Agenda and Curriculum Guide
Stay tuned for the full agenda in January!
Speaker applications are now closed.
Curriculum: Tracks and Focus Areas
Browse the 2026 NCEO conference curriculum here. The full agenda will be released in January 2026.
Sessions focusing on how to successfully expand an employee-owned business.
Acquisitions
Strategies for successfully acquiring and integrating other companies.
Holding Company Strategy
Examining the structure and benefits of a holding company model.
Scaling an ESOP Company
Practical advice for managing growth and scaling operations.
Accessing Capital
Exploring different methods for financing business expansion and operations.
Culture Preservation through Growth
Methods to maintain a strong ownership culture while the company expands.
Content dedicated to the foundational principles and best practices for governing an ESOP company.
ESOP Governance Basics
The fundamental rules and responsibilities of ESOP governance.
Fiduciary Responsibilities and Legal Issues
Understanding the legal obligations and duties of fiduciaries.
Composition, Recruiting and Board Succession
Building and developing a high-performing board.
Board Development and Training
Training and ongoing education for board members.
Board Responsibilities
Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the board of directors.
Sessions exploring how to build and maintain a strong, high-performance culture of ownership.
Foundations of Ownership Culture
Building the core elements of a successful ownership culture.
Financial Literacy for EO
Educating employee-owners on the financial aspects of the company.
Building Momentum Year Round
Strategies for maintaining enthusiasm and engagement throughout the year.
Employee Engagement & Shared Responsibilities
Fostering a sense of shared responsibility among all employees.
Accountability & High Performance Culture
Creating a culture of accountability to drive high performance.
Storytelling & Communicating Success
Communicating the value and success of employee ownership.
Content focused on improving business efficiency, managing risk, and leveraging technology within an ESOP.
Valuation and Accounting
Understanding the key principles of ESOP valuation and accounting.
ESOP Administration
Best practices for managing the day-to-day administration of an ESOP.
Leveraging Technology for Operational Efficiency
Using technology to improve business processes and efficiency.
Risk Mitigation and Resilience
Strategies for identifying, managing, and mitigating business risks.
Plan Design Implications & Iterations
Analyzing and adapting ESOP plan design to meet evolving needs.
Second Stage Transactions
Planning for and executing a second-stage ESOP transaction.
Regulatory Updates
Staying current with the latest legal and regulatory changes.
Market Uncertainty
Strategies for navigating economic and market volatility.
Discussions on ensuring the long-term financial stability and sustainability of an ESOP.
Sustainable ESOP Operations
Ensuring the long-term viability of the company and the ESOP.
Long-Term Financial Stability
Strategies for maintaining financial health over the long term.
Advanced ESOP Plan Design
In-depth exploration of complex ESOP plan design topics.
Repurchase Obligation Strategies
Developing effective strategies to manage the repurchase obligation.
Mature ESOP Issues
Addressing the unique challenges faced by mature ESOP companies.
Cash Management Strategies
Optimizing cash flow and managing company liquidity.
Sessions on strategic planning, empowering leaders, and navigating change within an employee-owned culture.
Strategic Planning / High Involvement Planning
Involving employees in the company's strategic planning process.
Innovative Company Practices
Showcasing creative and effective approaches to running a business.
Leading in an Employee-Owned Culture
Developing leadership skills specific to an employee-owned environment.
Empowering ESOP Leaders & Champions
Cultivating and supporting leaders and champions at all levels.
Succession Development at all Levels
Planning for leadership and talent succession throughout the organization.
Navigating Change
Guiding a company and its employee-owners through periods of change.
Content centered on recruiting, training, and retaining talent in an ESOP environment.
Talent Acquisition
Strategies for attracting and hiring the best talent.
Recruiting and Onboarding Strategies
Best practices for integrating new employees into the company culture.
Compensation & Benefits Planning
Designing fair and competitive compensation and benefits packages.
Performance Management & Reviews
Effective systems for managing and evaluating employee performance.
Conflict Resolution & Employee Relations
Tools and techniques for resolving workplace conflicts.
Leveraging Technology
Utilizing technology to enhance workforce development and HR functions.
Legal Compliance & HR Policies
Understanding the legal landscape for HR policies and compliance.
Session Formats
Our educational approach is evolving to emphasize solutions-oriented sessions that encourage active participation. We've moved beyond traditional presenter-led sessions in favor of more interactive formats, including:
- Workshops: Hands-on sessions with interactive exercises and expert guidance focused on building practical tools and solving real challenges.
- Small Group Breakouts: Sessions centered on collaborative discussions in focused, small groups.
- Coaching/Facilitation: One-on-one or small group support led by an expert facilitator.
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Agenda Preview
Full agenda coming in January 2026.
