The Forum for Family Enterprise
Formerly the Kansas Family Business Forum
Established 1995
The Forum provides unique learning experiences to those involved with family enterprise.
Events bring owners, families, and managers together to address issues such as ownership
and management succession, strategic planning, estate planning, risk management, family
dynamics, and family governance just to name a few.
Vision Statement:
To secure the future of family enterprise.
Mission Statement:
To empower closely held family businesses through connection, inspiration, and education.
2026-2027 Membership Programming
- Wed, Sep 16, 2026
Scaling for Success: How Leadership, Structure, and Governance Must Evolve as Your
Business Grows
- Tues, Oct 13, 2026 —
Scaling in Practice: Lessons Learned from Business Leaders Who've Done It
- Thur, Nov 12, 2026
Compensation in the Family Business: Getting Pay, Performance, and Incentives Right
- Thur, Dec 10, 2026 —
When the Business Becomes Your Identity
- Thur, Jan 7, 2027 —
Author Discussion: Hug of War: Balancing Love, Control, and Independence Across Generations
- Thur, Feb 11, 2027 —
Panel Discussion: Practical Uses of AI in Family Businesses
- Thur, Mar 11, 2027 —
Psychology Safety: What It Is and Why It's Needed in Your Team, Business, an Family
- Thur, Apr 8, 2027
Beyond the Traditional Transition: New Models for Engaging the Next Generation
- Kickoff: Program Overview & New Member Introduction
Sept 9, 2026- 5:30-7:30pm - Botanica
- Fall Event: Fireside Chat with the JR Custom Products Family
Oct 22, 2026 - 6-8pm - Woolsey Hall Fidelity Ballroom
- Spring Event: Leveraging Entrepreneurship Through Aquisition as an Innovative Approach
to Legacy
Apr 20, 2027 - 6-8pm - Woolsey Hall Fidelity Bank Ballroom
- Tues, Sep 29, 2026 —
Founder/CEO
- Wed, Sept 30, 2026—
Next Gen
- Tues, Nov 17, 2026 —
Founder/CEO
- Wed, Nov 18, 2026 —
Next Gen
- Tues, Jan 26, 2027 —
Founder/CEO
- Wed, Jan 27, 2027 —
Next Gen
- Tues, Mar 23, 2027 —
Founder/CEO
- Wed, Mar 24, 2027 —
Next Gen
For over 25 years, The Forum has been a great organization for meeting other family
businesses. There is a sense of belonging to a greater community, of sharing similar
values and beliefs and of continued learning from professionals for the well-being
of our family business.
Patty Koehler, J.R. Custom Metal
"No matter what Family Business issue that we are confronting at Star, we know that
others have already addressed similar situations in their own businesses. Thanks to
The Forum, we have The Forum to interact and learn from quality Grantors and other
experienced business owners who already dealt with the similar issues."
- Chris Goebel, Star Lumber
"The Forum is an important resource for our family business by providing education,
resources and networking on risk management, human resource management, strategic
planning and succession. These issues are imperative in any business at any time,
but especially now. We must find the resolve to endure and the strength to thrive!"
- Walter Berry, Berry Companies Inc.
More Information
For more information about The Forum for Family Enterprise, fill out the interest form
by clicking the button below!