James Delaplane, a partner in the benefits group at Davis & Harman in Washington, gave the keynote speech at Pensions & Investments' DC Midwest conference on April 28 and the DC East conference on March 3.

Listen to audiocasts of Mr. Delaplane's keynotes.

On April 28, Mr. Delplane brought defined contribution plan sponsors up to date on on legislative and regulatory developments, such as the House Education and Labor Committee’s recent approval of legislation that would dramatically increase the amount of fee information 401(k) plan service providers disclose to sponsors. He also recaps the latest issuances from regulatory agencies and gives a look forward to DC plan policy and how the 2008 elections might impact defined contribution plan sponsors.

In his March 3 keynote, Mr. Delplane updated the audience on the latest legislative and regulatory developments regarding defined contribution plan fee disclosure and other key policy issues facing DC plan sponsors. He also updated his presidential election forecast from the one he made in late 2007.

Mr. Delaplane represents financial institutions, employers and public policy organizations on employee benefits, financial services and tax matters before the U.S. Congress and the federal executive branch agencies. Previously, he was vice president, retirement policy for the American Benefits Council, which is the national association representing the employee benefits interests of major U.S. employers. At ABC, Mr. Delaplane oversaw the development of Council policy concerning retirement, equity compensation and investment issues and served as chief lobbyist and media spokesperson.