The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) Kansas City Chapter is set to host a Business Owner Forum on September 2nd from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Convention Center in Overland Park, Kansas. The event aims to connect business owners with top exit planning professionals for open, no-sales conversations about the real-world challenges and opportunities facing entrepreneurs today.
According to Mark Kipp, President of EPI Kansas City, the forum is designed to provide actionable advice and real-life discussions rather than product pitches. "This event has no product pitches or sales presentations—only actionable advice and real-life conversations with business owners and exit planning professionals on strategies for value acceleration and operational growth," Kipp said. He emphasized that the agenda is tailored for entrepreneurs and executives navigating growth, mergers, acquisitions, or planning an eventual exit, along with their advisors.
The forum will offer business owner attendees insights from experienced advisors and business leaders to improve long-term business strategy and decision-making. In turn, exit planning professionals—including financial advisors and business consultants—will have the opportunity to hear directly from Kansas City-area owners about the topics concerning them today. This two-way exchange is intended to foster a deeper understanding of the current business landscape and the specific needs of owners in the region.
The event is particularly timely given the increasing number of baby boomer business owners approaching retirement, many of whom lack a formal exit plan. According to EPI, a significant portion of business owners have not prepared for succession, which can lead to business failure or value erosion. Forums like this are crucial in bridging that gap by providing education and resources to help owners maximize their company's value and ensure a smooth transition.
For the broader industry, the forum highlights the growing importance of exit planning as a professional discipline. EPI, formed in 2005, has been at the forefront of this movement through its Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) credential program, which is the most widely endorsed professional exit planning program in the world. By bringing together owners and advisors, the Kansas City Chapter is reinforcing the value of proactive planning and knowledge-sharing among peers.
Registration for the Business Owner Forum is open on the EPI website. The event is expected to draw a diverse group of stakeholders, from small business owners to seasoned consultants, all seeking to enhance their strategic approach to business growth and transition.
