The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Wisconsin Chapter is set to host its Business Owner Forum on September 17, 2026, at Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The event, scheduled from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., aims to provide business owners and advisors with actionable strategies for successful business transitions, with a particular focus on family-owned enterprises.
This year's forum will feature interviews with three Wisconsin business owners who have recently navigated ownership transitions: two who passed their companies to the next generation and one who sold to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts will offer attendees a realistic view of the challenges and opportunities inherent in exit planning. Additionally, five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices will share their expert insights, providing a comprehensive perspective on the process.
"EPI Wisconsin's Business Owner Forums provide a confidential space for discussions with local business owners and industry professionals focused on exit planning," said Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin. "This year, we are excited to feature in-depth interviews with three family business owners who recently exited their businesses along with expert insights from five advisors who have built successful exit planning practices."
For business owners, the forum will highlight key strategies for transitioning their businesses effectively, covering topics such as valuation, succession planning, and the various exit options available. For exit planning professionals, including financial advisors and business consultants, the event offers a unique opportunity to hear real-world experiences from owners who have successfully completed transitions, which can inform their advisory practices.
The importance of such discussions cannot be overstated. According to the Exit Planning Institute, a significant number of business owners are unprepared for the eventual transfer of their companies, which can lead to business failure or diminished value. Events like this forum help bridge that gap by fostering dialogue and education around exit planning.
Attendees will have the chance to network with peers and experts, and to learn from the experiences of those who have already traversed the complex path of ownership transition. The forum is designed to be interactive, encouraging questions and discussions to ensure that participants leave with practical takeaways.
The event is part of EPI's broader mission to educate business owners and advisors on the importance of exit planning. Since its formation in 2005, the Exit Planning Institute has been a leading resource for professional advisors, offering the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential program, which is recognized worldwide. The institute provides advisors with the content, tools, and training necessary to engage business owners effectively and become their most trusted advisors.
For more information about the Business Owner Forum, including registration details, interested parties can visit the EPI website. The forum promises to be a valuable event for anyone involved in the future of family businesses.
