Nearing the Summit

 Last year, we took some family to the nearby Great Smoky Mountains in search of a waterfall of note — one that the guidebooks said was “readily accessible.” 

That said, it took longer than we thought — we’d come up around a curve on the mountain trail, sure that it would be right there —– only to find (just) another curve. As we crossed folks coming back down from the falls, we’d (breathlessly) ask — “how much further is it?” — and while the responses were varied in terms of their accuracy and descriptive depth, they all added “it’s worth it.” 

And you know what? It was.  

Well, believe it or not, we’re nearing another kind of summit; a week from today we’ll be about halfway through the 2025 NAPA 401(k) Summit. It’s later than “normal” this year — and it’s been a long-time coming. Indeed, your Summit Steering committee has spent nearly a year putting this all together — leveraging YOUR input on topics, each has aligned themselves with a specific workshop — literally “owning” that session. That means fleshing out the focus, lining up speakers/panelists, developing a core list of key takeaways, conducting trial runs/practices, and ultimately making sure that all the materials are in on time — and that on “game day” everybody shows up and does their part.

As a result, I can pretty much promise that you won’t be able to attend every session you’d like. In fact, I’d be surprised if you don’t find yourself torn between multiple sessions all going on at the same time throughout the event. This year, we’ve even added a “technical track” for those who want to get “down and dirty” with the details!

In fact, we do approach our content a bit differently than most, I think. While it’s gotten to be pretty common for events to boast of the pedigree of their steering bodies, many —perhaps most — are essentially no more than figureheads to the actual agenda development. They’re a group to whom the folks doing the “real” work of planning, structuring and implementing the event keep updated, mostly for a sense of validation and the occasional course correct. Oh, and so that the event can “show off” the luminaries that have agreed to lend their name (and face) to promote its bona fides. Trust me — this steering committee doesn’t just steer — they row!

There are, of course, a myriad of ways to build and structure events. Note here that I haven’t said a word about our keynotes, or even NAPA After Dark (that has, in just a few short years, emerged as the pinnacle of industry networking events). But, aside from the practical information, valuable insights, vibrant networking — and yes, world-class entertainment — it’s worth remembering that among all the (other) things that set the NAPA 401(k) Summit apart — unlike every other advisor conference out there — your NAPA 401(k) Summit registration helps support the activities of NAPA — your advocacy, information and education organization — not the bottom line of some corporate media organization or some private equity firm. NAPA not only informs and educates — it literally is your voice with regulatory agencies and legislative bodies both here in the nation’s capital — and across the nation.

There’s a new administration — one whose goals and objectives with regard to retirement policy are still emerging. And while I know to some it seems we say this every year — there are real concerns about the influence that fiscal policy might have on retirement plans, the implications for Social Security funding and benefits, and legislative initiatives that (still) seek to undermine the private retirement system. 

So, if you’re one of the record 3,000+ arriving in Las Vegas next week — please lend your voice, support the ARA PAC, and get ready to leave full of energy, ideas, and a renewed fervor to make a difference.[i] 

While you’re there, please stop me (I’ll likely be running) and say “hey!” Make sure to thank the Summit Steering committee when you see them — and the ARA/NAPA conference staff as well — cause something this big doesn’t even get off the ground without a LOT of careful/thoughtful planning and on-site execution! 

I can promise you that the views from OUR Summit will be worth the trip — and when you’re back home, you’ll want to remember to share that with the folks that haven’t made it there yet! 

  • Nevin E. Adams, JD

 

[i] And if you haven’t (yet) applied to be part of the NAPA DC Fly-In Forum — well, today would be a good day to do so before it fills up as well!

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