CONTENTS SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2023 COVER STORY 16 | Building Strength Strategies to improve a plan's governance. RESEARCH 20 | 2023 Defined Benefit Administration Survey Retirement Life Support: Defined benefit plans continue to offer the guaranteed income participants seek. AWARDS 24 | 2023 Best in Class 401(k) Plans Model Retirement Plans: This year, 12 401(k)s reveal what it means to be Best in Class. PARTICIPANTS 32 | If the Goal Is Engagement Steps to better outcomes for the plan next year. PLAN DESIGN 36 | Upgrading NQDC Plans Sponsors get creative with how they use nonqualified plans. FIDUCIARY FORUM 38 | When to Amend? Plan sponsors face multiple deadlines, but some are unclear. INSIDE ANGLE 39 | PRTs' New Notoriety What the DOL may address if revisiting IB 95-1. PLAN PROFILE 40 | Continuous Improvement Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., winner Corporate 401(k) >$800mm. 2 | INSIGHTS 4 | PARTICIPANT ANALYSIS Diversified Retirement Income 6 | RULES & REGULATIONS From Washington and the Courts 10 | UPFRONT How Auto-Portability Works A $1,000 Buffer Can Keep Savings Afloat Annuities Outside the Plan The Pluses and Pitfalls of SWPs PLANSPONSOR.COM September - October 2023 1http://www.PLANSPONSOR.COM