eoa Annual Conference 2024 – Your Key Takeaways

Following our most successful eoa Annual Conference, we dive into your feedback for a list of inspiring takeaways.

Image: The eoa Annual Conference 2024

With 100+ speakers, almost thirty exhibitors, and 864 attendees, it’s no exaggeration to say 2024 was our biggest and best eoa Annual Conference to date. 

And attendees have spoken. Your verdict is clear – the conference was inspiring, thought-provoking, fun, and insightful.  

Our number one takeaway is that we’re the conveners, but you are the engine not only of the conference but the sector at large. That’s why we’ve read through all the feedback you’ve shared with us to compile the most inspiring post-conference takeaways we’ve ever created. 

1. So Many Insights, But Practical Actions Too

From stirring keynotes to insightful sessions, powerful and authentic storytelling was on display wherever you went in the conference. This mix of sharing and connecting left many pondering the potential impact EO could have on a future world. 

“Bringing employee ownership to life with panel discussions from Riverford Organic Farmers and Páramo Directional Clothing - once again it's the power of authentic voices and their storytelling - just yes!”

Packing a lot into two days, so many of our speakers were name checked, offering a great level of insights and experiences. 

Huge value was also placed on practical steps to take back to your fellow or future employee owners. Whether new to EO, or in it for forty years, no business does it the same so pooling collective knowledge really is the name of the game.

“The conference was packed with learning opportunities. From discussions on employee voice and fostering an ownership mindset to managing profits and building culture, we’ve gained invaluable insights from experts and other businesses.” 

2. How Far EO Can Reach – Inspired by Keynote Páramo

The “extraordinary and inspiring” story from our final keynote proved how far EO can reach. So many of you were touched by the story of Claudia and Sandro who travelled from Columbia to share their powerful stories as part of a panel from Nikwax and Páramo Directional Clothing. 

From suffering violence and trauma during the civil war to now having an empowered future with a stake and a say led many of you to comment on the power of EO for social value and sustainability. 

“Their long-term partnership with the charitable Miquelina Foundation in Columbia who provide employment for vulnerable woman was a very emotional and inspirational story.”

“There is no blueprint, final product or set timeline - every journey, every approach and every EOB is unique.” 

3. Everyone Wants to Feel Special

One phrase that resonated deeply was PMFFS (Please Make Me Feel Special) from our second keynote from Jonathan Winchester of insight6. Even more so the many simple things people could do to improve their customer experience with this north star in mind.  

Many also took away that there’s more they can do to make their EO front and centre when it comes to customer experience. Another session that focussed on EO branding with Loadhog, Answer Digital, and John Lewis Partnership linked in with this was also mentioned as a highlight. 

“Practical (and actually a bit terrifying!) input on the importance of Customer Experience from Jonathan Winchester from insight6. We’re definitely taking that knowledge away and acting on it!” 

4. Committing to Your Purpose and Change Takes Courage, Not Time

Speaking of keynotes, there were plenty of mentions quoting cultural architect Javier Bajer: 

“...discussing how beliefs drive behaviours and understanding that you need to commit to your purpose and that change doesn't actually take time it takes courage.” 

“...culture is at the centre of everything - get the culture right and we will thrive.” 

“...it is our beliefs that will drive our behaviours - dictating a certain behaviour will not mean success if the belief is not there.”

“...communication is key - key to the success of teamwork and with this comes transparency.” 

“Culture is not a conceptual framework that needs to be communicated to people. It's the daily conversations that drive behaviours, the 'coffee machine' convos.”  

5. EO is Powerful and We’re at the Epicentre

“...while last year I felt the EO sector was still trying to persuade others … we're now looking to the next stage which is helping all employee owned businesses to continually progress and work towards 'Great EO'” 

In whichever capacity you attended the conference - attendee, shortlisted or award winner, exhibitor, speaker - you are the hub of the latest collective and shared EO knowledge.  

People noted a palpable shift this year from trying to persuade people about EO, to a level of conviction and confidence across our learning sessions. Truly, the sector is coming of age. Together, we’ve become an unstoppable force for developing Great EO in action. 

What Next?

We’ll continue to harness the energy of this community. Without a doubt these insights and stories will be the star of the show now and in the future, with an increasing impact and legacy. 

Now what you do with that? Use it, share it, grow it. It’s in your hands, as is the role you play in our future events, eo Hub, or awards. 

And the eoa Annual Conference returns on 25-26 November 2025 to the Telford International Centre. Join our priority list to be the first in line when tickets go live.