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Signature Events

  • 2025 coming soon
  • 2024 Honouring the Sunner Family

The Alberta Business Family Institute and the University of Alberta are proud to honour the Sunner Family of Durabuilt Windows & Doors at our 2024 Signature Event in recognition of their remarkable journey of entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth.

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Upcoming Events

Educational Event

Influencing Change: Next Gen Leadership

January 15, 2025 | Edmonton

February 5, 2025 | Calgary

Join ABFI and Results for a discussion on how next-gen leaders inspire trust and adaptability.
Learn More & Register

Our Events

Signature Event

Our annual celebration honouring multi-generational business families and their impact on our community.

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Leadership Series

Practical sessions focused on key challenges and opportunities in family business leadership.

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Educational Events

Workshops and seminars designed to help business families navigate specific challenges and opportunities.

Browse Programs

Past Events

November 20, 2024
3:00pm - 6:00pm
In Person

Management Attention Deficit happens when an organization's challenges and complexity exceed leadership's capacity to effectively respond. Management attention is the organisation's most precious resource because it is a highly leverageable, but finite resource, so it's not be wasted. As the leader of your family business, you are pulled in multiple directions, with multiple roles and problems to solve and not enough time to do it all. Do you have Management Attention Deficit (MAD)?

Presented by: Derek Hudson & Ann MacTaggart, with Tiz Benvenuto, Dave Kane, and Glen Vanstone of Unconstrained.

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November 19, 2024
3:00pm-8:00pm
Edmonton

Join ABFI, HLH CPA, and Halford Consulting for an exclusive event. We'll explore crucial conversations that are often overlooked in family businesses with author Dr. Tom Deans. The sessions will focus on his bestselling book "Every Family's Business" and his new book "The Happy Inheritor."

The topics discussed will challenge everything you thought you knew about running a family enterprise. Prepare for hard-hitting truths and transformative insights that will push your family business into a new era of success.

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Signature Event 2024
The Sunner Family of Durabuilt Windows & Doors

REdmonton - October 1
Calgary October 3

A must-attend Alberta business gala dinner, the Signature Event is ABFI's annual celebration of the history and success of outstanding multi-generational business families. In addition to being an opportunity to learn, socialize, and recognize success with the business family community, it's also an important fundraiser that helps ABFI grow and provide resources for the benefit of family-run businesses and enterprises.

This year, at our 20th annual Signature Event, we are celebrating the Sunner Family, their company Durabuilt Windows & Doors, and the 35 years of innovation they have achieved.

Visit our Signature Event page to learn more and purchase your tickets.

Register

September 17, 2024
11:30am - 1:00pm
Online

Loss of mental capacity can be sudden or gradual, revers- ible or permanent, but one thing is certain : No one is immune! What happens when key people in a family enter- prise become cognitively or emotionally unable to func- tion? What role do culture and family dynamics play in how these matters are addressed? Can anything be done proac- tively to prevent mental incapacity and/or the damage it can cause?

Neuropsychologist Dr. Moira Somers and Family Enterprise Advisor expert Gerry Meyer delve into the issue of mental incapacity within family-owned businesses and family offices.

Presented by: Dr. Moira Somers and Gerry Meyer, Senior Advisors, Blackwood

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May 21, 2024
11:30am 1:00pm
Online

Thriving family businesses allow members to freely explore possibilities, share ideas, and raise concerns without fear of ridicule or negative consequences. They also set clear behavioural expectations and performance guidelines, and give ongoing feedback. These are all key elements of 'psychological safety', an area that is receiving a lot of research attention due to its ties with business success. In this session, we will look at how to create the conditions for psychological safety within families, family offices, and family enterprises.

Presented by: Dr. Moira Somers, Senior Advisor, Blackwood

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April 16, 2024
11:30am - 1:00pm
Online

In today's dynamic business environment, conflict is a natural and inevitable part of interactions within and between organizations. The ability to navigate and resolve conflicts effectively is a necessary skill for managing family enterprises and ensuring their success. This session will introduce you to the principles of Rosenberg's Non-Violent Communication (NVC). By applying the NVC process to a real-time conflict, you will gain the tools to transform conflict into opportunities for strengthening relationships, fostering understanding, and driving organizational growth.

Presented by: Kevin Erickson of Leadershyft

IDeas Conference 2024
Edmonton, AB
March 20-22, 2024

At this academic workshop hosted by ABFI, scholars from around the world will gather to share their research and engage in discussion and development activities.

Interpretive Data Science (IDeaS) is an emerging working group of management scholars interested in the intersection of management and data science. The group was jumpstarted by a collaboration between the University of Alberta and University of British Columbia.

Participation is by invitation.

March 19, 2024
11:30am 1:00pm
Online

This session offers an overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its transfromative potential for family businesses. Learn how you can use Al as a Virtual Assistant, Data Wizard, and Creative Coach to build efficiency, foster innovation, and support the values-driven approach of family businesses. Look at real-world applications with a focus on generative Al tools that you can implement in each of the key areas. Whether you're looking to streamline operations, make data-driven decisions, or boost creativity, this session will guide you through selecting and using the right Al tools for your family business.

Presented by: Vern Glaser, Jennifer Sloan, and Matt Knight of ABFI and the University of Alberta, Alberta School of Business.

Business Family Education
Transforming Family Businesses with Al
Edmonton, AB
January 25 & 26, 2024

This two-day, in-person executive education course, tailored for family business leaders, explores Artificial Intelligence (AI) with a focus on Generative Al. Participants will learn about Al's transformative potential and how to integrate it strategically into their businesses. The course will address how Al can transform business communication, data processing, and decision-making. By emphasizing real-world scenarios, this course provides family businesses eager to harness the power of Al with the knowledge and tools to position themselves at the forefront of technological innovation.

Cost: $3,000 per person | $1,000 discount prior to Dec 22.

Development supported by ABFI's Terry Hay Legacy Series celebrating Terry Hay's commitment to lifelong learning and personal development made possible by the Hay Family and Scandinavian Building Services.

November 30, 2023
6:00pm
Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Metro Cinema - Garneau Theatre
Free Admission

Laemmle Theatres is an 84-year-old L.A. cinema chain beloved for bringing global art cinema to the home of Hollywood. Facing seismic change and financial pressure during the pandemic, the family behind this multi-generational business is determined to survive. Only in Theaters documents their challenges, losses, and personal triumphs.

Introduced by director, Raphael Sbarge, the screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Laemmle Theaters CEO, Greg Laemmle, and film historian, Ross Melnick.

Presented by the Alberta Business Family Institute and the Canada 150 Chair in Gender and Cultural Informatics.

November 28, 2023
8:00am 10:00am
In-Person (Edmonton) & Live Stream

At this engaging, in-person event, participants connect with the business family community over breakfast, while gaining insights into the experiences of accomplished experts and professionals working in the field of family business through a moderated panel discussion and Q&A.

The panellists will explore topics relevant to the process of selling a business, drawing on their unique knowledge and perspectives.

November 14, 2023
11:30am-1:00pm
Online

This highly informative online session will provide concrete data to reassure participants that all their hard work in the Family Enterprise space will actually pay off for Enterprising Families. This thought-provoking session is presented by Patrick O'Connor and David Blom of Blackwood Family Enterprise Services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Compelling data around profitability and other key busi- ness metrics that will help make the case for why fami- lies should create their Family Vision, Mission, and Values.
  • Understanding why families that put the effort into building these key family enterprise structures experience better financial results.
  • Primary best practices for families to use when creating their Family Vision, Mission, and Values.

October 10, 2023
11:30am - 1:00pm
Online

This engaging and informative online session will provide insight into how family values can create conflict in the business and the family, but when used properly, can create value inside the business. This interactive session is presented by Gregg Becker of Predictable Futures.

Key Takeaways:

  • Tools to help see where values align in the family and business, and where they differ.
  • Strategies to identify conflict areas and risk areas that need to be addressed in their context - family and business.
  • A call to action that will assist you in setting an intention to address concern areas in your business and family.

October 3 & 4, 2023
Calgary & Edmonton, AB
5:00pm - 9:00pm

The Signature Event is ABFI's annual celebration of the history and success of outstanding multi-generational busi- ness families. It's an opportunity to gain insight into the inner workings of some of Canada's most successful businesses and the families who own them.

At Signature Event 2023 we are honouring the Rayner Family of VETS Group.

Founded in 1921, the company has become a progressive group of mechanical, sheet metal, and service divisions that are leaders in both industrial and resi- dential HVAC systems fabrication, installation, repair, and maintenance. For over a century, the Rayner Family has guided VETS to become a recognized leader in Canadian family businesses.

September 19, 2023
11:30am-1:00pm
Online

This engaging online session will provide informative insight into what Family Governance really is, while intro- ducing the tools most often used to help families. This in-depth session is presented by Patrick O'Connor and Moira Somers of Blackwood Family Enterprise Services.

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding the role of Family Meetings and establishing a Family Council play in effective Family Governance, and how these structures can be documented inside a Family Constitution.
  • Insights into why it is that so many families procrastinate when it comes to working on their family governance, and tips on how to help families move for- ward.
  • Best practices for families with existing governance structures to refine or improve their set up.

September 12, 2023
8:30am 10:00am
Online

Transitioning from a family member employee to CEO is never an easy or short journey. Join Naim Ali, CEO of SM2 Capital Partners as he shares his leadership journey begin- ning with the values his father and uncle instilled in him, to summer employment as a 10-year-old cleaning and prepar- ing cars at Budget Rent A Car, to becoming the CEO of SM2 Capital Partners.

Ethical Al Panel Discussion
Edmonton, AB
June 8, 2023

These days many businesses are looking to Al as a business solution. Al can reduce errors and costs and improve quality and consistency. However, Al can fail spectacularly when we overlook our values.

Al is here to stay and can provide a valuable advantage for your business. But appropriate and effective use of artificial intelligence requires ongoing human intervention and oversight to ensure actions being executed reflect our business values.

Join fellow Alberta leaders who are using Al in their businesses for a discussion on this important topic. Learn what is working, how we can harness the power of Al, and study lessons from past mistakes. Al is emerging rapidly in Alberta, this is an important conversation for all of us.

IDeas 2023 Workshop
Edmonton, AB
March 13-15, 2023

Interpretive Data Science (IDeaS) is an emerging working group of management scholars interested in the intersection of management and data science. The group was jumpstarted by a collaboration between the University of Alberta and University of British Columbia, This three-day intensive workshop for management doctoral students and faculty members conducting ethnographic studies of data, algorithms, and decision-making will build community and foster the development of high-quality work in this space.

Bringing together scholars interested in setting an agenda for studying and applying analytics in management research, the workshop will facilitate four activities:

  1. Fostering the development of cutting edge research among scholars interested in ethnographic studies of the use and effects of data science and algorithms on decision-making in organizations.
  2. Allowing participants to advance their ongoing research through intense, focused feedback.
  3. Exploring potential future directions for this researcha- genda.
  4. Providing a forum for participants to network and share ideas about cutting edge ethnographic research involving analytics.
Honoured Families
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Event Attendees
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Annual Participants
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2003

2003

The Richardson Family

James Richardson & Sons Limited

2004

The Ganong Family

Ganong Bros. Limited

2004

2005

2005

The Melton Family

Melcor Development Limited

2006

The Shaw Family

Shaw Communications Inc.

2006

2007

2007

The Asper Family

CanWest Global Communications Corp.

2008

The Martin Family

Horizon Capital Holdings & Canada Steamship Lines

2008

2009

2009

The Fuller Family

Earls, Joey Restaurant, Saltlik Steakhouse

2010

The Brewster Family

Brewsters Adventures and Sightseeing Tours

2010

2011

2011

The Stanton Family

The Running Room

2012

10th Signature Anniversary

with the Richardson Family

2012

2013

2013

The Mullen Family

The Mullen Group

2014

The Hutchinson Family

Daytona Homes

2014

2015

2015

The Price Family

Sunterra

2016

The Forseth/Bacon

Family of Swimco

2016

2017

2017

The Gupta Family

Rohit Group of Companies

2018

The Rosenau Family

Rosenau Transport Ltd.

2018

2019

2019

The Koeller Family

Calvert Home Mortgage Investment Corporation

2022

The Hay Family

Scandinavian Building Services

2022

2023

2023

The Rayner Family

VETS Group

2024

The Sunner Family

Durabuilt Windows & Doors

2024

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