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Annual Retirement Policy Conference

Bringing together policymakers, researchers, experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders to examine the latest trends, challenges, and solutions shaping retirement security in America.

Public Employees & Worker Retention

Registration Now Open

17th Annual Retirement Policy Conference | Securing Retirement for Future Generations

March 2 – 3, 2026 | Washington, D.C. 

The National Institute on Retirement Security hosts an annual conference to engage retirement policy experts from across the country in a discussion on how to improve the retirement security outlook for all Americans.

Exclusive to NIRS members and special invited guests, the conference includes executive-level representatives from the nation’s largest public and private sector pension plans, the financial services industry, policymakers, academics, and other experts. Speakers include leaders in government policy, financial services, retirement plans, and trade associations.

The 2026 policy conference will begin with a reception on Monday, March 2, 2026, followed by a full day of keynotes and panel discussions on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. The event will be held at the Park Hyatt Washington D.C. We invite you to register for the event and security your lodging.

Register Here

Secure Lodging at the Park Hyatt

Please note that registration is only open to members and invited guests.

Keynote Speakers

Christian Weller headshot

Dr. Christian Weller

Professor of Public Policy and Department Chair, Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Boston

U.S. Capitol at night

Agenda

The National Institute on Retirement Security 17th Annual Retirement Policy Conference

Monday, March 2, 2026

5:30 PM         Opening Reception

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

8:00 AM        Breakfast

9:00 AM        Welcome  | Michael Hairston, NIRS Board Vice Chair

9:15 AM        Keynote | Social Security at the Crossroads

Honorable Martin O’Malley, Former Social Security Commissioner and Governor of Maryland

9:45 AM        Panel | Putting the Squeeze on Retirement

Kathryn Edwards, Labor Economist, Host of Optimist Economy Podcast

Jessica Lautz, National Association of Realtors Deputy Chief Economist 

Michelle Singletary, Washington Post Personal Finance Columnist

Moderator: Nancy Marshall-Genzer, Marketplace Correspondent

10:45 AM      Networking Break

11:00 AM      Keynote  | Navigating Growing Uncertainty

Dr. Christian Weller, Professor of Public Policy and Department Chair, University of Massachusetts Boston

11:45 AM      Networking Lunch & Book Signing

1:00 PM         Panel | Approaching Full Funding: Public Plan Considerations

Katie Comstock, Aon Partner and Head of Public Sector Solutions

Joe Newton, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company Pension Market Leader

Todd Tauzer, Segal Senior Vice President

Moderator: Dan Doonan, NIRS Executive Director

2:00 PM         Panel | The Retirement System Gen X Inherited and How It’s Failing Them

Dan Doonan, NIRS Executive Director

Kerry Hannon, Author of Retirement Bites: A Gen X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future

Jason Fichtner, LIMRA Alliance for Lifetime Income Executive Director

Moderator: Stephanie Dhue, CNBC Senior Producer

3:00 PM         Keynote  |  Strengthening Retirement Security Through the WISH Act

Honorable Thomas Suozzi, U.S. Representative for New York’s Third Congressional District

3:15 PM         Closing | Dan Doonan, NIRS Executive Director

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Learn About NIRS Membership

Interested in attending the 2026 Retirement Policy Conference? Join NIRS today.