Schedule-At-A-Glance
(As of February 11, 2026)
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
12:30 pm–2:30 pm
Optional Activity: Private Tour of Edison Ford Winter Estates
*Complimentary but only 23 spaces available – To be added to waitlist, please email mclaire@msp-amc.com
Sponsored by: SingleStone
Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind with colleagues, join us for a private guided tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates—an inspiring journey through the homes, gardens, museum, and laboratory that once belonged to two of America’s greatest innovators. To register for this event, be sure to add it when you register for the conference.
Optional Activity: Private Tour of Edison Ford Winter Estates
*Complimentary but only 23 spaces available – To be added to waitlist, please email mclaire@msp-amc.com
Sponsored by: SingleStone
Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or simply looking to unwind with colleagues, join us for a private guided tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates—an inspiring journey through the homes, gardens, museum, and laboratory that once belonged to two of America’s greatest innovators. To register for this event, be sure to add it when you register for the conference.
12:30 pm–2:30 pm
Optional Activity: Fort Myers Guided Scavenger Hunt
*Complimentary but only 23 spaces available – To be added to waitlist, please email mclaire@msp-amc.com
Sponsored by: T Rowe Price
Join your CSF colleagues in an exciting scavenger hunt through the vibrant streets of downtown Fort Meyers! This interactive adventure will take you on a journey to uncover hidden gems, historical landmarks, and local hotspots. This scavenger hunt is the perfect way to explore the city in a fun and engaging way. To register for this event, be sure to add it when you register for the conference.
Optional Activity: Fort Myers Guided Scavenger Hunt
*Complimentary but only 23 spaces available – To be added to waitlist, please email mclaire@msp-amc.com
Sponsored by: T Rowe Price
Join your CSF colleagues in an exciting scavenger hunt through the vibrant streets of downtown Fort Meyers! This interactive adventure will take you on a journey to uncover hidden gems, historical landmarks, and local hotspots. This scavenger hunt is the perfect way to explore the city in a fun and engaging way. To register for this event, be sure to add it when you register for the conference.
2:00 pm–5:30 pm
Registration Desk Open
3:30 pm–5:00 pm
Board Meeting
5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Opening Reception
Sponsored by: Franklin Templeton
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
7:00 am–5:00 pm
Registration Desk Open
7:30 am–8:30 am
Breakfast
Sponsored by: Ascensus
All Day
Beverage Services
Sponsored by: New York Life Stable Value
8:30 am–8:45 am
Opening Remarks
CSF Chair: Chris McGee, General Counsel, Commonwealth Savers Plan
8:45 am–10:00 am
529 Luminaries Tell the Genesis Story – 30 Years Later!
Moderator
John Hupalo, Director, Solomon Smith Barney*
Panelists
Description
Thirty years ago, a handful of innovators set out to make saving for college easier. These pioneering luminaries tell the real stories behind the policy, politics and people who set the stage for today’s 529 Savings Programs. How did they meet? What were the roadblocks and breakthroughs? They can tell all – the statute of limitations passed long ago!
529 Luminaries Tell the Genesis Story – 30 Years Later!
Moderator
John Hupalo, Director, Solomon Smith Barney*
Panelists
- Rosemary Becchi, Tax Counsel, Majority Staff, Senate Finance Committee*
- Randy Hardock, Tax Counsel, U.S. Senate Finance Committee*
- Robin Lott, Acting Director, Michigan Education Trust*
- Peter Mazareas, Executive Director, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority*
- Bill Montjoy, Executive Director, Florida Prepaid Postsecondary Education Expense Board*
Description
Thirty years ago, a handful of innovators set out to make saving for college easier. These pioneering luminaries tell the real stories behind the policy, politics and people who set the stage for today’s 529 Savings Programs. How did they meet? What were the roadblocks and breakthroughs? They can tell all – the statute of limitations passed long ago!
10:00 am–10:15 am
Coffee Break
Sponsored by: Manulife John Hancock Investments
10:15 am–11:15 am
The Current Legislative and Political Landscape
Speakers
CSF’s LLRA chairs and lobbying firm give their perspectives on all aspects of 529 specific issues, including legislative and regulatory proposals, prospects for additional tax legislation, and shifting dynamics on the Hill. They will also discuss the benefits of participating in the CSF Hill Visits.
The Current Legislative and Political Landscape
Speakers
- Leslie Crudele, Government Relations Director, Commonwealth Savers Plan
- Chris Gaston, Principal, Director of Government Relations, Davis & Harman
- Mike Hadley, Partner, Davis & Harman
CSF’s LLRA chairs and lobbying firm give their perspectives on all aspects of 529 specific issues, including legislative and regulatory proposals, prospects for additional tax legislation, and shifting dynamics on the Hill. They will also discuss the benefits of participating in the CSF Hill Visits.
11:15 am–11:30 am
Coffee Break
11:30 am–12:30 pm
Building Bright Futures II: Integrating 529s with Financial Wellness
Moderator
Regina Carmon, Relationship Manager, Education Savings, TIAA
Panelists
Financial wellness integrated with 529s can be of greater value—for both the employer and employees. This session highlights ways to improve retention and enhance company benefits in most cases at no additional cost to the employer. We will cover financial wellness synergies, strategic communications, and data-driven measurements.
Building Bright Futures II: Integrating 529s with Financial Wellness
Moderator
Regina Carmon, Relationship Manager, Education Savings, TIAA
Panelists
- Yvette Haring, Senior Director, TIAA
- Katie Montoni, Marketing Manager, JP Morgan Chase
- Angela Williams, Director, Institutional Relationship Management, Ascensus
Financial wellness integrated with 529s can be of greater value—for both the employer and employees. This session highlights ways to improve retention and enhance company benefits in most cases at no additional cost to the employer. We will cover financial wellness synergies, strategic communications, and data-driven measurements.
12:30 pm–2:00 pm
Lunch
Sponsored by: Commonwealth Savers Plan
2:00 pm–3:00 pm
Capital Market Update – Market Outlook
Speaker
Emily Roland, Co-Chief Strategist, Manulife John Hancock Investment
Description
This session will include a market outlook on a range of asset classes leveraging views of the network of asset managers for John Hancock Investment Management, including risks and opportunities with the markets and the outlook for 2026.
Capital Market Update – Market Outlook
Speaker
Emily Roland, Co-Chief Strategist, Manulife John Hancock Investment
Description
This session will include a market outlook on a range of asset classes leveraging views of the network of asset managers for John Hancock Investment Management, including risks and opportunities with the markets and the outlook for 2026.
3:00 pm–3:15 pm
Coffee Break
Sponsored by: BlackRock
3:15 pm–4:15 pm
Navigating the Higher Education Landscape: Costs, Careers, and Smart Financing Strategies
Moderator
Mary Nickeson, Senior Vice President, Invite Education
Panelists
Unlock critical insights into the evolving world of higher education. Join our panel of industry experts as they demystify actual college costs and reveal the latest demographic trends in student enrollment. We will dive into emerging patterns in financial aid and innovative ways families are funding education today. Discover the tangible value of a degree with a look at differences in earnings and employment patterns across various education levels, underscoring the enduring benefits of higher education. With the advantages of 529 plans continuing to expand, this session is essential for future planning.
Navigating the Higher Education Landscape: Costs, Careers, and Smart Financing Strategies
Moderator
Mary Nickeson, Senior Vice President, Invite Education
Panelists
- Jennifer Ma, Executive Director of Policy Research, The College Board
- Jorge Lopez, Associate Vice President for Student Success Initiatives, Florida Gulf Coast University
Unlock critical insights into the evolving world of higher education. Join our panel of industry experts as they demystify actual college costs and reveal the latest demographic trends in student enrollment. We will dive into emerging patterns in financial aid and innovative ways families are funding education today. Discover the tangible value of a degree with a look at differences in earnings and employment patterns across various education levels, underscoring the enduring benefits of higher education. With the advantages of 529 plans continuing to expand, this session is essential for future planning.
4:15 pm–5:00 pm
MSRB Overview & Regulatory Updates
Speakers
Abha Mohla, Director, Market Regulation (Legal), Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board
Description
Introduction to MSRB’s role with 529 plans and an overview of MSRB’s rulemaking initiatives, including MSRB’s concept release on potential modernization of delivery of plan disclosure documents and time of trade disclosure obligations for 529 plans.
MSRB Overview & Regulatory Updates
Speakers
Abha Mohla, Director, Market Regulation (Legal), Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board
Description
Introduction to MSRB’s role with 529 plans and an overview of MSRB’s rulemaking initiatives, including MSRB’s concept release on potential modernization of delivery of plan disclosure documents and time of trade disclosure obligations for 529 plans.
5:00 pm
Adjournment
5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Evening Reception
Sponsored by: Vestwell
9:00 pm–11:00 pm
Late Night at Chips Sports Pub
*Complimentary but only 80 spaces available – To be added to waitlist, please email mclaire@msp-amc.com.
Sponsored by: TIAA
Keep the energy going after hours at Chips Sports Pub, conveniently located right in the hotel! Test your skills on interactive TopGolf simulators and dive into a world of virtual games. Challenge your fellow CSF members to epic showdowns in Zombie Dodgeball, hockey, baseball, football, and even carnival classics. Don’t miss out and get ready for a night of friendly competition and unforgettable laughs!To register for this event, be sure to add it when you register for the conference.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5
7:00 am–12:30 pm
Registration Desk Open
7:30 am–8:30 am
Breakfast
Sponsored by: Capital Group
8:30 am–9:30 am
Thirty Years of 529s: Advisors and Their Partners Reflect on Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going
Moderator
Brian Parker, Director of 529 College Savings, Manulife John Hancock Investments
Panelists
A panel of advisors and their partners will discuss how 529s have evolved over the last 30 years and what they anticipate for the near future.
Thirty Years of 529s: Advisors and Their Partners Reflect on Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and Where We Are Going
Moderator
Brian Parker, Director of 529 College Savings, Manulife John Hancock Investments
Panelists
- Patrick Donoghue MBA, CFP®, CRPC™, CEPA®, Private Wealth Advisor, Ameriprise Financial
- Stephen Jobe, Founder, SRJ Consulting LLC
- Rob Tirrell, 529 Sales Director, Principal Asset Management
A panel of advisors and their partners will discuss how 529s have evolved over the last 30 years and what they anticipate for the near future.
9:30 am–10:00 am
Investment Trends within 529s
Moderator
Soohyang Lee, Vice President, AKF Consulting Group
Panelists
As the 529 industry continues to evolve, understanding key investment trends is crucial for States and their partners who act as fiduciaries for programs. This panel will explore key trends and the latest thinking around portfolio construction, management styles, underlying investments, and investment menu, with insights into market conditions and consumer demand. Topics include the growing dominance of AI in equity markets, the balancing act between active and passive management, rise of alternatives such as private real estate, debt, and equity. We will also discuss the impact of fees and Morningstar’s ratings on the investment decisions facing 529 programs. Join us for a robust discussion to think about how best to navigate today’s 529 investment landscape.
Investment Trends within 529s
Moderator
Soohyang Lee, Vice President, AKF Consulting Group
Panelists
- Michael Swink, Investment Director, Commonwealth Savers Plan
- Richard O’Neill, Managing Principal/Consultant, Meketa
As the 529 industry continues to evolve, understanding key investment trends is crucial for States and their partners who act as fiduciaries for programs. This panel will explore key trends and the latest thinking around portfolio construction, management styles, underlying investments, and investment menu, with insights into market conditions and consumer demand. Topics include the growing dominance of AI in equity markets, the balancing act between active and passive management, rise of alternatives such as private real estate, debt, and equity. We will also discuss the impact of fees and Morningstar’s ratings on the investment decisions facing 529 programs. Join us for a robust discussion to think about how best to navigate today’s 529 investment landscape.
10:00 am–10:30 am
Break and Check Out
Sponsored by: Invesco
10:30 am–11:15 am
How Far We’ve Come: Expanded Uses of 529s
Moderator
Edward Kaminski CIMA®, AIF®, Corporate Vice President – Business Consultant, New York Life Stable Value
Panelists
This session brings together key industry leaders to discuss the recent legislative changes regarding the expanded use of 529s. Discover the value of effective strategic marketing campaigns and tactics to drive broader consumer awareness and growth for 529s. Hear the latest advancements in product innovation to meet the growing needs of 529 programs while ensuring operational capabilities meet the demand of account owners. This session brings together state and program managers alike to share how they are optimizing on this enhancement to 529s.
How Far We’ve Come: Expanded Uses of 529s
Moderator
Edward Kaminski CIMA®, AIF®, Corporate Vice President – Business Consultant, New York Life Stable Value
Panelists
- Mark Cain, Executive Director, my529
- Kerri Haspert, Senior Marketing Manager, T. Rowe Price
- Angela Williams, Director, Institutional Relationship Management, Ascensus
This session brings together key industry leaders to discuss the recent legislative changes regarding the expanded use of 529s. Discover the value of effective strategic marketing campaigns and tactics to drive broader consumer awareness and growth for 529s. Hear the latest advancements in product innovation to meet the growing needs of 529 programs while ensuring operational capabilities meet the demand of account owners. This session brings together state and program managers alike to share how they are optimizing on this enhancement to 529s.
11:15 am–12:00 pm
Beyond the Hype: Real AI Use Cases in the 529 Industry
Moderator
Jordan Lee, CEO, Backer and Saving For College
Panelists
In just a few short years, AI has evolved from novelty to necessity, transforming how we work, communicate, and make decisions. This session explores how 529 plans and their partners are putting AI to work today – from customer-facing chatbots and voice agents that enhance service, to back-office automation and next-generation marketing tools. Discover what’s working now, what’s on the horizon, and how to prepare your organization for the changes ahead.
Beyond the Hype: Real AI Use Cases in the 529 Industry
Moderator
Jordan Lee, CEO, Backer and Saving For College
Panelists
- Cameron Arnold, Product Manager, Ascensus
- Jeff McCurry, President and COO, St. John
- Will Thompson, Deputy Executive Director, Florida Prepaid College Board
In just a few short years, AI has evolved from novelty to necessity, transforming how we work, communicate, and make decisions. This session explores how 529 plans and their partners are putting AI to work today – from customer-facing chatbots and voice agents that enhance service, to back-office automation and next-generation marketing tools. Discover what’s working now, what’s on the horizon, and how to prepare your organization for the changes ahead.
12:00 pm–12:15 pm
Closing Remarks
CSF Chair: Chris McGee, General Counsel, Commonwealth Savers Plan
12:15 pm
Adjournment/Box Lunch to Go
Sponsored by: JP Morgan