There has never been a more consequential time for employee ownership. Congress just delivered proof: the House passed the Retire Through Ownership Act by a 401-14 vote on September 16, sending long-sought valuation standards for ESOP stock to the President's desk. At the same time, artificial intelligence and economic change are transforming how businesses operate and how people work. Employee Owned 2026, running November 1-4 at ARIA in Las Vegas, brings this year's theme, Your Pathway to Success, roaring to life for employee owners, professionals, and business leaders ready to get ahead of it all.
A Mainstage Built for the Moment
This year’s mainstage lineup is stacked, covering ownership culture, AI, leadership, and the ESOP regulatory shifts already reshaping the field. Boris Levin, who helped create nearly 300 employee millionaires as CEO of Mott Corporation, opens the conference Monday morning with a firsthand account of what ownership culture can achieve at scale. Kate Manning brings a people-first lens to deploying AI without sacrificing trust and culture, a question every ESOP leader is wrestling with right now. And Jim Bonham, President and CEO of The ESOP Association, closes EO26 the day after the midterm elections with a breakdown of the emerging political landscape for ESOPs, with the Retire Through Ownership Act as fresh evidence of where that landscape is heading.
Lunch & Leadership: Women in ESOPs
Seats are almost gone for the Women in ESOPs Luncheon. “Lunch & Leadership: Perspectives from Women Leaders in the ESOP Community” returns, and this year’s lineup is one to see. Becky Streff of Holden Industries, Inc., moderates a panel featuring Barbara Clough of Blue Ridge Associates, Hillary Hughes of Prairie Capital Advisors, Inc., Christel Jimenez of Principal, and Cara Benningfield of Forvis Mazars. Together, they’ll dig into how ESOPs have shaped their careers, guiding companies through pivotal moments and navigating the advisory landscape. GreatBanc Trust Company proudly sponsors the luncheon. Seats are limited, so please RSVP for the luncheon when you register for EO26.
The Most Comprehensive Agenda Yet
EO26 features 139+ keynotes, educational opportunities, and topical sessions built around this year's theme, Your Pathway to Success, TEA's most comprehensive agenda yet. Several workshops are already nearing capacity, so register soon to guarantee a seat to those most in-demand.
Important Deadlines
Registration prices increase October 2. The group rate room block at the ARIA closes October 9, after which rooms may no longer be available at the group rate.
Register and reserve your room now. Learn more and secure your place at eo26.esopassociation.org.
