Schedule-At-A-Glance
(As of November 25, 2025)
TUESDAY, MARCH 3
12:30 pm–2:30 pm
Optional Activity: Private Tour of Edison Ford Winter Estates
*Complimentary but only 18 spaces available
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 18 spaces available
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
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
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
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4
7:00 am–5:00 pm
Registration Desk Open
7:30 am–8:30 am
Breakfast
All Day
Beverage Services
8:30 am–8:45 am
Opening Remarks
CSF Chair: Chris McGee, General Counsel, Commonwealth Savers Plan
8:45 am–9:45 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
- Rose Mary Becchi, Tax Counsel, Majority Staff, Senate Finance Committee
- Randy Hardock, Partner, Davis & Harman LLP
- 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!
9:45 am–10:00 am
Coffee Break
10:00 am–11:00 am
LLRA Session
Introduction
TBA
Speakers
TBA
LLRA Session
Introduction
TBA
Speakers
- Reagan Anderson, Senior Vice President, Government & Regulatory Affairs, Capital Group
- Leslie Crudele, Government Relations Director, Commonwealth Savers Plan
- Mike Hadley, Partner, Davis & Harman
TBA
11:00 am–11:15 am
Coffee Break
11:15 am–12:15 pm
Building Bright Futures II: Integrating 529s with Financial Wellness
Moderator
Regina Carmon, Tuition Financing 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, Tuition Financing Relationship Manager, Education Savings, TIAA
Panelists
- Yvette Haring, Director, TIAA
- Tricia Scarlata, Head of Education Savings, JP Morgan Asset Management
- 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.
12:15 pm–1:15 pm
Lunch
1:15 pm–2:15 pm
Fireside Chat Session
Moderator
Liz Fontaine, Assistant Executive Director, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority
Speaker
Melanie Storey, President & CEO, NASFAA
Description
TBA
Fireside Chat Session
Moderator
Liz Fontaine, Assistant Executive Director, Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority
Speaker
Melanie Storey, President & CEO, NASFAA
Description
TBA
2:15 pm–2:30 pm
Coffee Break
2:30 pm–3:30 pm
Capital Markets Session
Introduction
TBA
Speaker
Emily Roland, Co-Chief Strategist, John Hancock Investment Management
Description
TBA
Capital Markets Session
Introduction
TBA
Speaker
Emily Roland, Co-Chief Strategist, John Hancock Investment Management
Description
TBA
3:30 pm–3:45 pm
Coffee Break
3:45 pm–4:30 pm
Navigating the Higher Education Landscape: Costs, Careers, and Smart Financing Strategies
Moderator
TBA
Panelists
TBA
Description
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
TBA
Panelists
TBA
Description
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.
4:30 pm–5:00 pm
MSRB Session
Introduction
TBA
Speakers
TBA
Description
TBA
MSRB Session
Introduction
TBA
Speakers
TBA
Description
TBA
5:00 pm
Adjournment
5:30 pm–7:30 pm
Evening Reception
9:00 pm–11:00 pm
Late Night at Chips Sports Pub
*Complimentary but only 80 spaces available
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
8:30 am–9:30 am
Advisor Session
Moderator
TBA
Panelists
TBA
Description
TBA
Advisor Session
Moderator
TBA
Panelists
TBA
Description
TBA
9:30 am–10:00 am
Investment Trends within 529s
Moderator
Soohyang Lee, Vice President, AKF Consulting Group
Panelists
TBA
Investment Trends within 529s
Moderator
Soohyang Lee, Vice President, AKF Consulting Group
Panelists
- Michael Swink, Investment Director, Commonwealth Savers
- Richard O’Neill, Managing Principal/Consultant, Meketa
TBA
10:00 am–10:30 am
Break and Check Out
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
TBA
Description
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
TBA
Description
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
TBA
Description
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
TBA
Description
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