If you’re an advisor focused on the retirement plan space (and why else would you be reading this?), come April 26-28, you’re going to be at the 2020 NAPA 401(k) Summit.
It’s been widely referred to as “the nation’s retirement plan advisor convention” – and little wonder. It has become the largest gathering of retirement plan-focused advisors in America. Over the past five years, attendance has nearly doubled – and has done so, unlike many events today where event sponsors outnumber the target audience, by consistently increasing the proportion of advisor attendees as well. Not just advisors, but the “right” advisors – the ones you with which you want to connect, to learn from, and to share ideas. This is no “fly by, make a presentation and leave” event. Advisors make a point of arriving early and sticking around for the entire “advisor experience.”
Why is the NAPA 401(k) Summit Different?
We make a point of saying that this is the only retirement plan advisor conference developed by plan advisors for plan advisors. The proof of that is in the program that has been developed – for you.
The agenda, developed with input from thousands of retirement plan advisors, is further shaped, refined, and ultimately built, by a steering committee of leading advisors and other industry professionals; a practical, action-oriented program developed by advisors for advisors.
The planning for the 2020 Summit literally began an hour after the conclusion of the record-breaking 2019 event, with an on-site debrief of the flow, the sessions, the speakers, and of course the networking activities, by the 2019 steering committee.
The Learning Experience(s)
This year, as in years past, the 2020 steering committee (98% are advisors – committee members hold their position for a two-year period, with, at the discretion of NAPA leadership, an optional third year of service) has been hard at work for months, developing the program, fleshing out the agenda, lining up speakers, and beginning the process of assigning session “owners” to make sure that you get maximum bang for your buck in terms of information, interaction, and session quality. As you can see from the tentative workshop lineup nearby…
Are you worried about helping your clients through a DOL audit? We’ve got you covered. Not sure how to best set a reasonable fee for your services? No problem. Want to incorporate HSAs into your focus? Check. Thinking about selling – or merging – your practice? Expanding your team? Benchmarking? We’ve got your back. Worried about litigation? Cybersecurity? Check, check.
There’s no “pay to play” – nobody “buys” a speaking slot at the Summit – and fully half of our “workshops” are focused on practice building/practice management (see box for our preliminary agenda – updated in real time at napasummit.org).
Not to mention our extra-special “peer-to-peer” session, where you’ll be able to contemplate, collaborate, and communicate regarding some of the most significant issues for your business in a unique setting.
And that’s not all – you’ll want to stay tuned to NAPA-Net’s “Daily” for an announcement about an exciting new presentation forum on an array of topics that could run the gamut from ESG, to social media, managed accounts vs. TDFs, CITs, blockchain, TPA partnering, managing rollovers, litigation tips, and much, much more.
The Aspirational Experience(s)
Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from the industry’s thought leaders and innovators while networking with the Summit’s 2,300+ attendees, half of whom were advisors at the 2019 event. Attendance is expected to be even higher this year due to pre-registration demand and expanded conference offerings. Retirement plan advisors attending the event also participate in the annual Summit Insider survey and receive the results in a special supplement to NAPA Net the Magazine.
As for our general sessions – you can always count on the most timely topics, the best speakers, the most dynamic sessions. Already announced for 2020: retired Navy Seal Marcus Luttrell, the featured subject of the major motion picture, Lone Survivor.
And nobody, and I mean nobody, brings “the Hill” to the Summit like NAPA!
The Networking Experience(s)
If you’re focused on networking (and who isn’t?), Summit “After Dark” has transformed the concept into a true advisor “experience.” If you’ve been there, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, trust me, you don’t know what you’re missing (though doubtless you’ve heard).
This year, we kick off After Dark by taking over a chunk of Universal Studios theme park. You can walk there from the event hotel properties – or, if you prefer, cruise over on a series of water taxis (tickets can be purchased for spouses, significant others and kids) to join this unlimited ride(s) experience. That experience includes riding the “Rip Ride Rocket,” an amazing roller coaster that runs throughout the whole park, encounters with larger-than-life Transformers, not to mention (and yet I am) "Joliet" Jake and Elwood Blues – you might know them as the Blues Brothers.
On the second night, you’ll have an opportunity to experience Universal CityWalk, the “epitome of awesome.” We’ve bought out the Red Coconut Club, Bob Marley’s, The Groove Nightclub, Pat O’Brien’s and more to bring you an exclusive evening of live music, open bars and nightlife – not to mention an opportunity for you to contribute personally to the live music experience… at CityWalk’s Rising Star live karaoke club!
The Real ‘Experience’
Beyond all those valuable and fun experiences, there are two other major considerations in attending this year’s NAPA 401(k) Summit. First, there is the critical issue of legislative and regulatory reform. The mid-terms shifted the balance of power – but a year out from the 2020 elections, it’s nearly impossible to predict what lies ahead, and what that might mean for retirement reforms – and that doesn’t take into account what might emerge on the regulatory side from the Labor Department, the SEC, or both, particularly if the Democrats take the White House. Regardless – you will want – and need – to know what is afoot, and what might be coming down the pike, and there is no better place for you to do that than the NAPA 401(k) Summit.
But among all the things that really (really) set the NAPA 401(k) Summit apart – one thing stands out, this year more than most. Quite simply, it is that – unlike everyother advisor conference out there – your NAPA 401(k) Summit registration helps support the activities of NAPA – youradvocacy, information and education organization – not the bottom line of some corporate media organization or private equity firm.
That’s right – in addition to the insights, information, networking that you may get at some other events, your attendance at the NAPA 401(k) Summit is, and remains, a unique investment in your future – and the future of your profession.
It is, quite simply, a great way – perhaps the best way – to put your money where your mouth is.
So, go ahead – register for the NAPA 401(k) Summit. Today. While you’re thinking about it. Now. You’ll be glad you did.
Everything you need to know is at www.napasummit.org.
The 2020 NAPA 401(k) Summit. It’s the nation’s retirement plan advisor convention – the “can’t miss” retirement plan advisor event of the year.
You won’t want – and you can’t afford – to miss it!
This article originally appeared in the Winter issue of NAPA Net the Magazine.
