STEP Project Global Consortium - SPGC

As part of the 2026 SPGC–FERC Global Family Business Summit, we organized a World Café Activity exclusively for SPGC affiliates and collaborators.

This interactive session brought together members of our global network to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and collectively reflect on the future direction of SPGC. The discussions generated valuable insights that will help strengthen our community and shape future initiatives in family business research, education, and practice.

A sincere thank you to all the affiliates and collaborators for their engagement and contributions.

Special thanks to our board members Thomas Clauß and Ana Cristina Gonzalez for conducting this meaningful activity.

It was amazing to see so many from the SPGC community participate at the prestigious IFERA - International Family Enterprise Research Academy conference in Naples from June 9 - 12, 2026.

We organized a STEP Project Global Consortium (SPGC) Reception on June 11 for the SPGC community, friends and family with food, drinks, and a lots of fun!

Please visit our website for more information: www.spgcfb.org

Andrea Calabrò Ana Cristina Gonzalez Thomas Clauß

Competitive Paper Sessions and Roundtable Developmental Sessions to kick off this last day!

Day 3: Conference Day at

Croissants, fruits and drinks welcomed everyone before starting an insightful and engaging day exchanging on the challenges and implications regarding family businesses.

This was followed by a perceptive keynote speech from Professor Thomas Zellweger on "Operating Under Uncertainty: What Family Firms Can Learn from the Cognitive Sciences". After an interactive break, Roundtable Developmental Sessions and Competitive Paper Sessions took place to discuss the effects of family businesses and how to navigate decision making, succession, sustainability and continuity among many other implications affected by family businesses. Later on, Practice Panel Discussions and Poster Sessions highlighted different topics such as reimagining family businesses, choosing the right successor, and preserving legacy.

Insightful morning filled with engaging discussions!

Nothing can go wrong when you combine good food, a great view, and the chance to make your very own eau de toilette!

Thank you to everyone who was present during this welcome reception, we look forward to seeing you at the conference tomorrow:)

Welcome reception at !

Idyllic setting to host this welcome reception and spark interesting conversations!

Kicking off day 2 of the with a visit to l'Usine Laboratoire Fragonard Parfumerie!

Passed down for four generations, Fragonard is a great embodiment of a successful family business who values the art of savoir faire.

Master Class by Don Neubaum where he shared his valuable Insights from the Coal Face of Family Business Review.

Mentorship sessions at the Doctoral Consortium where the PhD students are being guided by esteemed scholars.

Mariateresa Torchia Cinzia Colapinto Elias Hadjielias Andrea Calabrò Thomas Clauß