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Join us for the 4th annual It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium

Our Mission

Family businesses are the foundation of Mississippi’s economy, yet they face unique challenges in leadership, succession, and sustainability. As a part of the UM CIE Legacy Leadership Program, the It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium is dedicated to empowering family-owned businesses by providing a platform for leaders, family members, and employees to connect, learn, and grow. Through expert-led discussions, best practice sharing, and collaborative networking, we aim to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge to navigate the unique challenges of family business ownership and ensure the success and sustainability of their legacies for generations to come.

Symposium Highlights

This 2-day event provides thought-provoking keynotes, expert-led discussions, and interactive sessions tailored to the needs of family enterprises. Whether you are navigating leadership transitions, implementing growth strategies or fostering innovation, this symposium delivers the knowledge and resources to help your business thrive across generations.

Keynote Presentations

Hear from distinguished industry leaders and experienced family business owners who will share their unique journeys and strategies for long-term success. Our keynote speakers inspire attendees with compelling stories of overcoming obstacles, fostering innovation, and navigating generational transitions. These talks set the tone for the symposium, offering invaluable insights from those who’ve been at the forefront of family business leadership.

Women in Business Panel

Engage in a powerful conversation featuring accomplished women leaders in family businesses. As a new segment of the symposium, this panel highlights the unique challenges and opportunities women face in the family business world, including balancing leadership with family dynamics and breaking through industry barriers. This panel provides an empowering platform for women to share their stories and offer advice on fostering inclusive, sustainable businesses.

Expert-Led Case Studies

Gain strategic insights from panels of seasoned professionals who have navigated complex family business dynamics. Topics range from succession planning and governance to scaling operations and handling internal conflicts. These sessions provide practical knowledge, actionable advice, and industry-specific perspectives to help your family business thrive.

Networking & Collaborations

Take advantage of the networking opportunities designed to foster meaningful conversation and idea exchange with fellow family business leaders, advisors, and stakeholders. All attendees are invited to join us at the day one reception.

Actionable Takeaways

Leave the symposium with concrete, actionable strategies to address the challenges and opportunities facing your family business. Whether you’re tackling succession planning, improving governance, or growing your business, the symposium equips you with the tools to implement immediate change. Past attendees have reported a clear, actionable plan for moving forward, having gained practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Evening Reception

After a day of insightful discussions and valuable connections, unwind and continue the conversation at our evening reception. The gathering offers attendees the perfect opportunity to network with symposium guests, speakers and sponsors. Enjoy curated appetizers, refreshing beverages, and engaging conversations as we toast to the resilience and innovation of family businesses. Whether you’re strengthening existing relationships or forging new ones, this reception sets the stage for deeper collaboration and shared success.

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Symposium Agenda

Day One | Tuesday, September 16

9:45 AM        Check-In


10:30 AM      Opening Remarks  |  Dr. Clay Dibrell, Co-Director of the Ole Miss CIE


10:45 AM      The Soft Side of Transition  |  Mark C. Hartnett, CFP, AEP, Managing Director of the Argent Family Wealth Services


11:30 AM      Lunch


1:00 pm        Keynote Address  |  James and Thomas Duff, Co-Founders and Co-Owners of Duff Capital Investors


2:00 pm        Coffee Break with Sponsors


2:15 pm        Case Study I  |  Chris Newcomb, Founder of Newk’s Eatery     


3:15 pm        Roundtable Discussions  |  Facilitated by Dr. Allyn Cascio, CIE Director of Strategic Partnerships


4:30 pm       Women and Family Business Panel  |  Facilitated by Amy Walker, Area Sales Manager at Ergon, Inc.


5:30 PM - 7:00 PM      Reception

Day Two | Wednesday, September 17

8:00 AM        Check-In and Breakfast


8:45 AM        Revisit Day One Learnings  |  Liza Cirlot Looser, Founder, CEO and Chairman of The Cirlot Agency, and Dr. Allyn Cascio


9:00 AM        Case Study II  |  Jeffrey O’Keefe, Fifth Generation CEO of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Homes


9:45 AM        Coffee Break with Sponsors


10:00 AM       The State of Family Business Research  |  Dr. Clay Dibrell


10:45 AM       Break with Live Polling and Feedback


11:00 AM       Keynote Address  |  Jonathan Jones, CEO of Jones Capital     


12:00 PM       Departure (Lunch To-Go)

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Registration

Early Bird Registration: $499 per person until August 15, 2025 ($399 per additional guest in registration group)

Standard Registration: $749 per person ($399 per additional guest in registration group)

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Stay in the Know

Click here to subscribe to the Family Forum Newsletter to receive updates about the symposium directly to your inbox!