Program Schedule
2:30–3:00 PM – Arrival & Check-In
3:00–3:50 PM – Session 1: Retirement Plans
3:50–4:00 PM – Break
4:00–4:50 PM – Session 2: Health & Welfare Benefits
4:50–6:00 PM – Reception & Connections
Thank You to Our Sponsor & Host
WPBCSF gratefully acknowledges Orrick for sponsoring and hosting this Council Meeting. We appreciate their partnership in bringing benefits professionals together for education, meaningful discussion, and professional connection.
Session 1: Retirement Plans — Connecting Systems, Data, and Service Providers
Retirement plan administration depends on the accurate and timely exchange of information among plan sponsors, recordkeepers, advisors, and other service providers.
How are these systems designed to work together? Where does integration improve administration, compliance, and the participant experience—and where do challenges remain?
This facilitated discussion will explore the practical realities of retirement plan technology integration, including data management, recordkeeping, compliance, and the evolving relationship between plan sponsors and their service providers.
Featured Discussion Leaders
Maggie Younis, ERPA, CPC, TGPC, APA, APR
Director – Head of Consultant Relations
Schwab Retirement Plan Services
Brandon Buckley
Associate Vice President
WTW – Newfront Retirement Services
Session 2: Health & Welfare Benefits — From HR Management to Human Capital Management
For benefits and HR professionals, the challenge of doing more with less continues to grow. Technology promises more efficient administration, better information, and a more connected employee experience—but selecting and integrating systems can introduce new layers of complexity.
As Human Resource Management (HRM) evolves toward Human Capital Management (HCM), is this a fundamentally different approach to managing people and benefits, or a technology-enabled evolution of traditional HR?
This discussion will explore how organizations approach benefits technology and systems integration, including the different needs, resources, and expectations of large employers compared with small and mid-sized organizations.
Featured Discussion Leaders
Representatives from Orrick Benefits and Workforce Junction have been invited to contribute perspectives on large-market benefits administration and HCM solutions for small and mid-sized employers. Speaker confirmations are pending.
Reception & Connections
Following the facilitated discussions, stay for a relaxed reception with fellow benefits professionals. Continue conversations sparked during the sessions, exchange perspectives, and enjoy an opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the industry.
About Council Meetings
WPBCSF Council Meetings bring benefits professionals together for facilitated discussions of timely industry issues. Rather than traditional presentations followed by Q&A, these smaller-format gatherings invite attendees to exchange perspectives, share practical insights, and learn from experienced practitioners and one another.
Everyone is welcome to participate, whether by asking questions, sharing experiences, or listening to different perspectives.
Questions We'll Explore
- Where is technology integration delivering meaningful improvements—and where is it falling short?
- How are interconnected systems changing the responsibilities of employers, advisors, and service providers?
- Is consolidation among technology platforms and service providers reducing complexity, or changing who manages it?
- How do the needs and resources of large employers differ from those of small and mid-sized organizations?
- What do these changes mean for specialization, independence, choice, and the advisor-client relationship?
Who Should Attend?
Benefits and retirement plan advisors, consultants, HR and total rewards professionals, plan sponsors, service providers, and others interested in the changing landscape of benefits administration.
Bring your questions, share your perspective, and connect with colleagues navigating many of the same challenges.