Demystifying Employee Ownership Trusts

A One-Day Workshop at the NCEO Forum

Session Preview

Date: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Time: 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. 
Cost: $350

Join us at the 2025 NCEO Forum for an intensive one-day workshop designed to demystify employee ownership trusts (EOTs). This interactive session is ideal for business owners, HR professionals, and financial advisors looking to explore alternative business ownership models that can drive employee engagement and boost company performance. Access to the opening luncheon and evening cocktail reception on Wednesday is included in your registration cost. All sessions for this one-day workshop will take place at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. 

Please note, this workshop will encompass the entire first day of the 2025 NCEO Forum. Main Forum sessions begin at 1:00 p.m. Attending the EOT One-Day Workshop will conflict with Concurrent Sessions 1, 2, & 3.

This workshop is eligible for 4.5 hours of CPE & SHRM credit.

Why Attend?

Discover the practical tools and insights needed to navigate the evolving landscape of employee ownership trusts. This workshop offers a unique blend of expert-led content, real-world case studies, and invaluable peer-to-peer interactions, equipping you with actionable strategies to:

  • Understand the global landscape and fundamental mechanics of EOTs.
  • Explore diverse EOT development pathways and financing considerations.
  • Learn from companies who have successfully transitioned to and are operating as EOTs.
  • Gain strategies for fostering a robust ownership culture post-transition.
  • Connect directly with service providers and peers experienced in EOTs.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for anyone interested in exploring or deepening their understanding of employee ownership trusts, including:

  • Business owners considering an EOT model for succession or growth.
  • Leaders of newly formed or maturing EOTs seeking practical guidance.
  • Advisors (legal, financial, HR) specializing in employee ownership.
  • HR professionals and those responsible for culture and engagement in EO companies.

What to Expect:

Immerse yourself in a dynamic day of learning and connection. This workshop goes beyond theory, offering:

  • Expert-Led Content: Learn from leading voices and practitioners in the EOT space.
  • Real-World Discussions: Engage with case studies and insights from companies that have successfully transitioned to EOTs.
  • Actionable Takeaways: Acquire practical tools and strategies you can implement immediately.
  • Business-to-Business Interactions: Network with fellow business leaders and specialized service providers.
  • Collaborative Roundtables: Participate in facilitated discussions tailored to your stage in the EOT journey.

Agenda

  1. Welcome

     

    Speaker: Loren Rodgers - Executive Director, NCEO

    8:45 AM - 9:00 AM

     

    Speaker: Loren Rodgers - Executive Director, NCEO

  2. The Global EOT Landscape: Trends, Growth, and Lessons for the US

     

    Speaker: Graeme Nuttall - NCEO Fellow & International Employee Ownership Ambassador

    9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

     

    Speaker: Graeme Nuttall - NCEO Fellow & International Employee Ownership Ambassador

  3. The 'Nuts & Bolts' of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs)

     

    Speaker: Zoe Schlag - Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Common Trust

    9:40 AM - 10:40 AM

     

    Speaker: Zoe Schlag - Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Common Trust

  4. Break

    10:40 AM - 10:50 AM

  5. Designing Your EOT: Legal Frameworks and Strategic Choices


    Speakers

    Jason Wiener - Partner, Jason Wiener | P.C

    Nicolas Sasso - Attorney, Porter Wright

    10:50 AM - 12:00 PM


    Speakers

    Jason Wiener - Partner, Jason Wiener | P.C

    Nicolas Sasso - Attorney, Porter Wright

  6. Lunch

    Lunch provided by the NCEO as part of your EOT Workshop registration.

    12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

    Lunch provided by the NCEO as part of your EOT Workshop registration.

  7. EOT Collaborative Roundtables by EOT Stage


    Speakers

    TBD

    1:00 PM - 2:00 PM


    Speakers

    TBD

  8. Break

    2:00 PM - 2:10 PM

  9. Creating a Thriving Culture Post EOT Transaction


    Speaker: Courtney Kemp - Senior Client Services Manager, Project Equity

    2:10 PM - 3:10 PM


    Speaker: Courtney Kemp - Senior Client Services Manager, Project Equity

  10. EOT Peer Network Meeting – with the Service Providers!


    Speaker: Matt Licina - Technical Content Manager, NCEO

     

    3:15 PM - 4:15 PM


    Speaker: Matt Licina - Technical Content Manager, NCEO

     

  11. Opening Cocktail Reception

    5:00 PM - 7:00 PM