NCPERS UNIVERSITY

2027 Trustee Essentials Training

Develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively fulfill your fiduciary duties. Designed for new trustees and plan staff, you’ll leave prepared to step into your role with confidence.

What You'll Learn | FAQs | Sign Up to Learn More

May 15-16, 2027 — New York, NY

About NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training

The Trustee Essentials Training is designed to provide new trustees and public pension plan staff with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to make informed decisions and effectively fulfill their fiduciary duties.

This interactive, expert-led program covers the fundamentals of investing, actuarial science, board policies, and plan governance. The 2027 Trustee Essentials Training is held May 15-16 in New York City, immediately before NCPERS Annual Conference & Exhibition.

Stay tuned for more details when registration opens in February. Click here to be notified when registration opens.

Explore the Events Calendar Registration Information

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Who Should Attend

New Trustees (0-4 years of experience) – start your trustee journey by mastering the fundamentals so you’ll be prepared to effectively fulfill your fiduciary duty.
Plan Administrators – sample the Trustee Essentials Training to see if it can be integrated into your onboarding process for new trustees and staff.
Pension Staff – be better prepared to do your job as a key implementer of policies and critical fund initiatives.

Please note: Your organization must be a current member of NCPERS to participate. To verify your status, please contact membership@ncpers.org.

About NCPERS Membership

Continuing Education: What Will I Learn at the Trustee Essentials Training?

The 2027 agenda is currently in development, but you can view the 2026 agenda here to get a preview of what’s to come. Topics that will be covered include:

Plan governance and fiduciary duty fundamentals
Actuarial valuations and understanding your actuarial funding policy
Navigating your investment role as a trustee, including asset allocation and investment basics

You'll walk away with new skills and new connections. With dedicated receptions and interactive learning experiences, it's easy to get to know your peers from across the country. By attending NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training, you can also earn up to 12 Continuing Education (CE) hours.

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Two attendees high-five at their table during a Trustee Essentials Training group exercise

Three attendees smile with notebooks at a Trustee Essentials Training session table

About NCPERS Continuing Education

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Put Your Skills to the Test with the Asset Allocation Challenge

Wrap up your Trustee Essentials Training experience by putting your skills to the test during the always-popular Asset Allocation Challenge. In this interactive, hands-on game, attendees are grouped into teams and tasked with building a successful investment portfolio, applying the principles they’ve learned throughout the program. It’s a fun, competitive way to test decision-making, strategy, and collaboration — culminating in one winning team and a deeper understanding of effective asset allocation strategies to apply long after the competition wraps up.

Registration Information: NCPERS 2027 Trustee Essentials Training

NCPERS membership is required to attend the Trustee Essentials Training. Not sure of your membership status? Contact membership@ncpers.org to learn more.

Pension Fund/Stakeholder Member Early-Bird Registration Fee: $645 (prices will increase to $845 after April 23, 2027)

Please note that registration for the Trustee Essentials Training will close on May 7, 2027.

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Hotel Information: Sheraton Times Square

The Trustee Essentials Training will be held at the Sheraton New York Times Square. The NCPERS room rate is $369 per night, with a reservation deadline of Friday, April 23, 2027 at 11:59 PM Eastern time.

The hotel is just steps from Times Square, Broadway theaters, Central Park, and Radio City Music Hall, making it easy for attendees to explore some of New York City’s most iconic attractions before or after conference sessions. Attendees will have convenient access to networking events, nearby restaurants, shopping, and entertainment, all within walking distance.

Frequently Asked Questions: NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training

Is membership with NCPERS required to attend?

Yes. Your organization must be a current member of NCPERS at the time of registration.

What is the cost of the program?

The early-bird registration fee is $645 and will increase to $845 after April 23, 2027. The fee includes program materials, breakfast, refreshment breaks, lunch, and a reception for all NCPERS University attendees.

Does the registration fee include registration for the Annual Conference & Exhibition?

No. Registration for this course is separate from ACE registration.

Can I bring a guest to this program?

No. There is no guest registration for this program. Guest registration policies for any associated NCPERS conference are handled separately.

Are there any prerequisites to enroll?

No. NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training is designed for new trustees to help you develop the fundamental knowledge needed to fulfill your fiduciary duties.

Can I register onsite?

No. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited, so early registration is strongly recommended.

Is there an option to attend virtually?

No. The Trustee Essentials Training is offered in person only at this time.

Does the venue accommodate mobility or accessibility needs?

NCPERS is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive meeting experience. If you require an accommodation due to a disability, please email events@ncpers.org with a description of your accommodation needs. To help us make appropriate arrangements, we encourage you to submit requests at least 30 days before the event. We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate the request.

Are continuing education or CPE credits available for this program?

Yes. Continuing education credits are available for eligible attendees. Please note that this program does not offer CPE credits, as NCPERS is not currently a CPE sponsor.

How do I receive my CE certificate?

After your attendance is verified, your certificate will be posted to your NCPERS membership profile within two weeks of the event.

I’m interested in speaking. How do I submit a proposal?

The Trustee Essentials Training program follows a standing agenda that covers core topics essential for trustees and staff. When speaking opportunities are available, proposals are accepted through the Annual Conference and Exhibition call for speakers. You can submit your proposal through that process for consideration. Click here to sign up to be notified of future speaking opportunities.

Mastered the Basics? Continue Learning with NCPERS University

Fiduciary in Focus Workshop

Take your learning to the next level with NCPERS Fiduciary in Focus Workshop. Each fall, this program dives deep into two timely, high-impact topics, giving trustees and plan staff the expertise to tackle critical challenges. Hands-on exercises, collaborative discussions, and expert guidance in a small classroom setting help participants translate complex issues into actionable strategies. Learn more.

Advanced Fiduciary Institute

Held annually in both the spring and fall, NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary (NAF) Institute is where pension professionals and experienced trustees go to master the skills needed to strengthen their retirement systems. Through real-world case studies and tailored insights, you’ll learn advanced strategies to enhance board performance, ensure compliance, manage risk, and address workforce challenges. Once you complete all four modules, you’ll have the opportunity to earn your Advanced Fiduciary (AF) credential. Learn more.

Questions? Contact NCPERS’ Education Associate, Jessica Ransome, at jransome@ncpers.org or call 202-601-2449.

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NCPERS publications provide members with timely insights and analysis on the most important issues affecting public pensions. These resources help you stay informed, make better decisions, and keep ahead of industry trends.