National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems

The Voice for Public Pensions

PATS Agenda

FINAL AGENDA
*as of 10/26/24*

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
 
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.

 
Session Facilitator: Doug Moseley, Partner, NEPC

Speakers:
Laura Stolfi, Managing Director, Senior Investment Strategist, Churchill Asset Management (a Nuveen affiliate)
Kenneth Fahrman, Managing Director, Monroe Capital
 
10:00 AM–10:30 AM  REFRESHMENT BREAK
 
10:30 AM–11:15 AM Overview of Asset-Based Finance
This session will provide an in-depth look at asset-based finance strategies, focusing cash-flowing financial assets such as leased equipment, licensed intellectual property, consumer loans and real estate mortgages. Attendees will gain insight into how these diverse pools of loans, leases and receivables support borrowing and lending decisions, ensuring security through contractual and predictable cashflows, often further secured by hard asset value. 

Speaker: Brendan Beer, Managing Director and Co-Portfolio Manager, Oaktree

 
11:15 AM–12:00 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.

 
Session Facilitator: Doug Moseley, Partner, NEPC

Speakers:
Adele Lopez Tagaloa, Trustee, Orange County Employees Retirement System
Richard White, Executive Director, Illinois Police Officers' Pension Investment Fund
Hank Kim, Executive Director, NCPERS

 
12:00 PM  CLOSING REMARKS
Hank Kim, NCPERS
 
12:00 PM–1:00 PM
 
NETWORKING LUNCH | Stir 
 


CONTINUING EDUCATION HOURS
By attending PATS, you can earn up to 8 continuing education (CE) hours towards your Accredited Fiduciary (AF) recertification and/or state mandated continuing education requirements.
 
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.

NCPERS is a recognized learning provider and a sponsor of continuing education across multiple states.

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.