Congress Agenda
Congress Agenda
Day 1 – 18 September 2025
8:00 – 8:50
Registration
8:50 – 9:00
Opening of the Congress
9:00 – 9:45
Who is the Architect of Your Family Business?
A family business doesn’t grow on its own – someone needs to take the helm. Who in your family sets the direction, defines the rules, and builds a solid foundation for future generations? Scott will share insights on why it’s essential to consciously shape the architecture of a family business – and who should take on that role.
Scott Rusnak
Expert EOS Implementer
USA
9:45 – 10:30
The topic will be announced soon.
Johannes Kärcher
Second-generation member of the family business Kärcher
Germany
10:30 – 11:00
Coffee Break
11:00 – 11:45
Building, Protecting and Transferring Family Business Wealth
Tom will offer a fresh perspective on why transferring wealth to the next generation for free—or at a discount—can be a risky idea. Get ready to unlearn everything you thought you knew about successfully passing on the leadership of a family business.
Thomas Deans
Expert in intergenerational wealth transfer
Canada
11:45 – 12:30
Silent War in the Boardroom: On (In)visible Conflicts in Family Business
Behind closed doors, family businesses often face silent battles – over power, trust, and direction. Erika and Aleš will reveal how to identify hidden conflicts and transform them into constructive dialogue. We’ll explore the dynamics that shape (and distort) family leadership from within.
Erika Madari Matwij
Expert in family business and President of the Institute of Family Business
Slovakia
Aleš Bednařík
Psychologist, speaker, trainer, author, and happytarian
Slovakia
12:30 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 14:30
From Monarchy to Management: What 750 Years of History Teach Us About Leading a Family and a Business
What can 750 years of dynastic leadership teach family businesses today? This discussion offers inspiration on resilience, maintaining continuity, and adapting to changing times – through the lens of a family that has endured wars, crises, and societal transformations.
HIRH Sandor Habsburg-Lothringen
A prominent representative of the Tuscan and Spanish branches of the Habsburg dynasty
14:30 – 14:45
Academy of Successors – Awarding of Diplomas to Graduates of the 4rd Year
14:45 – 14:55
Announcement of the 2025 TREND Family Business of the Year Nominations
14:55 – 15:15
Coffee Break
15:15 – 15:45
1st Round of Workshops of Your Choice
15:55 – 16:25
2nd Round of Workshops of Your Choice
16:35 – 17:05
3rd Round of Workshops of Your Choice
Evening Program
from 19:00
Dinner
Tasting of Branded Slovak Wines
20:00 – 21:00
EVENING SURPRISE:
Family Businesses in Perfect Harmony
Day 2 – 19 September 2025
08:30 – 09:00
Morning Coffee Break
09:00 – 12:00
Individual Consultations with Expert Partners
Registration for consultations will take place on the first day of the congress.
Test Drives on Mercedes-Benz Cars
Registration for rides will take place on the first day of the congress.