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The 2025 Western Benefits Conference brought retirement industry leaders together August 27–28 in Newport Beach, CA, with the theme “Staying Current on the Coast: Preparing for What’s Next.” Hosted by the Western Pension & Benefits Council for the third consecutive year, the conference featured ten sessions spanning regulatory updates, ERISA litigation, plan sponsor insights, digital risk, and the evolving role of AI. A keynote from Fred Reish and panels with former government officials and industry leaders provided a forward look at challenges and opportunities. Key takeaways included the impact of increased longevity on financial wellness and lifetime income, and the promise and hurdles of AI-driven personalization. Attendees—ranging from attorneys and actuaries to advisors and plan sponsors—benefited from both high-level content and valuable networking. Planning is already underway for the 2026 conference, with details to be announced soon.