2025 Employee Ownership Annual Conference
Conference Quick Links
Join us for IA-CEO’s Employee Ownership Annual Conference
Explore how employee ownership can benefit transitioning business owners, employee owners, professional service providers, and community leaders. Gain valuable insights from industry experts, connect with professionals, and hear firsthand stories from companies that have successfully implemented employee ownership models.
If your company is considering employee ownership, this conference is the perfect opportunity to learn from those who have been through the process, access key resources, and connect with experts who can guide you. Discover how employee ownership can foster a more engaged, motivated, and productive workforce.
Conference Details
- FFA Enrichment Center
DMACC Ankeny Campus
1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy
Ankeny, IA 50023 - Check-in starts at 8:00 a.m. CST
- Conference begins at: 9:00 a.m. CST
If you're interested in becoming a sponsor for our 2025 conference, we'd love to hear from you. Sponsorships provide excellent visibility and networking opportunities with leaders in the field. Please contact Deb Giarusso, Stacy Mullinex or Judy Butler for more information!
Students are Invited to Attend the IA-CEO Employee Ownership Annual Conference
Invest in the Next Generation of Leaders
The IA-CEO Employee Ownership Conference is coming up on October 23rd, and we want college students to be part of the conversation. That’s where you come in.
- Sponsor a student’s registration
- Just $99 per scholarship
- Show your support for Iowa’s future business owners, entrepreneurs, and change-makers
Whether you’re an individual passionate about education or a company committed to employee ownership, your support opens doors for tomorrow’s leaders.
Let’s bring young voices into the room.
Check out the Mentor Guide to see how easy it is to mentor a student for the day!
Come to the IA-CEO Employee Ownership Conference for FREE!
Thanks to generous sponsors, we have a limited number of student scholarships available for the October 23rd conference in Ankeny, IA. This event is a unique opportunity for students to:
- Connect with business leaders and owners
- Learn about ESOPs, employee ownership, and company transitions
- Explore career paths that value equity and shared success
If you’re studying business, finance, entrepreneurship, economics, or a related field, this is for you. Gain experience that puts you above the rest.
Students who are not selected for a scholarship may still attend and can register at a discounted rate.
Download the student scholarship flyer to print or share
Check out the Student Guide for details of what to expect.
Pre-Conference Seminars - October 22, 2025
Advisors’ Edge: Unlocking Employee Ownership for Your Clients
Presented by IA-CEO in partnership with EOX and Project Equity, this free, accredited training equips CPAs, financial planners, bankers, and attorneys with the tools to guide clients through employee ownership as a smart exit strategy. Learn the fundamentals, explore financial and tax benefits, and gain best practices—all while earning 1 hour of CE credit from NASBA, CFP, EPI-CEPA, or BEI.
🌱 Plant the Seed: Help clients build lasting legacies and strengthen their communities through employee ownership.
October 22, 2025 // 5:00pm - 6:30pm
DMACC - Urban Campus
1100 7th Street, Room 170, Des Moines, IA
Exit with Impact
Join us on October 22, 2025, for an introductory seminar designed for business owners, new employee owners, and students interested in learning about employee ownership. Whether you're considering transitioning your business, a new employee-owner eager to understand how it all works, or a student looking for an overview, this session will provide essential knowledge into the fundamentals of employee ownership.
Held the evening before the IA-CEO Employee Ownership Annual Conference, this seminar will help attendees get up to speed on key concepts before the main event.
October 22, 2025 // 5:00pm - 6:30pm
DMACC - Urban Campus
1100 7th Street, Room 171, Des Moines, IA
Thank You to Our 2025 Conference Sponsors
We extend our thanks to the generous sponsors of our IA-CEO Employee Ownership Annual Conference. Your commitment to supporting innovative initiatives like employee ownership is helping to strengthen both companies and local economies across the state of Iowa.
Company Sponsors
Sponsorships from Individuals
Jerry Ripperger
Tom & Christine Pientok Family
Brett Olsen
Let's talk
8120 Jennings Drive | Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Phone: 319-273-6557
Email: info@IA-CEO.org
Stacy.Mullinex@uni.edu 
| Deborah.Giarusso@uni.edu | Judy.Butler@uni.edu