PATS Agenda
FINAL AGENDA
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25
| 7:00 AM–3:00 PM | REGISTRATION | OPH West Foyer – 9th Floor |
| 7:00 AM–8:00 AM | BREAKFAST | OPH West Foyer – 9th Floor |
| 8:00 AM–3:00 PM | DAY 1 – REAL ASSETS—REAL ESTATE AND INFRASTRUCTURE | Hemisphere Dancer – 9th Floor |
| 8:00 AM–8:15 AM | Welcome and Introduction Hank Kim, Executive Director, NCPERS |
| 8:15 AM-9:15 AM |
Real Assets 101: What They Are and Why They Matter
This session provides a foundational overview of real assets, focusing on key categories such as real estate, infrastructure, commodities, and other tangible investments. This fireside chat will highlight how these assets differ from traditional investments and the unique value they offer. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of how real assets function.
SPEAKERS Avery Robinson, Callan Christopher McDonough, Investment Performance Services Rosemary Guillette, Segal Marco |
| 9:15 AM-10:00 AM |
The State of the Market: Risk, Trends, & Opportunities
This session takes a closer look at real estate within the real assets category, examining current market risks, long-term trends, and emerging investment opportunities. This session will explore practical considerations for public pensions, including risk-return profiles, market cycles, and portfolio implementation strategies. Attendees will gain insights to help assess and refine their fund’s real estate exposure.
SPEAKER Avery Robinson, Callan |
| 10:00 AM-10:15 AM | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:15 AM-11:00 AM |
This session focuses on infrastructure as a core real asset, with a discussion of global and domestic investment trends, regulatory and political influences, and long-term growth drivers. Experts will share perspectives on how public pension plans are approaching infrastructure allocation and managing risk in this evolving sector. Attendees will be better equipped to evaluate infrastructure investments in the context of their fund’s long-term goals.
SPEAKER Brian Collett, I Squared Valentine Whittaker, I Squared |
| 11:00 AM-11:45 AM |
This interactive session introduces farmland as a real asset opportunity beyond traditional real estate. Participants will learn about the characteristics, risks, and portfolio fit of investing in agriculture compared to real estate. Through facilitated discussion and group voting, trustees will weigh the merits of incorporating farmland into a public pension fund context. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how farmland, as a less traditional real asset, can support diversification and long-term investment objectives.
SPEAKER Clint Leman, US Agriculture |
| 11:45 AM -12:00 PM |
Gamification Recap: Real Assets Lightning Round
Fast-paced team quiz to reinforce key concepts from the morning. Features bonus questions drawn from earlier sessions with points added to team totals.
FACILITATOR Jessica Ransome, NCPERS |
| 12:00 PM–1:00 PM | NETWORKING LUNCH | OPH West Foyer – 9th Floor |
| 1:15 PM–2:00 PM
|
Trustees review and critique a mock real asset investment opportunity. Teams identify red flags, ask oversight questions, and make a final allocation recommendation. Real-time scoring by facilitator.
SPEAKER Brian Collett, I Squared Valentine Whittaker, I Squared |
| 2:00 PM–2:45 PM |
Real Assets Jeopardy
Interactive wrap-up game featuring categories from each session
FACILITATOR Jessica Ransome, NCPERS |
| 5:00 PM–6:00 PM | UNIVERSITY PROGRAMS NETWORKING RECEPTION | Salty Bar |
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26
| 7:00 AM–12:00 PM | REGISTRATION | OPH West Foyer – 9th Floor |
| 7:00 AM–8:00 AM | BREAKFAST | OPH West Foyer – 9th Floor |
| 8:00 AM–3:00 PM |
DAY 2 – CYBERSECURITY | Hemisphere Dancer – 9th Floor |
| 8:00 AM–8:15 AM |
Welcome and Introduction
Opening remarks from program leadership, introducing the day’s theme and objectives.
SPEAKER Hank Kim, Executive Director, NCPERS |
| 8:15 AM–9:00 AM |
This session provides a foundational overview of cybersecurity, focusing on core policies and procedures that trustees need to understand. Participants will learn why cybersecurity matters to pension systems and how robust policies help protect member data and organizational integrity.
SPEAKER Peter Dewar, Linea Secure |
| 9:00 AM–9:45 AM |
Experts examine the current cyber-threat landscape, with emphasis on risks specific to public pension systems. The session explores the board’s role in oversight and governance, highlighting responsibilities in identifying risks, implementing protective measures, and safeguarding sensitive information.
SPEAKERS |
| 9:45 AM–10:15 AM |
In this practical session, attendees learn what to do when a breach or potential breach occurs. Topics include incident detection methods, mitigation strategies, required communications to affected members, and when to provide identity-theft protection. Real-world examples illustrate how to navigate crisis situations.
SPEAKERS Jeffrey Mills, Segal Michael Stoyanovich, Segal |
| 10:15 AM–10:30 AM | REFRESHMENT BREAK |
| 10:30 AM–11:15 AM |
This session addresses human risk factors within organizations, such as insider threats and social engineering. The presenter will discuss detection and mitigation strategies, including real-time monitoring and user-behavior analytics, and share best practices for cultivating a security-aware culture.
SPEAKER Doug Hislop, Soteria |
| 11:15 AM–11:45 AM |
Focusing on the growing problem of social engineering in contact centers, this session explores how to authenticate contacts, anticipate attack patterns, and leverage AI to detect fraudulent behavior. Attendees will gain actionable insights into training staff to recognize and prevent these attacks.
SPEAKER Jean Carlo Oviedo, ABL Technologies, LLC |
| 11:45 AM–12:00 PM |
Gamification Recap: Cybersecurity Lightning Round
A fast-paced team quiz reinforces key concepts from the morning sessions. Participants compete for points and test their knowledge, with bonus questions drawn from earlier presentations.
FACILITATOR Jessica Ransome, NCPERS |
| 12:00 PM–1:00 PM |
NETWORKING LUNCH | OPH West Foyer – 9th Floor
|
| 1:15 PM–2:00 PM |
Cybersecurity Insurance & Vendor Requirements: Cost vs Value
This session demystifies cyber insurance, balancing coverage benefits against premium costs. This session will also discuss whether trustees should require vendors to carry cyber insurance, how to assess adequate coverage levels, and the impact these requirements can have on contract terms.
MODERATOR Laurie Mitchell, Tegrit SPEAKERS Jeffrey Mills, Segal Michael Stoyanovich, Segal |
| 2:00 PM–2:30 PM |
Trustee Oversight in Action: Cybersecurity Challenge & Phishing Simulation
In an interactive exercise, trustees review and respond to a simulated cyber incident. Teams identify vulnerabilities, make decisions about incident response, and participate in a phishing simulation. Real-time scoring and facilitator feedback highlight effective oversight practices.
FACILITATOR Jake Long, Linea Solutions |
| 2:30 PM–3:00 PM |
Cybersecurity Jeopardy: Wrap-up Game & Closing Discussion
This interactive wrap-up features a Jeopardy-style game covering categories from the day’s sessions. The game reinforces learning and leads into a brief closing discussion summarizing key takeaways and next steps for trustees.
GAME HOST Jake Long, Linea Solutions |
CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDITS
By attending PATS, you can earn up to 12 Continuing Education (CE) hours toward your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state-mandated continuing education requirements. CE credits are automatically recorded in your NCPERS membership account after the conference, where you can log in to download your CE certificate.
NCPERS is an accredited Minimum Educational Training (MET) sponsor for Texas public retirement systems, as recognized by the State Pension Review Board. This accreditation does not imply an endorsement by the Board regarding the quality of the MET program.
Additionally, NCPERS is a recognized learning provider and continuing education sponsor in multiple states. Attendees are encouraged to check with their state’s requirements to confirm CE eligibility.
PATS HIGHLIGHTS
NCPERS is an accredited Minimum Educational Training (MET) sponsor for Texas public retirement systems, as recognized by the State Pension Review Board. This accreditation does not imply an endorsement by the Board regarding the quality of the MET program.
Additionally, NCPERS is a recognized learning provider and continuing education sponsor in multiple states. Attendees are encouraged to check with their state’s requirements to confirm CE eligibility.
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.