CONFERENCE OVERVIEW

Employee Owned 2026 provides a comprehensive and immersive conference experience that supports professional growth across the employee ownership community and advances the long‑term success of ESOP companies.

Building on The ESOP Association’s mission of education, advocacy, and community, EO26 brings together high‑impact learning, peer‑to‑peer engagement, and meaningful networking. The conference focuses on the real‑world needs of employee‑owned companies and the professionals who lead and advise them.

AGENDA OVERVIEW

Employee Owned 2026 unfolds across four days of intentional programming that balances education, connection, and community.

Sunday: Arrival, Orientation, and Connection

EO26 opens on Sunday with conference registration, sponsor setup, and pre‑conference programming. Participants engage in specialized sessions including the Facilitator Certification Program, committee and advisory meetings, and orientation programming designed for new attendees.

The conference officially kicks off Sunday evening with an Opening Reception, giving attendees an early opportunity to reconnect with peers, meet first‑time participants, and begin building relationships that carry through the week.

Monday: Opening Insights and Core Education

Monday launches the full conference experience. Attendees gather for the opening general session, which sets the tone for the week and addresses issues and opportunities facing the employee ownership community.

Throughout the day, participants choose from concurrent breakout sessions and interactive workshops covering a wide range of ESOP‑related topics. The program balances technical education with practical application, allowing attendees to tailor their experience to their role, company stage, and areas of interest.

Monday also features the AACE Awards Luncheon, where the conference recognizes excellence in employee ownership communications and engagement.

The day concludes with the Around the World Sponsor Reception, offering structured networking in a welcoming, informal setting.

Tuesday: Deep Learning, Leadership, and Community

Tuesday emphasizes hands‑on learning and peer exchange. Attendees participate in extended workshops, concurrent sessions, and roundtables designed to deepen understanding and sharpen skills across ESOP disciplines.

General programming continues alongside dedicated engagement spaces, including executive‑focused networking and community gatherings. Midday programming includes the Women in ESOPs Luncheon, providing space for connection and learning.

The conference community comes together Tuesday evening for the End Zone Extravaganza, highlighting the Chapter of the Year and celebrating collective achievement within the employee ownership community.

Wednesday: Closing Perspectives and Takeaways

EO26 concludes on Wednesday with final concurrent sessions and a closing general session focused on reflection, perspective, and forward‑looking insight. Attendees leave with practical takeaways, strengthened connections, and renewed momentum to apply what they have learned in their organizations and communities.

CONFERENCE VENUE - The Aria Resort & Casino

The ESOP Association will host EO26 at ARIA Resort & Casino, a world‑class conference venue that offers state‑of‑the‑art meeting space, modern accommodations, and a wide variety of dining and hospitality options. The venue supports learning, collaboration, and connection throughout the conference.

EDUCATION & LEARNING EXPERIENCE

EO26 delivers a robust educational program spanning the full ESOP lifecycle and the broader ownership ecosystem. ESOP practitioners and leaders design the sessions, offering content that ranges from foundational education to advanced and emerging issues.

EO26 will offer multiple learning formats, including:

• General Sessions
• Concurrent Breakout Sessions
• Interactive Workshops
• Roundtable Discussions

Session content will address a wide range of ESOP topics, including but not limited to:

• ESOP administration and plan design
• Fiduciary responsibility and governance
• Finance, valuation, and capital strategy
• Legal and regulatory updates
• Leadership development and succession planning
• Ownership culture, communications, and engagement
• Talent attraction, retention, and workforce strategy

The conference will announce specific session titles, speakers, and tracks at a later date

WHO ATTENDS EMPLOYEE OWNED

Employee Owned attracts a diverse and highly engaged audience from across the ESOP community, including:

• C‑suite executives and senior leaders
• Operational and functional leaders
• Board members and ESOP trustees
• Employee owners
• ESOP advisors and industry professionals

EO26 delivers value to both new participants in employee ownership and experienced ESOP leaders.

KEY CONFERENCE MOMENTS

• General Sessions
  EO26 will convene all attendees in general sessions addressing high‑level issues and perspectives relevant to the employee ownership community.
  General session speakers and topics: TBD
• AACE Awards Luncheon
  TEA will present the AACE Awards during a dedicated luncheon that recognizes excellence in employee ownership culture and communications.
• Networking & Community Events
  EO26 will offer organized networking events and receptions fostering connection and collaboration across the ESOP community.