Decision-making can be a lot like gambling – weighing odds, calculating risks, and making choices that can lead to either successful outcomes or costly mistakes. What better place than the gambling capital of the world to explore how the universal principles of strategic thinking and risk management. Learn how behavioral economics and bias affect decision-making, and can guide in making informed decisions, avoiding hidden pitfalls, and taking bold yet calculated risks. Whether you decide to take a big chance or play it safe, this session will provide you with the tools to navigate uncertainty like an experienced high roller.

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Every show has its finale and for some pension plans that time has come. In this session, we’ll explore the key steps, strategic considerations, and regulatory requirements involved in terminating a defined benefit pension plan. From preparing the stage with a review of the data and prepping the plan document, to managing the spotlight of compliance and participant communications, and lastly to lowering the curtain with an annuity purchase. You’ll gain insights to ensure a smooth plan termination.

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Join our panelists as they explore recent developments and the best practices for working with the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) in relation to single-employer plans. The discussion may cover key topics such as standard terminations, PBGC-initiated terminations, the Early Warning Program, 4062( e) liability and recent developments. Drawing from their own experiences, the speakers provide practical tips to help actuaries and plan sponsors navigate PBGC-related challenges effectively.

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Health care trends are hovering around double digits with various reasons including the effect of provider contract negotiations, latent pandemic-related health issues, and the appeal of weight loss drugs. Panelists provide information from large-scale data analyses to offer attendees valuable insights for immediate application, preventing the need to gamble on you next health care claim projections.

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The traditional reliance on network discount metrics is being challenged by a new wave of cost transparency regulations and machine-readable files (MRFs). Speakers explore how the public release of negotiated rate data is changing the way actuaries evaluate provider networks, assess plan competitiveness, and support pricing strategies. Presenters also discuss practical ways actuaries can incorporate MRF data into their work—highlighting use cases in benchmarking, provider contracting analysis, and strategic forecasting. We’ll also address the limitations and complexities of this emerging data source, and how actuaries can balance transparency-driven insights with actuarial rigor. Designed for health actuaries working in pricing, network analytics, or provider strategy, this session offers actionable perspectives on navigating a rapidly evolving reimbursement landscape.

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Actuaries are increasingly curious about AI – but what are we actually using it for today? We’ll explore the results of the recent CCA member survey on AI awareness, usage, and goals, including what members said they wanted most: real-world use cases. Whether you’re exploring or already experimenting, this session offers a tactical, grounded look at where actuaries are with AI – and where they want to go next.

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Public sector consulting is called public for a reason! Our work product and consulting advice is presented in public meetings in publicly accessible documents. This means our work may be challenged in high pressure forums that require professional and resolute responses. This session will explore real-world situations that involve such adversarial conditions as well as control of work product issues. Bring your favorite war stories and questions for discussion.

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A panel of PBGC representatives provides an update on the operations of their single‐employer and multiemployer programs. Topics include recent PBGC guidance, hints and tips about their programs, along with your questions.

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Traditional cash balance plans may have been designed to be safe, secure and reliable sources of pension income. But in reality that is far from the case. Though stated account balances are indeed stable, expected lifetime income is anything but. On the other hand, benefits under cash balance plans with market-based formulas are likely to be much more stable. Another critical issue with these types of plans is funded status volatility. What hedging approaches are available to manage that?

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The CCA Leadership Development Community meets to discuss current issues, outlooks, and news. Neither CCA nor community membership is required to attend.

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Expert speakers discuss the latest developments in the private pension sector. Recent rulings and regulations will be discussed in addition to pending retirement plan legislation and litigation activity.

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In this session, speakers will explore the evolution of the defined contribution landscape focusing on how legislative changes to defined contribution plans have influenced retirement savings and outcomes over the past two decades. Speakers will also discuss how recent legislation and market advancements are poised to further transform the defined contribution industry including pooled arrangements and lifetime income products and solutions.

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AI is the talk of the town but have you adopted it in your work? Use of chat bots to streamline winning communications is perhaps the safest bet in getting started with AI. This session dives into how actuaries can harness AI tools to improve efficiency and communication quality while staying aligned with professional guidance of ASOPs. Our goal is to have some hands-on demonstration of some publicly available tools. This session is appropriate for people of any experience with AI tools.

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This session will dive into the most recent updates and key shifts in US healthcare policy, laws, and regulations. We will explore the implications for providers, insurers, consumers, and employers. Topics will include changes in healthcare coverage and compliance requirements, the ongoing evolution of the ACA, as well as emerging trends in telehealth, data privacy, and insurance reform. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how these changes impact the healthcare system, and actionable insights for staying ahead in an increasingly complex environment.

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Employer groups are looking for programs and a delivery model that addresses various conditions including cancer and diabetes. Since chronic conditions make up 85% of overall healthcare costs, employer groups want to ensure that programs result in savings and improved population health. Determining Return on Investment on Case Management and Disease Management programs are top of mind. You will find out more in this session.

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Do you know what is important to your clients and how they value/leverage their outside advisors? If you don’t you will after attending this session. Our panelists will be a combination of CHROs and CFOs.

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In today’s ever-evolving financial landscape, pension plans are increasingly turning to alternative assets to enhance returns, manage risk, and diversify their portfolio. This session will explore the variety of investments such as private equity, real estate, hedge funds, infrastructure, private debt, and crypto, including how to evaluate them and the investment return assumptions.

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Controversial topics of the day including multiemployer pension (split or employer double down?) and variable vs immunization.

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This session will focus on M&A through the lens of rewards and how current global issues shape and influence the transaction. As multinational companies pursue inorganic growth, the impact from the deal can either maximize or minimize value, depending on how they mitigate people-related roles. Join us for an engaging discussion in navigating the complexities of M&A in today’s dynamic global environment.

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This session will provide an in-depth look at the design of cash balance plans, focusing on plan structure, interest crediting rates, contribution formulas, and integration with existing retirement programs. Attendees will learn how plan design choices impact participant outcomes while also reviewing the actuarial and regulatory implications of funding these plans under current IRS and PBGC rules.

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ERISA Trivia in a classic tradition but in a “high stakes setting here in Vegas. Think you have what it takes to walk away with the ERISA jackpot? If you’re unsure, roll the dice guaranteed to win some new knowledge.

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When it comes to workforce planning, sometimes plan sponsors need to know when to hold ‘em and when to offer an early exit. This session explores considerations and options for designing early retirement programs as well as ways to utilize retirement plans to support a reduction in force. We’ll cover eligibility, incentive structures, potential use of phased retirement arrangements, legal and compliance considerations, and the communication strategies needed to support a smooth transition.

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As healthcare costs continue to rise and the landscape evolves, employer provided health insurance is at a crossroads. This session will explore the future of employer sponsored insurance, focusing on everyday trends, continued challenges and innovative solutions. We will examine how employers are adapting to changing regulations, advancements in technology and expectations of a multi-generational workforce. Key topics will include enhancements to the current group health model, and the accelerated adoption of individual coverage health reimbursement agreements.

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Speakers highlight current topics in Medicare Advantage, Part D, and changes to the programs due to the Inflation Reduction Act. Topics will include Medicare Advantage, Part D, employer sponsored Medicare plans and OPEB valuation issues.

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The fiscal, economic, and social challenges posed by population aging are by now reasonably well understood. Speakers explore the different ways in which today’s major developed countries are responding—or could potentially respond. They focus on four key strategies: reducing the cost of old-age benefit systems, encouraging higher birthrates, increasing immigration, and extending work lives. While the panelists pay particular attention to the choices facing the United States, they draw heavily on lessons from abroad.

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Las Vegas - the city of risk and reward! That’s a perfect setting for a discussion on sharing risk in public pension plans. After hearing about DB and DC combinations last year, we continue our risk sharing series by hearing from administrators of plans with variable employee contributions and learn about sharing risk with plan members.

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- Different techniques - Different approaches - Different considerations - Fund characteristics – Time Horizon - Sources of information and data - Asset allocation - Impact of interest rate.

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As organizations seek innovative ways to manage employee benefits, the use of captives is gaining traction. This session will delve into the emerging trends and strategic application of captives for employee benefits from both US and non-US perspectives. Participants will explore the regulatory landscapes, risk management strategies, and innovative uses of captives in providing employee benefits across different regions.

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Assumption setting shouldn’t be the luck of the draw, and past experience might not always be the best predictor of the future. In this session, we’ll look at ways to evaluate past experience and set actuarial assumptions in an unbiased fashion, without betting on a streak that is bound to end.

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With asset values and interest rates hitting all-time highs and market volatility on the rebound, funding relief may not be as beneficial as it was in the past. In this session, we’ll cover creative funding strategies including minimum/maximum contributions, interest rate and asset methods, and other strategies that can limit funding risks and common pitfalls like 4010 filings, and benefit restrictions and variable rate premiums.

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In the arena of pension accounting, strategic decisions can have lasting financial consequences. Speakers in this advanced session examine key accounting issues that arise in the context of surplus pension assets, plan terminations, and risk transfer strategies. Presenters provide a detailed look at the financial reporting implications of buy-in and buy-out annuity transactions, including differences in treatment under U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Speakers also address the impact of the IAS 19 asset ceiling on recognizing and utilizing surplus assets. The discussion considers how plan sponsors can evaluate whether to proceed with actions such as annuity purchases or terminations, or whether to maintain flexibility for future strategic decisions. Come to gain practical insights into aligning pension accounting decisions with broader business and regulatory objectives.

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Many actuarial organizations have noted those actuaries that use AI will replace those actuaries who do not use AI. As our profession makes its most fundamental shift in tools since moving from paper to spreadsheets learn how your peers are using AI to improve the efficiency and accuracy of their work, as well as being able to provide deeper insights into the drivers into what is happening.

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The session will explore key updates and trends in Medicare and Pre-65 retiree health plans. Consulting actuaries will learn cost containment strategies and the evolving Medicare Advantage market. Topics will also include prescription drug pricing and the financial sustainability of retiree health plans. Attendees will gain practical insights and best practices for actuarial analysis and plan design, helping them navigate the complexities of retiree health benefits and optimize their approach for both Medicare and Pre-65 populations.

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Financial wellness means more than just retirement readiness. In this session, we’ll explore the less visible needs of employees and the strategies employers and point solutions are using to meet them. Panelists will share insights about what employees are really struggling with and how targeted solutions can make a meaningful impact on financial well being.

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Following the Great Recession, many public pension systems implemented significant pension reforms – closing defined benefit (DB) plans to new hires, creating reduced benefit tiers, or suspending COLAs. In recent years, a surprisingly counter trend has emerged: A number of these reforms are being partially or fully reversed. This session will examine real-world case studies of DB plan re-openings, tier restorations, and COLA reinstatements. We will explore the workforce, fiscal, and political dynamics driving these reversals, and the lessons they offer for designing sustainable, resilient pensions. Attendees will gain deep insight into how workforce effects fiscal policy and stakeholder engagement can make or break pension reform.

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Panelists provide an in-depth update on current developments in the Special Financial Assistance (SFA) program under the American Rescue Plan Act. Topics are expected to include the latest guidance on plan mergers, potential eligibility of previously terminated plans, and compliance issues uncovered through death audit processes.

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Social Security systems around the world have a common set of problems—ageing populations, increasing longevity, declining birth rates and failure to cover all workers. Weak economic and covered payroll growth often exacerbate these issues. Speakers review programs in the U.S., Canada and around the world and outline the array of potential responses to these demographic and economic challenges.

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A deeper dive into complex pension administration topics. We’ll explore technical issues such as benefit accruals after NRD, IRC 415 limits. The session will include a discussion on the IRS EPCRS in correcting administrative errors, providing actuaries with practical strategies for maintaining plan integrity.

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In this session, speakers will address some of the negative consequences that can materialize when pension funded status deteriorates. Speakers will address topics such as benefit restrictions, at-risk liabilities and calculations, PBGC 4010 filings, and distress terminations.

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In this session, we’ll go through what pension actuaries should be thinking about when performing OPEB valuations. We’ll start with some basics on setting the short-term assumptions, including calculating the implicit subsidy and accounting for Rx rebates and EGWPs. Then we’ll go through trend considerations, including for Medicare Advantage plans with low or even zero premiums as well as the Inflation Reduction Act. Lastly, we’ll go through what considerations need to be made for newer cash-based plan designs such as retiree reimbursement accounts (HRAs).

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Unique point solutions and digital health innovations continue to evolve. Do they have a positive impact on health outcomes or reducing costs? Join us to hear from a variety of speakers, discussing results and cost impact/ROI. Methods to come up with value techniques.

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Rising healthcare costs, emerging technologies, specialized Rx, gene therapies, and inflation are driving increasing spend and volatility healthcare. As a response, employers are seeking ways to better manage risk through stoploss and captives. This session will provide foundational concepts for those new to the topic. We will explore the current landscape, key challenges and outline future trends that actuaries should consider when evaluating risk management strategies for self-insured medical plans.

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This session will explore the different strategies of ERISA class action litigation, explaining ins and outs of each of the different critical stages. Experienced ERISA litigators will draw from actual examples of litigation spanning DC plans, investments, pensions, and healthcare topics.

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Most public plans have spent the last 20 years strengthening assumptions, increasing contribution rates, and managing benefit levels. As funding progresses, it’s important to look beyond the basic tenants of the CCA White Paper to wholistically prepare for what’s to come. This session will dive into tail-end volatility management of layered amortization, proactive surplus management policies, and related output smoothing techniques.

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Different homegrown approaches developing trustee appreciation.

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Capital markets have been more turbulent than usual. This implies that return expectations are equally in flux. Overlaying everything is an array of emerging trends, each of which could prove troublesome going forward — exploding federal debt, maturing demographics and waning globalization. On the other side of the ledger we see the potentially beneficial impact of technological advances. Looking through the turmoil, what can we conclude about the bottom-line impacts on capital markets and the economy?

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The CCA Women in Consulting Community meets to discuss current issues, outlooks, and news. Neither CCA nor community membership is required to attend.

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Ethics could never be more important! Dive into the thrilling world of retirement actuarial consulting where every decision counts. Through gripping case studies and dynamic discussions you’ll face real world ethical dilemmas that challenge your instincts and sharpen your professional judgement.

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Do you want to gamble with ethics? Ethics is not a game of chance. Make the right call. In this session, our speakers have developed scenarios sometimes based on real-life situations where professionalism and ethics have come into play. Decision making can be challenging and debatable, but absolutely critical for consultants when considering these scenarios. There is interactive polling so get ready to state your opinion.

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Members of the Corporate Pension Revitalization Initiative provide an update on their activities.

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The CCA Executive Compensation and Benefits Firms Community meets to discuss current issues, outlooks, and news. Neither CCA nor community membership is required to attend.

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The CCA Healthcare Community meets to discuss current issues, outlooks, and news. Neither CCA nor community membership is required to attend.

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The CCA Multiemployer Plans Community meets to discuss current issues, outlooks, and news. Neither CCA nor community membership is required to attend.

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The CCA Public Plans Community meets to discuss current issues, outlooks, and news. Neither CCA nor community membership is required to attend.

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The CCA Smaller Actuarial Consulting Firms Community meets to discuss current issues, outlooks, and news. Neither CCA nor community membership is required to attend.

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US pension actuaries operate within a complex professional framework. Whether just starting out or looking for a refresher, this session will help you understand the professionalism framework that applies to you including CE requirements, and CE audits, ASOPs, Qualification Standards, and Code of Conduct.

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Sponsoring a retirement program shouldn’t be like going to a casino when new market-based designs can tilt the odds in everyone’s favor. Speakers at this session will explore innovative strategies to provide secure retirement benefits that mitigate risks for both employees and employers alike.

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This session will explore the practical implications of the SECURE 2.0 Act with a focus on implementation and ongoing administration. The session will cover key provisions impacting defined benefit and defined contribution plans including changes to required minimum distributions, long-term part-time employees, catch-up contributions, and auto-enrollment features.

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Healthcare providers refer to hospital systems and provider medical groups that perform illegal actions such as upcoding and unnecessary overutilization to increase financial gains. We will discuss how this is being tracked and mitigated.

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More and more of a healthcare actuaries work is focused on predicting a wide range of financial, clinical, and business outcomes. These predictions can have significant impact to all stakeholders in the healthcare industry from patients and providers to shareholders. As a result, the use of these tools are attracting additional scrutiny with many employers and payers setting up AI Committees. This session focuses on what types of modeling actuaries are doing today and potential frameworks to responsibly use predictive modeling and AI to solve problems.

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A deep dive into several retirement strategies, including incorporating home equity and managing spike expense risk.

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With the pandemic behind us, what new trends have emerged in Experience Studies and how much credibility should we give them. Panelists explore the following questions: Have mortality rates have returned to normal or is there a new normal? Has remote work redefined your turnover or retirement rates? Has higher inflation impacted your pay increase assumption? Come hear from a panel of experts and be prepared to share any new trends that you have seen.

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Speakers cover a handful of dicey topics! The spinning wheel of recent legal rulings, the lucky draw of receiving Special Financial Assistance despite withdrawal liability implications, the slot machine allocating withdrawal liability after a plan merger, and other random topics.

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The rise in interest rates over the past few years has significantly impacted pension plans, leading to an increase in the number of plans in surplus. Effective management of pension surpluses is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of pension plans. Attendees will gain insights into the regulatory landscapes, financial strategies, and innovative approaches to surplus management in these two key markets.

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Expert speakers review recent court decisions and current litigation that might affect retirement plans and retirement plan activities. Cases covering the selection of retirement plan assumptions, actuarial malpractice, and other litigation topics will be discussed.

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In this session, speakers share personal insights in retirement planning and preparation strategies. Topics include how Social Security is calculated, Medicare coverage, and other healthcare costs, individual investment risk profile changes, and strategies to avoid running out of money. Whether you’re retiring next month, 30 years from now, or just helping family and friends make that jump, this session is a solid bet to give you the new retiree perspective and help you thrive in your retirement!

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Dive into the world of nonqualified plan funding, where the stakes are high! While these plans don’t have to be funded, many companies choose to do so for various reasons. We’ll explore why businesses decide to fund, the popular funding vehicles available, and the key considerations for each option. Learn how to hit the jackpot with your funding strategies and discover what to do when things go off the rails. Get ready for a thrilling discussion featuring insights from industry experts.

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The pharmaceutical industry continues to be the fastest evolving area of healthcare. Actuaries need to stay ahead of the curve as they advise clients on the payor, provider, and employer space. This session will dive into the latest trends and developments in the pharmaceutical industry including GLP-1, biosimilars, and gene and cell therapy.

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As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Medicaid remains a critical component of the US healthcare system, providing essential coverage to millions of Americans. This session will delve into the future of Medicaid, focusing on recent and upcoming legislative impacts, and what stakeholders can expect moving forward.

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Effective project management is essential for consultants navigating today’s fast-paced business environment. This session explores key strategies and tools for planning, executing, and delivering successful projects, ensuring alignment with client goals and maximizing team efficiency. Gain actionable insights to enhance collaboration, manage risks, and achieve impactful results that hit the mark every time.

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Come share your thoughts as public pension/OPEB actuaries discuss challenges, concerns, and/or perceived solutions to hot topics affecting public plans across the US. Be prepared to participate in polling as well as group discussion.

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- Funding - Withdrawal Liability - Administrative - Coverage

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What issues can you expect to arise in the go-to-market process for pension risk transfers? How is insurance company pricing aligning with accounting and funding liability values? How do insurers develop their pricing quotes? What investment strategies underlie them?

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