This year’s summit will bring together family business leaders from across Europe to explore the values, leadership, and long-term vision that define our sector. The programme includes panel discussions, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities that reflect the diversity and strength of Europe’s Family Businesses.
The summit will begin on Monday, 13 October with an optional guided tour of Lisbon, followed by a Gala Dinner at one of the city’s most emblematic venues. The Associação das Empresas Familiares will kindly host the evening, offering participants a warm welcome and the opportunity to connect in an elegant and relaxed
setting.
On Tuesday, 14 October, the full-day conference will feature high-level discussions on the future of family businesses in Europe, including topics such as scaling up for competitiveness, global presence, succession planning, the impact of women in leadership, and new perspectives on wealth and legacy.
We encourage all members to attend and contribute to this important gathering. Your presence will help strengthen the voice of family businesses in Europe and support the continued exchange of knowledge and experience.
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PROGRAMME
Monday | 13th October
15:00 |
Guided tour through Lisbon (optional)
Tuk-Tuk tour through Lisbon with stops at some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including a taste of Pastel de Nata and a glass of Port wine.
Gala Dinner, hosted by Associação das Empresas Familiares - Location: SUD Lisbon Hall (Pavilhão Poente, Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisbon)
19:30 |
Welcome Drinks
20:00 | Dinner
Guest of Honour:
Günther H. Oettinger, former Vice-President of the European Commission
Award: Attribution of Excellence award to the “Family Business of the Year”
Dress code: cocktail attire (dark suit and tie)
Tuesday | 14th October
Conference Centre of the Centro Cultural de Belém - Room Almada Negreiros (Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisbon)
President of the Conference: Peter Villax, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Associação das Empresas Familiares (AEF), CEO of Mediceus, Member of the Family Council of Hovione.
09:15 | Registration
09:45 | Official Opening
Speeches by:
– Jan Kornelis van Oord, President of European Family Businesses
– José Germano de Sousa, President of Associação das Empresas Familiares
– Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, Portuguese Minister of State and Finance XXV Governo Constitucional
10:30 | Rooted in Europe, Stepping into the World
This panel will discuss the geopolitical situation with regards to trade, the US tariffs and the impact on Family Businesses in Europe.
– Alessia Mosca, Chair of the Scientific Committee at AIDAF and Professor at Sciences Po
– António Casanova, Executive Vice President – General Manager Portugal | CEO Unilever FIMA
– Delphine Hanton, CEO of Thuasne Group
– Edoardo Boroli, Partner & Investment Manager at MEGA Holding, 4th Generation of De Agostini Group
Moderated by Jesús Casado, Secretary General of European Family Businesses
11:30 | Coffee Break
12:00 | Inheritance Tax Situation: expect the unexpected
The aim of this panel is to analyse how Sweden revitalized business transfers by removing inheritance taxation in 2004 and contrasting it with the most recent changes to the UK´s inheritance taxation system. We will analyse the lessons learned and assess the best practices and the impacts on a social and economic level.
– Daniel Waldenström, Professor of Economics, Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN Stockholm)
– Neil Davy, Chief Executive Officer, Family Business UK
– Peje Emilsson, Founder and Owner of Kreab Worldwide
Moderated by Erik Stern, Deputy Director of FBN Sweden
13:00 | Lunch
14:30 | How Does the Next Generation of Family Businesses Boost the EU Economy?
This panel will look at intrapreneurship, wealth, and the role of Next Gen business owners in implementing the sustainability and digital agenda. It will also analyse the contribution of family businesses to the European economy.
– Sílvia Mota, CEO of MEXT: Mota-Engil Next
– Nicholas H. Vetter, CEO of OncoBeta
– Margherita Marchi, Head of New Business and Member of the Board of Finint Investments
Moderated by Maria Villax, Consulting Expert in Family Governance & Ownership
15:30 | Richer and More Equal – A New History of Wealth in the West.
By Dr Daniel Waldenström, Professor of Economics, Research Institute of Industrial Economics (IFN Stockholm)
In his talk, Dr. Waldenström will present a comprehensive reassessment of wealth distribution in Western societies over the past century — a topic he explores in his recent book. Drawing on new evidence, he argues that Western societies are becoming more equal, not less, contrary to the prevailing narrative. His talk also examines the evolution and role of inherited wealth in modern society, and how capital should be taxed within growth-promoting tax systems.
Moderated by Peter Villax, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Associação das Empresas Familiares (AEF), CEO of Mediceus, Member of the Family Council of Hovione.
16:00 | Coffee Break
16:30 | A conversation with José de Mello Family, winner of the IMD Global Family Business Award 2024
We will welcome three members of the de Mello family, a leading family group in Portugal, who will be sharing their insights into their family and company history. They will also identify the key factors that contributed to their success and led to their IMD Global Family Business Award in 2024.
– Pedro de Mello, Chairman of the Shareholders’ Board of José de Mello,
– Catarina Costa Duarte, Member of the Shareholders’ Board of José de Mello
– Maria João de Mello, Chair of the Family Development Council of José de Mello
Moderated by Lídia Tarré, Vice-President of Associação das Empresas Familiares and Board member of Gelpeixe
17:15 | Concluding Remarks
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The Summit Prices are:
EFB MEMBERS
890€ (Conference + Dinner)
EFB NON-MEMBERS
1.240€
These prices do not include VAT.
* To uphold the exclusivity of the European Family Business Summit, the events are only for family business owners, their direct relatives and members of the Corporate Governance. Registrations from non-family businesses will be declined.
The organization beholds all rights to avert any registration at all time.
** Attending the Dinner is only possible if at least one of the members of the family business has registered for the Summit.
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Who Can Participate: Participation is for members of Family Businesses. If you have any questions, please contact us at: marina.malhao-pereira@empresasfamiliares.pt; paula.ximenes@empresasfamiliares.pt
