Global Family Business Summit 2026

The Sustainable Family Business Enterprise Research Lab at Brunel University of London invites the global family business community to connect in London in June 2026.

Family business owners, next-generation members, practitioners, academics, and researchers are warmly welcomed to come together to network, exchange ideas, and contribute to discussions shaping the future of family enterprise.

Day 1 (in person, London)

The first day is the main summit event, bringing together academics, family business leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of family enterprises.

The day begins with welcome remarks and opening keynotes setting the context for the global importance of family businesses and the challenges they face, including digital transformation, governance, and generational transition.

Throughout the day there are keynote talks, interviews, and panel discussions focused on key themes such as:

• How family businesses adapt to global economic change
• Leadership and succession across generations
• Aligning values, culture, and growth strategies
• The role of AI, sustainability, and innovation
• Building international partnerships and long-term impact

Day 2 (online)

The second day focuses on an international academic case competition, where finalist teams present research and analysis on real family business challenges.

The competition is divided into four thematic tracks:

• Track 1: Leadership and transgenerational governance
• Track 2: Digital transformation and innovation in family enterprise
• Track 3: Sustainability and purpose-driven enterprise
• Track 4: Globalisation and partnerships for shared prosperity

Across the day, eight finalist teams present their cases, each followed by questions from an expert judging panel made up of academics and industry leaders.

International family business case competition

• Day 2 will host a selective, practice-oriented case development competition designed to advance high-quality teaching cases focused on the strategic challenges facing contemporary family enterprises.
• Contributors are invited to co-create applied cases that illuminate critical decision points, governance tensions, and transformation pathways in family-owned firms.

Key dates for case competition   

• Abstract submission deadline - 10 April 2026
• Shortlisted abstracts announced - 18 April 2026
• Full case submission deadline - 20 May  2026
• Finalist presentations and awarding - 24 June 2026

Registration and fees

• Early Bird Discount (in person) £145 
• Early Bird Discount (online) £65
• Full Programme (in-person) £180
• Full Programme (online) £80

Book your place

Contact email familybusiness@brunel.ac.uk