2026 Employee Ownership Annual Conference
A look back at the energy, ideas, and connections from the 2025 IA-CEO Employee Ownership Annual Conference on October 23
October 1, 2026
8:00 am to 4:00 pm
FFA Enrichment Center
1055 SW Prairie Trail Pkwy
Ankeny, IA
More information coming soon!
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IA-CEO Employee Ownership Annual Conference - October 1, 2026
Employee ownership is transforming how businesses grow, perform, and plan for the future—and this is your chance to be part of that momentum. The IA-CEO Employee Ownership Annual Conference brings together the insights, experts, and inspiration to show what’s possible for you and your organization.
Explore the fundamentals in Exploring Employee Ownership. Discover ways to strengthen and scale your company in Growth Strategies. Gain data-driven insights in Academic Research. And, learn how to build a thriving ownership mindset in Culture and Engagement.
Join us and experience the ideas, tools, and connections that can shape the future of your business.
#1 Exploring Employee Ownership
Designed for business owners, advisors, and community members interested in learning the fundamentals of employee ownership. Sessions in this track will explore the different models—ESOPs, worker cooperatives, and employee ownership trusts—and outline the process of transitioning a company.
#2 Growth Strategies
This track focuses on helping employee-owned companies strengthen and expand their businesses. Topics will include acquisitions, ESOP holding companies, accessing capital, scaling operations, strategic planning, and leadership development.
#3 Academic Research
This track features research that deepens understanding of what makes employee ownership successful. Presentations will highlight academic studies, data-driven analyses, and real-world evidence that reveal how employee ownership influences business performance, workforce outcomes, and community vitality.
#4 Culture & Engagement
Centered on the human side of employee ownership, this track explores how companies can build an ownership mindset and strengthen engagement among employee-owners.
Partner with Us: Become a Sponsor of the 2026 IA-CEO Employee Ownership Annual Conference
Join us on October 1, 2026, as we bring together business owners, professional advisors and employee-owners across Iowa to explore pathways to employee ownership and build a stronger, more inclusive economy. As a sponsor, your organization will:
- Elevate your brand among leaders engaged in business succession, ESOPs and employee ownership models.
- Connect directly with decision-makers ready to implement meaningful change and engagement in their companies.
- Support the growth of employee-ownership across Iowa — helping together to preserve businesses, empower employees and strengthen communities.
We offer multiple sponsorship levels with benefits ranging from prominent logo placement with speaking opportunities to secondary logo recognition. Ready to make an impact? Simply scan the QR code or follow the link to review the sponsorship options and sign up today.
Thank you for your commitment to the future of employee ownership — we can’t wait to partner with you in making the 2026 conference our most impactful yet.
Thank You to our 2026 Conference Sponsors!
A sincere thank-you to our generous sponsors of the IA-CEO Employee Ownership Annual Conference. Your commitment to advancing employee ownership is making a real impact on businesses and communities across Iowa.
IA-CEO
