Pre-Conference Tutorial

Pre-Conference Tutorial :: Sunday, January 27, 2008
10:00 am–5:00 pm

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About
Being a Fiduciary but Were Afraid to Ask
Joseph W. Steen and Grant D. Verhaeghe, Aon Consulting
Sherwin S. Kaplan, Thelen Reid Brown Raysman & Steiner LLP

This day-long, pre-conference tutorial provides a comprehensive look at the fiduciary duties and obligations of retirement plan sponsors. Conducted by a team of highly respected ERISA experts, the tutorial covers issues ranging from the basic rules and regulations governing fiduciary responsibility to a more advanced look at contemporary and unfolding issues. Additionally, it reviews obligations under the recently enacted pension reform legislation. Among the topics covered are ERISA’s definition of who has fiduciary responsibility, core standards of conduct, fiduciary risk and how to minimize it, and a high-level legal analysis—in lay terms—of the latest developments in fiduciary standards and practices.

Separate enrollment for pre-conference workshops is required and available only to conference registrants. Lunch is included with enrollment. Attend this session for only $350 when you register by December 7, 2007 (regular fee $450).

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Pre-Conference Workshops :: Sunday, January 27, 2008
2:00 pm–5:00 pm

The Art of Understanding, Documenting,
and Negotiating Plan Fees
Nick Della Vedova and Michael E. Falcone, 401(k) Advisors

There is a lot of noise in the defined contribution world about plan fees. With the spotlight becoming stronger and stronger, the importance of understanding, documenting, and negotiating your fees has never been more important. Analyzing the administrative, record keeping, investment management, employee education, and technology cost/value paradigms creates the leverage for the win/win/win we all want. Participants win with either more services at the same cost or lower costs for the same services; the fiduciary wins through a documented, fee-transparent process; and the service provider wins with a client positioned for a long-term relationship. Learn the best practices approach to understanding, documenting, and negotiating fees for long-term success.

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A Primer on Defined Benefit Plans
Under the New Rules and Regulations
Paul W. Foley, Diversified Investment Advisors

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 has introduced a comprehensive reform package that will have a significant impact on many plans. In addition, the FASB recently announced that companies must use new methods when recording their defined benefit plans on their balance sheets. Many of these issues hold the potential of generating significant financial repercussions. These changes may also play a leading role as many companies choose to freeze their defined benefit plans and look towards defined contribution solutions. Gain a fundamental understanding of the design, financing, and operation of defined benefit plans, and compare the defined benefit delivery to the defined contribution delivery. Hear an overview of the environment in which defined benefit plans currently operate, a review of the various types of defined benefit plan designs, and how companies must fund and account for their defined benefit plans. This session provides much-needed insight into these significant changes and their potential impact on plan sponsors.

Separate enrollment for pre-conference workshops is required and available only to conference registrants. Attend a workshop for just $150 when you register by December 7, 2007 (regular fee $250).

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