PATS Agenda
FINAL AGENDA
*as of 10/8/24*
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
| 6:30 AM–3:00 PM | REGISTRATION | Crystal Ballroom Foyer |
| 7:00 AM–8:00 AM | BREAKFAST | Stir |
| 8:00 AM–10:00 AM | DAY 1 – AI, BOTS, AND AUTOMATION: INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY FOR PUBLIC PENSIONS Valencia Ballroom 6 |
| 8:00 AM–8:15 AM | Welcome and Introduction Hank Kim, NCPERS |
| 8:15AM–9:00 AM |
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence This session provides a foundational overview of Artificial Intelligence, guiding participants through the differences among the various tools that are popularly grouped as “AI”, including Generative AI, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, and Robotic Process Automation. Key terminology and concepts will also be covered to give trustees a clear understanding of AI’s role and practical applications. Attendees will leave with a solid understanding of AI's role and potential uses within their organizations. Speakers: Akio Tagawa, President / CEO, Linea Solutions Nate Haws, Associate Principal Consultant, Linea Solutions Heath Simpson, Senior Consultant, Linea Solutions |
| 9:00 AM–10:00 AM |
Current State of AI in the Public Pension Industry This session explores how AI is currently being adopted in the public pension industry to improve operations and member services. Attendees will review case studies and real-world examples that demonstrate how AI automates tasks, boosting efficiency, and enhancing data and technical capabilities within public pension funds. Participants will gain practical knowledge on how AI is transforming the public pension landscape. Speakers: Akio Tagawa, President / CEO, Linea Solutions Nate Haws, Associate Principal Consultant, Linea Solutions Joe Michael, Chief Information Officer, San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA) |
| 10:00 AM–10:30 AM | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:30 AM–11:15 AM |
Generative AI -- Risks and Challenges This session focuses on the risks and challenges tied to Generative AI, emphasizing data privacy and security concerns. Participants will explore ethical issues like bias and transparency that can influence AI outputs, along with regulatory and compliance challenges. The session highlights the importance of proper oversight and management of Generative AI technologies. Attendees will learn how to navigate the complexities of Generative AI to ensure responsible and ethical use. Speakers: Peter Dewar, President, Linea Secure Nate Haws, Associate Principal Consultant, Linea Solutions |
| 11:15 AM–12:00 PM |
Prompt Engineering 101 This session will teach attendees how to effectively communicate with AI chatbots by crafting clear and precise prompts. Participants will learn best practices for guiding AI responses to achieve desired outcomes efficiently and accurately. Attendees will gain practical skills for improving interactions with AI, enhancing their ability to achieve targeted results. Speakers: Heath Simpson, Senior Consultant, Linea Solutions Madison Rose, Associate Consultant, Linea Solutions William Erario, Senior Consultant, Linea Solutions |
| 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | NETWORKING LUNCH | Stir |
| 1:15 PM–2:45 PM |
Governance and Oversight of AI Initiatives This session addresses the critical governance and oversight of AI initiatives, with a focus on establishing robust AI policies and guidelines. Participants will explore industry examples that showcase key considerations in managing AI, including the development of effective AI governance frameworks. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on managing AI initiatives and ensuring responsible AI use within their organizations. Speakers: Akio Tagawa, President / CEO, Linea Solutions Nate Haws, Associate Principal Consultant, Linea Solutions Joe Michael, Chief Information Officer, SBCERA |
| 2:15 PM–2:45 PM |
Interactive AI Trivia Team Challenge Get ready to put your AI knowledge to the test in this fun and fast-paced team trivia challenge! Using Mentimeter, participants will compete to answer AI-themed trivia questions, fostering both learning and collaboration in an exciting, interactive format. Speakers: Akio Tagawa, President / CEO, Linea Solutions
Nate Haws, Associate Principal Consultant, Linea Solutions
Heath Simpson, Senior Consultant, Linea Solutions
Madison Rose, Associate Consultant, Linea Solutions
William Erario, Senior Consultant, Linea Solutions
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| 5:00 PM–6:00 PM | UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS NETWORKING RECEPTION | Rose Lawn |
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
| 7:00 AM–12:00 PM | REGISTRATION | Crystal Ballroom Foyer |
| 7:00 AM–8:00 AM | BREAKFAST | Stir |
| 8:00 AM–10:00 AM |
DAY 2 – PRIVATE CREDIT | Valencia Ballroom 6 |
| 8:00 AM–9:00 AM |
Overview of the Private Credit Landscape This session provides a comprehensive overview of the various categories within private lending strategies. It covers key terminology used in the private lending market and introduces the main market participants involved. The session also delves into return expectations and risk considerations associated with different private lending strategies. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of private lending strategies, empowering them to make informed decisions when selecting and managing private lending investments. Speaker: Doug Moseley, Partner, NEPC |
| 9:00 AM–10:00 AM |
Direct Lending Manager Panel The Corporate Direct Lending market has experienced rapid growth over the past five years, with new managers entering the space and established players scaling up their activity. In this session, a panel of managers will discuss expected returns, associated risks, and the processes involved in sourcing and underwriting private corporate loans in the middle-market. Moderator: Doug Moseley, Partner, NEPC
Speakers: Laura Stolfi, Churchill Asset Management (a Nuveen affiliate) Kenneth Fahrman, Monroe Capital
|
| 10:00 AM–10:30 AM | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:30 AM–11:15 AM | Overview of Asset-Based Lending This session will provide an in-depth look at asset-based lending strategies, focusing on loans secured by cash-flowing assets such as aircraft, ships, intellectual property, pipelines, and other infrastructure assets. Attendees will gain insights into how these assets support borrowing and lending decisions, ensuring security through underlying asset value. Speaker TBD |
| 11:15 AM–12:00 PM |
Opportunities / Outlook for Real Estate Lending This session explores the real estate lending sector, the most established area within private credit. Over the past 5-7 years, the market has shifted from a period of low interest rates and rising property values to one characterized by higher rates and declining values in sectors such as office and retail. These changes have significantly impacted both the return and risk profiles for investors. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on how to adjust investment strategies in the real estate lending market in response to new economic conditions. Speaker: Eric Cannon, Managing Director, Deputy Portfolio Manager, American Realty Advisors |
| 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | NETWORKING LUNCH | Stir |
| 1:15 PM–2:00 PM |
Trustee/staff Panel on Establishing Private Credit Allocations In this session, trustees who have successfully established and expanded allocations to Private and Opportunistic Credit will share their experiences. The panel will cover their risk and return expectations, strategies for allocating to different sub-sectors of the market, and their approach to selecting managers and pacing commitments to build their portfolios. Attendees will gain practical insights for establishing and managing private credit allocations. Moderator: Doug Moseley, Partner, NEPC
Speakers: Liam Guilfoyle, Trustee, NYC Fire Pension Fund
Adele Lopez Tagaloa, Trustee, Orange County Employees Retirement System
Richard White, Executive Director, Illinois Police Officers' Pension Investment Fund
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| 2:00 PM | CLOSING REMARKS Hank Kim, NCPERS |
CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS
By attending PATS, you can earn up to 9 continuing education hours towards your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state mandated continuing education requirements.
PATS HIGHLIGHTS
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) SPONSOR
NCPERS is accredited by the State Pension Review Board as a Minimum Educational Training (MET) sponsor for Texas public retirement systems. This accreditation does not constitute an endorsement by the Board as to the quality of our MET program.
PATS HIGHLIGHTS
- Engaging Dialogue and Interaction: At PATS, we believe that learning is enhanced through interaction and dialogue. Connect with fellow trustees from across the nation, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful conversations that enrich your understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the world of pension plan governance.
- Expert Guidance: Benefit from the wisdom and expertise of renowned thought leaders in the field. Our faculty comprises seasoned professionals and industry experts who are committed to equipping you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your role as a trustee.
- Intimate Format: PATS is designed to foster a close-knit learning environment. With a limited number of participants, you'll have ample opportunities to engage with faculty and fellow attendees, ensuring a tailored and personalized learning experience.
- Timely and Relevant Themes: Each year PATS features two crucial topics that are not only timely and relevant, but crucial to a trustee's professional development.
- Unparalleled Learning Opportunities: Delve into two carefully selected themes that hold immense significance for pension plan trustees. Each year, our program focuses on dynamic topics, ensuring that you stay ahead of the curve and well-versed in the latest industry trends.
- Networking: Connect, share ideas and best practices with your colleagues and or clients at the conference.
NCPERS is recognized as a learning provider and is a sponsor of continuing education in several states.