Over the past 15 years, what started as the Exit Planning Institute National Conference has grown into the Exit Planning Summit, the yearly, worldwide gathering for advisors dedicated to helping business owners increase value, prepare for transitions, and realize the full potential of their life’s work.
As we look ahead to the 2026 Exit Planning Summit in Nashville, it’s the perfect moment to pause, look back at where we started, and celebrate how far the profession has come.
The Evolution of Exit Planning
When the Exit Planning Institute® (EPI) hosted the first Exit Planning Institute National Conference in 2011, the role of a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®) looked very different. At that point, most business owners still viewed their exit as a one-time transaction rather than a long-term process.
Looking back at the 2013 State of Owner Readiness™ Report (SOOR) shows that 83% of business owners either had no transition plan, or a plan that wasn’t documented or communicated to anyone other than themselves.
Over the past 15 years, that has changed significantly with the help of CEPAs around the country. EPI’s most recent research, the 2023 SOOR, shows that 68% of business owners have sought outside advice for their exit.
The number of CEPAs in the market has also grown significantly, to more than 8,000, a figure that keeps rising.
From Conference to Summit
The Exit Planning Summit has followed a similar trajectory. What began as the Exit Planning Conference has evolved into a multi-day event that brings together advisors from around the world for learning, networking, and more.
As the Exit Planning Summit has grown larger and more sophisticated, its main purpose is the same. The Exit Planning Summit empowers the advisors who guide business owners through the Value Acceleration Methodology™ with inspiring keynote speakers, world-class workshops led by exit-planning experts, and one-of-a-kind networking opportunities.
The Future of the Exit Planning Summit
As the Exit Planning Summit continues to grow, EPI is evolving what it offers attendees. In 2026, as the Exit Planning Summit heads to Nashville, attendees will have the opportunity to dive deeper into the most underdeveloped leg of the exit planning stool: personal planning.
In Nashville, keynote speakers Ben Utecht and Tommy Breedlove will share valuable personal planning strategies that attendees can implement in both their practices and their daily lives. Special main stage sessions, including one led by EPI President Scott Snider, will highlight why successful exits require a strong personal plan.
In addition to new breakout sessions, the 2026 Exit Planning Summit will feature Summit Exploration time, a three-hour break in the action where you can map out your own path throughout the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
During Summit Exploration time, attendees can visit the Growth and Impact Stage to hear from experts like Justin Goodbread, Roger Silk, and others. You can also browse the exhibition hall, join special networking meetups, or visit the Beyond CEPA Hub. Advisors with VIP registration can also enjoy the VIP lounge to relax or network.
“You can even go into the fun zone, shoot some cornhole, see who has the longest drive on a golf simulator, and meet people in a really fun and impactful way,” says Scott. “I think that 2026 is really going to be a revolutionary year for the Exit Planning Summit.”
To learn more about the 2026 Exit Planning Summit, visit ExitPlanningSummit.com, and secure your spot today.
About the Exit Planning Summit
The Exit Planning Summit is the premier exit planning event spanning three days. It provides attendees the opportunity to experience hands-on education, make new connections with like-minded individuals, and spark innovation in the profession. It is the annual, global gathering for exit planning professionals committed to expanding their offerings to clients and becoming value-driven.
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