Conference Agenda
May 1st, 2025
Overland Park Convention Center
Insert Conference Room Specifics
6000 College Boulevard
Overland Park, KS 66221
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Registration and Networking
- Check-in at registration desk
- Light breakfast and refreshments available
- Networking opportunities with attendees and exhibitors
8:00 AM - 8:10 AM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
- Master of Ceremonies: Ben Neiburger, Esq., CPA
- Speaker: Samantha L. Shepherd, Esq.
8:10 AM - 9:00 AM
Understanding the Structure of a Special Needs Trust
Topic: Explore the Evolution of Special Needs Trusts Through 2025: Types, Uses, Set-Up Options, Key Challenges, and Current Trends.
Speaker: Amy Delaney, Esq.
Q&A session: 10 minutes
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM
All Aboard with SNT: Tips for a Seamless Onboarding Experience
Topic: Discover best practices for seamlessly transitioning responsibilities from development to trust officers. Explore the significance of sharing vital information,
fostering strong relationships, conducting benefits analyses, and introducing your beneficiary to the rules of SNTs.
Speaker: Kristin Thompson, Esq.
Q&A session: 10 minutes
9:50 AM – 10:10 AM
Break
- Visit exhibitor booths
- Check and respond to texts, e-mails and voicemails
- Refreshments available
10:10 AM – 11:00 AM
Maximizing Beneficiary Empowerment Through Person-Centered Planning
Topic: This session will focus on holistic financial planning for Special Needs Trust beneficiaries to help beneficiaries and their families plan for the future (e.g. available services, investment options, tax ramifications, legal planning, government benefits, ABLE accounts, and more), and also will review the SNT trustee’s duties under the Uniform Prudent Investor Act.
Speaker: Peter Wall, Director of Fiduciary Services.
Q&A session: 10 minutes
11:00 AM – 11:50 AM
Taxes for SNTs: From Basic Care to Expert Precision
Topic: What essential tax facts should every professional working with a Special Needs Trust know? Delve into Secure 2.0, RMD changes, the reduction of the estate tax
exemption, and strategies for 2025 and beyond.
Speaker: Hyman Darling, Esq.
Q&A session: 10 minutes
11:50 AM – 12:15 PM
Break
- Visit exhibitor booths
- Check and respond to texts, e-mails and voicemails
- Refreshments available
12:15 AM – 1:15 PM
DON’T BELIEVE IN FORTUNE TELLERS – OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
Catered lunch provided
Topic: During the third quarter of a high school football game in 2014, James’ life
changed in an instant. A devastating acute subdural hematoma left him with less than a
7% chance of survival. But against all odds, he defied expectations, proving the power of
resilience and determination. Now, James shares his incredible journey – from the brink of tragedy to triumph – offering an inspiring message of perseverance, hope, and the strength to overcome life’s greatest challenges.
Speaker: James McGinnis
Q&A session: 10 minutes
1:15 PM – 1:40 PM
Break
- Visit exhibitor booths
- Check and respond to texts, e-mails and voicemails
- Refreshments available
1:40 PM – 2:30 PM
NAVIGATING SNTS AND THE CHALLENGES OF HOUSES AND CARS
Topic: Explore the Ethical Issues in Special Needs Trust Administration. Can the trust cover that expense? What are the boundaries of a parent’s duty to provide support? When is it appropriate for an SNT to purchase a home, and how should contributions be allocated? Learn about common pitfalls and critical “no-nos” for trust officers in managing SNTs.
Speaker: Patricia E. Kefalas Dudek, Esq.
Q&A session: 10 minutes
2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Break
- Visit exhibitor booths
- Check and respond to texts, e-mails and voicemails
- Refreshments available
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
CRITICAL ISSUES FACING SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING IN 2025
Topic: This panel discussion explores critical financial and legal considerations in special
needs planning, including the proper legal methods for compensating caregivers,
managing companion and vacation travel requests, and determining the circumstances
under which medical marijuana payments may be approved. Panelists will also share
insights on guiding personal injury lawyers in resolving liens and provide expert advice
on Medicaid waivers, including the best timing for applications.
Moderator: Samantha L. Shepherd
Panelists: William Hubbard, Cynthia Letsch and Ben Neiburger
Q&A session: 15 minutes
3:45 PM – 4:00 PM
CLOSING REMARKS
Speaker: Brandi Gholson, Heartland Special Needs Foundation Board Member
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Networking and Exhibitor Visits
- Final opportunity to connect with exhibitors and attendees
- Refreshments available