Centre for Family Business

Staying Human in the Attention Span Economy: Neil Thornton
2025-09-26 08:00 - 10:00 (America/Toronto) | Hampton Inn – Berlin Room, 55 Benjamin road, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
One of our most popular speakers, Neil Thornton will lead us through a discussion of how to deal with some very different generations.
Register Today!

Economic Outlook: Open/Closed, Trade, Stats...So Complicated!
2025-10-31 08:00 - 10:00 | DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener, 30 Fairway Rd South, Kitchener, Ontario, N2A 2N2, Canada
Keynote Speaker: Jennifer Lee
In today’s rapidly shifting economic landscape, family businesses face unique challenges and opportunities. Join us for an insightful session exploring how current economic trends are shaping the future of family enterprises.
We’re excited to welcome Jennifer Lee, Managing Director and Senior Economist at BMO Capital Markets Economics. With nearly three decades of experience, Jennifer is known for her clear, engaging analysis of the U.S. economy and global financial markets. A frequent media guest and Bloomberg contributor, she was recently named one of the top economists to follow by Focus Economics.
Jennifer is also a passionate advocate for financial literacy and mentorship, helping newcomers grow both professionally and personally. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Waterloo.
Whether you’re navigating uncertainty or planning for long-term success, this event will equip you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions.
Tickets $65.00 for non-members.
Registration Now Open!

Cancelled: IP and Innovation Amid Board Governance
2025-11-20 17:00 - 19:00 | Lazaridis Hall, 64 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, Canada
Presented by ICD, in partnership with Lazaridis School of Business and in collaboration with CFFB.
Enjoy a dynamic fireside chat featuring:
Kyle Murray, Dean of the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics. Kyle brings a global academic background and deep expertise in innovation and behavior change. His research blends psychology and economics to explore how people make decisions, and he’s advised Fortune 50 companies, governments, and startups around the world.
Sid Paquette, Head of RBCx – RBC’s innovation arm supporting Canadian tech and life sciences companies through every stage of growth. Sid is a serial tech investor and former Managing Partner at OMERS Ventures, with a passion for helping entrepreneurs bring bold ideas to life.
Networking Reception to Follow
Connect with fellow Centre for Family Business members, ICD members, governance professionals, and industry leaders over refreshments after the presentation.
Limited seats available. Be sure to register early to secure your spot!

CFFB Jingle and Mingle
2025-12-09 17:00 - 19:00 | Centre in the Square, 101 Queen St N, Kitchener, Ontario, N2H 6P7, Canada
Let’s wrap up the year together with warmth and cheer at our annual holiday gathering in the inviting Platinum Lounge at Centre in the Square.
It’s the perfect time to reflect on the past year, reconnect with fellow members, and strengthen the bonds that make our CFFB community thrive. Enjoy festive drinks and tasty bites in a cozy setting designed for heartfelt conversations and shared celebration.
We’re delighted to welcome the Heffner family, long-time CFFB members, who will offer a brief introduction to the Centre in the Square and its significance to our region.
Sparkles are encouraged, but business attire is equally welcome.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Register Now!

What does the future hold? Larry Smith looks ahead (and back)
2026-01-30 11:30 - 14:00 | Conestoga College, 108 University Ave E, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 2W2, Canada
UW Economics Professor and legendary speaker Larry Smith brings his unique style of information, insight, and wit to our first meeting of 2026!
We’re excited to welcome everyone back as we kick off the new year with one of the most engaging and thought‑provoking speakers around. Larry’s sessions are always lively, memorable, and full of sharp observations that challenge how we think about the world ahead.
To help us plan appropriately, please advise if you’ll be attending the lunch so we can provide accurate numbers for catering.
We hope you’ll join us for a memorable start to the year.

Who Are These People? A Practical Tour of Personality Differences
2026-02-26 11:30 - 14:00 | Ontario
We’re happy to have you join us at the new and fabulous Thunderstorm Productions facility for our workshop on psychological assessments and next‑gen leadership in family business.
Mingling begins at 11:30 AM with complimentary pinball and a grazing lunch, followed by the workshop at 12:30 PM.

Who Are These People? A Practical Tour of Personality Differences
Family businesses succeed when people understand themselves—and each other. In this fast-paced, interactive session, you’ll discover how tools like Personality Dimensions, CliftonStrengths, and DiSC can improve communication, reduce conflict, clarify roles, and support leadership and succession planning. Learn what these assessments are (and aren’t), how to use them in real family-business situations, and how to choose the right tool to strengthen both relationships and results.
About the Facilitator
Christie brings over 25 years of cross‑sector experience spanning higher education, human resources, business development, international partnerships, and the food and beverage industry. Her career has taken her across Canada and to more than 25 countries, with leadership roles at organizations including Little Mushroom Catering, Wilfrid Laurier University, Lutherwood, Acadia University, and Algonquin College.
After a successful career in higher education, she joined her family’s business—Little Mushroom Catering & Dining Lounge—as Director of People & Culture, supporting its growth into Southwestern Ontario’s premier catering company known for social responsibility and culinary innovation.
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Founder Sales Lab with Antonio Michael Downing
2026-03-26 11:30 - 14:00 | Conestoga College, 108 University Ave E, Waterloo, Ontario, N2J 2W2, Canada

Mini Class - Governance in Family Business
2026-04-23 11:30 - 14:00 | Catalyst Commons, 137 Glasgow St Unit 210, Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 4X8, Canada
