April Plan Sponsor Fiduciary Training
Please join us for a COMPLIMENTARY half-day fiduciary training designed specifically for retirement plan sponsors who want practical guidance on meeting their obligations and reducing fiduciary risk. This program is purely educational with no sales pitches and is intended to provide helpful guidance and resources for plan sponsors in the community.
This program will cover key fiduciary responsibilities, investment oversight best practices, and common operational pitfalls, along with practical steps plan sponsors can take to keep their plans compliant and well governed. The event will also provide an opportunity for peer networking with other plan sponsors and HR professionals, allowing attendees to share experiences, discuss common challenges, and learn from others who oversee retirement plans.
8:00 – 8:30 AM | Check-in, light breakfast, and networking
8:30 – 9:30 AM | Session 1 — ERISA Fiduciary Basics
Gain confidence in your fiduciary role.
This session breaks down the core responsibilities under ERISA, including the Duties of Loyalty and Prudence, who qualifies as a fiduciary, and how personal liability really works. We’ll also clarify the crucial differences between fiduciary and settlor functions and explore what effective oversight of service providers looks like. Perfect for anyone seeking a solid foundation—or a refresher—on the rules that govern retirement plan stewardship.
Speakers:
Kara Backus - Partner, Ballard Spahr LLP
Jason Douthit - Attorney, Douthit Employee Benefits Law, LLC
9:45 – 10:45 AM | Session 2 — Investment Oversight & Committee Best Practices
Strengthen your investment governance process.
A walk through the key components of overseeing plan investments, from monitoring performance and leveraging your Investment Policy Statement to benchmarking fees and documenting decisions. Learn how to work effectively with advisers (including the differences between 3(21) and 3(38) roles) and implement a committee structure that supports consistency, transparency, and participant outcomes.
Speakers:
Kyle Hagmeier - Retirement Plan Consultant, The Partners Group
Jake O'Shaughnessy - Managing Director, Sageview Advisory Group
11: 00 AM– 12:00 PM | Session 3 — The Plan and Keeping It Out of Trouble
Minimize risk by mastering operational excellence.
This session focuses on the most common plan design and operational pitfalls—and how to avoid them. You’ll learn how mistakes happen, how to identify them early, and what correction paths are available. We’ll cover what auditors look for, annual filing requirements, and the practical steps HR teams can take to ensure their plan remains compliant and audit ready year round.
Speakers:
Robert Fortin - Senior Manager, Benefits Wealth at AmtraKGreg Jones - CEO, Professional Benefits Service, Inc.
Stephanie Neault - Audit Supervisor, Pension Assurance LLP
Register Here
Pricing is free for members and PLAN SPONSORS, and $50 for non-members.