Event Status: Past Events
Reflections from 2025 OE: A Practical Roadmap for 2026
From communication gaps and data inaccuracies to vendor coordination issues and employee confusion, we’ll spotlight the most common Open Enrollment pitfalls and walk through actionable fixes—starting with post-OE cleanup, early planning, and alignment in Q1—so teams aren’t scrambling when the next OE season begins.
Key Takeaways
- Identify the biggest Open Enrollment pain points from 2025—and address them early in 2026
- Understand what to prioritize in Q1 to strengthen data, workflows, and vendor alignment
- Improve benefits communication and employee engagement strategies
- Build a clear, practical roadmap for a smoother, more confident 2026 Open Enrollment
Why Attend:
This session is designed for brokers who want to leverage 2025 Open Enrollment lessons to achieve stronger client outcomes in 2026. Learn how to lead post-OE cleanup, guide early planning in Q1, and position yourself as a year-round strategic advisor—helping clients reduce risk, improve engagement, and avoid repeating the same OE challenges.
ACA Filing Made Simple for PEOs:
Click the link to watch this First Friday NAPEO member–exclusive session co-hosted by Kelli Smith and Michelle Kershner and moderated by Robyn Carlini. This discussion is designed specifically for PEOs and will focus on practical strategies to simplify ACA filing, avoid common errors, and confidently prepare for the 2025 reporting season.
Whether your team manages ACA filings internally or supports client reporting, this session will help you proactively address challenges, streamline workflows, and reduce last-minute filing pressure.
Key Takeaways:
- 2025 ACA Filing Readiness Checklist
Critical steps PEOs should complete now to prepare for a successful filing season - What’s New for 2025 ACA Reporting
Key regulatory updates, IRS guidance, and changes impacting PEO reporting obligations - Understanding PEO-Specific ACA Complexities
Navigating aggregated ALE groups, client structures, and shared responsibility considerations - Mastering 1095-C Coding
How to correctly apply Line 14 and Line 16 codes across varied client scenarios - Common ACA Filing Mistakes to Avoid
Frequent errors that result in rejections, delays, and costly corrections - Preventing Data Errors & IRS Rejections
Best practices for validating employee, coverage, and client data before submission - Corrections, Resubmissions & Key Deadlines
When corrections are required, how to manage resubmissions, and timelines to keep filings on track
Why This Matters
ACA reporting mistakes can create significant compliance risk for PEOs and their client groups. With increased IRS enforcement and new considerations for the 2025 filing year, errors in 1094/1095-C filings can lead to rejections, corrections, and potential penalties. This session helps PEOs proactively address these challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and approach filing season with confidence.
FFGA 2026
This special anniversary event brings together partners, producers, and industry leaders to honor FFGA’s legacy while looking ahead to the future of benefits, service, and innovation. We’re looking forward to connecting with attendees, sharing insights, and supporting FFGA as they begin their next decade of impact.
Confidently Closing the Year:
A Step-by-Step Guide to ACA Reporting Success:
Kelli Smith, Director of ACA Compliance, will provide the tools, timelines, and practical insights you need to avoid common mistakes, reduce risk, and ensure a successful year-end close—whether you manage ACA compliance in-house or support multiple clients.
📅 February 12, 2026 – 11AM (CT)
Key Takeaways
Participants will learn how to:
✅ Review and validate year-end ACA data for accuracy
✅ Understand the final steps for e-filing Forms 1094-C and 1095-C
✅ Identify and correct common reporting errors before submission
✅ Manage communication with clients, employees, or vendors during the final stretch
✅ Prepare for potential IRS notices and ensure long-term compliance readiness
What We’ll Cover
- Final Data Review: Ensuring every employee and coverage code is accurate
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Top errors that lead to rejected filings or penalties
- Form Submission Tips: Navigating deadlines, extensions, and e-filing best practices
- Post-Filing Steps: What to do after submission and how to handle IRS follow-ups
- Confidence Checklist: A clear roadmap to a successful ACA filing season
Join us to strengthen your process, avoid common mistakes, and ensure a smooth and compliant close to the reporting season. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your organization—or your clients—for a confident and compliant ACA year-end close.
2026 Brown & Brown Annual Symposium
Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and connect with industry peers. Register now to secure your spot! Speaker announcements will be shared as we get closer to the event.
PC26 | Trustmark Producers Conference
We’re proud to be featured in a joint session with Trustmark:
Case Study: The Tale of Two Enrollments
Feb 2 | 10:15–10:50 AM
Speakers: Kraig Sexton (Trustmark) & Wes Steele (Selerix)
Together, we’ll break down two contrasting enrollment scenarios and highlight what truly moves the needle—communication strategy, engagement tactics, and technology that meets employees where they are.
We look forward to great conversations, shared insights, and connecting with partners who are shaping the future of benefits delivery.
ACA Readiness Check
Tips You Need to Know Before the Filing Deadline
ACA filing season is here — are you truly ready to file?
Before you dive into forms, transmissions, and IRS acknowledgments, join Kelli Smith, Director of ACA Compliance & Training, for a quick, high-impact readiness check to help you confirm that your organization has everything in order before reporting begins.
This essential session will walk you through the critical pre-filing steps every HR, payroll, and benefits team should complete to ensure smooth, accurate, and on-time ACA submissions.
It’s the perfect kickoff to filing season — helping you start strong, reduce errors, and avoid scrambling later as deadlines approach.
You’ll leave this session with practical checklists, readiness tools, and the confidence to know your ACA reporting is compliant, accurate, and ready for submission.
Why You Should Attend
✅ Get Ready for ACA Filing Season – Learn what to check before submitting your 2025 ACA forms to avoid costly rejections or corrections.
✅ Verify employee coverage and eligibility data
✅ Confirm Applicable Large Employer (ALE) status
✅ Validate 1095-C coding (Lines 14–16) for accuracy
✅ Prepare your systems for IRS AIR submission
✅ Meet key deadlines — March 2, 2026 (employee forms) and March 31, 2026 (e-filing)
✅ Hear from an Expert – Gain insights from Kelli Smith, Director of ACA Compliance & Training, who has guided thousands of employers through ACA reporting.
Registrants will receive a ACA Code Guide. Walk away knowing your team is filing-ready, compliant, and on track for a smooth ACA reporting season.
Preparing for 2025 Deadlines
ACA Compliance: Year-End ACA Reporting Review:
As 2025 comes to a close, ACA reporting deadlines are fast approaching — and preparation now can prevent costly mistakes later. Whether you’re well-versed in ACA compliance or just starting to navigate its complexities, this session will provide the clarity and tools you need for a smooth reporting season.
Kelli Smith, Director of ACA Training, will walk through a comprehensive year-end review designed to help employers, PEOs, and staffing firms avoid penalties, reduce reporting stress, and feel confident heading into 2026.
Key Learning Topics
Comprehensive ACA Reporting Overview A refresher on IRS 1094/1095 reporting requirements and what’s changed for 2025.
Deep Dive into Form 1095-C Line-by-line review, common coding errors, and how to interpret tricky scenarios.
Common Reporting Challenges Data mismatches, late filings, misclassified employees, and how to correct them.
Critical Deadlines & Filing Prep What to have ready now to avoid the “year-end scramble.”
Audit-Readiness Strategies Tips for preparing supporting documentation in case of an IRS inquiry.
Understanding ACA Codes Clear explanations of Line 14/16 codes and common combinations to prevent penalty triggers.
Q4 Action Plan Practical steps to finalize data, validate employee eligibility, and ensure accurate submissions.
Finishing the year strong with ACA compliance doesn’t just avoid penalties — it saves time, reduces risk, and ensures your employees and clients are fully protected. This session arms you with practical guidance, expert insights, and proven best practices so you can step into 2025 reporting season with confidence.