Choosing the Right Investments: Balancing Innovation with Fiduciary Responsibility
Space is limited. Don't miss out!
Tuesday, November 18
Summit Rooms 8-9
6700 N Gaylord Rockies Blvd
About this session
Not all alternative investments are created equal—and in the retirement context, choosing the right strategies is critical. This session dives into the art and science of building retirement-appropriate portfolios with alternatives, exploring opportunity, risk, and what top investment advisors and consultants are looking for.
Topics include:
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Evaluating strategies for risk-adjusted performance and participant suitability
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Liquidity, gating, and valuation challenges in a daily-priced world
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Aligning fees with retirement plan expectations
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Building diversified portfolios that blend traditional and alternative assets
Beyond evaluation, this session shows you how to align the right alternative strategies with retirement plan objectives—and how to articulate their benefits in ways that resonate with sponsors, consultants, and fiduciaries.
Space is limited. Don't miss out!
Meet Our Speakers
Jamie Battmer
Jamie Battmer is the Chief Investment Officer at Creative Planning, where he leads investment research and portfolio strategy across both private and institutional channels. With more than 20 years of experience, Jamie has deep expertise in retirement solutions and the integration of private markets into qualified plans.
Before stepping into his CIO role, Jamie oversaw Creative Planning’s retirement services business and previously served as CIO at Lockton Retirement Services. His work has centered on helping plan sponsors, advisors, and fiduciaries design investment structures that blend traditional public-market strategies with alternatives — balancing liquidity, compliance, and long-term performance.
Jamie holds a B.A. from the University of Montana and an M.Sc. in Economics and Economic History from the London School of Economics.
Todd Kading
Todd Kading is a visionary leader with over 20 years of experience driving innovation in the retirement plan industry. He leads strategy, distribution, investments, and product design, establishing LeafHouse as a premier, technology-driven investment manager and fiduciary for retirement plans nationwide.
Todd partnered with Apollo and Alta Trust to launch the first retirement-ready Collective Investment Trust (CIT) featuring private investments — a milestone that opened the door for alternatives in retirement portfolios.
He also founded InvestGrade IQ, a tech enabled platform delivering advanced analytics, data aggregation, investment scoring, benchmarking, and practice management tools to streamline communication, provide data-driven insights, and increase automation for the retirement plan network.
Todd’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creative disruption drives LeafHouse’s mission to elevate American workers’ financial well-being and address U.S. economic challenges through strategic partnerships.
Choose Your Summit Experience
EVENT Registration
Individual Passes
$1,799
Registration Includes:
- Opening Reception
Monday 5-7pm - All Event Sessions
Tuesday 8am-5pm - Breakfast & Lunch
Tuesday - Networking Dinner
Tuesday 6pm
ASCENT Sponsorship
Sponsorship + 2 Passes
$5,000
Sponsorship Includes:
- Brand Visibility
Logo featured on event signage, website, and program materials. - Network Recognition
Align your firm with a curated audience of decision-makers. - Two Full Access Passes
Connect with plan sponsors, asset managers, and innovators shaping the retirement landscape.
APEX Featured Sponsorship
Featured Sponsor + 2 Passes
$10,000
Sponsor the Opening Reception, Lunch, or Networking Dinner
(only 2 per event)
- Premium Brand Placement
Prominent logo visibility on signage, website, and event materials. - Stage Recognition
Opportunity to deliver Welcome Remarks at your sponsored event. - Exclusive Positioning
Stand out as a featured sponsor with only two per event. - Two Full Access Passes
Priority access to sessions and networking opportunities
Attendees are responsible for booking their own travel & lodging.
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
Nestled at the edge of Colorado’s Front Range, the Gaylord Rockies Resort offers a scenic alpine retreat with breathtaking mountain views. Conveniently located just minutes from the airport and close to Denver’s top attractions, it’s the perfect setting for your Next Summit experience. Stay on-site with fellow attendees and enjoy unparalleled networking, exceptional dining, a relaxing spa, and a water park—all just steps away from the event’s meeting spaces.
Book Your Hotel Today for Best Rates
Attendees are responsible for their own travel & lodging for this event.
