NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary (NAF) Institute
About NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary (NAF) Institute
Held twice per year in the spring and the fall before our major conferences, NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary (NAF) Institute is where pension professionals and experienced trustees go to become certified experts in the skills needed to strengthen their retirement systems.
Through real-world case studies and tailored insights in a small classroom setting, you’ll learn advanced strategies to enhance board performance, ensure compliance, manage risk, and address workforce challenges—equipping you to lead a high-performing, resilient pension fund with confidence. We recommend first attending NCPERS Trustee Essentials Training.
What Will I Learn During NCPERS Advanced Fiduciary Institute?
Below is an overview of what you'll learn throughout the program:
Module 1 - Governance
Participants explore the foundational responsibilities, accountabilities, and governance models that guide a public pension board. This module emphasizes the importance of a high-functioning board culture and addresses key questions about the proper level of board activity, the board’s role in setting strategy and direction, and best practices for attracting and retaining top board talent. By clarifying how board culture directly impacts governance outcomes, Module 1 empowers participants to navigate complex oversight challenges while steering their organizations toward long-term success.
Module 2 - Finance
Building on these governance principles, Module 2 focuses on the financial expertise required for prudent fund management. Attendees learn how to access and interpret the essential information needed to make informed financial decisions, ensuring their funds remain compliant with investment policies, performance benchmarks, and disclosure standards. Participants also delve into the board’s responsibilities for setting investment policies, allocating assets, mitigating risk, and overseeing transparent financial reporting. Through these two modules, attendees develop a holistic view of how strong governance structures and strategic financial oversight work hand in hand, enabling them to serve confidently, protect stakeholders’ interests, and foster the growth and stability of their public pension funds.
Module 3 - Risk Management
Module 3, participants deepen their understanding of the legal and risk oversight duties expected of both their board and themselves as individual trustees. This module examines the board’s fiduciary responsibilities, including how to detect and protect against fraudulent behavior, manage relationships with external parties, and effectively communicate with a diverse range of stakeholders such as management, pensioners, and employees. Additionally, it highlights the audit committee’s essential roles and provides strategies for responding to media inquiries while preserving your organization’s corporate reputation.
Module 4 - Human Capital
In Module 4, focus shifts to building and sustaining leadership through sound compensation practices and strategic human resource management. This module guides participants through the fundamentals of total executive compensation design, including the creation of defensible compensation programs and the establishment of a pay-for-performance culture that maximizes fund performance. Participants will learn how to craft executive employment contracts and personal service agreements that avoid pitfalls and support positive growth transitions. Moreover, Module 4 offers insights into developing and maintaining a skilled executive pipeline, ensuring that your board is well-equipped to lead the organization into the future.
Continuing Education Credits (CE)
By attending the Advanced Fiduciary Institute Modules 1 & 2, you may earn up to 12.75 Continuing Education (CE) hours applicable toward your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and, where applicable, state-mandated continuing education requirements. Earned CE credits are automatically recorded in your NCPERS membership account following the event and are available for download as a CE report.
NCPERS is an accredited Minimum Educational Training (MET) for Texas public retirement systems, as recognized by the State Pension Review Board. This accreditation does not constitute an endorsement by the Board of the MET program’s quality.
Continuing Education Credits (CE)
By attending the Advanced Fiduciary Institute Modules 1 & 2, you may earn up to 12.75 Continuing Education (CE) hours applicable toward your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and, where applicable, state-mandated continuing education requirements. Earned CE credits are automatically recorded in your NCPERS membership account following the event and are available for download as a CE report.
NCPERS is an accredited Minimum Educational Training (MET) for Texas public retirement systems, as recognized by the State Pension Review Board. This accreditation does not constitute an endorsement by the Board of the MET program’s quality.
| Price | |
|---|---|
|
Modules 1and 2 Registration
Registration Opens 2/2/26 at 12:00 PM PDT
|
$930.00
Price will increase to $1,130.00 on
5/1/26
|
|
Modules 3 and 4 Registration
Registration Opens 2/2/26 at 12:00 PM PDT
|
$930.00
Price will increase to $1,130.00 on
5/1/26
|
Registration by Mail
To register by mail, please download, complete and mail the registration form to:
Registration Changes
All requests to modify a registration must be submitted by emailing registration@ncpers.org or by calling 202-601-2445.
Cancellation Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registration@ncpers.org by April 30. Cancellations received by this date are eligible for a refund, less a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations received after April 30 are not eligible for a refund.
Refund Policy
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 April 30.
Substitution Policy
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.
Health And Safety
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.
Complaint Resolution
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.
MODULE 1 & 2 AGENDA
SATURDAY, MAY 16
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am | BREAKFAST |
| 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | REGISTRATION |
| 8:00 am – 3:15 pm | MODULE 1 – GOVERNANCE |
| 8:00 am – 8:45 am | Introduction |
| 8:45 am – 10:00 am | Board Governance |
| 10:00 am – 10:30 am | Role of the Board (Part 1) |
| 10:30 am – 10:45 am | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:45 am – 11:30 am | Role of the Board (Part 2) |
| 11:30 pm – 12:15 pm | Case Study |
| 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm | NETWORKING LUNCH |
| 1:15 pm – 2:00 pm | Board Performance |
| 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm | Case Study & Guest Speaker |
| 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS NETWORKING RECEPTION |
SUNDAY, MAY 17
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am | BREAKFAST |
| 7:00 am – 2:00 pm | REGISTRATION |
| 8:00 am – 3:30 pm | MODULE 2 – FINANCE |
| 8:00 am – 8:15 am | Introduction |
| 8:15 am – 10:30 am | Investment Approach & ESG Considerations |
| 10:30 am – 10:45 am | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:45 am – 11:30 am | External Advisors |
| 11:30 pm – 12:15 pm | Case Study |
| 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm | NETWORKING LUNCH |
| 1:15 pm – 1:45 pm | Financial Reporting and Disclosure |
| 1:45 pm – 2:15 pm | Alternative Investing |
| 2:15 pm – 2:30 pm | Case Study & Guest Speaker |
MODULES 3 & 4 AGENDA
SATURDAY, MAY 16
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am | BREAKFAST |
| 7:00 am – 1:00 pm | REGISTRATION |
| 8:00 am – 3:15 pm | MODULE 3 – RISK MANAGEMENT |
| 8:00 am – 8:45 am | Introduction |
| 8:45 am – 9:45 am | Legal |
| 9:45 am – 10:30 am | Audit Priorities |
| 10:30 am – 10:45 am | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:45 am – 11:30 am | Risk Management and Corporate Reputation |
| 11:30 pm – 12:15 pm | Case Study |
| 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm | NETWORKING LUNCH |
| 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm | Effective Communication |
| 2:15 pm – 2:30 pm | Case Study & Guest Speaker |
| 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm | UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS NETWORKING RECEPTION |
SUNDAY, MAY 17
| 7:00 am – 8:00 am | BREAKFAST |
| 7:00 am – 1:00 pm | REGISTRATION |
| 8:00 am – 3:30 pm | MODULE 4 – HUMAN CAPITAL |
| 8:00 am – 8:15 am | Introduction |
| 8:15 am – 9:00 pm | Succession Planning |
| 9:00 am – 9:30 am | Executive Employment Contracts |
| 9:30 am – 10:30 am | Executive Evaluations |
| 10:30 am – 10:45 am | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:45 am – 11:30 pm | Executive & Trustee Compensation |
| 11:30 pm – 12:15 pm | Case Study |
| 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm | NETWORKING LUNCH |
| 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm | Alternative Pension Management Models |
| 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm | Case Study & Guest Speaker |
Caesars Palace Las Vegas
3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Paradise, NV 89109
Phone: (866) 227-5938
 |
 |
 |
Experience the energy and elegance of Caesars Palace, one of Las Vegas’s most renowned destinations for meetings and events. As the host venue for the NCPERS 2026 Annual Conference & Exhibition, Caesars Palace offers a world-class setting designed for both productivity and connection.
The resort features expansive meeting spaces, state-of-the-art conference facilities, and exceptional service, creating the right environment for learning, networking, and celebrating NCPERS’ 85th anniversary. Between sessions, attendees can enjoy luxury accommodations, award-winning dining, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Las Vegas Strip, all just steps away.
NCPERS Discounted Group Rate
$209 per night + $45 resort fee
The NCPERS room block for ACE 2026 will open in February.
Resort Fee
A daily resort fee of $45 per room, per night, plus applicable occupancy tax, will be charged in addition to the room rates listed above. The resort fee includes:
-
Unlimited local phone calls. Long-distance and international calls are not included.
-
Daily access for up to two guests to the fitness center. Spa access is not included.
-
In-room internet access for up to two devices per room, per day. Property-wide roaming may be available for an additional fee.
Room Block Limited Availability
Rooms at the group rate are limited and may sell out before the deadline. Booking within the NCPERS block helps NCPERS meet its contract requirements and helps keep overall event costs down.
Hotel Policies
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations are permitted up to 48 hours prior to arrival for reservations made under Caesars’ current policy; cancellations inside 48 hours forfeit the first night room and tax deposit.
Transportation
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is the closest airport to Caesars Palace, located approximately 5.6 miles away. Rideshare services and taxis are readily available.
Housing Scam Warning
NCPERS does not partner with third-party housing bureaus. If you are contacted by a company offering discounted rooms or requesting payment to “secure” your reservation, do not provide any information. Book only using the link and phone number provided on this page.