The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Wisconsin Chapter is set to host its annual Business Owner Forum on September 17, 2026, at the Westmoor Country Club in Brookfield, Wisconsin. The event, running from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., will focus on family business owner transitions and actionable strategies, offering a rare opportunity for business owners and advisors to gain insights from real-world experiences.
This year's forum will feature in-depth interviews with three Wisconsin business owners who have recently navigated ownership transitions. Two of these owners successfully passed their companies to the next generation, while a third made the strategic decision to sell their business to a public buyer. These firsthand accounts will provide attendees with a candid look at the challenges and successes of different exit paths.
Erik Owen, President of EPI Wisconsin, emphasized the value of the forum, stating, "EPI Wisconsin's Business Owner Forums provide a confidential space for discussions with local business owners and industry professionals focused on exit planning." He added, "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."
The event is designed to benefit two key audiences. Business owner attendees will learn critical strategies for successfully transitioning their businesses and explore the various options available to them, whether passing the company to family, selling to an external buyer, or other alternatives. Exit planning professionals, including financial advisors, business consultants, and others, will gain valuable perspectives from the owners' stories, enhancing their ability to guide clients through similar processes.
The Business Owner Forum is part of EPI's broader mission to support business advisors and owners. Since its formation in 2005, the Exit Planning Institute has provided educational resources and tools to advisors, with its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) credential program recognized as the most widely endorsed program of its kind globally. The CEPA program equips advisors with the knowledge and training needed to engage business owners and become their most trusted advisors.
For those interested in attending, more information and registration details are available on the EPI site. The forum promises to deliver actionable insights and foster meaningful discussions that can impact the future of family businesses and the professionals who serve them.
