---
title: Why You Should Make the 2026 Exit Planning Summit Your First
description: Join the top certified exit planning advisors at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit. Network, learn from industry experts, and grow your practice.
image: https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/MakeThe2026SummitYourFirst-BLOG.png
---

![exit planning institute](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hs-fs/hubfs/logos/EPI_Exit-Planning-Institute_shield_white.png?width=60&height=64&name=EPI_Exit-Planning-Institute_shield_white.png)

## THE EXIT PLANNING BLOG

Keep up-to-date with exit planning, succession planning, industry trends, unique specialty insights, and useful content for professional advisors and business owners.

[![home](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/EPI-Assets-2022/blog/home.png) ](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/)

#### Share this

[Share on Twitter ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/make-the-2026-exit-planning-summit-your-first&text=Why%20You%20Should%20Make%20the%202026%20Exit%20Planning%20Summit%20Your%20First) [Share on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/make-the-2026-exit-planning-summit-your-first&t=Why%20You%20Should%20Make%20the%202026%20Exit%20Planning%20Summit%20Your%20First) [Share on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/make-the-2026-exit-planning-summit-your-first&t=Why%20You%20Should%20Make%20the%202026%20Exit%20Planning%20Summit%20Your%20First)

# Why You Should Make the 2026 Exit Planning Summit Your First

 by [**Rob DiFranco**](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/author/rob-difranco) on October 20, 2025

![](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/MakeThe2026SummitYourFirst-BLOG.png)

Curious about making the 2026 [Exit Planning Summit](https://exitplanningsummit.com/) in Nashville your first? There’s no better time to have your first Exit Planning Summit experience than 2026.  

The Exit Planning Summit is a one-of-a-kind experience for exiting planning professionals, whether you are a [Certified Exit Planning Advisor®](https://exit-planning-institute.org/program/certified-exit-planning-advisor) (CEPA) or not. Meet the top names in the industry, network with other professionals in your area and from around the globe, and catch up on the latest strategies that can help elevate your exit planning practice. 

## What you Can Expect at the Exit Planning Summit 

Looking for specifics about what to expect at your first Exit Planning Summit in Nashville?  

You’ll hear powerful keynotes from leadership strategist Tommy Breedlove and Super Bowl champion Ben Utecht, both focused on building the personal leg of the stool, the often-missed foundation of a successful exit strategy. 

During Ben's opening keynote, he will help the CEPA community through the process of creating a community creed that helps to align what it means to be a CEPA. Throughout Ben’s keynote, CEPAs discover more about themselves and how to build a community creed that unites the entire community and drives it toward a shared goal. 

Don’t miss the main stage panel, led by [Exit Planning Institute® (EPI)](https://exit-planning-institute.org/) President Scott Snider, as [Jerome Myers](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/personal-leg-importance-jerome-myers), Susan Latremoille, Cara Gray, and Marianne Oehser share real-world stories and practical approaches to personal leg development. 

Experience more than just the speakers at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit with the many networking opportunities available. Connect with your fellow CEPAs and other advisors to gain valuable insights into the constantly evolving exit planning world at events like the Exit Planning Summit Welcome Social. 

### New Events Making Their Debut in 2026 

As we make our Nashville debut, EPI is also unveiling new ways to learn at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit with three new unique breakout session styles, including case study sessions, panel discussions, and lecture-style sessions, that offer an extended look into owners, building referral networks, structuring exit planning business models, addressing family business dynamics, and more. In these new breakout learning opportunities, you’ll learn from the top names in the exit planning industry, including Justin Goodbread, CEPA, Joe Seetoo, CEPA, Joe Strazzeri, CEPA, and others. 

EPI will debut two new workshops, offered separately from Summit registration, to help CEPAs guide clients in aligning their personal, financial, and business goals. The [SHINE Workshop](https://exit-planning-institute.myshopify.com/products/2026-shine-how-to-maximize-your-impact-and-inner-peace) blends teaching, reflection, and interactive exercises to encourage participants to shed fear, ego, and low-value work. 

Another new workshop, exclusively for financial advisors, led by Casey Clark, CEO of Cultivate Advisors, will help financial advisors transform their CEPA designation into a repeatable framework for growth. 

In addition to these new sessions are several returning favorites, including the Mastering the Triggering Event and Tax Planning workshops, and the Women in Exit Planning Symposium. You’ll also have time to explore the scenic Gaylord Opryland Resort, or make the 20-minute trip to downtown Nashville to visit the Country Music Hall of Fame and the iconic Broadway district. 

## Make the Most of Your First Exit Planning Summit 

If 2026 is your first Exit Planning Summit, you’re in good company, hundreds of professionals attend for the first time each year. Our First-Time Attendee Starter Pack makes sure you feel at home from the moment you arrive. 

In this Starter Pack, you’ll learn why first-time attendees love the Exit Planning Summit, get answers to the most frequently asked questions by attendees, and learn why this world-class exit planning event is a career-shaping experience for advisors everywhere. 

Visit the [Exit Planning Summit website](https://exitplanningsummit.com/) to see why first-timers come for the learning, but return for the people, the inspiration, and the lasting impact this event has on their practice. 

### Related Resources 

- [Why the 2026 Exit Planning Summit is a Must-Attend Event](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/why-2026-exit-planning-summit-must-attend) 
- [Crafting Championship Legacies at the 2025 Exit Planning Summit](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/crafting-championship-legacies-at-the-2025-exit-planning-summit)
- [Five Reasons to Register Early for the Exit Planning Summit](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/five-reasons-register-early-summit) 

### Download the First-Time Attendee Starter Pack

Topics: [Exit Planning Summit](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/exit-planning-summit)

#### Share this

[Share on Twitter ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/make-the-2026-exit-planning-summit-your-first&text=Why%20You%20Should%20Make%20the%202026%20Exit%20Planning%20Summit%20Your%20First) [Share on Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/make-the-2026-exit-planning-summit-your-first&t=Why%20You%20Should%20Make%20the%202026%20Exit%20Planning%20Summit%20Your%20First) [Share on LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/make-the-2026-exit-planning-summit-your-first&t=Why%20You%20Should%20Make%20the%202026%20Exit%20Planning%20Summit%20Your%20First)

- Recent
- Topics

Recent

Topics

- [Blog (572)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/blog)
- [CEPA (445)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/cepa)
- [exit planning (247)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/exit-planning)
- [CEPA community (194)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/cepa-community)
- [Business Owner (178)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/business-owner)
- [Exit Planning Summit (115)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/exit-planning-summit)
- [EPI Chapter Network (88)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/epi-chapter-network)
- [Value Acceleration Methodology (84)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/value-acceleration-methodology)
- [Exit Planning Partner Network (82)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/exit-planning-partner-network)
- [EPI Announcement (49)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/epi-announcement)
- [Content (48)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/content)
- [Webinars (36)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/webinars)
- [Excellence in Exit Planning Awards (35)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/excellence-in-exit-planning-awards)
- [Marketing (30)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/marketing)
- [2024 Exit Planning Summit (28)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/2024-exit-planning-summit)
- [5 Stages of Value Maturity (26)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/5-stages-of-value-maturity)
- [Books (24)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/books)
- [EPI Academy (24)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/epi-academy)
- [EPI Team (23)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/epi-team)
- [Exit Planning Teams (23)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/exit-planning-teams)
- [Leadership (21)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/leadership)
- [2023 Exit Planning Summit (20)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/2023-exit-planning-summit)
- [Intangible Capital (20)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/intangible-capital)
- [family business (20)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/family-business)
- [women in business (20)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/women-in-business)
- [Exit Options (18)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/exit-options)
- [Black Friday (16)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/black-friday)
- [Walking to Destiny (16)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/walking-to-destiny)
- [CPA (15)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/cpa)
- [personal planning (15)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/personal-planning)
- [Chapters (14)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/chapters)
- [State of Owner Readiness (14)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/state-of-owner-readiness)
- [Small business (13)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/small-business)
- [charitable intent (13)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/charitable-intent)
- [Chris Snider (12)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/chris-snider)
- [National Accounts (12)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/national-accounts)
- [Financial Advisors (11)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/financial-advisors)
- [DriveValue (10)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/drivevalue)
- [Season of Deals (9)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/season-of-deals)
- [5 Ds (8)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/5-ds)
- [About us (8)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/about-us)
- [Podcast (8)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/podcast)
- [Scott Snider (8)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/scott-snider)
- [Awards (6)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/awards)
- [Case Studies (6)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/case-studies)
- [Christmas (6)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/christmas)
- [Exit Planning Content Library (6)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/exit-planning-content-library)
- [Insiders Bash (6)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/insiders-bash)
- [Three Legs of the Stool (6)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/three-legs-of-the-stool)
- [Circle of Excellence (5)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/circle-of-excellence)
- [Five Ds (5)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/five-ds)
- [Owner Roundtables (5)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/owner-roundtables)
- [Value Advisors (5)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/value-advisors)
- [Annual Exit (4)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/annual-exit)
- [EPI Thought Leadership Council (4)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/epi-thought-leadership-council)
- [Exit & Succession (4)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/exit-succession)
- [financial planning (4)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/financial-planning)
- [Exit Is Now Podcast (3)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/exit-is-now-podcast)
- [Owners Forum (3)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/owners-forum)
- [Whitepapers (3)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/whitepapers)
- [author (3)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/author)
- [executive training (3)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/executive-training)
- [forbes (3)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/forbes)
- [Artificial Intelligence (2)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/artificial-intelligence)
- [Peter Christman (2)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/peter-christman)
- [Veteran (2)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/veteran)
- [Business Owners Forum (1)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/business-owners-forum)
- [CEPA Connect (1)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/cepa-connect)
- [Growth and Impact Week (1)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/growth-and-impact-week)
- [Mastering the Market (1)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/mastering-the-market)
- [SOOR (1)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/soor)
- [Value Gap (1)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/value-gap)
- [business consultants (1)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/business-consultants)
- [team work (1)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/tag/team-work)

[See all](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/make-the-2026-exit-planning-summit-your-first#)

### Subscribe by email

### RELATED ARTICLES

[What You Missed at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit, and What’s Next ](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/2026-exit-planning-summit-recap)

[![What You Missed at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit & What's Next](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/WhatYouMissedSummit-BLOG.png)

](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/2026-exit-planning-summit-recap)

[Exit Planning Summit

#### [What You Missed at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit, and What’s NextWhat You Missed at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit, and What’s Next](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/2026-exit-planning-summit-recap)

](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/2026-exit-planning-summit-recap)

April 27, 2026  3 min read

[How You Can Prioritize Personal Planning in 2026 ](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/how-you-can-prioritize-personal-planning-in-2026)

[![How You Can Prioritize Personal Planning in 2026](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/PersonalPlanning-01.png)

](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/how-you-can-prioritize-personal-planning-in-2026)

[Value Acceleration Methodology Blog Exit Planning Summit

#### [How You Can Prioritize Personal Planning in 2026How You Can Prioritize Personal Planning in 2026](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/how-you-can-prioritize-personal-planning-in-2026)

](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/how-you-can-prioritize-personal-planning-in-2026)

December 22, 2025  3 min read

[Plan Your Trip to Nashville for the 2026 Exit Planning Summit ](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/plan-your-trip-to-2026-exit-planning-summit)

[![Plan Your Trip to Nashville (Everything You Need to Know)](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/PlanYourTripSummit-BLOG.png)

](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/plan-your-trip-to-2026-exit-planning-summit)

[Exit Planning Summit

#### [Plan Your Trip to Nashville for the 2026 Exit Planning SummitPlan Your Trip to Nashville for the 2026 Exit Planning Summit](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/plan-your-trip-to-2026-exit-planning-summit)

](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/plan-your-trip-to-2026-exit-planning-summit)

January 5, 2026  4 min read