This conference is a 1.5-day educational program that brings together business owners considering an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) as a succession strategy, along with ESOP experts and advisors who provide insights on structuring transactions, tax implications, and the operational realities of employee ownership. Attendees learn about the ESOP model through presentations, Q&A sessions, and peer discussions with other business owners exploring similar transition options.
"This is one of the best conferences I've attended that lived up to it's purpose ... it was all about learning! I felt like I got my money's worth and good contacts were made.
- 2025 attendee
What You'll Learn
- What is an ESOP?
- Why choose an ESOP as part of your succession plan?
- Overview of an ESOP transaction with real-world examples
Free Exit Planning Tools: ESOP Essentials
Take home the tools you need to make your decision.
The ESOP Pre-Feasibility Toolkit and Tax Advantage Calculator are online resources featuring articles, webinar recordings, and more, all carefully chosen to guide you on your employee ownership journey.
Continuing Education Credit Information:
This seminar is eligible for 7.5 CPE hours and 7.5 SHRM hours. You must sign in on site to receive credit.
University in 1987 to provide outreach, information, and preliminary technical assistance to Ohio employees and business owners interested in exploring employee ownership. The OEOC provides ownership training on a single and multi-company basis to existing employee-owned firms and is funded by grants from a range of public and private agencies and foundations, program income, and fee-for-service work.
Registration is open!
We can't wait to learn with you at the gorgeous Westin Great Southern Columbus.
All meeting registrations must be prepaid. Registration is exclusive to companies considering an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). *Service providers will be canceled and refunded.
Learn Together:
Interested in bringing your entire leadership team? Additional discounts can be applied to groups of 3 or more. Please contact eventhelp@nceo.org for more information.
Please renew your membership prior to registering. This will ensure you get access to the best rate.
Pricing
| Before 3/6 | Before 5/25 | Before 6/15 | |
| Member | $395 | $450 | $475 |
| Nonmember | $525 | $575 | $625 |

Cancellation Policy
You may cancel your registration at any time and receive a refund, minus an administrative fee of $100.00 per person, until April 10, 2026, at 12 a.m. After April 10, if you wish to cancel, you will receive a refund, minus an administrative fee of $175.00 per person, until May 22, 2026, at 12 a.m. After May 22, 2026, no refunds or credits will be given.
Event Location
Reservation Details
The event will take place at the Western Great Southern Columbus. Our block is OPEN and ready to be booked. You can reserve your room at the NCEO's exclusive discounted rate of $189 per night. Availability is extremely limited.
Book your room now!
Check out Experience Columbus to learn more about the city!
Ready to dive in? Use the additional resources from the NCEO & OEOC below to learn more about employee ownership prior to the event.
- Employee Ownership 101: Learn about common employee ownership models from the OEOC.
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- An Introduction to ESOPs: This concise book explains the rules, uses, benefits, and other aspects of ESOPs.
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ESOP Pre-Feasibility Toolkit and Tax Advantage Calculator: The NCEO has developed the Pre-Feasibility Toolkit as a collection of resources to help you determine if an ESOP is right for you and, if so, what steps to take next.
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The ESOP Pre-Feasibility Calculator: An interactive tool to explore the ins and outs of an ESOP transaction for you or your clients
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The ESOP Tax Advantage Calculator: The ESOP Tax Advantage Calculator, developed by Employee Benefits Law Group, illustrates some of the tax benefits afforded to ESOPs. Its purpose is to display what the potential tax benefits of an ESOP may be to the company and to the selling shareholder(s).
The Call for Speakers is Open!
We're seeking dynamic speakers to share their expertise at Is an ESOP Right for You? in Columbus. There is a speaking fee associated with this speaking slot. The deadline to submit is Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Call for Speakers insert***
What You'll Gain:
This is your opportunity to share your knowledge and experience with companies exploring employee ownership while gaining valuable exposure, brand awareness, and lead generation opportunities. You'll create engaging and enriching content for our audience, lead one dedicated agenda session on your area of expertise, and guide one dedicated roundtable on the topic of your choice that aligns with your presentation. It's the perfect platform to showcase your expertise in ESOP transactions and feasibility studies to a targeted audience of decision-makers and stakeholders.
Ready to position yourself as a thought leader in the ESOP space? Submit your speaker application today!

Sponsor this event!
Join us as a sponsor for Is an ESOP Right for You? in Columbus to position your company at the forefront of the employee ownership movement. Sponsorship packages are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note: Speaking sponsorships are subject to an accepted speaking proposal. Please see the call for speakers section for additional information.
Sponsorship Benefits
All sponsorships include one complimentary registration for a company representative to attend the event, giving you direct access to network with prospective ESOP companies and key decision-makers. This is an exceptional opportunity for brand exposure while demonstrating your commitment to furthering future ESOPs and supporting the growth of employee ownership.
Connect with business owners exploring ESOP transitions, showcase your expertise to a targeted audience, and build valuable relationships that can drive future business opportunities.
Packages are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Secure your SPONSORSHIP today!
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Registration & Check In
Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer12:30-1:00 PM
Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer -
Welcome! What is Employee Ownership?
Speaker: NCEO1:00-1:30 PM
Speaker: NCEO -
An ESOP Company Perspective
Speaker: TBD1:40-2:40 PM
Speaker: TBD -
Break
2:50-3:05 PM
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ESOP Transaction Structures & Assessing Feasibility
Speaker: TBD3:15-4:00 PM
Speaker: TBD -
Roundtable Discussions
Roundtable topics coming soon!4:10-4:55 PM
Roundtable topics coming soon! -
Day 1 Wrap Up
5:05- 5:15 PM
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Networking Cocktail Reception
Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer5:30–6:30 pm
Location: Grand Ballroom Foyer
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Breakfast Roundtables
Roundtable Topics: Coming Soon!
7:30–8:30 am
Roundtable Topics: Coming Soon!
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Welcome and Recap
Speaker: NCEO8:40–9:00 am
Speaker: NCEO -
Plan Design & Operations
Speaker: TBD9:05 - 9:45 AM
Speaker: TBD -
My Multi Generational ESOP Story
Speaker: TBD9:50-10:30 AM
Speaker: TBD -
Coffee Break
10:30–10:40 am
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Determining Stock Value
Speaker: TBD10:40- 11:20 AM
Speaker: TBD -
Financing an ESOP
Speaker: TBD11:25-12:05 PM
Speaker: TBD -
Lunch & Roundtable Topics
12:05 - 1:05 PM
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Fiduciary Responsibilities
Speaker: TBD1:10-1:50 PM
Speaker: TBD -
Investing in the 1042 Rollover
Speaker: TBD1:55-2:35 PM
Speaker: TBD -
Afternoon Break
2:35-2:45 PM
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Q&A / Debrief
Led by NCEO Moderator2:45-3:45 PM
Led by NCEO Moderator -
Adjourn
4:00 PM
Coming Soon!
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