The retirement plan industry is at a turning point. Compliance demands are growing, client expectations are rising, and competition is consolidating. For many TPAs, it feels like the workload keeps multiplying while resources stay the same. Frustrating!

That’s why the Automation in Retirement Conference (AiR2026 Carlsbad, CA March 18-20, 2026) was created. This event is cohosted by Stax.ai, Payroll Integrations, and PenChecks Trust, three organizations working together to help TPAs build stronger, future-ready firms.

This isn’t just about technology for technology’s sake. It’s about giving TPAs the tools, insights, and connections to thrive no matter where they are on the automation journey. 

For TPAs Not Yet Using Automation (and Maybe a Bit Hesitant)

If your firm hasn’t adopted automation yet, this conference is built with you in mind. You don’t need to be a tech-first TPA to benefit! Many of the most important sessions are designed for firms who want practical, non-technical steps they can take right away.

You’ll hear stories from TPAs who started with small moves, like using Payroll Integrations to clean up payroll data flows or relying on PenChecks Trust to handle uncashed checks and automatic rollovers. You’ll also discover how Stax.ai helps firms reduce compliance risk and free up staff time without requiring a massive overhaul.

This is a safe space to explore what’s possible, ask questions, and leave with clarity instead of uncertainty.

For TPAs Already Using Some Automation

If you’ve started experimenting with automation — maybe a client portal, a chatbot, or limited data processing — you’ve seen the promise but probably also the fragmentation. The conference will help you connect the dots.

Here, you’ll explore how Payroll Integrations automates SECURE 2.0 compliance by seamlessly syncing payroll data into retirement plans, making eligibility checks and auto-enrollment effortless. You’ll also see how PenChecks Trust’s Amplify platform transforms distribution processing from a manual headache into a streamlined, compliant workflow.

And with Stax.ai, you’ll learn how to stitch these innovations into one integrated strategy that scales your firm beyond piecemeal tools.

For TPAs Already Using Stax.ai

If you’re already a Stax.ai client, you know the power of automation to eliminate manual tasks and help your team focus on higher-value work. At the conference, you’ll see how Stax.ai continues to evolve, with new capabilities for client communication, census management, and compliance workflows.

But the value doesn’t stop there. By attending, you’ll also learn how Payroll Integrations connects Stax.ai to hundreds of payroll providers, removing the pain of manual census and contribution data. And you’ll see how PenChecks Trust streamlines the other side of plan administration by simplifying distributions, rollovers, and missing participant searches.

Together, these solutions create an end-to-end ecosystem that will take your Stax.ai investment even further.

This is a safe space to explore what’s possible, ask questions, and leave with clarity instead of uncertainty.

Why Stax.ai, Payroll Integrations, and PenChecks Trust Matter

This conference is cohosted by three leaders who each bring a critical piece of the retirement puzzle:

• Stax.ai delivers cutting-edge workflow automation, CRM, and client experience tools purpose-built for TPAs.

• Payroll Integrations connects retirement plans directly to payroll systems, eliminating errors and saving hours while keeping firms compliant with SECURE 2.0.

• PenChecks Trust provides trusted distribution services and platforms that simplify payments, rollovers, and compliance for TPAs nationwide.

Together, these organizations cover the entire lifecycle of retirement plan administration — from payroll data to compliance workflows to distributions — ensuring every TPA, no matter their starting point, finds value at this event.

The Bottom Line

The Automation in Retirement Conference isn’t just about AI. It’s about equipping TPAs with practical tools, insights, and relationships to survive and thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

Whether you’re already fully automated with Stax.ai, experimenting with new tools, or still relying on manual processes, this event will show you how to take the next step. And with Payroll Integrations and PenChecks Trust as cohosts, you’ll gain exposure to the most trusted names in payroll automation and retirement distributions.

Join us in Carlsbad this March to see what’s possible. You’ll leave with new strategies, powerful connections, and a clear path to future-proofing your firm.