Want to better understand how yield curves are built and how they drive discount rates? Would you like to better understand the approaches used to connect liability-driven investments to pension liabilities? Ever had a sticky conversation with an auditor about a client’s economic assumptions and want to better understand how they see the world? Expert speakers present a primer on these and other investment-related issues.

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Vanessa Van Edwards
Founder, ScienceofPeople.com

Vanessa Van Edwards is a published author and behavioral investigator. She is a professional people watcher—speaking, researching and cracking the code of interesting human behavior for audiences around the world. Vanessa’s groundbreaking workshops and courses teach individuals how to succeed in business and life by understanding the hidden dynamics of people. Vanessa is a Huffington Post columnist and Penguin author. She has been featured on NPR, the Wall Street Journal, the Today Show and USA Today. She has written for CNN, Fast Company and Forbes.

Vanessa has spoken to groups across the globe from the stage at the Consumer Electronic Show to presenting research at MIT. She has used her research to consult for numerous Fortune 500 companies including American Express, Clean and Clear and Symantec.

She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Emory University in 2007 and is SETT certified with Dr. Paul Ekman, SUBx certified, and is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and certified in Statement Analysis.

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Gray areas in the Internal Revenue Code and IRS guidance pose challenges for actuaries in consulting with their clients. The panel of experts discusses several gray areas and explores possible approaches to handling these situations.

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Interest rates have been low in recent years, a trend seemingly disconnected with history. Many actuaries have relied on capital market models that assume rates will return to more normal levels over time, thereby essentially mitigating the impact of current low rates on projected levels of investment return. But after almost a decade of low rates it may be open to question whether rates will ever return to “normal.” Speakers at this session explore (1) the causes of current low rates, (2) possible rationales for rates staying low into the future, and (3) the expected return implications of a range of interest rate scenarios.

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Panelists include: a contributing employer, his/her actuary and the fund's actuary to discuss the interactions that occur through which the employer can secure and understand his organization's potential exposure to withdrawal liability.

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Speakers at this workshop focus on current topics in Medicare Advantage and Part D from the consultant and health plan perspectives. This discussion is intended for those with considerable experience in this area. New for 2017: We intend to solicit discussion topics from attendees in advance of the meeting as well as during the session.

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Many experts expect that specialty drugs will represent 50 percent of total drug spending by 2020. Speakers discuss:

• Major drugs just released and in the pipeline;
• How setting matters;
• Specialty drug cost trends relative to other drugs; and
• Strategies to manage specialty drug growth.

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Significant changes have taken place in Canada over recent years in the pension funding and Social Security arena. Currently, reforms in Ontario around pension funding, the Canadian Social Security system (CPP), and Canadian Healthcare system are being contemplated. Our speakers provide an in-depth understanding of the reforms under consideration and the implications of these reforms on companies and pension plan sponsors.

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Come to this session to hear a panel of experts discuss the increasingly sensitive (and sometimes even contentious or confrontational) roles and responsibilities of a public sector actuary in serving the public and his/her client, including:

• Role/responsibility of the actuary in recommending an “actuarially sound” funding policy;
• Role/responsibility of the actuary in consulting with your client to adopt more “realistic” actuarial assumptions;
• Role/responsibility of the actuary in advocating for changes in funding policy, plan design, assumptions, etc.;
• Role/responsibility of the actuary to communicate the “real facts” about a plan with the public, retirement system members, the Board and other interested parties; and
• The ethical challenges surrounding these roles!

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A panel of senior human resource and finance executives who are also credentialed actuaries describe their journey, their current roles, and how their actuarial background helped along the way.

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What are the retirement implications of living longer? Speakers at this session discuss issues and decisions that retirees are facing, such as accumulating assets before retirement, decumulation of assets after retirement, and timing of Social Security benefits.

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Representatives from the PBGC discuss single-employer and multiemployer plan issues of concern to actuarial consultants and plan sponsors. Please bring your questions.

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Speakers at this session address design, minimum and maximum tax deductible funding, and operational issues including lump sum distributions and IRC §415 compliance, with market-based cash balance plans and variable annuity plans.

Note that the allocation between EA Core and Noncore credit depends on the actual content of the session.

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Most of budget savings in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) were initially projected to come from changes to the Medicare program. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) replaced the flawed sustainable growth rate formula with a new framework to control costs. Starting with the 2010 Medicare Trustees report, the actuarial opinion expresses concern regarding the validity of the long-range assumptions. Since then, MACRA and other changes have further clouded the picture. The speakers outline the basics of the ACA Medicare provisions and MACRA and present the latest picture of long-range Medicare sustainability.

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A self-funded plan and its members are exposed to significant costs when care is received from heathcare providers who are not contracted with the network. The most common situation is when employees receive healthcare out of network. A number of methods are being used by TPAs or Carriers to reduce the cost to the plan for these non-contracted services. Some of these methods also protect members from the potential for balance billing. Often the TPA or Carrier may "share" in these savings by charging a fee back to the employer. The fee is often buried in claim charges making it difficult for a plan sponsor to identify the cost and corresponding value of the various techniques.

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Historically, non-US acquirers have purchased US-based assets with relatively manageable risks. In today's environment, educating a non-US buyer may require special attention to highlight current risks based on new rationalism. Speakers at this session highlight real-life experiences and considerations that detail technical and non-technical intricacies of a US deal.

Note that the allocation of EA credit depends on the actual content of the session.

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What are the key factors that have contributed to the Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability (UAAL)? How did some UAALs grow and become so difficult to manage, and what tools are available to both understand and manage the UAAL? We discuss best practice approaches to consider and pitfalls to avoid when doing the analysis and communicating the results. The speakers at this session include case studies and sample communications relevant to UAALs.

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What is the latest employee benefit news from inside the Beltway, the Administration and Congress? Our speakers from the American Benefits Council discuss tax reform, employee benefit legislation and proposals, as well as implications to benefit plan sponsors and the broader employee benefits community. The American Benefits Council is based in Washington D.C. and works closely with Congress, the White House, and various agencies. Our speakers answer your questions on the latest breaking news related to retirement and healthcare employee benefits.

Note that the allocation of EA credit depends on the actual content of the session.

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What are the ins and outs of IAS 19, selecting assumptions and reviewing results with the auditor and company?

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Defined contribution plans are now the central component of employer provided retirement benefits. Explore the latest trends and consulting issues in DC plan design from the perspective of financial advisors and actuaries. Speakers cover topics such as:

• Fundamentals of DC plan design and non-discrimination testing;
• Pre-tax, after-tax and Roth contributions;
• Automation features (enrollment, savings rate escalation);
• Lifetime income solutions;
• Fiduciary oversight; and
• Success metrics.

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Speakers of this session present on best practices, high risks, and lessons learned in pension plan administration. Also discussed is how to utilize the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) when problems are identified.

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Speakers of this session discuss the latest approaches to genomic medicine and how these approaches can change how medicine is delivered from reactive medicine to proactive medicine, resulting in lower healthcare costs. In addition, panelists discuss why insurance companies are or are not embracing and paying for genetic testing.

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In recent years, an impressive amount of venture funding has been obtained for new health plans entering the market with new and different benefit and service models. Our speakers for this session focus on two of these new companies. One has developed an entirely new approach to health insurance, using data science to align coverage with condition, to create a new category of “On-Demand Health Insurance.” The other discusses how they deploy a consumer centric model (based on years of consumer research) to elevate the member experience and deliver exceptional results, working with existing health plans to transform them into high-performing health plans.

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Panelists discuss their rationales in selecting a discount rate for withdrawal liability vis-à-vis the discount rate that is selected for purposes of long-term funding.

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Come join us as our knowledgeable speakers review recent legislative changes and take a look down the road regarding possibilities and challenges for public retirement systems under the new administration.

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Speakers at this session examine the current litigation environment for actuaries and discuss recent, relevant cases. More importantly, the panel discusses good practice management, adherence to practice standards, quality control approaches, and internal and external communication practices that can help reduce professional liability risk.

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A panel of pension professionals discusses recent developments affecting retirement plans on the legislative, regulatory, and legal fronts. Potential topics include: 2017 legislation, IRS, DOL, Treasury and PBGC guidance; as well as recent court cases.

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The IRS has released new regulations regarding mortality tables for pension funding and plan administration. The regulation includes the possibility of annual updates to projection scales and rules around plan-specific mortality tables.

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Once a plan sponsor recognizes he or she wants to get rid of a pension plan, what can we do as consultants to help them accomplish this goal? Panelists review the critical analysis, available techniques (lump sum windows, plan spinoffs, retiree carve outs, etc.) and necessary planning leading up to and including the successful execution of a plan termination.

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Repeal? Replace? Repair? Revote? Our panel of consultants examines the impact of recent and potential government actions on the ACA. How will employers, providers and payers be affected? Join us for a session in "real-time" as the future of US healthcare takes shape.

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The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the American Academy of Actuaries sponsored a challenge to actuaries to come up with ideas to "save" the ACA exchanges. With the change in administration, these ideas will hopefully help to "repair" the system. The winning teams share their ideas and take on further challenges from the audience.

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What do Brexit, potential modifications to NAFTA, trading sanctions on China, the failure of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the pursuit of bi-lateral (vs. multilateral) trade deals mean to employers and plan sponsors in the US? The new political realities in the US and any retreat from trade and globalization among key trading partners of the US have potential downstream effects on US employment and Social Security systems. Speakers with experience in US public policy and in benefits and compensation around the world present their perspectives, provide likely scenarios, and discuss the potential impact on US employers and on the design and funding of occupational benefit plans that would result from a dose of economic isolationism.

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Panelists at this session consider the task of setting the investment return assumption for a public retirement system from the perspectives of the investment consultant and the actuary. Learn the perspective of investment consultants on the short-term and long-term horizons. Learn about different tools and standards actuaries use to set the assumption and how they coordinate with investment consultants. Attendees can even discover that insights about investment forecasting can be gained from the National Hurricane Center.

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Economic forces, legislative changes, tax treatments, and the competitive market for talent are causing organizations to reevaluate their total rewards programs. Hear the latest trends and look at future changes from our panel.

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Whether in a plan termination or retiree buy-out, understanding the process of purchasing annuities is extremely important. Panelists delve into the details of DOL 95-1 along with the insurer perspective in pricing annuities. For consulting actuaries this knowledge is critical in helping clients fulfill their fiduciary duties.

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At this session, audit and actuarial professionals discuss the audit process and regulatory environment, how the audit process affects consulting actuaries and our mutual clients, recent developments (which may include the alternative spot rate approach, mortality improvement, and presentation of net benefit costs), and significant events that can have accounting implications.

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While funding and withdrawal liability interest rates significantly impact plan liabilities, there are other assumptions that warrant review and attention. Panelists discuss rationales and considerations in selecting these assumptions, including mortality, administrative expenses (implicit vs. explicit), projected industry activity, and other demographic assumptions.

The mortality assumption review includes recent SOA developments, collar adjustments, projection scale updates, age adjustments (setbacks/set-forwards), credibility, and PBGC pronouncements.

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What happens when you trade in your paper-based enrollment system for a high-tech, multi-carrier private exchange? Join us to find out, as an employer tells us exactly what happened with their employees and the company. Speakers also address how employers configure their exchange platforms from medical benefits through a portfolio of products, including non-traditional voluntary products.

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The introduction of new drugs represents a huge investment to pharmaceutical manufacturers, and the marketing and pricing of these drugs are a critical issue for them. Speakers discuss models, approaches, and considerations used in evaluating the effectiveness of one drug vs. other options from several stakeholder perspectives.

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With national healthcare again in the news in the USA and elsewhere, there is renewed focus on how countries around the world approach health care design, financing, management and delivery of healthcare to its citizens.

Speakers discuss interesting models of integrated healthcare systems, from completely privatized approaches to completely public ones where all providers are employed by the government. Panelists also address alternatives for funding post-employment healthcare. Finally, they review the elements of risk adjustment mechanisms in selected countries where there is not a single payer system.

Rather than review models country by country, the speakers focus on models using countries as examples to illustrate points.

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In 2008, the SOA adopted a new slogan: Risk is Opportunity. But for public pension plans risk is the focus of increasing interest and concern. Speakers at this session explore areas of recent activity in the assessment, disclosure and management of risk, including:

• The Rockefeller Institute’s Pension Simulation Project;
• The ASB’s draft (or possibly final) ASOP on risk assessment; and
• A framework for managing risk in public pension systems.

Attendees can expect to come away informed of this recent activity and armed with tools to address risk with their client systems.

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A panel of C-Suite executives shares their thoughts on why and when they use and choose consultants including what constitutes a successful client relationship.

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When does an ASOP apply to a given scenario and when is it less clear cut? Join our panels of speakers as they discuss various situations and the application of ASOPs in those situation. Some areas are more clear cut than others. Two panels – one representing the theory and one presenting the practical approach - address those gray areas and actions that can be taken to avoid problems.

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The CCA’s communities and special interest groups (SIGs) each hold an annual networking forum to allow these year-round communities the opportunity to meet face-to-face. Feel free to stop by, meet, and discuss current issues, news, and outlooks. Community/SIG membership is not required at these events.

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The CCA’s communities and special interest groups (SIGs) each hold an annual networking forum to allow these year-round communities the opportunity to meet face-to-face. Feel free to stop by, meet, and discuss current issues, news, and outlooks. Community/SIG membership is not required at these events.

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The CCA’s communities and special interest groups (SIGs) each hold an annual networking forum to allow these year-round communities the opportunity to meet face-to-face. Feel free to stop by, meet, and discuss current issues, news, and outlooks. Community/SIG membership is not required at these events.

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Learn about strategies to follow and pitfalls to avoid when dealing with a wide variety of PBGC issues related to defined benefit plans. Topics covered include reportable events, corporate transactions (mergers & acquisitions, in court and out of court restructuring, refinancings) missed contributions, controlled group considerations and more.

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Panelists explore innovations in defined contribution plans and answer the questions: How do the offerings currently available help plan participants effectively prepare for retirement? What other offerings are being discussed and developed? How do communication and education strategies influence participant behavior?

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Building on last year's Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) session, speakers examine the more intricate details of CAS, including segmentation, segment closings, and the associated government share allocations, plan freezes/terminations, and other unusual events.

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The current state of healthcare shows that costs have risen to what many consider unsustainable levels. If Isaac Newton was sitting underneath the healthcare trend tree, he would find that what goes up actually continues to go up. What are the drivers of healthcare costs and how did we get here? Can we change it and potentially bend trend? How would we accomplish this?

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Accessibility... Affordability... Personal Touch... Concierge medicine may be the future of healthcare. Patients long for simplicity and transparency along with quality care. Providers want a more stable workload, less overhead, and greater operational efficiency. Speakers discuss the merits of new delivery, payment approaches, and the impact technology may have in fueling change.

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So you think you can recognize a DB plan? Many non-US retirement plans have significant DB components that global actuaries should recognize as having an effect on a company's balance sheet. This workshop-based session actively takes a group approach in identifying DB plan characteristics to illustrate how global actuaries apply their skills.

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The speakers discuss:

• Public sector adoption of generational mortality;
• Retirement Plans Experience Committee improvement factors;
• Status of public plan mortality tables (Part 2 in 2018); and
• Administrative issues involved in implementing new actuarial equivalence factors.

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Captive insurance has been around for a long time as an alternative to self-funding a business’s workers’ compensation exposure as well as its typical property and casualty risks. In order to provide additional “unrelated” premium to their captives, some businesses started to look at running employee benefits through their captives. Speakers at this session examine the property and casualty roots of captive insurance and then go into the ins and outs of how captive insurance can (and can’t) be used for financing traditional employee benefit programs.

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When you wish upon a star, will your retirement plans come true? How well do retirement dreams and expectations align with reality? Are retirement patterns changing, and how might the emerging prevalence of Defined Contribution approaches influence future generations? Are organizations looking to facilitate early retirement, or to keep older workers as long as possible? Please join us for a lively discussion on these and other related issues.

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Consultants discuss current plan design and funding strategies in the small plan retirement market. Emphasis is on the technical considerations in structuring and operating a cash balance plan for the small plan sponsor. Panelists also provide an in-depth look at market-based cash balance plans.

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Liability Driven Investment (LDI) approaches have been under discussion for more than a decade now, yet many clients have expressed a reluctance to adopt these strategies due to a fear of “locking in” the level of current low rates. Are these concerns warranted? On the other hand, clients who resist implementing LDI strategies are often viewed as “betting” on future rates being higher. The speakers in this session look to identify winners and losers by evaluating a range of investment policy approaches and interest rate scenarios.

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Every once in a while, a Medicare Technical Panel is convened to help the CMS actuaries with a review of the assumptions used in the annual report of the Medicare Trustees. Their findings and recommendations are used by the Medicare actuaries but can also be used by actuaries in their work for employer clients. Speakers at this session discuss the key findings of the latest Panel report and how they might be used for other public and private plan valuations.

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Panelists discuss the rejection of recent suspension of benefit (SOB) applications with detailed analysis of the Treasury Department’s stated rejection reasons.

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Over the years, sophisticated global governance structures have been set up by companies with significant defined benefit liabilities. However, as companies have turned to defined contribution plans as the primary retirement vehicle, companies are turning their focus on their governance structures for their defined contribution plans. Speakers provide the key considerations in setting up a global defined contribution plan governance structure. An actual case study is covered.

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Join your public pension plan colleagues in a candid, open discussion of current issues in public pension plans today. Actual session topics are determined by the attendees, but may include the investment return and inflation assumptions, ASOP solvency disclosure, sustainability of public plans, funding policy, municipal bankruptcy, risk mitigation strategies, GASB 74/75, communication challenges, and more.

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Showing up fully “present” for client meetings isn’t easy. Speakers at this 60-minute workshop help you create a strong first impression, sharpen your listening skills, and use notes effectively. The secret is staying focused on the client. We’ll show you how.

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When it comes to ethical issues we may face as actuaries, some solutions are clearly more obvious than others. The speakers in this informative session present case studies and discuss the various hats one may wear depending on certain facts and circumstances. Come prepared to think about which hat you may wear in these scenarios as audience participation is encouraged.

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