2025 ANNUAL CONFERENCE: THE VALUE OF SHOWING UP

As we look toward this year’s Annual Conference & Marketplace in Austin, Texas, I’m reminded of something simple but true: showing up still matters. In an era where virtual everything has become the norm, there’s nothing quite like the energy of being in the room. And this year, that room will be filled with the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of our industry.

I encourage every member—whether you’ve attended for decades or this would be your first—to join us. Because what happens at the Annual Conference isn’t just networking. It’s community. It’s learning. And it’s a tangible investment in your business, your team, and the future of the PEO industry.

The agenda this year is stacked. We’ll hear from expert speakers and seasoned professionals on everything from compliance and HR strategy to technology, sales, and growth. AI will be a major topic—not just in the abstract, but in practical terms: How are PEOs incorporating it today? What risks and opportunities should we prepare for? And where can it deliver real value?

Beyond the sessions, the conference is an unmatched opportunity to expand your professional network. You’ll connect with peers who understand your challenges and can offer insights that might just spark your next big move. You’ll meet potential partners, discover new technologies in the exhibit hall, and have a chance to explore services that can help your business operate more efficiently and grow more strategically.

This is also one of the best places to engage directly with NAPEO leadership. Our board and staff will be on the ground, available to listen and share, and to carry your feedback forward into the work we do year-round. From regulatory strategy to new member benefits, this is your opportunity to be part of the conversation and help shape where we’re going.

If you’re passionate about developing the next generation of PEO leaders—or becoming one yourself—your attendance helps make programs like NextGen possible. And if you’ve been following the inspiring work of our Women in NAPEO (WIN) initiative, the conference is where we celebrate their impact and push that momentum forward. You’ll also get to be part of something bigger than our industry: each year, through the NAPEO Gives Back initiative, our community comes together to raise funds for a local nonprofit in the host city. This is a powerful reminder that our impact extends well beyond business—and your presence helps strengthen that legacy of giving.

In short, this event is where it all comes together. And we need you there. Whether you’re driving policy, mentoring up-and-coming leaders, or simply looking to bring fresh thinking back to your team, the Annual Conference is one of the best tools we have to move our industry forward.

I promise you’ll leave with more than you came with, and I look forward to seeing you there.