry changes and demands? Is it even possible, or is an expansion of your services inevitable? Is there a middle ground? Join the discussion as we ponder the future!

• 1:15-1:45pm
• Ross James | Susan Bradley
• Summit C

How Wealth Management and Financial Planning Are Different and Why It Matters

Wealth management is for the 1% and financial planning for the other 99%. Both serve important but different functions. The mass-customized financial planning for employees increases stability, confidence, and productivity. The addition of life transition support minimizes loss of productivity and turnover.

• 1:15-1:45pm
• Trina Gross | Brian Munn | Mary Gordon | Katie Sheliga
• North Coast B

Leveraging Partner Channels for Exponential Growth

Our industry is rich with professionals who offer unique expertise, perspectives and relationships with retirement plan sponsors. How can you leverage these partnerships to create meaningful connections and grow your selling circle? From sharing knowledge and resources to prospecting and cross selling, you can position yourself as a go-to advisor for partners and clients, while building on the opportunities that come with new relationships.

• 1:50-2:20pm
• Derek Bailey | Aaron Pottichen
• North Coast B

Could a Health Insurance Solution Strengthen Your Practice?

Join Doug and Derek for a discussion about how to expand your practice to provide a health insurance solution to your plan sponsor clients. Build it? Partner up? Learn more about the possibilities!

• 1:50-2:20pm
• Daniel Bryant | Pam Popp | Jamie Greenleaf
• Summit A

Leveraging Employee Demographics to Produce Tailored Outcomes

How can you use data to win plan business? Join Daniel and Pam for practical ideas and real-life stories of success!

• 1:50-2:20pm
• Bob Woods | Michelle Gibilisco
• Summit B

From Boomers to Gen Z: Navigating Relationships with Money

Each generation is impacted by different historical events that shape their mindset and relationship with money. Knowing the motivations and fears that each generation holds, as well as their preferred platforms, allows advisors to make deeper connections with their clients and propose solutions that address their unique concerns. This presentation dives into their characteristics and discusses ways to solves their needs.

• 1:50-2:20pm
• Jason Chepenik | Alex Assaley
• Summit C

Has the Private Equity Onslaught Changed Our Service Model?

Our industry is evolving quickly as large benefit firms backed by Private Equity firms have been acquiring retirement and wealth practices at lightning speed. Our clients are also being acquired by PE Firms requiring advisors to be nimble and sensitive to how quickly we need to change in an effort to keep up. This session will be an open and engaging discussion on how these changes are impacting our service model.

• 2:30-3:00pm
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall)

Break in the Exhibit Hall

• 3:10-3:40pm
• Craig Rosenthal
• Summit A

I'm Inefficient as Heck and I Can't Take It Anymore!

An interactive session loosely based on the quote from 1976's "Network". What does this have to do with improving my practice you ask? Well, it is nearly 46 years later and advisors are similarly frustrated even if the drivers are different. Why is it so difficult to run an efficient practice? We aren't going to stand, go to the windows and yell but, we are going to discuss practical solutions that you take back to the office and make real change.

• 3:10-3:40pm
• Holly Knight | Leah Hill
• North Coast B

Five Ways to Boost Participant Engagement

Are you tired of being met with glazed-over looks while presenting to retirement plan participants? Effective engagement requires more than just a cursory review of the enrollment kit – it’s an ongoing endeavor that calls for customized solutions, easy on-roads, and empathetic team members. This dynamic session will provide practical, relevant methods to immediately implement with retirement plan sponsors and employees.

• 3:10-3:40pm
• Sheri Fitts
• Summit B

How to Build Your Personal Brand

Today, everyone is a personal brand. A brand that creates an immediate first impression – a lasting impression – whether you’re intentional about it or not. Many advisors know about personal branding but continue to neglect theirs, perhaps because it feels too “personal” or egotistical. But crafting one’s brand isn’t about navel gazing. Along with supporting where we want to go and who we want to be, it gives us a voice and a vehicle to share what we believe with the world. The way to start is by crafting an intentional personal brand grounded in digital EQ. digitalEQ is a process that helps advisors evolve toward more empathic and authentic communication with clients and colleagues. The process is designed to foster the emotional connection that drives both long-term commitment and advisor revenue.

• 3:10-3:40pm
• Matthew Eickman | Matt Twedt
• Summit C

Retirement Income Strategies

More than ever before, qualified plan participants and individual investors are focusing their attention on what they need to make their retirement savings last. The ability to thrive in the retirement income space will require that advisors understand the qualified plan and retail marketplace. Are you prepared? This interactive discussion will provide a practical perspective for navigating those conversations and setting up your clients and your practice for success.

• 3:45-4:15pm
• Alexandra Nobile
• North Coast B

The Trend Toward 'Give Me More'

Though an unprecedented year, the state of the participant remains sound. Most have stayed the course and some are even more confident about retirement savings. But the most overwhelming trend we’ve observed in our 2021 DC Plan Participant Research is the need for more. Participants identify retirement savings as key and they want more help. Use our client-ready survey results to identify trends, uncover opportunities, and expand your practice.

• 3:45-4:15pm
• Sharon Hoppel | Ryan Schutty | Kris Goeden
• Summit A

Understand the Difference Between Mutual Funds and CITs to Help Your Clients Reach Their Desired Outcomes

Generating income, managing volatility and protecting purchasing power in an ever changing economic and investing environment are just some of the challenges your clients are facing. As client objectives have shifted over the years, today, they seek desired outcomes with their investments instead of simply looking to outperform narrow benchmarks. This session will discuss the difference between the prominent mutual funds investment vehicle and the growing-in-popularity collective investment trusts (CITs) vehicle—how the industry is evolving with retirement investment solutions, is one better than the other, and how you can empower your clients reach the optimal investment options they deserve.

• 3:45-4:15pm
• John Sullivan | Brent Sheppard | David Kulchar | John Glomski
• Summit B

How the Pandemic Will Change the Future of Our Industry

Join John and three of the 401(k) Specialist Top Advisor by Participant Outcomes (TAPO) finalists for a conversation about how COVID-19 has changed the way we work. Which changes are temporary, and which might stick around forever? What GOOD that has come out of the pandemic?

• 3:45-4:15pm
• Christopher Dubie
• Summit C

Life Does Not End at 65: The New Retirement

65 is the new...40? Gig work, startup businesses and second (and third!) careers, and more have changed what "retirement" looks like. How does that change your conversations with plan participants?

• 5:00-7:00pm
• Tin Roof

Party at Tin Roof

Relax with a cocktail and appetizers and listen to some awesome live music before you head out to dinner! (Tin Roof is all ours so be sure to check out the music on both floors!)

• 7:30-8:30am
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall)

Breakfast

Up and at 'em! Start the day out right with a good breakfast, served in the Exhibit Hall and in front of the Breakfast Session breakout rooms (Summit A and B).

• 8:00-8:30am
• Derek Fiorenza
• Summit A

Ending Hunger One Advisor at a Time

1 in 6 Americans struggles with food insecurity. 22 million kids are receiving federally funded school lunches. Drop by this session to see how you can help your local food pantry end hunger in your community.

• 8:00-8:30am
• Greg Ward
• Summit B

Leveraging the Power of an Independent Financial Wellness Platform and a Review of a Special Report on Race and Financial Stress

In this session, we will review the strategy behind an independent model and how various practice types are having success through an independent framework. In addition, we will provide a brief review of a special report from Financial Finesse on Race and Financial Stress and show how financial wellness is making a positive change to racial equity.

• 8:40-8:50am
• Ross Marino
• Summit Ballroom

Day 2 Kickoff

• 8:50-9:10am
• John Sullivan
• Summit Ballroom

Triumph in a Tough Year! The 2021 Top Advisor By Participant Outcomes (TAPO)

Delivering superior results in a global pandemic was not a challenge most 401(k) advisors would expect to face, but deliver they did, and then some. We highlighted what they best-of-the-best did to stay focused, stay safe, and—most importantly—assist plan sponsors and participants when they needed it most. It’s finally time to celebrate their success and name this year’s overall Top Advisor By Participant Outcomes (TAPO)! Who will it be? Our TAPO finalists take the stage with 401(k) editor John Sullivan for the exciting announcement.

• 9:10-10:00am
• Jonathan Young
• Summit Ballroom

Misbehavin' in Retirement Plans - It’s Time to Retire That Thinking

When bad behaviors happen to good participants, it is usually because of timing, uncertainty or attention biases that cloud sound decision-making. We will share practical strategies in plan design and participant education from the world of behavioral finance. The goal is to improve conversations with plan sponsors and participants in order to help offset the natural tendencies that lead to bad outcomes.

• 10:05-10:35
• Jania Stout
• Summit A

Solutions for the Student Loan Epidemic

Join Jania to discuss student loan assistance plans as part of employee benefit programs.

• 10:05-10:35
• John Clark
• Summit B

It's a Tik Tok World. Are You Ready to Communicate?

Social Media 1.0 changed how the people communicate with each other. Now the next evolution of social media is changing again how people consume content and information. What are strategies to get your message heard.

• 10:05-10:35
• Matt Cawley | John Ruth | Alex McCarthy
• North Coast B

Navigating the Consequences of Zero Interest Rate and Easy Money Policies

The classic stock to bond portfolio and other traditional methods used the last 30 plus years, are no longer performing as they once did. Historically low interest rates, tight credit spreads, and richly priced equity markets are forcing retirement savers to make less than ideal choices to protect their nest egg. How does one navigate to achieve the goal of retirement, on the time table they want? What innovations are needed to avoid consequences?

• 10:05-10:35
• MJ Zayac
• Summit C

CITs – Take a Closer Look

Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) have been growing in popularity. In fact, CITs have outpaced mutual funds in growth in retirement plans over the past few years. In addition to being cost-efficient alternatives to mutual funds, CITs are easy to establish and maintain. Join us as we break down the myths around CITs and offer compelling reasons why advisors, plan sponsors and even participants are attracted to these investment vehicles.

• 10:40-11:10am
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall)

Break in the Exhibit Hall

• 11:15-11:45am
• Stanley Kim
• North Coast B

Finding Clarity In the Pooled Plan Space

PEPs, MEPs, PPPs, GOPs, Exchanges. The SECURE Act has ignited a flurry of activity from advisors looking for ways to offer solutions to clients and prospects using different Pooled Plan Arrangements. Come hear about the benefits of these PPAs and how you can use them to grow your business and increase efficiency and profitability of your practice.

• 11:15-11:45am
• Stuart Ritter
• Summit A

If Retirement Spending is the Question, is “4%” the Solution?

Many conventional models of retirement spending use some version of the “4% guideline” – a starting spending amount, with that dollar amount increased by inflation each year, perhaps with a couple of big purchases thrown in along the way. This session will reveal the results of our proprietary research on how retirees use their money, from their behavior early in retirement through the changes they make later in retirement.

• 11:15-11:45am
• Angelique Schena
• Summit B

Building Your Pipeline Through Email Marketing

Email marketing is crucial for businesses to grow their customer base and generate more sales; it’s a proven way to generate interest and engagement with your brand—and ultimately build your pipeline. Email marketing is all about reaching out to the right lead at the right time with appropriate content. Having a strategy in place allows you to attract the attention of your ideal prospects, gain their trust, and get more conversions!

• 11:15am-11:45am
• Matthew Jackson
• Summit C

Learn How To Influence Your Prospects & Committee Meetings With Non Verbal Communication

The worth of an adviser may be measured in terms of the influence. It may be just as important as verbal communication. Learn how many top influencers magnify their skills with non-verbal communication skills. Is what you are communicating non-verbally helping or hurting you?

• 11:50-12:20pm
• Brandon Radach
• Summit A

Winning Business with Retirement Plan Sponsors

Come listen to what plan sponsors liked and didn’t like about advisors from discovery phase to the finals meeting. This includes independent thoughts on finals meeting follow up, personal positioning, question asking and more.

• 11:50-12:20pm
• Scott Lanigan
• North Coast B

ESG Investing and Retirement Plans

Join us while we help guide advisors and plan sponsors to make prudent decisions involving ESG.

• 11:50-12:20pm
• Laura Garfield | Jeanne Fisher | Jake Rushton
• Summit B

What's Your Social Media Strategy?

Jeanne Fisher, CFP®, CPFA, MBA and Jake Rushton, AIF® are all over social media and we know what you're thinking: how do they find the time? Do they edit their videos and if so, how? How does Jeanne create content that sounds prepared, without sounding scripted? How does Jake talk while biking at that pace and will he run out of oxygen at the top of that mountain? Laura Garfield will find out the answers to all your burning questions!

• 11:50-12:20pm
• Tom Clark
• Summit C

Relationship Pricing, Rollovers and More-What's Allowed?

With advisors increasingly offering participant level services inside and outside 401(k) plans, this session will discuss the dos and don'ts under ERISA. The effect of the DOL's latest rollover rule on pricing will also be covered.

• 12:20-1:20pm
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall)

Lunch

• 12:20-1:20pm
• Jamie Greenleaf
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall) - Table 1

Lunch Table Topic: The Role of HSAs in Retirement Planning

• 12:20-1:20pm
• Jake Rushton
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall) - Table 2

Lunch Table Topic: Brand Yourself Using Video

• 12:20-1:20pm
• Fred Barstein
• Table 3

Lunch Table Topic: How Mindful Meditation Can Improve Your Practice and Your Life

• 1:30-2:00pm
• Jennifer Pearson | Kathleen Kelly
• Summit A

Congratulations, You're a Finalist. What's the Winning Formula?

You're a finalist. Congrats! Now it's time to win the business. Join a conversation with two advisors as they discuss the various avenues to becoming a finalist, how they prepare for the meeting, presentation styles, and follow up with the prospective client.

• 1:30-2:00pm
• Derek Fiorenza | Joseph Connell
• Summit B

Can a Small Firm Compete With the Aggregators?

Please join Derek and Joe in this session to learn how they manage their practices and compete with the large aggregator firms.

• 1:30-2:00pm
• Brent Hines
• North Coast B

Financial Wellness – State of the Market

Financial Wellness is our industry’s modern-day wild west. Many are claiming to be in the Financial Wellness space, but what does that even mean, and more importantly, what does it mean to you, your practice and your clients? We will discuss the current state of the financial wellness marketplace, including examples of best practices, innovative solutions, trends and potential pitfalls.

• 1:30-2:00pm
• Joe Lee | Michael Rosenberg
• Summit C

The Road To Sub-Optimal Retirement Outcomes

To leverage an old proverb, the road to suboptimal retirement outcomes is paved with good intentions. Even the most thoughtfully allocated retirement portfolio, if left unattended, will drift over time based on the relative performance of the asset classes that comprise it. The allocation that results may be poorly aligned with retirement savers’ risk profiles and represent a significant threat to their accumulated assets.

• 2:05-2:55pm
• Jania Stout | Peter Campagna | Matt Cellini
• Summit A

Insights into M&A: To Sell or Not to Sell

Join this session to learn more about the current M&A environment and hear from two advisors that have gone through the evaluation process but came to a different conclusion. You will also hear great insight from a M&A consultant who will share more about the process.

• 2:05-2:55pm
• Brad Arends | Sam Mitchell
• Summit B

Next-Gen 401(k) Advisor: Convergence of Retirement, Health, and Wealth

Join Brad and Sam for a look into the future of the advisor working in our converging industry.

• 2:05-2:55pm
• John Clark | Kelli Davis | Sam Brandwein
• Summit C

How to Grow Revenue in a Challenging Environment

With the uncertainty of the past year, growing your revenue can be a challenge. Join us for a conversation with your peers to hear how we have grown our practices and revenue over the past year. From hiring staff, to looking at different markets, to offering new services, we’ll share our tips with you..

• 2:55-3:25pm
• Grand Hall (Exhibit Hall)

Break in the Exhibit Hall

• 3:30-4:00pm
• Todd Stewart | Evan Melcher
• Summit A

Managed Accounts vs. Target Dates: What's Your Default?

In this session, we will discuss the latest trends in qualified default investment alternatives from three unique vantage points: the advisor, the sponsor, and the participant. We will share pros and cons and what to consider when recommending solutions to clients. Finally, we will highlight some case studies and expectations for the future.

• 3:30pm-4:00pm
• Chad Johansen | Joe DeNoyior | Vince Morris
• Summit B

What is Your Firm Worth? Hear From the Aggregators

Will aggregators change the retirement advisor landscape? Whether you answered yes or no, you need to pay attention to the trends and follow the money. This session will help you understand why many 401(k) elite advisors have joined forces, how to position your practice for sale, what factors lead to a higher valuation, what an acquisition could mean financially and what to expect during the merger.

• 4:05pm-4:35pm
• Sam Mitchell | Nick Madl | Patrick Duffy
• Summit A

Is Financial Planning REALLY the Next Big Thing? Who Will Pay For It?

Financial planning as an employee benefit - who will pay for it?

• 4:05-pm-4:35pm
• Erin Hall | Samuel Henson
• Summit B

Like It Or Not, Cyber Security Threats Are Only Going to Get Worse

You’re aware of the DoL’s new cybersecurity guidelines and wondering how to bring valuable resources to your plan sponsors and participants. This session will share best practices on how to lead plan sponsor activities to help protect participant account balances and satisfy this (new) fiduciary duty.

• 5:00-7:00pm
• ACME Feed & Seed

Party at ACME