Honorable Martin O'Malley
Former Social Security Commissioner and Governor of Maryland
Bringing together policymakers, researchers, experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders to examine the latest trends, challenges, and solutions shaping retirement security in America.

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.
Secure Lodging at the Park Hyatt
Please note that registration is only open to members and invited guests.
Former Social Security Commissioner and Governor of Maryland
U.S. Representative for New York’s 3rd Congressional District
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Professor of Public Policy and Department Chair, Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts Boston
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
Interested in attending the 2026 Retirement Policy Conference? Join NIRS today.