Current registration rates are listed on our website. Registration includes access to all sessions, educational materials, the event app, scheduled meals, and networking events. Research-Driven Solutions for Fiscal Sustainability
2026 Public Pension
Funding Forum
Research-Driven Solutions for Fiscal Sustainability
Explore practical tools to strengthen plan sustainability and engage in data-driven conversations about the future of public pensions.
About NCPERS Public Pension Funding Forum
From data analysis to real-world case studies, NCPERS Public Pension Funding Forum brings together trustees, administrators, finance professionals and leading academics to explore the factors shaping public pension fiscal health. Attendees will dive into current research, evaluate funding models, and examine case studies that reveal what’s working — and what isn’t — at plans across the country.
With a focus on collaboration and clarity, the forum equips participants with practical tools to strengthen plan sustainability and engage in data-driven conversations about the future of public pensions.
NCPERS 2026 Public Pension Funding Forum will be hosted August 17-19 at the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago. Book your stay at The Study at University of Chicago to save with the NCPERS room block rate!
- Register by July 20 to save with early-bird pricing! Find registration details here.
- View the agenda. Attendees can earn up to 9 hours of Continuing Education credits.
- Find answers to frequently asked questions.
- Explore sponsorship opportunities to increase your brand visibility and show support of the public pension community.
- Reserve your room at The Study at University of Chicago.
"Whether it’s obtaining the necessary contributions from plan sponsors, adjusting actuarial assumptions and methods, or rethinking asset allocation strategies, this conference hits all of that. It’s why I make it a staple of my annual educational plan.” – 2025 Forum Attendee
What Will I Learn at NCPERS Public Pension Funding Forum?
As a leading provider of continuing education in the public pension industry, the Public Pension Funding Forum agenda is carefully curated to cover the latest research and case studies on public pension funding best practices. Attendees will:
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Gain a deeper understanding of the implications of pension reform initiatives for all stakeholders — including taxpayers, employers, local businesses and economies
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Examine case studies that reveal what’s working (and what isn’t) at plans across the country
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Hear from leading researchers and academics about the social and economic forces at play in the public pension arena
- Explore innovative solutions for improving your plan’s funding status and long-term fiscal health
Continuing Education: View the 2026 Public Pension Funding Forum Agenda
Earn up to 9 Continuing Education credits at the 2026 Public Pension Funding Forum. Learn more about NCPERS continuing education programs and professional development opportunities for trustees and plan staff.
Photos from past Public Pension Funding Forums
Registration Information: Join the Public Pension Community in Chicago!
NCPERS Forums provide a smaller, discussion-driven setting for public pension trustees, administrators, plan sponsors, state/local officials, service providers, and members of the academic/pension research community to learn together. While nonmember pension funds are eligible to attend, NCPERS members save nearly 50% on registration fees.
- Fund/Stakeholder Member Early-Bird Registration Fee: $795 (prices will increase to $995 on July 21)
- Service Provider Member Early-Bird Registration Fee: $1,235 (prices will increase to $1,235 on July 21)
- Non-Member Fund/Stakeholder Early-Bird Registration Fee: $1,500 (prices will increase to $1,700 on July 21)
- Guest Early-Bird Registration Fee: $100 (prices will increase to $150 on July 21)
Register by July 20 to save with early-bird pricing! Follow these instructions to create your account to register online, or contact registration@ncpers.org for assistance.
To register by mail, please download, complete and mail the registration form to:
NCPERS
1201 New York Avenue, NW
Suite 850
Washington, DC 20005
Fund/Stakeholder Member Registration Form | Attendee Registration Form
All requests to modify a registration must be submitted by emailing registration@ncpers.org or by calling 202-601-2445.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registration@ncpers.org by January 16. Cancellations received by this date are eligible for a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations received after January 16 are not eligible for a refund.
Refunds will be issued only for written cancellation requests received by January 16 and will be processed less a $100 administrative fee. All refunds will be issued to the original form of payment. No refunds will be issued after January 16.
Substitutions are permitted at no additional cost at any time prior to the event. The original registrant is responsible for providing the substitute’s complete contact information. All substitution requests must be submitted in writing to registration@ncpers.org.
Service providers may not schedule or host client events that conflict with NCPERS educational sessions, refreshment breaks, or official receptions. Client events may only be hosted in partnership with organizations that are current NCPERS members. Hosting client events that include non NCPERS member organizations is expressly prohibited.
Service providers seeking co-hosts for client events are encouraged to partner with CorPERS members. A list of eligible CorPERS members is available, and additional potential partners may be identified through the Service Provider Member Directory.
Requests to have event invitations distributed to registered event attendees must be submitted in advance by contacting events@ncpers.org.
NCPERS prioritizes the well-being of attendees and staff. We encourage respect for personal choices regarding masks and physical contact, adherence to any local or venue guidelines, and staying home if unwell. Thank you for helping us create a safe and welcoming environment.
NCPERS is dedicated to providing a positive, engaging, and valuable experience for all attendees of our educational programs. We welcome feedback and take all complaints seriously as part of our ongoing commitment to improving our programs and services.
Attendees are encouraged to share their concerns by contacting us at info@ncpers.org. All complaints will be reviewed promptly, and we will provide a response within two (2) business days.
NCPERS-Harris School Pension Lab: NextGen Competition
Through our partnership with the University of Chicago, we help strengthen retirement systems for tomorrow’s challenges by engaging the next generation of pension leaders. The Pension Lab: NextGen Competition, part of the Public Pension Funding Forum, invites students to participate in finding policy-driven solutions while exploring career paths in the pension industry.
Show Your Support & Make an Impact: Become a Sponsor
Sponsorship packages at the Public Pension Funding Forum offer a powerful opportunity to position your brand in front of key decision-makers in the public pension community. These packages are designed to help you build relationships with current and prospective clients, gain high-impact visibility in an intimate and focused setting, and showcase your commitment to supporting sustainable public pensions.
Hotel Information: The Study at University of Chicago
The 2026 Public Pension Funding Forum will be hosted at the David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago. This modern, state-of-the-art venue is designed to foster thoughtful dialogue and meaningful collaboration, the ideal setting for in-depth discussions on public pension funding.
The Study is a boutique hotel located just a 2-minute walk from the Rubenstein Forum. Nestled along the scenic Midway, The Study Hotel offers a tranquil retreat with views of campus, Lake Michigan, and downtown Chicago—perfect for relaxing after a full day of sessions.
Please note: While both locations are nearby, The Study hotel and the David Rubenstein Forum are separate buildings. All Forum programming will take place in the Rubenstein building.
NCPERS Room Rate: $259 per night
Reservation Deadline: Monday, July 20 at 5:00 PM Central Time
Reservations: Call 773-643-1600 and request the NCPERS 2026 room block
Hotel Policies
Cancellation Policy: Reservations Reservations must be cancelled 24 hours prior (by 3:00 PM CST) to arrival to avoid a penalty of one night's room and tax.
Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in begins at 3:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM (noon).
Transportation
Nearest Airports:
- Midway International (MDW) — approximately 8 miles / 15-minute drive
- O'Hare International (ORD) — approximately 26 miles away
Distance from Key Landmarks:
- Downtown Chicago — 7 miles
- McCormick Place — 5.2 miles
- Navy Pier — 8.9 miles
Public Transit: The 5800 S. Ellis bus stop is about a 5-minute walk from the hotel. The CTA Green and Red lines also serve the broader Hyde Park area.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout Chicago and easily accessible from the hotel entrance.