2026 Program Overview
Select a conference day above to view the complete agenda, session descriptions, speakers, and networking events.
A Two-Day Learning Experience
The Western Benefits Conference delivers two days of timely education, practical insights, and meaningful networking for retirement and employee benefits professionals. Designed for plan sponsors, fiduciaries, advisors, attorneys, consultants, auditors, and service providers, the conference brings together leading voices to explore the issues shaping the future of retirement.
Program at a Glance
- Two full days of educational programming
- 12 expert-led educational sessions
- General sessions and concurrent breakout sessions
- Breakfast, lunch, and networking breaks each day
- Evening networking receptions on Wednesday and Thursday
- Opportunities to connect with conference sponsors and industry partners
- Up to 10 hours of continuing education credit available
Featured Topics
The 2026 program addresses many of today's most important issues in retirement, healthcare, and employee benefits, including:
- Legislative and regulatory updates
- ERISA litigation trends
- Defined contribution investment strategies
- Nonqualified deferred compensation plans
- Lifetime income and retirement spending strategies
- Missing participants and auto portability
- Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as retirement tools
- Plan sponsor perspectives
- Artificial intelligence in retirement plans
- Academic research and the future of retirement
Continuing Education Credits
The Western Benefits Conference is expected to offer continuing education credits across multiple professional designations, including:
- AIF®
- ASPPA
- California CPA (CPE)
- California MCLE
- CEBS
- CFP®
- ERPA
- JBEA
- NIPA
Final accreditation information, eligible sessions, and total available credit hours will be published as approvals are received.
Ready to explore the program?
Use the Day 1 Agenda and Day 2 Agenda buttons above to view the complete conference schedule, session descriptions, and speaker lineup.