Explore the full program for the Family Business Conference 2025: Asia-Pacific and join us at the Western Sydney Conference Centre, 20 - 23 May!
We have an incredible line-up of local and global experts, each providing valuable insights with a family business lens. Attendees will gain practical takeaways through keynote presentations, interactive workshops, and real-world family business stories.
Networking is at the heart of the conference, so we are bringing back all your favourite social events — from the Longest Lunch and Family Business Excellence Awards Dinner to Family Business Site Visits!
The Family Business Conference is more than a series of tailored sessions — it's a community of like-minded people who truly understand what it means to be in family business, creating a supportive and trusting environment for each other. The vulnerability, openness to share, and readiness to assist each other is a testament to the strength and camaraderie of the FBA community and the special ‘magic dust’ they create.
Your Conference Program
Discover what's in store across this jam-packed 4 day program in Western Sydney and build your conference experience your way.
TUESDAY 20 MAY
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Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Scenic World’s operations as Anthea and David Hammon open their doors for this special Site Visit. Experience the Scenic Railway, Skyway, Cableway and Walkways in the beautiful blue mountains. |
| Officially kick off your 2025 Family Business Conference experience at Squires Terrace. With drinks and canapés in hand, meet your fellow conference attendees. Catch up with old friends and make some new ones too. |  |
WEDNESDAY 21 MAY
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Add a thrilling highlight to your conference! This iconic adventure takes you to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, providing stunning 360-degree views of the city and fascinating information about the bridge’s history. |
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Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at one of these seven NSW family businesses - ActronAir, A.H. Beard, Chas Clarkson, Garlo’s Pies, Harris Farm Distribution Centre, Kennards Hire and Mongrel Boots. |
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Join us for the Longest Lunch - a true highlight each year! Indulge in a 3 course lunch, rotating seats with every course, meeting new people, exchanging ideas, and creating connections to benefit your business for years to come. |
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A longest lunch event specifically for emerging generation family members. Enjoy a 3 course lunch, while rotating seats with each course, allowing you to network with peers navigating similar paths in family business. |
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THURSDAY 22 MAY
KEYNOTEEconomic Update |
PLENARY SESSIONThe Impact of Geopolitical Disruption on Family Businesses |
KEYNOTESucceeding in a Continuously Changing World |
KEYNOTETurning the Ordinary into Extraordinary: The Rise of The Big GroupBruce and Chyka Keebaugh, Co-Founders, The Big Group |
PARALLEL WORKSHOPS
Leveraging Family Business as a Competitive Advantage
Jonathan Cole and Iain Good, Founders, Premiumisation Partners, Matthew Beard, Chief Strategy Officer and Garry Beard, Chairman/Managing Director, A.H. Beard
Turning Crisis into Currency - the Cost and Reward from Crisis Work
Sally Branson, Managing Director, The Sally Branson Consulting Group
PARALLEL SESSIONS
Navigating Change in Perspectives, Beliefs, and Behaviours
Hugo Douglas, Managing Director, Investment Management Australia, and Archie Douglas, Director, Redbank Communities
Leading and Influencing Change in a Family Business
Trudy McDonald, Founder and Managing Director, TalentCode HR
The Role of Family Offices in Shaping the Future of Family Businesses and Business Families
Brad Scott, Founder, CEO and Managing Director, EWM Group
Forging Stronger Futures: How Strategic Partnerships Drive Family Business Success
Bill Andrews, Director, John Andrews, Regional Manager and David Church, Director, Royan Group of Companies
KEYNOTE
The Morrison Family’s Musical Journey
James, Harry and William Morrison, The James Morrison Quartet
Family Business Excellence Awards
Join us for an unforgettable night celebrating family business achievements at the Family Business Excellence Awards Dinner. This elegant evening recognises outstanding family businesses and individuals in our community.
FRIDAY 23 MAY
Women Leading the Way Breakfast
Open to everyone, this breakfast shines a spotlight on successful women in family business. This year, we are delighted to be joined by Uppma Virdi, Owner and Founder Chai Walli.
KEYNOTE
Gentelligence for the Family Business
Dr Megan Gerhardt, Professor of Leadership, Miami University
KEYNOTE
Fabric of Leadership: Weaving a Legacy Through Succession
Ajay Amalean, Co-Founder and Kunal Amalean, Chair, Amaliya Family Council
PARALLEL WORKSHOP
It’s time for A Sales Revolution
Ingrid Maynard, Founder and Managing Director, The Sales Doctor
PARALLEL SESSIONS
| Family Transitions: Why They Stall and Strategies for Restoring the Flow to Bring About Change Catherine Sanders, Co-Director, Bower Place |
Aligning Family Interests and Business Structure for Generational Success Steve Thacker, Founder & Managing Director, Ashley Thacker, Managing Director, and Tim Van Dyke, NSW State Manager, Ranger |
Advisory Boards - Steering Family Businesses Through Complexity and Change Louise Broekman, Founder, Advisory Board Centre, Alice Horne, Board Director, Stillwell Family Group, Rob Davis, Principal Consultant, Enginuity Consulting |
| If Disruption is the Problem, then Innovation is the Solution Richard Turner, Author and Founder, The Essential Entrepreneur |
Resilience and Imposter Syndrome Pamela Jabbour, CEO, Total Image Group and Elisabeth Shaw, CEO, Relationships Australia (NSW) |
From Family Dream to Sustainable Leadership Martin Brook, Co-Founder and Will Brook, CEO, Brookfarm |
KEYNOTE
Fostering a Strong Organisational Culture Amid Workforce Challenges
Lieutenant General Natasha Fox AO CSC, Chief of Personnel, Australian Defence Force
KEYNOTE
Stepping In and Stepping Up in Style
Elisha Hopkinson, CEO, APG & Co - Sportscraft, SABA, and JAG
KEYNOTE
AI for the Future of Business: Navigating the New Frontier
Stephen Scheeler, Former Facebook CEO, and Founder The Digital CEO
The perfect way to wind down after a jam-packed week! Join us for post event drinks and nibbles, as we gather to reminisce about the week and farewell our mates and new found friends … until next time!
SATURDAY 24 MAY
Add a thrilling highlight to your conference! This iconic adventure takes you to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, providing stunning 360-degree views of the city and fascinating information about the bridge’s history.
