Education

We are hosting a breakfast for new, returning, or any other family business or service provider members interested in learning more about getting the most out of your Conway Center membership! This event will give everyone an opportunity to network with other family business leaders, and to learn more about the history of the Conway Center, its offerings and member benefits. ... read more

Difficult Conversations and Feedback That Inspires Growth - Nobody likes to have that difficult conversation with family members and/or employees but we know they are important and necessary. Providing feedback that encourages growth is a critical skill to master, because it can make the difference between an employee who contributes powerfully and positively and one who feels diminished and shut down. This is an interactive session to learn how to better tackle difficult conversations, adjust your communication style, and deliver effective feedback. Share what has worked for you - or how the group can help! ... read more

The CEO Peer Group of Rising and New Leaders of family-owned businesses. The group is by invitation only and there is an additional annual fee to attend. ... read more

The Conway Strong CEO Peer Group is for Presidents and CEOs of family-owned businesses. The group is by invitation only and there is an additional annual fee to attend. ... read more

Validating Others for More Understanding - Validation is a secret weapon of great managers and leaders. It not only helps people feel heard, but it helps managers develop emotional intelligence and more deeply understand their direct reports, peers, and supervisors. We’ll discuss a simple formula for validating others and ways we unintentionally invalidate others. ... read more

Your current and future employees of your family business are increasingly voicing their expectations that their employers need to demonstrate care. They’re making decisions to join or stay with a company based on the employer’s commitment to a variety of social, environmental, and other issues. Are your employees connected to the core values of your family business? Join us for an interactive discussion about aligning your company core values with your workforce’s values. Improved employee engagement shows in your bottom line through better productivity, less turnover, and longer tenure within your organization. All attending are encouraged to complete the free Life Values Inventory prior to this session, and to bring your results and company values with you. ... read more

How You as a Woman Leader Drive Culture - You as a woman family business leader have a direct effect on company culture, which revolves around employee engagement, environment, atmosphere, and success. One thing is for sure: workplace culture impacts retention which is essential in today’s market of finding qualified workers. Your behaviors at work, your communication style, and how you handle wins and setbacks all affect your company culture. Join us as we share ways to make employees feel engaged in a dynamic and caring work culture. ... read more

There are several ways to grow a business. Since mergers and acquisitions top the list of interest in our annual membership survey, we will convene a panel to learn from family business leaders who have been involved in all aspects of M&A activity – and the lessons they learned in the process. Facilitated by Brett Thornton, Porter Wright ... read more

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In Glassdoor’s 2020 Diversity Hiring Survey, more than 3 out of 4 job seekers and employees (76%) report that a diverse workforce is an important factor when evaluating companies and job offers. If your organization’s benefits offerings are not perceived as inclusive, you may be missing out on talent or failing when it comes to retention. As well as being a part of benefits offerings, inclusive benefits can be a key metric for empowering and establishing an actionable Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategy. This session will also address trends we are seeing with employers as it relates to culture and wellbeing, and the benefits that companies can offer to help attract and retain top talent including but not limited to: * Mental Wellbeing * Family forming benefits and caregiving support * Financial Wellbeing You're invited to join Gary Abernathy and Nick Bellanca from Marsh McLennan Agency as they: * Define inclusive benefits * Describe the business case for inclusive benefits and rationale behind certain options * Provide examples of inclusive benefits strategies that are relevant today ... read more

Have you considered Angel Investing? There is no more direct way to make an impact on the change you want to see in the world than by investing in a startup company with innovative products or services that can save lives or create positive social, technological, and environmental changes. Angel investors leverage their success and expertise to invest in local startup businesses, making dreams come true for entrepreneurs and kick-starting economic growth in their regions. Join us to learn about angel investing, who are angel investors, why they invest, what kind of companies they invest in, and how the angel investment process works. ... read more

The Rising CEO Peer Group is for next gens who will be taking a greater leadership position in their family business. The group is by invitation only and there is an additional annual fee to attend. ... read more

What is Self-Awareness and Why is it So Important? Family business is complicated and these last several years have been especially challenging. Your ability to objectively interpret your actions, feelings, and thoughts are key to recognizing the effect that you have on others and to change course if necessary. Join us as we dig into what self-awareness is, why it is a vital skill, and learn ways to develop it. ... read more

Come hear the stories of family business leaders who survived - and some who thrived - through two major market upheavals. They will share their experiences and advice on how to weather business factors outside of your control. Panelists: Chip Chapman, President - Integrated Building Systems Scott McComb, President - Heartland Bank Jane Arthur Roslovic, CEO & Co-Founder, Treplus Communities Facilitated by Michelle Haslinger, Heartland Bank Generously sponsored by GREENCREST ... read more