The virtual 2022 CSPN Prepaid Mini Conference (MiniCon) is scheduled from 1:00 – 5:00 PM ET on February 23 and 24. The MiniCon will be held using the Zoom “meetings” platform to provide a conversational and engaging environment for participants. Below is an overview of the four planned virtual sessions (two on each day). Return to this page for more details as they are available, including the full speaker/panelist lineup.
Note: in order to attend the MiniCon, you will need to use the Zoom links provided below or download and import the Icalendar (.ics) files to your calendar using the info & link below.
Mini-Con Session Overview
February 23 – 1:00 – 4:00 pm ET https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84934882661?pwd=VW55QUpZQVg1cTgwblVROVFkTlkxZz09
Mini-Con Content for Download
PDF of Slide Deck used for the MiniCon
2022 Mini-Con Prepaid One Pager Data
| 1:00 p.m. – 1:35 p.m. | Welcome and Overview
Presenters: Alisa Ferguson, Virgina529 and Luke Minor, WA529 |
| 1:35 p.m. – 1:40 p.m. | Break |
| 1:40 p.m. – 2:50 p.m.
|
The Changing Landscape Pt. I: The Shifting National and State Trends Affecting Prepaids
Moderator: Robin Lott, Michigan Department of Treasury Panelists: Tom Graf, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority Lael Oldmixon, Alaska 529 Dave Richardson, TIAA The landscape for prepaid plans continues to morph and this evolution has only quickened in the face of a global pandemic. This session will explore various shifts in external forces that are impacting prepaid plans – including state and national higher education policy issues, recent federal 529 changes, legislative and funding priorities, and the current global pandemic. We’ll discuss options and examine how prepaid plans can respond. |
| 2:50 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Break |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Ask an Actuary
Moderator: Matt Smith, Washington State Actuary Panelists: Alan Perry, Milliman, Inc. Dan Sherman, Sherman Actuarial Services Paul Wood, Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company (GRS) Since we know that the actuaries are usually the smartest and (yes) the wittiest folks in the room, why not spend an hour picking their brains? This session is sure to enlighten even the most seasoned prepaid plan administrators as we dig deep into various issues impacting the health and outlook for prepaid plans. Topics will include monitoring and responding to changes in funding levels (especially newer considerations around historically high funding levels), setting structures and models, and reviewing practices and assumptions through experience studies and independent audit/reviews. |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | BONUS Session: Networking Breakout Room
Join us immediately following the day’s planned sessions to catch up with your colleagues in this informal networking session. Multiple breakout rooms will be available and open until 5:00pm ET. |
Day 2 – Thursday, February 24, 2022
| 1:00 p.m. | Welcome – Alisa Ferguson, Virgina529 and Luke Minor, WA529
· Recap of Day 1 |
| 1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
|
The Changing Landscape Pt. II: Keeping Prepaids Relevant in an Evolving World
Moderator: Soohyang Lee, AKF Consulting Panelists: Heather Birnie, PA529 Carolyn Bishop, Virginia 529 Erin Layton, Maryland 529 This session will focus on how prepaid plans are adapting to the shifting external forces discussed in Part I. The conversation will focus on new and innovative approaches to reexamining product offerings, adjusting investment strategies, responding to historically high funding levels, and other enhancements that can help keep prepaid plans fresh and relevant. |
| 2:30 p.m. – 2:40 p.m. | Break |
| 2:40 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. | Pumping up Prepaid Participation: Telling the Story and Building the Coalition
Facilitator: Rodger O’Connor, WA529 Presenters: Martha Bullock, Florida Prepaid College Board Zach Cochran, Door No. 3 Joanne Dashiell, Private College 529 This session will focus on best practices around marketing prepaid plans. Topics will include how best to position prepaids alongside savings/investment plans, ideal marketing channels in an increasingly digital environment, and how to build inroads into various networks to amplify messaging and demonstrate how prepaids can add value to state-level higher education, student aid, and financial education policy initiatives. |
| 3:50 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Close Out and Recap |
| 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | BONUS Session: Networking Breakout Room
Join us immediately following the day’s planned sessions to catch up with your colleagues in this informal networking session. Multiple breakout rooms will be available and open until 5:00pm ET. |
This MiniCon is curated for both states and corporate affiliates who administer prepaid tuition plans, but we would also like to stress that the invitation is open to and may benefit all CSPN members. We look forward to seeing you and discussing topical issues impacting prepaid plans and how states are continuing to adapt to keep their plans relevant in a changing world.
No registration is required to participate in the Minicon.
Simply use the following Zoom information
CSPN Prepaid MiniCon
Time: Feb 23, 2022 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Every day, until Feb 24, 2022, 2 occurrence(s)
Feb 23, 2022 01:00 PM
Feb 24, 2022 01:00 PM
Use this link to download and import an iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/tZAkdO2gpjksHNXU7pmnNkRA30vT4JZ5H1hp/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGspzguEtyXth-GRpwIHYjCLPzxiHpdgo1lqUj1Di59aTHXZbJUBuZVKo34
or use this link on the day of the event to participate:
Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84934882661?pwd=VW55QUpZQVg1cTgwblVROVFkTlkxZz09
Meeting ID: 849 3488 2661
Passcode: 529
One tap mobile +13126266799,,84934882661#,,,,*529#