We've been doing this for 44 years, and 2026 just raised the bar.
For those who were with the NCEO in Milwaukee last week, thank you. For those who were not, here's a little bit more about the largest NCEO Annual Conference in history.
Milwaukee welcomed attendees with a cool April chill in the air, but it did not stop members from bringing their best selves. Practitioners, advocates, business owners, plan administrators, and employee-owners gathered from across the country to connect, learn, and reaffirm why the employee ownership space matters so much. The scale was new, yet the spirit was the same of that which has defined NCEO gatherings for decades: a shared belief that employee ownership changes lives and business for the better.
With the help of partners, sponsors, and members, the NCEO was thrilled to bring together more people from the employee ownership community than ever. Attendees had the opportunity to attend an entire day of Preconference workshops, as well as 10 concurrent sessions, each holding a wide variety of session topics, giving employee-owners and service providers alike the ability to maximize learning.
Take a look at the feedback we have heard so far:
"The NCEO Annual Conference is, hands down, the very best ESOP conference. The quality of presentations and thoughtful organization is consistently fantastic."
"I think this may have been the best ESOP conference I have attended in 30+ years."
"All of the sessions I attended were informative and thought-provoking."
It is difficult to look back at the 2026 Annual Conference without highlighting our keynote speaker, Adam Grant—a widely recognized voice in organizational psychology, who shared insights on workplace culture, motivation, and leadership. His candid presentation dove into thought-provoking questions for leaders across many circles. Specifically, those in the room got to hear about imposter syndrome, welcoming hard truths, vulnerability as strength, and having an inner circle of challengers.
Our very own Tim Garbinsky, communications director for the NCEO, had a chance to sit down with Adam for a personal Q&A. This conversational and honest addition gave attendees a unique chance to truly dig into the content Adam highlighted and sit with the questions and ideas that resonated most.
What else is there to say? The room was quiet, phones were off, and notes were being taken.
Beyond the keynote, the conference showcased themes that kept returning, whether in sessions, hallway conversations, networking receptions, or workshop rooms.
But the learning is only just beginning; The NCEO has a full calendar of events ahead. Each event is designed to continue to go deeper on the topics and challenges that matter most to your organization, as well as follow up on the questions you might still have.
New Manager Workshop | June 2026 | Denver, CO
If Adam Grant's message about leadership, vulnerability, and hard truths resonated with you, this workshop is the perfect next step. Designed specifically for managers stepping into new or evolving roles in employee-owned companies, this will be a practical and focused opportunity to address real challenges of leading in an ownership culture.
Is an ESOP Right for You? | June 2026 | Columbus, OH
Explore the potential of an employee stock ownership plan from start to finish. Begin with preliminary questions and walk all the way through to technical content with seasoned experts in the field. Network with professionals who share your questions, get all the facts you need, and leave feeling prepared and aligned to take your next steps. This workshop is designed to create a hands-on experience, answer your questions in real time, and allow you to explore your exit plan free of pressure. Seats in Columbus are limited!
NCEO Forum | August 2026 | Phoenix, AZ
If the Annual Conference sparked ideas you want to continue exploring, Phoenix is where you should go next. Join us for intimate rooms, deep dives, and more time with the experts and peers who matter when it comes to your work. Reconnect with others in the community and participate in quality roundtable discussions that can help you maximize your ownership and elevate the functionality of your work.
Repurchase Obligation Workshop | October 2026 | Detroit, MI
Repurchase obligation remains one of the most complex and consequential planning challenges for maturing ESOP companies. This targeted workshop is designed for finance leaders, plan administrators, and advisors who want to go beyond the basics and unpack truths behind real strategy.
Women's Summit | October 2026 | Detroit, MI
This powerful gathering centers on the leadership, voice, challenges, and advancement of women in the employee ownership space. The Women's Summit has its own distinct energy and community. If you joined us for the women's networking session hosted at this year's Annual Conference, this is a fantastic next step to enhance your learning and connections with women in the space.
2027 NCEO Annual Conference | April 2027 | Pittsburgh, PA
Before you ask—yes, we're already thinking about 2027. The NCEO Annual Conference is heading to Pittsburgh, PA, on April 12–15, 2027. The City of Steel—a fitting location for a community built on values like strength and resilience. We're planning bigger, better, and (we promise) a little warmer than Milwaukee.
Feedback from our members is what drives these events and shapes what the next year will look like—the sessions, the format, and the moments that matter most. Established members of the employee ownership industry already know that the most valuable voice lies with the larger community. If you'd like to share something about your conference experience or have ideas for future events, we invite you to submit your feedback HERE.
Save the date. Pittsburgh is waiting!
Not an NCEO Member Yet? There's Still a Seat at the Table for You.
Everything you've just read about—the keynotes, workshops, community, peer networks, and more—is what you can access year-round with an NCEO membership. If the 2026 conference is the first time you've joined us (and for 1,067 of you, it was!), we'd love to change that.
Join the NCEO and become part of the community that is advancing employee ownership, one owner at at time.