20 RRICULUM GUIDE
Consider this guide a resource to aid you in selecting sessions tailored to your area of learning interest and/or professional focus.
The NCEO has plenty of ways to support you in making employee ownership thrive at your company, from resource toolkits, to original research, to dozens of publications. We’ve tucked some of those resources throughout this curriculum guide as well.
WELCOMETOTHE CONFERENCE
Dear attendees,
One of the greatest things about this conference is that there are more than a hundred sessions to choose from. This curriculum guide lets you zero in on the ones that will best address the questions you came here to answer...even if you're not quite sure where to get started.
If your company is a newcomer to employee ownership, you might want to start out in the section titled “Feasibility & Transactions: Creating Employee Ownership.” If you want to make sure you’re managing the nuts and bolts of operating a plan, the track on “Ongoing ESOP Operations” can help.
Many of you are beyond the basics, and you may be looking for concrete ideas and perhaps some inspiration about how to capture the “magic” of employee ownership. Sessions in the “Engagement & Culture” track will help with building a culture where people think and act like owners, and the track on “ESOP Sustainability” will help you assess acquisitions, organic growth, and other ways your company can soar.
Some of you are here to learn about something specific, such as growth strategies or strengthening your corporate governance there are tracks for both of those.
We also have a whole set of sections that break down topics by job title, including CEO, CFO, member of the board, operations, sales/marketing, HR/benefits, general counsel...and for those of you serving on communication committees, there’s a section for you as well.
In addition to the sessions, the NCEO offers a wealth of resources to support the flourishing of employee ownership within your company. From our resource toolkits to proprietary research and numerous publications, we have integrated some of these resources throughout the curriculum guide for your convenience.
We are committed to providing you with the guidance and support necessary to ensure the success of employee ownership initiatives within your organization. We look forward to seeing you in Salt Lake City and assisting you on this rewarding journey.
Warm regards,
JOB TITLE CEO
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
AI 101: How to Excel in the Age of AI
Building a High-Involvement Culture: Your Playbook for Engaging Employees-Owners and Driving a Winning Culture Is an ESOP Right for You?
Getting Ready for a New Owner: How to Prepare Your Company to Thrive While You Work on Your Exit 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
A Guide to Post-Transaction GAAP ESOP Accounting: Common Entries, Financial Statements, Bank Covenants, and Common Mistakes
Acquisitions: A View from Both Sides Financial Literacy and ESOPs
Health Plan Savings, Transparency, and Stability for ESOP Companies
Repurchase Obligation Study When Do I Need to Start Planning?
The ESOP Trustee, the Board of Directors, and Fiduciaries’ Responsibilities for Other Fiduciaries
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Acquisitions Due Diligence: Examining the Process
Buckle Up: Navigating the Bumpy Ride of the Founder/Owner Transition from the Company
Communicating Annual ESOP Valuation to Engage Employees and Drive Performance
Engaging Employee-Owners with Internal Branding and Digital Platforms
Exiting for Good: My Multi-Generational ESOP Story
Making the Dream a Reality Barbie Sells to an ESOP
Navigating Financial Health: Roadmaps for ESOP Leaders and ESOP Employees
We're a New ESOP Company...Now What Do We Do?
JOB TITLE CEO
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Building a 5-Year Plan Your Employee-Owners Can Believe In ESOPs as Acquisition Vehicles
The DOL Adequate Consideration Regulation
What to Expect in Your First Year as an ESOP Who Should Be on Our Board of Directors?
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Acquisitions by an ESOP Company
Complications and Lessons Learned from a Minority-Owned ESOP Company
Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition
ESOP Best Practices: Understanding the Annual Valuation Process & Valuation Drivers FAQs of Executive Compensation
From Financial Literacy to Data Fluency: The Evolution of ESOP Training
Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World Leadership Train Wreck: A Case Study of a Culture Gone Wrong and How We Fixed It Maximizing Banking Relationships for ESOP-Owned Companies
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
ESOP Advantages with an M&A Strategy—Let's Make It Simple Goldilocks and the Partial ESOPs
Investing the 1042 Rollover Leveraged ESOP Accounting
Speak Like a Pro from a Professional Speaker
NCEO Resource
CEO Network: Whether your company is in growth mode or is in a rebuilding year, the CEO Network is a great place for you to explore ideas with your peers
JOB TITLE CEO
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
ESOP Company Acquisition Strategy and the Role of the Board
Annual Statement Day & Your ESOP
ESOP Board Best Practices on CEO Evaluation and Compensation Plans: Presented by the Private Directors Association
Financial Forecasting Best Practices
Financing for New and Existing ESOP Companies
Managing ESOP Cash and Your Repurchase Obligation
Strategic Planning and Beyond: Connecting Strategy with Your People
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Advancing Strategic Advantage Through Leadership Development
ESOP–ESOP Mergers—A Marriage Made in Heaven?
Unleashing AI's Potential in Employee-Owned Companies: A Practical Workshop
New ESOPs Post-Closing to Dos
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Creating an Employee Ownership Culture with a Hybrid/Remote Workforce
Enhancing Your Leadership from the Inside Out
ESOP Mergers and Acquisitions "Control What You Can Control"
Health Check: Navigating the Wellbeing of Your RO and Sustainability
Key Considerations in Second-Stage ESOP Transactions: Process and Benefits
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Questions Board Members Should Ask
The Friendship Factor: How Trust, Relevance, and Affection Drive ESOP Business Growth
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Advanced Topics in ESOP Valuations
Built to Last: Sustaining Your Employee-Owner Communications Committee Through Leadership Succession Planning
ESOPs and Acquisitions
ESOPs and International, Collectively-Bargained, and Leased Employees
Governance Process and Evaluating If It Is Right to Sell versus Remaining an ESOP
JOB TITLE CEO
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Room & Board’s Journey to Employee Ownership
Actualizing an Ownership Culture: A Framework to Move Beyond Ownership in Name Only
Succession Planning for CEO and Other Key Roles: An Interactive Workshop When Things Change: Addressing ESOP Financial and Business Issues in Challenging Times
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Balancing Act: Meeting Repurchase Obligations When Cash Flow Falls Short
Best-in-Class Board of Directors
Building the Future: The Rise of ESOPs in the Construction Industry
Employee Ownership: The Role of Impact Investing
How to Make Sure That Insurance and Indemnification Agreements Work for You Strategies for Integrating Employee Ownership Culture in Acquisitions
Your Greatest Competitive Advantage: How ESOP Companies Message to Get Ahead
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
ESOP Sustainability Case Studies: Using Repurchase Obligation Strategies to Align ESOP and Corporate Objectives to Ensure Long-Term Success
Everyone's Job: Risk Management and Value Creation from the Board to the Shop Floor
How to Think Like an Owner When It Comes to Your Health and Pharmacy Spend
Personal Finance Education: Making Better Employee Retirement Decisions
Selling Your ESOP Company: Managing Acquisition Inquiries and Surviving the Acquisition Process in an ESOP Company
Strategies to Add Value to the ESOP-Owned Company
Tax Planning for Sellers in ESOP Transactions Absent a 1042 Election
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Growth by Innovation: An ESOPs Guide to Successful Renewal
TOOLKITSATTHENCEO
Employee Ownership Month Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to highlight the why behind Employee Ownership Month and to provide resources to assist with planning and execution
Pre-Feasibility Toolkit
The readings, webinars, and research in this toolkit will help you decide if it makes sense to take the next steps with an ESOP
ESOP Finance Toolkit & Lender Directory
The goal of this toolkit is to help NCEO member companies secure financing, either for an ESOP transaction or commercial lending. It includes guidelines to best practices, plus a directory of bank and non-bank lenders with ESOP experience.
Repurchase Obligation Toolkit
The Repurchase Obligation Toolkit is a guide to the NCEO resources that can help you adequately plan for your repurchase obligation and become a more sustainable ESOP company.
Recruitment & Retention Toolkit
This collection of resources focuses on how employeeowned companies can leverage their ESOP advantage to attract, onboard, and retain employee-owners.
Board Excellence Toolkit & Candidate Directory
Strengthen your recruitment and onboarding of independent directors with dozens of resources on all aspects of effective board governance in the Board Excellence Toolkit. Search for potential independent directors among more than 70 NCEO members using the Board Candidate Directory.
Being Acquired by an ESOP Company
Toolkit
The Being Acquired by an ESOP Company Toolkit has been developed to help companies considering an alternative path to employee ownership.
JOB TITLE CFO
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
AI 101: How to Excel in the Age of AI
Introduction to ESOP Feasibility
Financing an ESOP Transaction
ESOP 101 Walking Through a New ESOP Formation
NCEO Resource
Finance Toolkit: The goal of this toolkit is to help NCEO member companies secure financing, either for an ESOP transaction or commercial lending, and it includes guidelines to best practices when seeking financing as well as a directory of bank and non-bank lenders with ESOP experience
From Education to Close: Our Lessons Learned Through an ESOP Transaction
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
A Guide to Post-Transaction GAAP ESOP Accounting: Common Entries, Financial Statements, Bank Covenants, and Common Mistakes
Acquisitions: A View from Both Sides
Financial Literacy and ESOPs
Health Plan Savings, Transparency, and Stability for ESOP Companies
Repurchase Obligation Study When Do I Need to Start Planning?
The ESOP Trustee, the Board of Directors, and Fiduciaries’ Responsibilities for Other Fiduciaries
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Acquisitions Due Diligence: Examining the Process
Buckle Up: Navigating the Bumpy Ride of the Founder/Owner Transition from the Company
Navigating Financial Health: Roadmaps for ESOP Leaders and ESOP Employees
We're a New ESOP Company Now What Do We Do?
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Building a 5-Year Plan Your Employee-Owners Can Believe In ESOPs as Acquisition Vehicles
Lifecycle Strategies of a Sustainable ESOP
The DOL Adequate Consideration Regulation
What to Expect in Your First Year as an ESOP
JOB TITLE CFO
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Complications and Lessons Learned from a Minority-Owned ESOP Company
Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition
ESOP Best Practices: Understanding the Annual Valuation Process & Valuation Drivers
Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World
Maximizing Banking Relationships for ESOP-Owned Companies
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Investing in the 1042 Rollover
ESOP Advantages with an M&A Strategy Let’s Make it Simple Goldilocks and the Partial ESOPs
Leveraged ESOP Accounting
Make It Tangible A Case Study on How Employee-Owner Feedback Helped Us Manage Our Repurchase Obligation
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
ESOP Company Acquisition Strategy and the Role of the Board
NCEO Resource
ESOP Finance Working Group: a small group of finance-focused professionals from NCEO member companies. Discuss tools, ideas, advisors, and governance.
ESOP Board Best Practices on CEO Evaluation and Compensation Plans: Presented by the Private Directors Association
Financial Forecasting Best Practices
Financing for New and Existing ESOP Companies
Managing ESOP Cash and Your Repurchase Obligation
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Sustaining Success: Strategies for Maintaining a Thriving ESOP-Owned Company
New ESOPs—Post-Closing to Dos 1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Creating an Employee Ownership Culture with a Hybrid/Remote Workforce
ESOP Mergers and Acquisitions “Control What You Can Control”
Health Check: Navigating the Wellbeing of Your RO and Sustainability
Key Considerations in Second-Stage ESOP Transactions: Process and Benefits
Top Five ESOP Compliance Problems and How to Avoid Them
JOB TITLE
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
AI 101: How to Excel in the Age of AI
CULTURE& COMMUNICATIONS
Building a High-Involvement Culture: Your Playbook for Engaging Employees-Owners and Driving a Winning Culture
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Empowering Change: Building a Sustainable Future Through ESOP Culture
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
A Stake in the Outcome: Incentives That Actually Motivate Employee-Owners
Engaging Employee-Owners with Internal Branding and Digital Platforms
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Creating a Comprehensive Training Model for Employee-Owners
Deepen ESOP Appreciation in English and Spanish
Introduction to AI for Ethical and Effective Employee Ownership Communications
What to Expect in Your First Year as an ESOP
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Acquisitions by an ESOP Company
Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition
Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World
Leadership Train Wreck: A Case Study of a Culture Gone Wrong and How We Fixed It
Marketing Your ESOP—Both Inside & Out!
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Aligning Your ESOP with Company Culture and Ongoing Corporate Objectives
Understanding Financial Statements for Employees
JOB TITLE
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Annual Statement Day & Your ESOP
Building a Strong Team: Effective Communication, Collaboration, and Motivation
Engagement Secrets from Broad-Based Equity Plans
Strategic Planning and Beyond: Connecting Strategy with Your People
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Communication Committee Best Practices: Maximizing Employee Engagement with Peer-to-Peer Outreach
Crafting Your ESOP Story: A Peer Learning Session
The Value of Employee Ownership: Educating New and Current Employee-Owners on Value Creation at an Employee-Owned Company and How It Can Impact Them Both Culturally and Financially
You’re in Charge Now What? A Guide for New Managers
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Creating an Employee Ownership Culture with a Hybrid/Remote Workforce
Employee Ownership: How to Educate, Energize, and Engage! Leverage Your Employee Ownership Committee to Build an Outstanding Culture and Develop Communications and Events That Transform Your Company
The Friendship Factor: How Trust, Relevance, and Affection Drive ESOP Business Growth Trends in Employee Benefits and Unique Recruitment and Retention Strategies
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Built to Last: Sustaining Your Employee-Owner Communications Committee Through Leadership Succession Planning
ESOPs and Acquisitions
Walk in Your Participants’ Shoes
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Strategies for Integrating Employee Ownership Culture in Acquisitions
Your Greatest
JOB TITLE
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
Personalization at Scale: Using AI to Craft Custom Employee-Owner Experiences
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Transform Teams with Transparency: Teaching Business Literacy with Open-Book Leadership
NCEO Resource
Innovative Communication Coalition: The purpose of this coalition is for participants to put their heads together to create and share communication initiatives, activities, and projects that make employee ownership stronger.
JOB TITLE
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
AI 101: How to Excel in the Age of AI
Building a High-Involvement Culture: Your Playbook for Engaging Employees-Owners and Driving a Winning Culture
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Getting Ready for a New Owner: How to Prepare Your Company to Thrive While You Work on Your Exit
NCEO Resource
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Financial Literacy and ESOPs
Recruitment & Retention Toolkit: The goal of this toolkit is to help NCEO member companies improve their ability to both recruit and retain employeeowners.
The ESOP Trustee, the Board of Directors, and Fiduciaries’ Responsibilities for Other Fiduciaries
What Every ESOP Sponsor, Fiduciary, and Service Provider Needs to Know and Do About Cybersecurity
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Acquisitions Due Diligence: Examining the Process
Making the Dream a Reality – Barbie Sells to an ESOP
Navigating Financial Health: Roadmaps for ESOP Leaders and ESOP Employees
We're a New ESOP Company Now What Do We Do? What Board Members Need to Know About ESOPs
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Building a 5-Year Plan Your Employee-Owners Can Believe In
How to Identify Emerging Leaders
The DOL Adequate Consideration Regulation
What to Expect in Your First Year as an ESOP
JOB TITLE
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Acquisitions by an ESOP Company
Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition
From Financial Literacy to Data Fluency: The Evolution of ESOP Training
Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World
Marketing Your ESOP Both Inside & Out!
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Aligning Your ESOP with Company Culture and Ongoing Corporate Objectives Be Unst-ops-able! Providing Meaningful Professional Development for Operations (or All!) Teams Investing the 1042 Rollover
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Annual Statement Day & Your ESOP
Strategic Planning and Beyond: Connecting Strategy with Your People
11:15 PM–12:15 PM
Advancing Strategic Advantage Through Leadership Development
Communication Committee Best Practices: Maximizing Employee Engagement with Peer-to-Peer Outreach
Crafting Your ESOP Story: A Peer Learning Session
Sustaining Success: Strategies for Maintaining a Thriving ESOP-Owned Company
New ESOPs Post-Closing to Dos
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Creating an Employee Ownership Culture with a Hybrid/Remote Workforce
ESOP Mergers and Acquisitions—"Control What You Can Control"
Key Considerations in Second-Stage ESOP Transactions: Process and Benefits
The Friendship Factor: How Trust, Relevance, and Affection Drive ESOP Business Growth
Top Five ESOP Compliance Problems and How to Avoid Them
JOB TITLE
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
ESOPs and Acquisitions
Actualizing an Ownership Culture: A Framework to Move Beyond Ownership in Name Onlye
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Building the Future: The Rise of ESOPs in the Construction Industry
How to Make Sure That Insurance and Indemnification Agreements Work for You Your Greatest Competitive Advantage: How ESOP Companies Message to Get Ahead
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
ESOP Sustainability Case Studies: Using Repurchase Obligation Strategies to Align ESOP and Corporate Objectives to Ensure Long-Term Success
How to Think Like an Owner When It Comes to Your Health and Pharmacy Spend
Board of Directors Peer Network: Navigating Governance, Strategy, and Leadership in ESOP Companies
11:00 PM–12:00 PM
Growth by Innovation: An ESOP’s Guide to Successful Renewal
JOB TITLE
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
AI 101: How to Excel in the Age of AI
From Education to Close: Our Lessons Learned Through an ESOP Transaction
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Empowering Change: Building a Sustainable Future Through ESOP Culture
Health Plan Savings, Transparency, and Stability for ESOP Companies
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
A Stake in the Outcome: Incentives That Actually Motivate Employee-Owners
Communicating Annual ESOP Valuation to Engage Employees and Drive Performance
Engaging Employee-Owners with Internal Branding and Digital Platforms
Glue Sticks: How Managers and Supervisors Shape Ownership Culture
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Creating a Comprehensive Training Model for Employee-Owners
Deepen ESOP Appreciation in English and Spanish
How to Identify Emerging Leaders
Lifecycle Strategies of a Sustainable ESOP
What to Expect in Your First Year as an ESOP
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Acquisitions by an ESOP Company
Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition
FAQs of Executive Compensation
NCEO Resource
The ESOP Communication Committee Guide: A complete guide to developing and improving ESOP committees, with case studies.
From Financial Literacy to Data Fluency: The Evolution of ESOP Training
Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World
Leadership Train Wreck: A Case Study of a Culture Gone Wrong and How We Fixed It
Marketing Your ESOP Both Inside & Out!
JOB TITLE
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Make It Tangible A Case Study on How Employee-Owner Feedback Helped Us Manage Our Repurchase Obligation
Speak Like a Pro from a Professional Speaker
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
NCEO Resource
Recruitment & Retention Toolkit: The goal of this toolkit is to help NCEO member companies improve their ability to both recruit and retain employee-owners
Building a Strong Team: Effective Communication, Collaboration, and Motivation
Managing ESOP Cash and Your Repurchase Obligation
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Advancing Strategic Advantage Through Leadership Development
Communication Committee Best Practices: Maximizing Employee Engagement with Peer-to-Peer Outreach
Crafting Your ESOP Story: A Peer Learning Session
The Value of Employee Ownership: Educating New and Current Employee-Owners on Value Creation at an Employee-Owned Company and How It Can Impact Them Both Culturally and Financially
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Creating an Employee Ownership Culture with a Hybrid/Remote Workforce
Employee Ownership: How to Educate, Energize, and Engage! Leverage Your Employee Ownership Committee to Build an Outstanding Culture and Develop Communications and Events That Transform Your Company
Top Five ESOP Compliance Problems and How to Avoid Them
Trends in Employee Benefits and Unique Recruitment and Retention Strategies
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
ESOPs and International, Collectively-Bargained, and Leased Employees
Actualizing an Ownership Culture: A Framework to Move Beyond Ownership in Name Onlye
Succession Planning for CEO and Other Key Roles: An Interactive Workshop
JOB TITLE
Beyond the Ordinary ESOP Distributions
Thursday, April 17
4:00 PM–5:00 PM 9:45 AM–10:45 AM
NCEO Resource
HR Peer Networking Group: Join a community of passionate and like-minded individuals who are eager to share their knowledge and experience in the field. Share HR questions, ideas, and initiatives that make employee ownership stronger.
How to Think Like an Owner When It Comes to Your Health and Pharmacy Spend
Personal Finance Education: Making Better Employee Retirement Decisions
Personalization at Scale: Using AI to Craft Custom Employee-Owner Experiences
JOB TITLE
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
ESOP 101 Walking Through a New ESOP Formation
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
GENERALCOUNSEL
This toolkit is a guide to the NCEO resources that can help you adequately plan for your repurchase obligation and become a more sustainable ESOP company.
The ESOP Trustee, the Board of Directors, and Fiduciaries’ Responsibilities for Other Fiduciaries
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Making the Dream a Reality Barbie Sells to an ESOP We’re a New ESOP Company...Now What Do We Do?
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
The DOL Adequate Consideration Regulation 2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Acquisitions by an ESOP Company
Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
ESOP Litigation Update
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Building a Strong Team: Effective Communication, Collaboration, and Motivation
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
JOB TITLE
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
GENERALCOUNSEL
Key Considerations in Second-Stage ESOP Transactions: Process and Benefits
ESOPs and Acquisitions
ESOPS and International, Collectively-Bargained, and Leased Employees Governance Process and Evaluating If It Is Right to Sell versus Remaining an ESOP
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Building the Future: The Rise of ESOPs in the Construction Industry How to Make Sure That Insurance and Indemnification Agreements Work for You
Thursday, April 17
2:30 PM–3:30 PM 9:45 AM–10:45 AM
Selling Your ESOP Company: Managing Acquisition Inquiries and Surviving the Acquisition Process in an ESOP Company Board of Directors Peer Network: Navigating Governance, Strategy, and Leadership in ESOP Companies
A
JOB TITLE
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Repurchase Obligation Study When Do I Need to Start Planning?
The ESOP Trustee, the Board of Directors, and Fiduciaries’ Responsibilities for Other Fiduciaries What Every ESOP Sponsor, Fiduciary, and Service Provider Needs to Know and Do About Cybersecurity
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
We're a New ESOP Company...Now What Do We Do? What Board Members Need to Know About ESOPs
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Lifecycle Strategies of a Sustainable ESOP The DOL Adequate Consideration Regulation Who Should Be on Our Board of Directors? 2:15 PM–3:15 PM Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition ESOP Best Practices: Understanding the Annual Valuation Process & Valuation Drivers Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World 3:30 PM–4:30 PM Aligning Your ESOP with Company Culture and Ongoing Corporate Objectives
The Fiduciary’s Guide to ESOP Valuation: Written to teach inside ESOP trustees, company leaders, board members, and others how ESOP valuation works, how control is treated nowadays, how to read and understand a valuation report, and how to select an appraiser.
JOB TITLE
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Financial Forecasting Best Practices
Managing ESOP Cash and Your Repurchase Obligation
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
INTERNAL TRUSTEE
Creating an Employee Ownership Culture with a Hybrid/Remote Workforce
ESOP Mergers and Acquisitions "Control What You Can Control"
Health Check: Navigating the Wellbeing of Your RO and Sustainability
Key Considerations in Second-Stage ESOP Transactions: Process and Benefits
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Questions Board Members Should Ask
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
ESOPs and Acquisitions
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Best-in-Class Board of Directors
Building the Future: The Rise of ESOPs in the Construction Industry
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
NCEO Resource
The Inside ESOP Fiduciary Handbook: An essential resource for any inside fiduciary at an ESOP company, this book is meant to provide an overview of life as an inside ESOP fiduciary.
ESOP Sustainability Case Studies: Using Repurchase Obligation Strategies to Align ESOP and Corporate Objectives to Ensure Long-Term Success
Selling Your ESOP Company: Managing Acquisition Inquiries and Surviving the Acquisition Process in an ESOP Company
JOB TITLE
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
AI 101: How to Excel in the Age of AI
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR
NCEO Resource
Understanding ESOPs: A general, basic guide to ESOPs for public and private companies alike.
Empowering Change: Building a Sustainable Future Through ESOP Culture
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
A Stake in the Outcome: Incentives That Actually Motivate Employee-Owners
Glue Sticks: How Managers and Supervisors Shape Ownership Culture
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Creating a Comprehensive Training Model for Employee-Owners
Deepen ESOP Appreciation in English and Spanish
How to Identify Emerging Leaders
The DOL Adequate Consideration Regulation
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition
Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Be Unst-ops-able! Providing Meaningful Professional Development for Operations (or All!) Teams
Speak Like a Pro from a Professional Speaker
JOB TITLE
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Engagement Secrets from Broad-Based Equity Plans
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
MANAGER/ SUPERVISOR
The Value of Employee Ownership: Educating New and Current Employee-Owners on Value Creation at an Employee-Owned Company and How It Can Impact Them Both Culturally and Financially Unleashing AI's Potential in Employee-Owned Companies: A Practical Workshop
You're in Charge...Now What? A Guide for New Managers
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Creating an Employee Ownership Culture with a Hybrid/Remote Workforce
Employee Ownership: How to Educate, Energize, and Engage! Leverage Your Employee Ownership Committee to Build an Outstanding Culture and Develop Communications and Events That Transform Your Company
Enhancing Your Leadership from the Inside Out
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
ESOPs and Acquisitions
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
NCEO Resource
ESOPs for Employee-Owners: An in-depth, customizable guide to employee stock ownership plans for plan participants
Strategies for Integrating Employee Ownership Culture in Acquisitions
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
ESOP Sustainability Case Studies: Using Repurchase Obligation Strategies to Align ESOP and Corporate Objectives to Ensure Long-Term Success How to Think Like an Owner When It Comes to Your Health and Pharmacy Spend
Personalization at Scale: Using AI to Craft Custom Employee-Owner Experiences Strategies to Add Value to the ESOP-Owned Company
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
JOB TITLE
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
AI 101: How to Excel in the Age of AI Financing an ESOP Transaction
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Acquisitions: A View from Both Sides
NCEO Resource
The ESOP Company Board Handbook: A practical, up-to-date guide for board members in ESOP companies that discusses crucial issues and best practices.
The ESOP Trustee, the Board of Directors, and Fiduciaries’ Responsibilities for Other Fiduciaries
What Every ESOP Sponsor, Fiduciary, and Service Provider Needs to Know and Do About Cybersecurity
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Buckle Up: Navigating the Bumpy Ride of the Founder/Owner Transition from the Company We're a New ESOP Company...Now What Do We Do? What Board Members Need to Know About ESOPs
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
ESOPs as Acquisition Vehicles
The DOL Adequate Consideration Regulation
What to Expect in Your First Year as an ESOP Who Should Be on Our Board of Directors?
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition
FAQs of Executive Compensation
Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World
Maximizing Banking Relationships for ESOP-Owned Companies
What Should the Board of Directors Focus on When Reviewing Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability Studies?
JOB TITLE
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
ESOP Advantages with an M&A Strategy Let's Make It Simple
ESOP Litigation Update
Goldilocks and the Partial ESOPs
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
NCEO Resource
ESOP Compensation Survey: This yearly survey contains benchmark data on both executive and board director positions. The report includes base pay, cash incentives, stock-based compensation, and retirement contributions for eight common executive positions at ESOP companies.
ESOP Company Acquisition Strategy and the Role of the Board
ESOP Board Best Practices on CEO Evaluation and Compensation Plans: Presented by the Private Directors Association
Financing for New and Existing ESOP Companies
Managing ESOP Cash and Your Repurchase Obligation
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Are You Running the Most Efficient and Effective Board Meetings? How to Get the Right Candidates and Different Ways to Run a Successful Board of Directors Meeting
ESOP–ESOP Mergers A Marriage Made in Heaven?
Sustaining Success: Strategies for Maintaining a Thriving ESOP-Owned Company New ESOPs Post-Closing to Dos
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Creating an Employee Ownership Culture with a Hybrid/Remote Workforce
ESOP Mergers and Acquisitions "Control What You Can Control"
Key Considerations in Second-Stage ESOP Transactions: Process and Benefits
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Questions Board Members Should Ask
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
ESOPs and Acquisitions
Governance Process and Evaluating If It Is Right to Sell Versus Remaining an ESOP Room & Board’s Journey to Employee Ownership
Succession Planning for CEO and Other Key Roles: An Interactive Workshop
When Things Change: Addressing ESOP Financial and Business Issues in Challenging Times
JOB TITLE
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Balancing Act: Meeting Repurchase Obligations When Cash Flow Falls Short Best-in-Class Board of Directors
Building the Future: The Rise of ESOPs in the Construction Industry Employee Ownership: The Role of Impact Investing
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
ESOP Sustainability Case Studies: Using Repurchase Obligation Strategies to Align ESOP and Corporate Objectives to Ensure Long-Term Success
Everyone's Job: Risk Management and Value Creation from the Board to the Shop Floor Personal Finance Education: Making Better Employee Retirement Decisions
Selling Your ESOP Company: Managing Acquisition Inquiries and Surviving the Acquisition Process in an ESOP Company
Strategies to Add Value to the ESOP-Owned Company Board of Directors Peer Network: Navigating Governance, Strategy, and Leadership in ESOP Companies
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Growth by Innovation: An ESOP’s Guide to Successful Renewal
Join us in Sunny San Diego on July 14, 2025!
Unlike traditional seminars, this interactive one-day event will dive deep into key ESOP management topics, including an overview of ESOPs, the critical role of managers, and effective strategies for communicating ESOP benefits to teams. Through small group discussions, role-playing exercises, and dedicated networking opportunities, attendees will gain practical insights and real-world experience, leaving them with a renewed sense of confidence in their leadership abilities.
Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your ESOP expertise and connect with fellow employee-owners
Register for the Workshop
JOB TITLE
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
AI 101: How to Excel in the Age of AI
Tuesday, April 15
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Glue Sticks: How Managers and Supervisors Shape Ownership Culture
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Resource An Introduction to ESOPs: This concise book explains the rules, uses, benefits, and other aspects of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).
Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World
Wednesday, April 16 11:15 AM–12:15 PM
ESOP-ESOP Mergers A Marriage Made in Heaven? 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Built to Last: Sustaining Your Employee-Owner Communications Committee Through Leadership Succession Planning
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
How to Think Like an Owner When it Comes to Your Health and Pharmacy Spend
NETWORKINGOPPORTUNITIES
Monday, April 14
5:00 PM–7:00 PM
Opening Cocktail Reception | Sponsored by:
Tuesday, April 15
7:45 AM–8:45 AM
Breakfast | Sponsored by:
10:00 AM–10:15 AM
Coffee Break | Sponsored by:
11:15 AM–12:15 AM
Networking Lunch | Sponsored by:
4:30 PM–6:30 PM
Sip & Social Networking Reception | Sponsored by:
Wednesday, April 16
8:00 AM–9:00 AM
Breakfast | Sponsored by:
12:30 PM–1:15 PM
Strolling Luncheon | Sponsored by:
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Women in Employee Ownership Networking
5:15 PM–7:15 PM
Closing Cocktail Reception | Sponsored by:
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
The ESOP Trustee, the Board of Directors, and Fiduciaries’ Responsibilities for Other Fiduciaries
What Board Members Need to Know About ESOPs
1:30 PM–2:30 PM
Who Should Be on Our Board of Directors 2:15 PM–3:15 PM
What Should the Board of Directors Focus on When Reviewing Repurchase Obligation and Sustainability Studies
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
ESOP Litigation Update
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
ESOP Board Best Practices on CEO Evaluation and Compensation Plans: Presented by the Private Directors Association 10:15 AM–11:15 AM
11:15 AM–12:15 AM
Are You Running the Most Efficient and Effective Board Meetings? How to Get the Right Candidates and Different Ways to Run a Successful Board of Directors Meeting 1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Staying Ahead of the Curve: Questions Board Members Should Ask 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
INTEREST
Wednesday, April 16
Best-in-Class Board of Directors
How to Make Sure That Insurance and Indemnification Agreements Work for You
Thursday, April 17
4:00 PM–5:00 PM 9:45 AM–10:45 AM
NCEO Resource
Board Excellence Toolkit: The goal of this project is to help NCEO member companies improve the effectiveness of their boards of directors, primarily by successfully recruiting and onboarding independent directors
Selling Your ESOP Company: Managing Acquisition Inquiries and Surviving the Acquisition Process in an ESOP Company Board of Directors Peer Network: Navigating Governance, Strategy, and Leadership in ESOP Companies
INTEREST
ENGAGEMENT& CULTURE
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Building a High-Involvement Culture: Your Playbook for Engaging Employees-Owners and Driving a Winning Culture
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
NCEO Resource
Beyond Engagement: The most successful ESOP companies have one thing in common: their employees are not just motivated and engaged, but they are also actively engaged in structured opportunities to identify problems and generate new ideas.
Empowering Change: Building a Sustainable Future Through ESOP Culture
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
A Stake in the Outcome: Incentives That Actually Motivate Employee-Owners
Engaging Employee-Owners with Internal Branding and Digital Platforms Glue Sticks: How Managers and Supervisors Shape Ownership Culture
1:30 PM–2:30 PM
Building a 5-Year Plan Your Employee-Owners Can Believe In Creating a Comprehensive Training Model for Employee-Owners
Deepen ESOP Appreciation in English and Spanish
Introduction to AI for Ethical and Effective Employee Ownership Communications
2:30 PM–3:15 PM
Future-Proofing Your ESOP: Building Resilience in a Rapidly Changing World
Leadership Train Wreck: A Case Study of a Culture Gone Wrong and How We Fixed It
Marketing Your ESOP Both Inside & Out!
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Be Unst-ops-able! Providing Meaningful Professional Development for Operations (or All!)
Teams
Speak Like a Pro from a Professional Speaker
Understanding Financial Statements for Employees
ENGAGEMENT& CULTURE INTEREST
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
NCEO Resource
Ownership: Reinventing Companies, Capitalism, and Who Owns What: How employee ownership originated, how it works now, and what needs to be done to expand it.
Strategic Planning and Beyond: Connecting Strategy with Your People Annual Statement Day & Your ESOP
Building a Strong Team: Effective Communication, Collaboration, and Motivation
Engagement Secrets from Broad-Based Equity Plans Resources for New ESOPs from the NCEO
11:15 AM–12:15 AM
You're in Charge Now What? A Guide for New Managers
The Value of Employee Ownership: Educating New and Current Employee-Owners on Value Creation at an Employee-Owned Company and How It Can Impact Them Both Culturally and Financially
Communication Committee Best Practices: Maximizing Employee Engagement with Peer-to-Peer Outreach
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Enhancing Your Leadership from the Inside Out Employee Ownership: How to Educate, Energize, and Engage! Leverage Your Employee Ownership Committee to Build an Outstanding Culture and Develop Communications and Events That Transform Your Company
Creating an Employee Ownership Culture with a Hybrid/Remote Workforce Trends in Employee Benefits and Unique Recruitment and Retention Strategies
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Actualizing an Ownership Culture: A Framework to Move Beyond Ownership in Name Only Built to Last: Sustaining Your Employee-Owner Communications Committee Through Leadership Succession Planning Walk in Your Participants' Shoes
INTEREST
Wednesday, April 16
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Your Greatest Competitive Advantage: How ESOP Companies Message to Get Ahead
NCEO Resource
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
The Download: These easy communication resources have been designed for use by employee-owners at your company and can be passed on as-is or with minimal adaptation to include the specifics of your plan A new resource is emailed to members each month
Personal Finance Education: Making Better Employee Retirement Decisions
How to Think Like an Owner When It Comes to Your Health and Pharmacy Spend
Personalization at Scale: Using AI to Craft Custom Employee-Owner Experiences
11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Transform Teams with Transparency: Teaching Business Literacy with Open-Book Leadership
INTEREST
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Repurchase Obligation Study When Do I Need to Start Planning?
Health Plan Savings, Transparency, and Stability for ESOP Companies
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Buckle Up: Navigating the Bumpy Ride of the Founder/Owner Transition from the Company
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Lifecycle Strategies of a Sustainable ESOP
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Lifecycle Strategies of a Sustainable ESOP
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Lifecycle Strategies of a Sustainable ESOP
NCEO Resource
Sustainable ESOPs: Discusses how to remain successfully employee-owned for the long term.
Wednesday, April 16
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Sustaining Success: Strategies for Maintaining a Thriving ESOP-Owned Company
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Health Check: Navigating the Wellbeing of Your RO and Sustainability
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Advanced Topics in ESOP Valuations
Unlock the Power of Your Board To Create a Competitive Advantage
INTEREST
Wednesday, April 16
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Balancing Act: Meeting Repurchase Obligations When Cash Flow Falls Short
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
ESOP Sustainability Case Studies: Using Repurchase Obligation Strategies to Align ESOP and Corporate Objectives to Ensure Long-Term Success
INTEREST
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Is an ESOP Right for You?
Tuesday, April 15
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Making the Dream a Reality—Barbie Sells to an ESOP
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
Selling to an ESOP and Financing the Deal: A detailed guide for owners, managers, and advisors of closely held businesses are who considering a sale to an ESOP.
Managing ESOP Transaction Costs: Simplified Structures and Alternative Approaches
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Direct Employee Ownership A Flexible & Gradual Transition
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Investing the 1042 Rollover
Wednesday, April 16
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
ESOPs as a Succession Solution: Navigating the Future of Family Businesses
Key Considerations in Second-Stage ESOP Transactions: Process and Benefits
2:30 PM–3:30 PM
ESOPs and International, Collectively-Bargained, and Leased Employees Room & Board’s Journey to Employee Ownership NCEO Resource
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
Tax Planning for Sellers in ESOP Transactions Absent a 1042 Election
Pre-Feasibility Toolkit: a collection of resources to help you determine if an ESOP is right for you, and, if so, what steps to take next
INTEREST GROWTH STRATEGIES
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
Acquisitions: A View from Both Sides
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Acquisitions Due Diligence: Examining the Process
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
ESOPs as Acquisition Vehicles
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
Acquisitions by an ESOP Company FAQs of Executive Compensation
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
ESOP Advantages with an M&A Strategy Let's Make It Simple
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
ESOP Company Acquisition Strategy and the Role of the Board
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Advancing Strategic Advantage Through Leadership Development
ESOP–ESOP Mergers A Marriage Made in Heaven?
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
ESOP Mergers and Acquisitions—"Control What You Can Control"
The Friendship Factor: How Trust, Relevance, and Affection Drive ESOP Business Growth
INTEREST GROWTH STRATEGIES
Wednesday, April 16
ESOPs and Acquisitions
Unlock the Power of Your Board To Create a Competitive Advantage
Strategies for Integrating Employee Ownership Culture in Acquisitions
Thursday, April 17
Strategies to Add Value to the ESOP-Owned Company
2:30 PM–3:30 PM 4:00 PM–5:00 PM 9:45 AM–10:45 AM 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
Growth by Innovation: An ESOP’s Guide to Successful Renewal
INTEREST
Monday, April 14
1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Administering, Communicating, and Governing Your New ESOP
Tuesday, April 15
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
We're a New ESOP Company...Now What Do We Do?
Exiting for Good: My Multi-Generational ESOP Story
Navigating Financial Health: Roadmaps for ESOP Leaders and ESOP Employees
12:45 PM–1:45 PM
What to Expect in Your First Year as an ESOP
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Financing for New and Existing ESOP Companies
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Crafting Your ESOP Story: A Peer Learning Session
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Employee Ownership: The Role of Impact Investing
Building the Future: The Rise of ESOPs in the Construction Industry
INTEREST ONGOINGESOP OPERATIONS
Monday, April 14
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
AI 101: How to Excel in the Age of AI
1:00 PM–4:00 PM
Mature ESOP Issues: All Grown Up…How to Grow?
Tuesday, April 15
9:00 AM–10:00 AM
A Guide to Post-Transaction GAAP ESOP Accounting: Common Entries, Financial Statements, Bank Covenants, and Common Mistakes
What Every ESOP Sponsor, Fiduciary, and Service Provider Needs to Know and Do About Cybersecurity
Financial Literacy and ESOPs
10:15 AM–11:15 AM
Communicating Annual ESOP Valuation to Engage Employees and Drive Performance 12:45 PM–1:45 PM
The DOL Adequate Consideration Regulation How to Identify Emerging Leaders
2:15 PM–3:15 PM
ESOP Best Practices: Understanding the Annual Valuation Process & Valuation Drivers
Complications and Lessons Learned from a Minority-Owned ESOP Company
Maximizing Banking Relationships for ESOP-Owned Companies
INTEREST ONGOINGESOP OPERATIONS
Tuesday, April 15
3:30 PM–4:30 PM
Make It Tangible A Case Study on How Employee-Owner Feedback Helped Us Manage Our Repurchase Obligation
Aligning Your ESOP with Company Culture and Ongoing Corporate Objectives
Leveraged ESOP Accounting
Wednesday, April 16
10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Financial Forecasting Best Practices
Managing ESOP Cash and Your Repurchase Obligation
11:15 AM–12:15 PM
Unleashing AI's Potential in Employee-Owned Companies: A Practical Workshop
1:15 PM–2:15 PM
Top Five ESOP Compliance Problems and How to Avoid Them 2:30 PM–3:30 PM
Succession Planning for CEO and Other Key Roles: An Interactive Workshop When Things Change: Addressing ESOP Financial and Business Issues in Challenging Times
4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Beyond the Ordinary ESOP Distributions
Thursday, April 17
9:45 AM–10:45 AM
Everyone's Job: Risk Management and Value