Annual Conference 2026

Presentation of certificates to participants of the Trustee Accelerator Programme.

This session brings together the views of employers, trustees and members to reflect on the work of the Pensions Commission. Speakers will share perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the system, highlighting where stakeholder priorities align and where further progress is needed to deliver better outcomes for savers.

During this keynote address, the Pensions Minister will open the conference and share insights into the current pensions landscape. The session will provide a view of emerging trends and highlight the importance of collaboration as the industry navigates ongoing change.

Private markets continue to attract attention as a potential source of long-term value for savers. This session examines how access can be broadened responsibly, the importance of liquidity and transparency, and what trustees need to consider when assessing value for money in alternative assets.

Refreshments and a chance to exchange insights with peers.

Drawing on findings from Aptia’s latest research, Sarah Steel and Steph Gold will explore how people approaching retirement, and those already retired, make decisions about their pensions, and where they experience uncertainty or need additional support.

This session will examine the barriers to understanding and engagement, highlighting the moments that matter most in the retirement journey. It will demonstrate how clear, timely and member focused communications can improve outcomes, support vulnerable members, and help individuals make more informed and confident retirement choices."

Three months into the crisis in the Middle East, energy disruption is contributing to heightened global volatility, alongside concerns about inflation and slower growth. Understanding the potential impact of these economic conditions is essential for pension schemes when making decisions on risk and asset allocation. In this session, the panel will explore potential scenarios for inflation, growth, and monetary policy over the coming months. We will also discuss how different types of pension schemes may respond to these risks and consider approaches to building more resilient portfolios.

Strong trustee capability underpins good governance and better member outcomes. This session explores accreditation, diversity and continuous learning, and considers how schemes can raise standards while supporting trustees at different stages of their development.

Take a break to enjoy lunch and continue conversations from the morning.

With increasing focus on joined-up regulation, this session looks at how the Pensions Regulator and the Financial Conduct Authority are aligning their priorities. Speakers will discuss what regulatory convergence means in practice, how supervisory clarity is evolving, and the implications for delivering member-focused outcomes.

As the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) and the wider Pensions Dashboards Programme move further into delivery and testing, pensions dashboards are becoming a key focus for schemes, providers and advisers across the industry. This session will explore the latest developments, practical lessons and operational considerations as the industry prepares for connection and ongoing compliance.

Effective stewardship goes beyond compliance and reporting. This session focuses on how schemes can translate stewardship principles into meaningful action, exploring practical examples of how engagement and voting can support long-term value and positive outcomes for members.

As more members approach retirement, schemes must support a wide range of needs and preferences. This session examines how decumulation solutions can be designed and delivered at scale, while remaining flexible, inclusive and focused on good member outcomes.

As the pensions industry shifts its focus from accumulation to retirement outcomes, the question is no longer simply how much members save, but how schemes help turn pension pots into sustainable retirement income. This session will explore the growing role of retirement defaults and guided income pathways in DC pensions, examining how schemes can balance flexibility, security and simplicity at scale. This session will consider what good retirement income design looks like in practice, the governance and operational challenges involved, and how the industry can deliver better post-retirement outcomes for increasingly diverse member needs.

The conference concludes with a keynote from Baroness Jeannie Drake, offering reflections on the progress made across the pensions landscape and the challenges that remain. Drawing on her extensive experience in pensions policy and advocacy, she will share insights on key priorities for the future, encouraging delegates to consider their role in driving better outcomes and shaping a more inclusive and sustainable system.