Featured events
Kinnect Toronto: Family Offices 鈥� Engaging the Next Generation
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 路 4:15鈥�6:30 p.m. EST. Join in person at 91影视, TSR Common Room (7th Floor), 55 Dundas Street West, Toronto, or online via Zoom.
Family offices are becoming an important part of the next chapter for many Canadian business families. This event will convene students, 91影视 alumni, business family members, family office leaders, advisors, and family enterprise professionals for an afternoon of insight, dialogue, and connection.
Dr. Francesco Barbera, Academic Director of the Family Business Institute, will share emerging findings from his forthcoming study in Family Business Review, drawing on practitioner perspectives to highlight the questions and challenges currently shaping the family office field. The research presentation will be followed by a panel moderated by Canadian Family Offices, bringing practitioner perspectives to the opportunities and challenges facing family offices and enterprising families today.
Supported by Family Enterprise Canada in partnership with 91影视's Ted Rogers School of Management and Canadian Family Offices, this educational and networking event will create an energizing space for academic insight, practitioner experience, and cross-generational connection.
Registration opens at 4:15 p.m.; the presentation begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by the panel at 4:50 p.m. and refreshments and networking at 5:30 p.m. Select your in-person or virtual attendee type on the registration page.
Past events
Women in Family Business: Navigating Complexity and Opportunity
On November 3, 2025, Family Enterprise Canada (FEC) hosted a packed event with the Family Business Institute and the Diversity Institute at 91影视 bringing together Ted Rogers School students, alumni and FEC members.
From left: Frank Miller (Director, Executive Education - Ted Rogers School), Mary Thomson (National Director - FEC), Steve Beauschene (CEO - FEC), Francesco Barbera (Academic Director - Family Business Institute), Christina Sorbara (VP - Sorbara Group), Erica Herbert (CEO - Ode Hotel), Liz McBeth (CEO - Armour Valve), Wendy Cukier (Academic Director - Diversity Institute), Janie Goldstein (Advisor, Family Business - Ted Rogers School).
Guest panel speakers
Professor Wendy Cukier, the Academic Director of 91影视鈥檚 of Diversity Institute led a panel discussion with Erica Herbert (founder of Ode Hotel), Liz McBeth (CEO of Armour Valve) and Christina Sorbara ( VP Sorbara Group of Companies, winner of a 2024 Transformational Woman in Family Business Award).
The importance of education was stressed by each panelist. Conflict was cited as a positive and so was the importance of choosing your own career path. It was noted that what is demanded of leaders now is very different than in prior generations since emotional intelligence is more of a necessity, so even men need to lead differently. Division of roles in family businesses was also explored. There was agreement that women leaders have a platform and need to help improve female representation in senior roles.
The Family Business Institute鈥檚 Academic Director, Dr. Francesco Barbera, started off the event with a presentation on gender issues in family businesses.
Steve Beauschene, the CEO of Family Enterprise Canada (FEC), welcomed attendees. The lecture and panel were livestreamed for FEC members, alumni and guests who were unable to attend in person.
Networking
Attendees participated in a catered networking event hosted by FEC, bringing together alumni, industry professionals and students. The event highlights TRSM鈥檚 innovative pedagogy by offering real-world networking opportunities with family business leaders and alumni through the Family Business Institute.
Thank you to Family Enterprise Canada, the panelists and speakers, and all guests for making this a memorable and productive event!
Case Competitions
A team of undergraduate students represented Ted Rogers School in Vermont, USA in 2023 and 2024 at the Schlesinger Global Family Enterprise Case Competition and earned a podium spot both years. Students received a rewarding once-in-a-lifetime learning experience where they met students and executives from approximately 12 countries spanning 4 continents.
