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Employee Ownership Blog


Introducing the Speakers for NCEO’s “Is an ESOP Right for You?” Event in Phoenix

What will your legacy be? We are thrilled to announce our lineup of distinguished speakers and NCEO members for our upcoming “Is an ESOP Right for You?” event on October 21–22 in Phoenix, Arizona. This event promises to deliver invaluable insights and practical guidance for companies exploring the transition to an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

Below, you’ll find a detailed schedule of the sessions along with the names of the experts who will be sharing their knowledge and experience.

Day 1: Monday, October 21, 2024

1:00 PM–1:30 PM: Welcome Remarks

Speaker: To be announced

1:40 PM–2:40 PM: An ESOP Company Perspective

Speaker: To be announced

3:15 PM–3:45 PM: Are You Feasibility Ready: 11 Questions Every Business Owner Needs To Answer Before Taking The First Step In Their ESOP Journey

Speaker: Matt Middendorp, ESOP Partners

3:50 PM–4:20 PM: ESOP Transaction Structures

Speaker: Matt Dennison, Chartwell

4:25 PM–4:55 PM: Roundtable Discussions

  • Alternatives to an ESOP, Steve Storkan, EOX
  • Perfect Your Feasibility Study, Matt Middendorp, ESOP Partners
  • Understanding the Transaction Process, Matt Dennison, Chartwell

5:30 PM–6:30 PM: Networking Cocktail Reception

Join us for an evening of networking and conversation.

Day 2: Tuesday, October 22, 2024

8:00 AM–9:00 AM: Breakfast Roundtables

Topics to be announced

9:10–9:25 AM Day 2 Welcome

9:35 AM–10:05 AM: Plan Design & Operations

Speaker: Chris Buch, Vedder Price

10:30 AM–11:15 AM: Determining Stock Value

Speaker: Jade Palmero, Empire Valuation

11:25 AM–12:10 PM: Financing an ESOP

Speaker: Phillip Hayes, Berman Hopkins

12:10 PM–1:10 PM: Lunch with Experts

  • ESOP Valuation Insights, Jade Palmero, Empire Valuation
  • Do Seller's Motivations Align With An ESOP, Phillip Hayes, Berman Hopkins
  • Utilizing your Advisors and Quarterbacking, Chris Buch, Vedder Price

1:20 PM–2:05 PM: Role of the ESOP Trustee and Relationship with the Board

Speaker: Neil Brozen, Ventura ESOP Associates

2:15 PM–3:00 PM: How We Built Our Unique ESOP and Engaged Employees Along the Way

Speaker: Sheryl Lewis, ROI Communications

3:25 PM–4:00 PM: Investing in the 1042 Rollover

Speaker: Nick Francia, The Capital ESOP Group, UBS

4:10 PM–4:55 PM: Ownership Communications and Cultures

Speaker: To be announced

We look forward to seeing you in Phoenix for two days of learning, networking, and exploring the potential of ESOPs as a tool for business succession and employee ownership. Register today to secure your spot at this must-attend event for business owners considering an ESOP. Early bird rates are available, so don’t delay! The event is already more than 15% full.