As the event director for this year's Annual Employee Ownership Conference, I've finally caught my breath after what can only be described as our most successful gathering yet. Our 43rd Annual Conference brought us to Salt Lake City for the first time, where we welcomed a record-breaking 2,173 attendees!
By the Numbers
The stats tell quite a story:
- 2,173 passionate employee-ownership advocates (our biggest turnout ever!) from all 50 states
- Over 300 gallons of coffee consumed daily (fueling all those breakthrough conversations)
- 140+ educational breakout sessions
- 61 miles walked by yours truly from move-in to move-out (down from the massive amount of space walked in 2022 in Seattle)
Memorable Moments
The Crêpes à Latte coffee art in the NCEO Member Lounge was a hit with conference-goers eager to relax and recharge. Watching attendees snap photos of their customized lattes before diving into conversations about ESOPs was a delightful combination of caffeine and community-building.
Behind the scenes, our recording studio buzzed with energy as the communications team captured what we affectionately call "member magic." Seeing company leaders and employee-owners share their inspiring stories, sometimes with nervous excitement and other times with seasoned confidence, offered a glimpse into the heart of our community. The genuine emotion in those interviews—from laughter to occasional happy tears—reminded us why we do this work. Those unscripted moments of passion and authenticity will make our post-conference content truly special.
One of my most treasured memories was watching my two teammates, Megan Bonwell and Eva Lianos, tackle numerous production points for 13+ hours a day with a smile at every moment. Their unwavering energy and positive attitudes were nothing short of heroic as they solved problems before they even reached my radar and making sure attendees felt nothing but excellence throughout. They exemplified the very spirit of employee ownership.
Perhaps the biggest challenge? Resisting the urge to step outside every hour to catch glimpses of Salt Lake City's breathtaking mountain views. (I may have scheduled a few "necessary outdoor meetings" throughout the week.)
Education Evolution
This year marked our boldest step away from traditional "talking head" presentations toward interactive, small-group learning experiences. The results spoke for themselves, with attendees repeatedly telling us, "Wow, I learned so many new things to take back and implement in my company."
The most popular sessions included "Top 5 Compliance Mistakes and How to Avoid Them" and several offerings from our Growth Strategies track. Seeing large groups of members actively learning, growing, and connecting rather than passively consuming information confirmed we're on the right track.
One attendee captured the sentiment perfectly on social media: "We had an amazing time attending the conference. Connecting with many passionate individuals and organizations dedicated to promoting employee ownership was inspiring. From the engaging sessions to the networking opportunities, every moment was packed with valuable insights and connections."
Looking Forward
The return of our women's networking sessions provided powerful opportunities for connection and mentorship. These moments of community-building remind us why we gather in the first place.
Want to keep the learning going? Access some of the latest resources debuted at the conference at nceo.org/2025welcome.
Whether you joined us in Salt Lake City or are planning to attend next year, remember that the employee ownership movement grows stronger with every conversation, connection, and coffee (all 300 + gallons of it)!