The 2022 annual Las Vegas Employee Owned Conference & Trade Show, hosted by The ESOP Association, drew more than 2,000 in-person and virtual participants in early November. More than 60 individual breakout sessions were offered at this three-day event, including tracks covering Internal Trustee, ESOP Essentials, Leadership & Governance, Human Resources & Culture, and Executive Series. The conference also included several networking opportunities for attendees to meet and greet with prospective and existing employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) companies and service providers.
A conference highlight was opening keynote speaker Joe Theismann, a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion. During his address, he drew connections between his successful football career and the executive, manager, salesperson, group, individual, and employee owner, with the goal of “managing to win.” According to Theismann, good management and effective leadership differ from a follow-the-leader mentality. They are about “PEOPLE-listening,” trusting your team, and motivating individuals to take ownership in team goals.
During the conference, The ESOP Association presented its Annual Awards for Communication Excellence (AACE). Bane-Welker Equipment was awarded for its community engagement. Located in Ladoga, Indiana, the farm equipment business was commended for weaving the concept of employee ownership through its communications regarding community engagement and promoting its ESOP to a broad audience.
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