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
How to Build a Business That Sustains Future Generations
What does a business need to endure to support not just your children, but your children’s children? Jacob will share insights on how to align family values, business vision, and innovative strategies to create a company that stands the test of time. Drawing from his experience in building long-term impact projects, he’ll explore why it’s not enough to simply pass on a business but to shape it so it can sustain future generations.
Jacob Uhlenkott
The 5th-Generation Family Business Leader
USA
9:45 – 10:30
Company Spirit – Some Aspects of Leadership and Responsibility
How do you preserve the „company spirit“ while growing, expanding, and transitioning to the next generation? Johannes will share his perspective on responsible leadership, sustaining a culture of collaboration, and staying true to values in a changing world.
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
Monika Nadova Kroslakova
Associate Professor at University of Economics in Bratislava, Founder of Family Business Center, Co-owner of a family business (G2)
Slovakia
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
Ales Bednarik
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
Monika Nadova Kroslakova
Associate Professor at University of Economics in Bratislava, Founder of Family Business Center, Co-owner of a family business (G2)
Slovakia
Erika Madari Matwij
Expert in family business and President of the Institute of Family Business
Slovakia
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.