- October 16, 2012
- 2:40 pm
- Andrew Keyt
- no comments
Conference Notes: FBN International Summit in Review
Thirty-eight Members of the Family Business Center made the trek to Jolly ole’ England this month for the Family Business Network (FBN) International Summit. Over the course of four days, nearly 800 family business executives, owners, and family members attended panel discussions, networked and rubbed elbows with other family businesses from around the world.
A cocktail reception at the National Portrait Gallery kicked-off the conference, giving participants exclusive access to one of the world’s most prized collections of portrait paintings.
George Kohlrieser’s (IMD Business School) opening address, Achieving High Performance in Uncertain Times, emphasized that in order for employees to tackle needed changes within a challenging environment, leaders must create a secure base of trust and support. George stressed the importance of not being held hostage to problems, but to take ownership and actively find solutions.
Those who attended FBN Summit Chicago in 2010 are sure to remember the powerful family case studies and breakout sessions that took place throughout the conference. This year’s case studies (from such notable family businesses as Walkers Shortbread, Haniel, Miele and Welsch Allyn) provided unmatched family-to-family learning.
I was honored to present the preliminary results of my research for my upcoming book, Myths & Mortals: How Successors Succeed in the Shadows of their Parents. In addition, I moderated case presentations by Mike Hamra (G2) of Hamra Enterprises and Bella Hopewell (G11) of Hoares Bank.
The Summit ended with an elegant black tie gala dinner at Royal Albert Hall, complete with a performance by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. A great time was had by all: an evening filled with meaningful conversation and newly formed friendships.
If you missed this year’s Summit, don’t fret. You can join us for some upcoming FBN Events:
FBN North America Family Council Forum: February 21-22, 2013, Miami Florida
The International Next Generation Summit: June 6-7, 2013, New York City
FBN International Summit: October 10-12, 2013, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Registration details will be available soon. Check back, as we expect these events to sell out fast.