The Women in Retirement Conference (WiRC) is the only conference of its kind, with conference content built by women for women advisors and TPAs in the industry. WiRC brings together women advisors and TPA business owners and leaders in the retirement plan service industry. The education focuses on four key areas: leadership, sales & marketing, practice management and professional development and growth.
Built by Women for Women
January 10-12, 2024
Isle of Palms, SC
About
Registration
By registering for this event, you agree to abide by our Event Policies and acknowledge and accept the Covid Waiver and Safety Protocols.
Early Bird Event Price
(valid until 11/17/23)
(valid until 11/17/23)
Regular Event Price
(valid until 1/5/24)
(valid until 1/5/24)
Onsite Event Price
(valid after 1/5/24)
(valid after 1/5/24)
Eligible attendees: Women Advisors and TPA Business Leaders. All registrations are subject to approval.
WiRC also welcomes: Women who are leaders (and aspiring leaders) and in client (plan sponsor) facing roles, including: Actuaries; ERISA Attorneys, Broker-Dealers / RIA Home Office, Plan Sponsors / HR Professionals, Plan Compliance / Consultants / Administrators.
Confirmation
We will send an email confirmation of your registration. If you have not received it within 10 business days after registering, please email Accounting.
Keynote Speakers
Lindsay Boccardo
Founder, Lindsay Boccardo Training and Coaching
Shari Harley
Founder and President, Candid Culture
Kelsey Mayo
Director of Regulatory Affairs, American Retirement Association
Angela Proffitt
Founder of GSD Creative
Agenda
Preliminary schedule as of August 2023. Times and topics subject to change. Stay tuned for the full agenda!
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
New Attendee Orientation
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey of empowerment, connection, and inspiration at the Women in Retirement Conference? Join us for our New Attendee Orientation, a special session designed to ensure that your conference experience is both seamless and enriching. Meet our conference committee and association leadership, setting the tone for a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Get an in-depth overview of the conference agenda, highlighting key sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities. We’ll guide you through the exciting lineup of speakers, panel discussions, and activities that await you. Learn valuable networking strategies and tips that will help you make the most of your conference experience. Discover how to build meaningful connections, share insights, and create lasting relationships with other women leaders in attendance.
Attending our New Attendee Orientation is the perfect way to kickstart your conference experience. Whether this is your first time or you’re a returning attendee, we’re here to ensure that you feel informed, comfortable, and ready to maximize your conference experience. Let’s get to WiRC empowering and supporting each other in our professional journeys. We can’t wait to meet you and share in this incredible experience together!
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Happy Hour
Join us for an unforgettable evening of connection, inspiration, and celebration at our EmpowerHer Networking Soiree, designed exclusively for women business leaders and our valued event sponsors.
Raise a glass to your achievements and the future of women in business during our lively happy hour. Sip on signature cocktails, enjoy an array of delectable appetizers, and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow trailblazers. This is your opportunity to forge new connections, share insights, and build lasting relationships with like-minded individuals who share your passion for success.
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Dinner
As the sun sets, we’ll transition to an elegant dining experience that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Our curated three-course dinner will be a feast for both your senses and your aspirations. Indulge in a menu crafted to delight, featuring exquisite dishes prepared by top culinary talent. Throughout the evening, we’ll hear from inspiring keynote speakers and successful women leaders who will share their insights, stories, and strategies for achieving greatness in the business world.
This evening is not just about networking; it’s about celebrating the remarkable strides made by women in business and fostering a community that empowers each other to reach new heights. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and cultivate the future of women in leadership.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 11
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.
Session 1: Every Generation Wins: Why Building Multi-Generational Teams is the Future of Work
Generations misunderstanding each other is not a new problem. In fact, every generation thinks the one that comes after them is less competent, more entitled, or harder to work with in the office.
The good news is that no one generation is broken.
According to a 2019 study, multi-generational teams with a range of 25 years or more from youngest to oldest meet or exceed expectations 73% of the time. Those with a narrow range of less than 10 years did so only 35% of the time. The future of work is truly about inclusion.
In this interactive session, Lindsay will guide a conversation about generational differences over the four decades of employees in today’s workforce. Together, attendees will examine their experiences growing up and how those directly affect their relationships at work.
In this session, attendees will learn:
- Why the divide exists between different generations
- What factors actually play into generational tension in the workplace
- What future young employees will be looking for in your company culture
- How you can increase the positive impact of a multi-generational workforce in your business
Lindsay Boccardo, Founder, Lindsay Boccardo Training and Coaching
10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
Morning Pick-Me-Up
10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Session 2: Using Coaching Skills to Lead the Next Generation
Leadership has changed dramatically – where we used to have top-down authority, we now see leaders creating conversations with those they are leading. Younger generations grew up in a world where opportunities to speak their mind were available to them, and now they expect the same to be true at work. Listening and collaborating in teams are now the benchmarks of a progressive workplace culture.
In this session, attendees will learn:
- The power of coaching skills and examples of how they can be used in varying environments
- How to tap into curiosity when it would be natural to judge someone
- How to access three levels of listening
- How to validate someone without enabling their behavior
- How to ask open-ended empowering questions to find a solution
*This is a highly interactive, skill-based workshop and attendees will walk out with several new skills to practice and apply immediately.
Lindsay Boccardo, Founder, Lindsay Boccardo Training and Coaching
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunchtime Meet & Eat
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Session 3: Practice Management
Think that productivity is overrated? Think again! Spend some time with Angela Proffitt as she shares her experiences with you on organizing your mindset by thinking about how you want to spend your time, prioritizing your tasks, and effectively managing your time.
It’s all in the details with tools that are available at your fingertips! You’ll walk away renewed with resources on time management, prioritization, and how implementing. These tools will change your life.
- Consumer behavior is constantly shifting. So how are you keeping up?
- Now that we understand our greatest value is time, behavior has shifted significantly in the workforce. What is one thing to do differently?
- Your new life; what’s changed around us and in our daily habits and how to keep your team excited and motivated in the office or working from home.
- Are you generating a more efficient and time effective work, life, balance?
Angela Proffitt, Founder of GSD Creative
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Afternoon Refresh
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Session 4: Sales & Marketing Panel
3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Beverage Break
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Session 5: Breakouts
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Ladies’ Night Out: Unleash Your Inner Leader Through Team Building
Join us for a night of laughter, bonding, and team-building activities that will ignite your inner leader. Kick off the evening by mingling with fellow conference attendees in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. Sip on signature cocktails, enjoy delectable appetizers, and connect with women who share your passion for leadership and success. Prepare to unleash your collaborative spirit with fun and interactive team-building challenges. These activities are designed to strengthen bonds, enhance communication, and foster a sense of unity among attendees. You’ll discover that together, we can accomplish great things!
This Ladies’ Night Out is not just a break from conference sessions; it’s a celebration of the incredible women leaders who make our conference a success. It’s a night to network, empower each other, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, an emerging leader, or simply looking to connect with like-minded women, this is your night to shine. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your network, gain new friends, and leave feeling inspired to conquer your leadership goals.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 12
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Session 6: Advocacy
Kelsey Mayo, Director of Regulatory Affairs, American Retirement Association
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Beverage Break
10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Session 7: How to Say Anything to Anyone: Setting Expectations for Powerful Working Relationships
You have a request for one of your co-workers but don’t know how to say it, so you don’t say anything. A project you worked on for six months has become a black hole. There is no information about the status. You’re frustrated, but you don’t say anything. Two employees aren’t working well together. It’s impacting the atmosphere in the office. You don’t know what to say, so you don’t say anything. Speaking up when we are frustrated is hard and, as a result, most of us don’t. Instead, either we tell other people (aka gossip) or we say nothing, and relationships become strained. You can say anything to anyone and have it be easy. You just need to lay the groundwork to do so, and most of us don’t.
Three Learning Objectives:
- Build trust in all of your business relationships, making it easier to say hard things.
- Find out what the people you work with need from you, so you don’t have to guess.
- Tell others what you need, making it more likely that your needs are met.
Shari Harley, Founder and President, Candid Culture
11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Conference Location
Wild Dunes Resort
200 Grand Pavilion Blvd
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Room Rate: $220/night single or double
Cut-off Date: December 10, 2023
Reserve a room directly with the hotel.
Book your hotel room
2024 WiRC Committee
Committee Co-Chairs
Mickie Murphy
ERPA, CPC, QPA, QKC, President, Blue Benefits Consulting, Inc.
Leah Sylvester
CPC, QPA, QKA®, Partner, Director – Retirement Plan Services, Shepherd Financial
Conference Committee
Emily Halbach Sharp
AKA, APA, QKA®, Director of Defined Contribution Services, Retirement Plan Specialist, Martin, Martin, Randall & Assoc., Inc.
Marta Hurst
BCF, QKA®, Partner, Director- Fiduciary Governance, Fiduciary Wise
Regina Lewis
CPFA®, Vice President, Financial Advisor, CAPTRUST Brentwood
Apryl M. Pope
CFP®, CPFA®, Partner & Plan Advisor, Retirement Plan Partners, LLP
ASPPA LC Liaison
Shannon M. Edwards
ERPA, CPC, QPA, QKC, QKA®, President, TriStar Pension Consulting
NAPA LC Liaison
Lisa M. Drake
QPFC, AIF®, Retirement Plan Consultant, SageView Advisory Group
Event Policies
ASPPA, American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries, and NAPA, National Association of Plan Advisors, are a part of the American Retirement Association (ARA), the umbrella organization for five affiliate organizations: ASPPA, ASEA, NAPA, NTSA and PSCA. The following event policies apply to the 2024 WiRC Conference:
Registration Refund Policy
Requests for refunds should be submitted to accountsreceivable@usaretirement.org by December 1, 2023. A refund of the conference fee, minus a $100 processing fee, will be given for cancellations received by that date. No refunds will be granted for requests received after this date. Please note that refunds will not be given for no-shows.
Substitution Policy
Substitution of registrations is permitted prior to the conference. Only one substitution is permitted per original registrant. The individual submitting the substitution request is responsible for updating any contact information. Requests for substitutions should be submitted to accountsreceivable@usaretirement.org by October 2, 2023. No substitutions will be accepted after this date.
Badges
Attendees who register in advance may pick up their badge and onsite materials at the Registration Desk during conference hours. If you do not check in at the Registration Desk to pick up your badge, you will be deemed a no-show and continuing education credit will not be issued. Attendees are not permitted to pick up other attendees’ badges/materials.
Covid Waiver & Safety Protocols
By participating in this conference and any associated events, you acknowledge and understand the highly contagious nature of Coronavirus/COVID-19, and that current medical knowledge of the virus, including its transmissibility and risk remains uncertain, particularly in light of evolving variants of the virus. There is not a cure for the virus, and those with certain medical conditions may be at high risk for contracting the virus and/or experiencing significant and life-threatening complications.
You understand and acknowledge that neither the American Retirement Association (ARA) nor the event venues are able to provide a guarantee against transmission of the virus, infection and/or illness and that they are not responsible for any potential exposure to COVID-19 and injuries related thereto or other infectious disease which you may experience in connection with the conference. As such, you assume all risks related to COVID-19, even if arising from the negligence or fault of ARA and you release and hold harmless the ARA, its officers, employees, agents, representatives, affiliates, legal successors, and all persons acting pursuant to its authority from any and all liability for damages for exposure to and/or infection with COVID-19 in connection with or on account of your participation in the conference.
If you test positive for COVID-19 within 14 days of the event or have COVID-19 related symptoms, including if the conditions emerge while you are at the event, you will not attend the conference. If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, you should follow the current CDC guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html. In addition, ARA may immediately remove or prohibit you from in-person activities at the conference if you exhibit symptoms associated with COVID-19, or if you fail to comply with any safety procedures stipulated by ARA or the event venue. Please refer to our event policies for additional information about safety protocols and the covid waiver.
Event Performance
If the event is canceled, your registration fee will be refunded. ARA is not responsible for individual airfare, hotel or any other travel expenses that may be incurred.
Consent to Use of Photographic Images
Your registration and attendance at, or participation in, the event and other affiliated activities constitutes an agreement by the registrant to grant ARA permission to use photos taken of you at the event for news, promotion and similar purposes.
Unauthorized Solicitations
Solicitation of business by anyone other than event exhibitors and sponsors is strictly prohibited. Please report any violations to the registration desk.
Program Content
The views and opinions expressed by speakers or others who have provided materials to and for this conference are not necessarily those of ARA or its affiliate organizations. ARA and its affiliate organizations assume no responsibility for, nor endorse, any of the comments, recommendations or materials that are provided.
Event Code of Conduct
The American Retirement Association, the umbrella organization for the individual membership organizations: ASPPA, ASEA, NAPA, NTSA and PSCA (collectively the “ARA”), is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all participants at ARA events. All participants, including, but not limited to, attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors, service providers and ARA staff members, and all others are expected to abide by this Events Code of Conduct. This policy applies to all ARA events (in-person and virtual), including all meetings and conferences, as well as events sponsored by organizations other than ARA but held in conjunction with ARA events. Read the full Event Code of Conduct.
Antitrust Policy
The American Retirement Association, the umbrella organization for five affiliate organizations, ASPPA, ASEA, NAPA, NTSA and PSCA (collectively the “ARA”), assigns the highest priority to full compliance with both the letter and the spirit of antitrust laws and it is vital that any ARA meetings be conducted in a manner consistent with this policy. Read the full Antitrust Policy.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Gwenn Paness-Marsh at 703.516.9300 x171, or email at gmarsh@usaretirement.org.