PPA leaves a wide range of funding options for sponsors of corporate and multiemployer plans, and many governmental plans have very broad discretion to determine funding levels. Should pension funding decisions directly take into account the probability of various outcomes such as unacceptable increases in future contribution requirements, ruin, or excessive funding? Our panelists offer “out of the box” thinking on information to be presented to a client, funding strategies, the connection to investment strategies, and the politics associated with funding legislation.

Topics to be covered:

• Funding projections based on Monte Carlo methods that present a probability distribution of outcomes based on various funding strategies and investment strategies.
• How much information should the actuary present to assist in asset allocation decisions.
• How legislators and regulators decide on pension funding rules, and how to get better legislative outcomes.

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Come hear a review of the basic funding rules, including guidance provided since the Pension Protection Act was passed in 2006 and the rules that came into effect in 2008. Speakers at this session review how to determine a plan’s minimum required contribution and maximum deductible contributions. The presenters also review basic rules related to credit balances and recent changes to funding requirements when a plan is at-risk or elects funding relief under the Pension Relief Act of 2010.

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Panelists review the new guidance from the past year, with special focus on important developments that occur shortly before the meeting. The speakers may address rulings, regulations, litigation, and other exciting news. (Note that the allocation between core and noncore credit will depend on the final actual content of the session.)

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Before unpredictable contingent event benefits (UCEBs) are paid or plan amendments take effect, the plan actuary must test the effect of the UCEB or the plan amendment on the funded status of the plan. The speakers at this session describe the interplay of the various rules, including the relationship between amounts already included in the funding target for UCEBs and actual UCEB liabilities which arise and must be tested, and considerations under the section 436 regulations in testing whether the UCEB benefits can be paid or the plan amendment can take effect. Plan language that is needed to implement the restrictions is also discussed.

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Panelists discuss ethical problems faced by actuaries in their everyday practices. This session is highly interactive with members of the audience, as well as panelists, suggesting solutions.

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Setting the discount rate assumption for accounting purposes continues to be an important topic. The presenters at this session look closely at common methodologies including customized bond models, yield curves, and the use of computational shortcuts.

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An experienced panel of public plan actuaries discuss current issues in the public sector with a special emphasis on recent developments in the current financial crisis. The speakers at this session include an update from the CCA Public Plan Steering Committee and other public sector experts.

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Starting in 2008, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 changed what must be shown on the Actuarial Information form (Schedule MB) of the Form 5500. The panelists at this session review each line of the Schedule MB, referring to the instructions for each line and identify issues related to completion of the Schedule MB along with related items on Schedule R.

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Whether you realize it or not, SERPs are covered by 409A. Many plan sponsors aren't getting them quite right. In this session, the panel discusses common errors and how to fix them as painlessly as possible.

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With almost every non-multiemployer plan subject to quarterly contributions, you need to know both the basics and the special rules. The presenters at this session cover the who, when, and how much of quarterly contributions and liquidity shortfalls. It also covers the consequences of getting any of those answers wrong.

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We are currently operating in a vacuum on mergers and spin-offs – there is little relevant post-PPA guidance, and yet plan sponsors and practitioners must make decisions on how to determine whether benefit restrictions apply after these events and how to determine minimum required contributions and quarterly contributions. The panelists at this session explore what approaches practitioners and plan sponsors are taking, and the perceived reasonableness or risks of different approaches.

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The presenters discuss a range of topics involving AFTAP certifications. Topics covered may include required information in an AFTAP certification, fiduciary issues surrounding the timing of issuance of AFTAP certifications which affect benefit restrictions, and situations in which AFTAP certifications must be revised.

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The Chair and Executive Director of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries provide an update on Joint Board activities and answer participant’s questions regarding regulations, professional, disciplinary, and other topics of interest to EAs. The audience participants are given the opportunity to share their concerns and ideas with the Joint Board.

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A panel of PBGC representatives provides an overview of recently published PBGC guidance, highlights from this year’s “Blue Book”, and other issues of interest to actuaries. There is plenty of time for questions from the audience. Participants are encouraged to come prepared with specific technical questions related to a PBGC topic.

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The Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has released exposure drafts that would significantly revise the accounting standards for governmental plans. Final rules are expected in June 2012. Understanding these rules is a must for anyone working with government plans. Come hear an in-depth discussion of the proposed new rules including how the numbers would be presented on the employer’s income statement and balance sheet. (This session is not recorded.)

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For multiemployer plans that are endangered, seriously endangered or critical, plan changes and/or contribution changes must be made to address the requirements of each type of plan. The presenters at this session review the requirements of a rehabilitation plan and a funding improvement plan and what kind of plan/contribution rate changes, and their practical considerations, can be used to address each.

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The presenters at this session review developments affecting cash balance and other hybrid defined benefit plans, including the proposed and final regulations issued in October 2010. Topics include, among others, market rates of return, whipsaw (lump sum, annuity, and funding), backloading, age discrimination, and cash balance conversions.

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Small Plan design options are covered with a focus on current issues, common problems and optimal solutions. Examples include combination of plans, safe harbors and general tested formulas.

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In the past, many plans were exempt from reporting to PBGC under ERISA 4043 because of a multitude of waivers provided. PBGC has proposed regulations that automatic waivers and final regulations are expected in time for this year's meeting. All of the changes are covered in detail. Come learn about the changes so you and your clients aren't caught off guard.

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One of plan sponsors' leading concerns is the volatility of their pension plan and the risk it poses to cash flow and balance sheets. Listen to a panel of experienced consultants discuss ways to reduce that risk, via benefit design, optional forms, reducing plan size through annuitizing (inside the plan and out of the plan), and a brief discussion of investment strategies. (Session 408 on "Glidepath" provides a more in-depth discussion of investment strategies. Session 705 on Annuitization provides more depth on that topic.)

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What do we expect pension plan assets to earn in the future? Answering this straightforward question can involve understanding the relationships among means and medians, arithmetic and geometric averages and other measures of investment return. Also, how do the provisions of ASOP 27 - both current and proposed – apply to the selection of investment return assumptions? Panelists at this session discuss alternative methodologies and considerations for selecting (or advising a plan sponsor in selecting) return on assets assumptions for corporate, public sector and multiemployer plans.

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When is a DRO just a DRO and when is it a QDRO? The speakers review past and current developments regarding QDROs, including features of good and bad QDROs, DOL Guidance and ASB standards and model provisions. How to work with one or both parties to a divorce, their attorneys and plan administrators regarding issues and problems that are confronted in the course of completing the QDRO process, issues arising in QDRO drafting and administration, such as separate interest versus shared payment, measurement date, actuarial assumptions, early retirement subsidies, pre- and post-retirement death benefits, and forms of payment for the Alternate Payee.

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The International Account Standards Boards (IASB) issued an amendment to the IAS 19 that significantly changes international accounting for benefit plans. The trend toward account convergence will have a profound effect on many of our clients. This standard, and the shift to mark-to-market reporting, as well as an update on the status of accounting convergence, are discussed.

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What information do the stakeholders in a multiemployer plan need now and when? The presenters at this session will cover the various information reporting requirements to the stakeholders (participants, contributing employers, bargaining parties, etc.), including zone status notifications, report to contributing employers of selected information from Form 5500, sharing rehabilitation/funding improvement plan “schedules” with bargaining parties, updates to rehabilitation/funding improvement plans and how that is disseminated to the necessary parties, the annual funding notice and benefit statements.

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The speakers at this presentation review the new accounting rule on the measurement and reimbursement of pension costs under government contracts. Paragraph (d) of Section 106 of the PPA instructed the Cost Accounting Standards Board to revise CAS 412 and 413 to harmonize the minimum required contribution under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 of eligible government contractor plans and government reimbursable pension plan costs. The CAS Board expects to publish the CAS Pension Harmonization Rule as a final rule in December 2011. This session is geared for the actuary with experience, or who wants to gain experience, with the accounting and reimbursement rules of the CAS and the Federal Procurement Regulations (FAR). This session does not address benefits required under the Davis-Bacon Act.

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The recession and slow recovery continue to weaken projected Social Security finances. Demographic changes are upon us and building. The Trust Funds are projected to become exhausted in 2036. It is important for Congress to enact legislation soon towards putting Social Security on a path of sustainable solvency so that the workers and beneficiaries who will be affected will have some advance notice to allow for their planning. The American Academy of Actuaries has stated that an important component of any solution should be further increase the Social Security retirement age (see American Academy of Actuaries position paper) and has taken that message to Capitol Hill. Historically, comprehensive changes have included a combination of revenue and benefit-level changes. There are many possible changes in benefits, indexing, and taxation that are being considered by policymakers and may be combined in to a sustainable solution.

Since the beginning of the current recession, the Trustees’ Reports have shown deterioration in Social Security’s financial status. In the 2008 Report exhaustion of reserves was projected for 2041, and the 2011 Report projects depletion of reserves in 2036. Beginning in 2010, non-interest income (largely payroll taxes) fell short of benefit expenditures and other expenses, with persistent deficits projected to continue hereafter. A long-expected consequence is that the Treasury Department has now begun to repay Social Security for some of the surplus it received in the past. If the trust funds are allowed to run out of assets during 2036, because no reform has been enacted by that date, benefits would have to be reduced across the board by about one fourth.

The speakers review Social Security’s financial status and the factors that contribute to the long range deficit, review changes that may be considered to create sustainable solvency for the program with particular focus on a variety of changes considered in several recent proposa

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The presenters at this session provide guidance for navigating the maze of credit balance management, including how and when to make elections for quarterly payments and year-end requirements, deemed and elective waivers, and implementing (and revoking) standing use elections. The panelists also cover what to do when the Enrolled Actuary changes, and the intricate ordering rules.

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Presenters discuss common testing issues encountered in today’s DB & DC world. Topics may include: plan design considerations to avoid testing issues, proactive monitoring of discrimination testing trends and use of the three-year testing cycle, frozen plans, and the most effective means of preventing and solving test failures to ensure a passing result.

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Experienced practitioners involved in the process lead a review of government responses to the Gray Book questions. They comment on responses of particular interest and facilitate a dialogue on practical implications of the responses and alternative approaches where complete answers are not provided.

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Panelists discuss ethical problems faced by actuaries in their everyday practices. This session is highly interactive with members of the audience, as well as panelists, suggesting solutions. (This session is not the same as "Ethics," and "Ethics" is not a prerequisite.)

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The speakers at this session cover the unfunded vested benefits (UVB) for PBGC variable rate premiums, including the assumptions used to calculate those benefits, as well as which benefits must be included in the liability and which may be excluded. Panelists discuss the statute and regulations, formal guidance from PBGC, as well as some informal guidance that sheds some light on gray areas (like death benefits).

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In an attempt to deal with the financial crisis, governmental plans have offered numerous early retirement options, leading to a growing concern about 415 compliance. This session reviews the mechanics of 415 and special rules for public sector plans. (This session is linked to Session 806, PERS Workshop.)

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The accounting profession has re-numbered their standards, but many of them are still the same. The panel, consisting of an actuary and an auditor, cover the contents of ASC 960 (for pension plans) and ASC 965 (for welfare plans), what the values represent, how the obligations are derived, how they are used and the interaction between the accountant and the actuary in the development and disclosure of this information in the audited financial statements of the plan.

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Pension investing strategies have evolved quickly in recent years, from Asset Liability Modeling (ALM) to Liability Driven Investing (LDI), and now the latest, Dynamic Asset Allocation (DAA) - also known as a "glide path". A seemingly simple concept – as a plan's funded status increases, so does the fixed income allocation - has many complexities. Come learn from our experts in this latest investment strategy for de-risking a plan's funded status.

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Speakers at this session cover the rules relating to at-risk status, calculation of at-risk liabilities, determination of at-risk contributions and other consequences of being at-risk. Attention is also given to the restrictions on executive benefit funding.

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Funding small plans can be challenging, especially without guidance on end of year valuations, delayed receipt of annual data, how to apply excess contributions and avoid Hi-25/436 Restrictions. Legislators and regulators have created lots of pitfalls in the new rules. This presentation is designed to help you navigate some of these "gotchas."

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A panel of high ranking officials field your questions on a number of challenging issues. This is your chance to ask what you've always wanted to know about guidance.

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A lot of time is spent worrying about limits placed on our professional judgment by outside bodies -- IRS, FASB, PBGC, etc. If you’re looking for an overview of the ASB’s Standards affecting pension actuaries issued by our profession, this session is for you! Any new standards or exposure drafts issued during the year are included.

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You may think you are done when you finalize the complex issue of deciding to actually terminate the plan; but there is still a long way to go. Taking a plan through the termination process - either a standard termination or a distress termination – is long and complex. Speakers address timing, plan amendments, funding, distributions and other issues involved in the termination of large single employer plans.

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GASB 25 and 27 exposure drafts on reporting guidelines decouples reporting for and funding of public sector plans by eliminating the Annual Required Contribution (ARC). What will the funding policies be for governmental plans? The panelists at this session explore the public sector actuary's role in the development of plan funding policies and provide examples of GASB field tested case studies. (This session is linked to Session 806 - public plans workshop.)

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People are working longer and a mobile workforce leaves many plan administrators processing late retirement distributions and searching for participants gone missing at their normal retirement date. When participants remain employed or delay commencement of their benefit past normal retirement, a plethora of requirements apply that can lead to very complex benefit determinations. Our panel of experts in these issues discuss the intricacies of suspension of benefits, post-NRD accrual rules, retroactive annuity starting dates, benefit restrictions and 401(a)(9) minimum required distributions, including correction measures for addressing compliance failures with respect to these issues.

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The plan has been frozen for a number of years. Coverage has declined. Assets may have grown or have decreased. Was the plan frozen as a temporary cost-containment measure, or in anticipation of plan termination? The plan sponsor needs to develop a strategy to address short-term and long-term issues, including how to meet minimum funding and comply with the rules of IRC section 401(a)(26) (which may force unanticipated plan changes). The speakers address potential issues and possible strategies to avoid them.

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Speakers on this panel review recent court decisions affecting defined benefit plans and pension actuaries.

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Are you an in-house actuary? This workshop is for actuaries who work on retirement and other plans sponsored by their employers. Attendees have the opportunity to discuss the special problems and issues they encounter. (This session is not recorded.)

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There have been recent changes to ASOP 4 and 27 about setting actuarial assumptions for valuing pension obligations. In addition, the ASB is looking into further change to these and other standards. Come to this session to hear about the recent changes, and how they may change the way we practice.

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Actuaries are being asked to estimate plan termination liabilities more and more often, and the same liability definition comes into play when a plan is being spun off. Do you know the rules? Come to this session and learn from the expert panelists.

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Representatives of the Employee Plans Division of the IRS meet with actuaries attending this session to discuss areas of mutual concern, suggestions for future guidance, and other topics that may arise. Take this opportunity to provide "feedback" to the people in Washington with whom we have the most interaction. (This session is not recorded.)

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Plan sponsors may increasingly be subject to restrictions or benefit payments either under Section 436 or under the Top 25 lump sum requirements. Our panel focuses on the choices and issues around implementing these requirements, and then lifting them.

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Filing a Schedule SB isn’t what it used to be. Speakers at this session review the Schedule SB, paying particular attention to changes to the schedule to accommodate recent regulatory and legislative changes. There is also a review of the many attachments that are required, including those that must be provided for all plans and those that are only required for certain types of plans or plans that have made special elections.

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The presenters at this session cover how ERISA defines a fiduciary, and typical fiduciary roles and responsibilities in defined benefit and defined contribution plan governance and administration. Also covered is how to effectively manage fiduciary risk and how to avoid inadvertently becoming a fiduciary.

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Recent court cases have highlighted the risks of having an inaccurate, poorly written or incomplete SPD (Summary Plan Description). After a brief refresher on the basic content requirements, our panelists discuss several recent cases illustrating how SPD deficiencies can create significant legal challenges and potential financial consequences for plan sponsors, plan administrators and their advisors. They also discuss tips for crafting SPD language that is understandable and useful, in addition to being legally compliant.

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Pension actuaries are faced with many rules that may not make sense, but nonetheless are in the law and regulations. PPA, along with related regulations and funding relief, has introduced more complications, adding new twists and turns that you may not see coming. The panelists review these potential traps, along with tactics on how to manage and deal with them.

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Your client is considering annuitization (whether as a de-risking strategy or as a terminal funding option for a plan termination). What do you need to know to help them prepare for the annuity purchase? What are the key variables impacting the pricing of group annuity contracts? Will there be capacity issues that change the pricing variables and players in this marketplace? What should a prudent plan sponsor do to ensure compliance with the DOL's "safest available annuity provider" requirements and best serve their participants? Join our panel of actuaries and consultants who live and breathe annuity placements to explore these questions.

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Have you ever wished for the opportunity to discuss your problems with a group of peers? This workshop is an open forum on current problems and issues specific to sponsors of small plans. Topics may include PPA, PAA, IRC 401(a)(26), 410(b), 401(a)(4), 401(a)(17), 415 and 401(a)(9) and PBGC Funding rules for Small Plans. (This session is not recorded.)

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This session is an opportunity for multiemployer plan actuaries to engage in a discussion of practical issues, problems and experiences encountered in their practices. (This session is not recorded.)

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Why do auditors ask those strange questions? The panelists help actuaries understand the reasons behind these questions. The roles of the preparing and the reviewing actuaries are outlined, as well as common areas where further discussions are required. (This session is not recorded.)

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The speakers at this session discuss the Pension Relief Act of 2010, as well as any technical corrections and guidance. The relief amortization calculations and an overview of the installment acceleration rules are also addressed. Also covered are the look back rules for credit balance usage for charitable plans, extension of accrual freeze relief, Social Security level income relief, and eligible charity plans.

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Pension rules have become so complicated that no one can get everything right all the time. What do you do when you discover a compliance problem? Experts discuss real-life case studies and explain the correction programs, including SCP, VCP and CAP.

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Terminating small plans poses unique problems. Panelists discuss how to deal with multiple owners in an underfunded plan covered by PBGC, HIGH 25 and 436 Restrictions, lost participants and annuitizations.

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In the current environment, many companies are downsizing and closing facilities. 4062(e) liability can come as an unpleasant surprise to unsuspecting plan sponsors. Come to this session to understand the rules and current guidance, so you can help your clients anticipate and navigate the issues.

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This is an open forum on current topics of concern to public plan actuaries. This year the speakers focus the discussion on the issue of public plan costs and the extensive press and controversy. Other possible topics include the GASB exposure drafts, funding policies without the ARC, and potential insolvency. This session is linked to Session 406 & 506 (Section 415) for Public Plans in a financial Crisis and Funding Policies - After the ARC (This session is not recorded.)

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FASB expanded the information that employers that contribute to a multiemployer plan must disclose in employer’s audited financial statements. The presenters of this session consider this topic from the perspective of both the contributing employer and the plan. Topics to be covered include the actual information that must be disclosed, where it appears in the audit, where the employers can get that information, how Boards of Trustees may respond to requests for information. (This session is not recorded.)

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Longevity risk is the risk associated with an individual or population living longer than expected. Over the last century, general population mortality has improved significantly, and this trend appears likely to continue at least over the near term. As a result, longevity risk is a growing concern for defined benefit plans and it is increasingly important to recognize, quantify and manage it. Getting both the right base line for the mortality assumption and an appropriate trend for improvements in life expectancy is key to managing this risk. And, this risk is not only a concern for sponsors of defined benefit plans, but also governments that sponsor social security programs and individual pensioners who worry that they might outlive their money.

Presenters at this session review the recent trends in longevity and the appropriateness of building mortality improvements into actuarial valuations. In addition, a member of the Society of Actuaries' Retirement Plan Experience Committee reviews the initial results of the new mortality study, and what might replace the RP-2000 mortality table. A member of the Actuarial Standards Board discusses the recent changes in standards of practice related to mortality and mortality improvement.

Finally, there is a discussion of the impact on longevity risk to individuals and resulting developments in defined contribution plans, annuity markets, and possible changes in legislation

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