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Annual Conference

NCEO/Beyster Institute
Employee Ownership Conference

Seattle, WA :: April 24-26, 2013
(preconference on April 23)
Westin Seattle

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Our 2012 conference was a great success! Please join us in Seattle for the 2013 Employee Ownership Conference, which will take place from April 24-26, 2013, with preconference sessions on April 23. Online registration will begin during December 2012.

You can still view the program, sponsors, and preconference sessions for the 2012 conference.

About the Conference

The Annual Employee Ownership Conference brings together the people and ideas that keep employee ownership working. Through practical learning, presentations by experts, and peer discussion, this three-day event (plus half-day preconference) keeps you at the forefront of the employee ownership world. The conference features many highly interactive sessions designed so you can get answers to your questions and find ideas that work for your company.

Who Should Attend? This conference is designed for anyone interested or involved in equity sharing as an effective business strategy, including company presidents, employee-owners, CEOs, executives, directors, managers, investors, and professional service providers. Whether you are a veteran or newcomer to the world of employee ownership, this conference offers valuable insights and information at a variety of levels, covering both technical and non-technical topics.

What to Expect: In addition to general sessions featuring thought-provoking leaders in the field, attendees may select from more than 80 breakout sessions and special preconference sessions exploring a variety of critical issues. New this year: more sessions, more time slots, and several repeating sessions to provide you more options! Other exceptional offerings include expert-led, in-depth discussions over lunch and the opportunity to meet one-on-one with employee ownership experts. The conference design makes it easy to meet and share experiences with people from all over the employee ownership world.

Past Attendees Share Their Thoughts:
"This was one of the best conferences I've ever attended. I liked the panel, multiple presenter, Q&A approach."

"The conference was a rockin' good show, and our exhibit table was very busy."

"Just a very well-run conference from top to bottom!"

"The attendees, vendors,and staff were all very friendly and open to sharing ideas. I did not know anyone at the conference and walked away with several new contacts."

"There is a tremendous sense of trust and support -- all sponsors and presenters are genuinely interested in providing value to attendees and there is a beautiful lack of both ego and self- promotion."

Learning Tracks

Solutions-focused breakout sessions allow you to delve deep into current issues and discuss emerging trends in employee ownership. From practical case studies and management tips to technical, financial and legal topics, you create the curriculum that's right for you.

ESOP Basics: These introductory sessions cover the basics of employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). Attendees gain basic knowledge of topics such as ESOP feasibility, stock valuation, legal issues, taxation, financing strategies, plan design, and more. There is an orientation to employee ownership offered on the first day for those absolutely new to the field. Several sessions repeat.

ESOPs: Beyond the Basics: For those who already know the basics of ESOPs, these sessions address finer points and emerging issues. Attendees learn about administrative challenges, repurchase obligation, accounting, legislative and regulatory updates, innovative transaction structures, and more. A session on legal and regulatory updates from the past year is offered on the first day and also on the last.

Equity Compensation: Learn about the many ways to put equity into employee hands, such as stock options, stock purchase plans, restricted stock, phantom stock, and more. These sessions cover everything from the basics of equity sharing methods to specific issues regarding their design, structure and operation. A separate preconference session on compensation issues for privately held companies (limited enrollment) goes in-depth.

Communications and Culture: Research shows that employee stock ownership boosts company performance only if employee owners are empowered with information, education and increased involvement in continually improving operations. In these sessions, learn how dynamic companies involve and engage their employees. A preconference session that focuses on people and policies in employee owned companies (limited enrollment) would be a great place to begin.

Leadership and Governance: These sessions are designed to give leaders strategic insight into the unique challenges and opportunities involved in managing an employee-owned company. Attendees gain a better understanding of how to use the power of employee ownership to achieve business goals.

Special Offerings

Preconference Sessions: In 2012 we offered a choice of two in-depth afternoon preconference sessions, Compensation Issues for Privately Held Companies and People and Policies in Employee-Owned Companies. Separate registration is required for preconference sessions.

The Innovations in Employee Ownership Award: The Innovations Award strives to encourage employee-owned companies to continue to innovate by recognizing creative practices that grow from having an engaged, employee-owned workforce. At the conference and in our publications, we share these companies' creative ideas and celebrate their successes. Winners will be announced at the conference. The Innovations Award is sponsored by TEOCO of Fairfax, Va.

Complimentary One-on-One Consultations: Twenty minute personalized consulting sessions are offered during the conference. Knowledgeable experts in employee ownership, including NCEO and Beyster Institute staffers, can answer specific questions regarding your employee-ownership program, whether it's just starting out or well-established.

Cocktail Receptions and Roundtable Discussions: Informal networking opportunities abound during the conference, but several not-to-miss events are: the informal Meet-and-Greet gathering which takes place the night before the main conference begins, the opening cocktail reception, and usually an offsite event. Roundtable discussions include an expert-led roundtable luncheon as well as two mornings of breakfast discussion roundtables.

Exhibitors: In the exhibit area, you can speak directly with leading vendors and professional service providers who understand the employee ownership field and have the appropriate background to answer your questions.