The ESOP Association’s Employee Owned 2025 was nothing short of extraordinary. To our attendees, speakers, and sponsors, thank you for helping make EO25 one of the most impactful events in TEA’s history. Our new home at the ARIA in Las Vegas delivered a bigger, bolder, and truly transformative experience.
A Celebration to Remember
EO25 kicked off Sunday evening, November 2nd, with a combined celebration of Employee Ownership and the Annual Awards for Communications Excellence (AACE Awards). The energy was high from the start, thanks to actor and comedian Kevin Pollak, whose sharp humor, celebrity impressions, and behind-the-scenes stories kept the room roaring.
A Knockout Opening Keynote
On Monday morning, EO25 officially began with a dazzling keynote address by American legend Sugar Ray Leonard. Sugar Ray wowed the crowd with his tales of perseverance, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence that made him one of the most beloved sports figures of all time. His positive message and infectious attitude captivated the audience and launched this year’s conference on an inspiring high note.
More Content That Matters to You
Our expanded conference footprint at the ARIA enabled something new: concurrent general sessions. With two dynamic options running side by side, attendees could tailor their EO25 experience like never before.
Monday’s lunch featured a standout Women in ESOPs panel on elevating women’s leadership and visibility, while the simultaneous session offered an in-depth look at macroeconomic trends shaping ESOP companies. On Tuesday morning, attendees chose between keynote speaker Stefanie Couch’s powerful “How to Win at Anything” presentation or a high-level cybersecurity panel. That afternoon, participants dove into either a compelling session on how brands earn trust with Stephanie Crockett or an expert discussion on ESOP mergers and acquisitions.
A Strategic Look Ahead
On Wednesday, TEA President and CEO Jim Bonham delivered a forward-looking keynote outlining the Association’s upcoming education initiatives and providing an important update on rising private-equity interest in ESOPs. For those who missed it, Jim’s full remarks are available on our YouTube page.
ESOP Education Gets an Upgrade
Beyond more than 100 sessions, roundtables, and executive discussions, EO25 delivered two immersive workshops focused on HR/Communications and Finance—each built for how adults learn best. These hands-on, application-driven workshops moved beyond traditional lectures to ensure maximum knowledge retention. More workshops are coming in 2026—be sure to read Jim Bonham’s column on page 13 for what’s next.
New Special Events Make Their Mark
EO25 delivered an elevated, upscaled experience, from the stunning new conference space and guest rooms at the ARIA, to our educational offerings, and our revamped networking and social events! Attendees especially loved the Around the World Sponsor Showcase, which featured food and fun from across the globe. Our sponsors truly embraced the event’s spirit, delighting guests with authentic cuisine, refreshing drinks, and engaging games inspired by their respective countries.
To wrap up Employee Owned 2025, TEA would like to thank our many sponsors for your generosity and support. We couldn’t do it without you!
As we head into December, the team at TEA wishes everyone a happy and healthy holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you at one of our many national and chapter events in 2026!
