ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
MAY 25-27, 2026 | VANCOUVER, BC
FAMILY ENTERPRISE SYMPOSIUM 2026
Early Bird Registration Now Open
Save your spot today!
FEC/FBN Members
+ applicable tax
While early bird tickets last
$2,295
$1,795
Additional Family Members
$995
SYMPOSIUM PROGRAM OVERVIEW
DAY 1
Monday, May 25
Building a
Family Enterprise
For Family Members
Limited Space*
An interactive workshop that fortifies communication and supports smoother generational transitions in family enterprises.
Integrating FEA
Into Your Practice
For Designated FEAs
Limited Space*
An advanced workshop that deepens FEA practice and helps advisors apply systems-based tools to better support business families across generations.
NxG Retreat
For NxG Members
Limited Space*
A dynamic "retreat" that helps NxG Members learn, connect and build confidence for the future roles in their family enterprise.
Family Enterprise of
the Year Awards
A national celebration that recognizes outstanding Canadian business families for their achievements, values and contributions to family enterprise success.
A Community
Mountain Hike
Experience Vancouver's famous local mountains with a fun 5k hike on Mount Seymour, featuring stunning views of the city!
Sneakers/hiking shoes recommended. Not part of the official FEC programming; you must be responsible for your own safety. Layers and a waterproof jacket are recommended as mountain weather is changeable.
More activities to
be announced soon!
+
— OR —
DAY 2
Tuesday, May 26
Symposium 2026
Programming
Dine
Arounds
Symposium 2026
Programming
Symposium 2026
Ends
DAY 3
Wednesday, May 27
*Space is limited for Monday's programming; seats will be reserved on a first come, first served basis.
Additional activities to be announced.
MAY 25-27, 2026 VANCOUVER, BC
THE 2026 FAMILY ENTERPRISE OF
THE YEAR AWARDS (FEYAs)
Winners To Be Announced at Symposium 2026
For over three decades, the FEYAs have honoured and celebrated family enterprise excellence across Canada—now recognized in five distinct categories.
Submit your nomination before the deadline of February 13, 2026!
WIN THE GRAND PRIZE:
A bespoke documentary from CONTEXT Studios!
Create a professional documentary of your family story.
The nominator also wins a 1-year membership
with Family Enterprise Canada.
SPEAKER HIGHLIGHTS
Negotiating With Giants
Speaker
Fotini Iconomopoulos
About the Speaker
As a globally recognized expert in negotiation, leadership and strategic communication, Fotini has become one of the most sought-after voices on leadership, influence and workplace performance.
Learn more about Fotini →
Can I Fire My Family Member?
Speaker
Gerry Meyer, FEA, CPHR
About the Speaker
With 40 years of experience in strategy, governance and organizational culture, Gerry is a highly respected advisor to business families, specializing in leadership transition, communication and next generation development.
Learn more about Gerry →
The Legacy of Giants: Decision-Making As a Family Sport
Speaker
Matt Fullbrook
About the Speaker
With two decades of experience advising more than 250 boardrooms, Matt is a prominent voice in governance issues, known for his research, teaching and board effectiveness expertise.
Learn more about Matt →
More speakers to be announced— Stay tuned!
Know someone who would make a great speaker?
PRICING DETAILS
Registration now open
Early bird registration now open!
Non-Members
+ applicable tax
While early bird tickets last
$2,995
$2,295
Additional Family Members
$1,295
Have Questions?
If you have questions about Symposium, or your registration, please email us at events@familyenterprise.ca.
Hotel Details
Plan Ahead
Reserve your room
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
1000 Burrard Street (map it)
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2R9
Step into a journey
THIS YEAR'S THEME
ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
Invites attendees into a dynamic, story-driven experience that traces the evolution of family businesses across generations—spotlighting the bold founders who set the course, the next generation navigating complexity and collaboration, and the rising leaders building resilient, future-ready systems.
Anchored by compelling real-life stories, practical learning and energizing TED-style talks, the Family Enterprise Symposium offers inspiration, insight and tools for every stage of the family enterprise journey.
designed to celebrate the visionaries, champions and innovators who shape Canada’s family enterprise landscape.
Other Confirmed Speakers
Ambreen Bhaloo
Bernie Geiss
Lorna Johnston
Richard Kouwenhoven
Andrea Lekushoff
Olivier de Richoufftz
Coro Standberg
Tim Yeung
Rediscovering the Leader Beneath the Stewardship
Speaker
Jill Nykoliation, CPCC
About the Speaker
Jill is an award-winning business leader and executive coach known for shaping iconic global brands and guiding senior leaders through personal reinvention and next-chapter design.
Learn more about Jill →
STANDING ALONGSIDE THEIR GIANTS
Jay Stevens
President, The Stevens Company
A sixth-generation, family-owned business that traces their roots to 1830 in London, England, when a young apprentice named James Stevens began crafting surgical instruments. In 1874, his son Daniel established a Canadian branch in Toronto, and over time the company expanded coast-to-coast. Today, Stevens operates six distribution centres across Canada, delivering medical supplies and equipment nationwide. Through 150 years in Canada, the family’s commitment to healthcare and innovation has remained constant — a legacy of trust and service spanning generations.
More family stories to be announced — Stay tuned!
FEAs Please Note: Full attendance at Symposium qualifies you for 7 (seven) Continuing Education (CE) Credit towards your FEA designation's annual requirement.
FEAs Please Note: Full attendance at Symposium qualifies you for 7 (seven) Continuing Education (CE) Credit towards your FEA designation's annual requirement.
Integrating FEA Into Your Practice
Facilitator
Wendy Sage-Hayward, MA, FEA
About the Speaker
Wendy is a senior family enterprise advisor, educator and author, and FEC's Academic Director, known for guiding multi-generational families on governance, continuity and next-generation development.
Learn more about Wendy →
Building A Family Enterprise
Facilitator
Gaia Marchisio, Ph.D, FEA
About the Speaker
Gaia is a globally recognized family enterprise researcher and advisor, with over 25 years of experience studying, teaching and working alongside multigenerational business families around the world.
Learn more about Gaia →
WORKSHOP FACILITATORS