# Plan Auditor Conferences: Top Events in 2026 Source: https://planprovider.pro/blog/plan-auditor-conferences > Plan auditor conferences help retirement plan auditors stay current on EBP audits, Form 5500 rules, and DOL/IRS guidance. See top events. February 14, 2026 Plan auditor conferences are one of the best ways to stay current on employee benefit plan (EBP) audit standards, Form 5500 changes, and DOL expectations. Here are leading conferences (including NAPA) that plan auditors commonly attend—plus how plan sponsors can benefit from an auditor who invests in continuing education. Employee benefit plan (EBP) audits are a specialized corner of the audit world. Standards change, regulators update guidance, and retirement plan operations evolve—often faster than busy HR teams and business owners can track. That’s why **plan auditor conferences** matter: they’re where auditors sharpen their technical skills, learn what regulators are focusing on, and exchange practical ideas for running cleaner, more efficient audits. Below are well-known conferences and education events that retirement plan auditors commonly attend (including **NAPA**, which is primarily an advisor conference but draws auditors too). We’ll also cover what sponsors should look for in an auditor’s training, and how conference learnings can reduce audit friction and Form 5500 risk. ## Why plan auditor conferences matter (for sponsors, too) Even though conferences are “for auditors,” plan sponsors benefit when their auditor stays current. The best events focus on: - **Audit quality and standards** (including AICPA guidance for EBP audits) - **Form 5500 reporting** and common filing errors - **DOL/EBSA and IRS enforcement trends** - **Practical testing approaches** for eligibility, contributions, loans, distributions, and payroll controls - **New plan design and operational changes** that affect audit procedures If you’re new to the topic, start with [what a 401(k) audit is and when you need one](/blog/what-is-401k-audit), and keep a checklist handy from [what is needed for a 401(k) audit and where to find it](/blog/what-is-needed-for-401k-audit). Both can help you understand why auditor training directly impacts your timeline and stress level. ## Top plan auditor conferences auditors attend There isn’t one single “official” conference for every plan auditor, but there are several widely recognized events and education programs that show up repeatedly on auditors’ calendars. Here are six strong options to know about: - **NAPA 401(k) Summit (ASPPA/NAPA)** **Why auditors go:** While it’s known as an advisor and provider conference, auditors attend to stay close to industry trends—plan design changes, operational hot spots, and what sponsors and advisors are prioritizing. - **Best for:** Understanding real-world plan operations and where audit issues are likely to surface. - **AICPA Employee Benefit Plans Conference** **Why auditors go:** This is one of the most recognized events for EBP auditors, typically emphasizing audit methodology, standards, and technical updates. - **Best for:** Audit quality, accounting/auditing updates, and EBP-specific interpretations. - **AICPA Employee Benefit Plans Audit Quality Center (EBPAQC) Webinars & Annual Events** **Why auditors go:** EBPAQC programming is designed to improve EBP audit quality through training, tools, and emerging-issues updates. - **Best for:** Ongoing education throughout the year (not just one annual conference). - **ASPPA Annual Conference (American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries)** **Why auditors go:** Deep retirement plan technical content—especially valuable when auditors serve a mix of 401(k), 403(b), and defined benefit plans. - **Best for:** Plan operations knowledge that improves audit planning and reduces back-and-forth with sponsors. - **State CPA Society EBP Audit Conferences (varies by state)** **Why auditors go:** Many state CPA societies host EBP audit-focused conferences or annual A&A events with dedicated EBP tracks. - **Best for:** Regional networking and practical interpretations of national standards. - **EBSA/DOL Outreach & Compliance Assistance Events (U.S. Department of Labor)** **Why auditors go:** EBSA periodically hosts webinars and outreach sessions on fiduciary responsibilities and reporting. Auditors attend to understand regulator expectations and enforcement themes. - **Best for:** A regulator’s-eye view of compliance priorities. **Tip for sponsors:** When you interview firms, ask what EBP-specific training their audit team attends each year. You can also use our guide on [how to hire a retirement plan advisor](/blog/hire-retirement-plan-advisor) as a model for evaluating service providers—many of the same “due diligence” concepts apply to auditors. ## What sponsors should look for in an auditor who attends conferences Conference attendance is helpful, but the real question is whether the auditor applies what they learn. Here are practical indicators that training is translating into a better audit experience: - **Clear PBC lists** (“Provided By Client” requests) that don’t change every week - **Plan-specific risk assessment** (not a one-size-fits-all approach) - **Stronger coordination** with your recordkeeper and payroll provider - **Fewer surprises** late in the audit (e.g., eligibility or contribution timing issues found early) - **Better Form 5500 readiness** and smoother filing support If your audit is tied to your annual filing, it also helps to understand the filing itself. See [what a Form 5500 is](/blog/what-is-form-5500) and, if you’ve ever worried about deadlines, review [penalties for late or rejected Form 5500 audits](/blog/cost-and-penalties-for-late-or-rejected-form-5500-audits). ## How conferences connect to Form 5500, ERISA, and audit risk Many conference sessions focus on the intersection of audit work and regulatory expectations—especially around ERISA reporting and fiduciary responsibilities. Two sponsor-facing areas where this often shows up: - **Form 5500 audit attachments and timing:** If the audit isn’t completed on time, it can delay your filing and increase penalty exposure. - **Fidelity bonding (ERISA bond):** While the bond is not the same thing as fiduciary liability insurance, it’s a common compliance requirement for many plans. Learn more in [What Is An ERISA Bond And How To Buy One?](/blog/what-is-erisa-bond) and explore options via our [ERISA bond providers directory](/erisa-bonds). For sponsor reference, you can also review official guidance and resources directly from regulators, including the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) at [DOL.gov/EBSA](https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ebsa) and the EFAST2/Form 5500 filing system information at [EFAST.dol.gov](https://www.efast.dol.gov). ## Finding the right auditor (and the right fit) If you’re considering a new audit firm—or you’re approaching your first audit—start by matching the auditor to your plan type and complexity. You can browse: - [401(k) auditors](/auditors/401k) - [403(b) auditors](/auditors/403b) - [Defined benefit plan auditors](/auditors/defined-benefit) - [ESOP auditors](/auditors/esop) And if your audit process is being driven by broader plan governance improvements, it may help to involve the right partners—like a specialist advisor or ERISA counsel. Directories you may find useful include [401(k) financial advisors](/plan-advisors/401k), [retirement plan providers](/retirement-plans), and [ERISA attorneys](/erisa-attorneys). ## Conclusion: conferences are a signal of audit readiness Plan auditor conferences aren’t just networking events—they’re where auditors keep up with changing standards, learn what regulators are emphasizing, and refine the audit approaches that affect your time, cost, and filing risk. When your auditor invests in EBP-specific education (whether through AICPA programs, EBPAQC training, state society events, or industry conferences like NAPA), you’re more likely to get a smoother audit and fewer last-minute surprises. If you’re preparing for an upcoming audit, start with [what is needed for a 401(k) audit](/blog/what-is-needed-for-401k-audit), then consider comparing firms in our [401(k) auditors directory](/auditors/401k) to find a team that specializes in your type of plan. 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