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.



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 Networking 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 "Where Are They Now?" Q&A | Facilitated by Dr. Clay Dibrell with Steve Grantham, Jr., President at J&R Restaurant Group, and Doug Hederman, President and CEO at Hederman Brothers Printing


4:30 pm NextGen in Family Business Panel | Moderated by Amy Walker, Area Sales Manager at Ergon, Inc.

PANELISTS:
Wesley Goings, President at Telapex, Inc.

Monica Harrigill, Managing Member at The Sunray Companies

Dr. Chelsea Sherlock, Assistant Professor of Management at Mississippi State University

Lex Taylor, Chairman and CEO at The Taylor Group of Companies


5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Reception
8:00 AM        Check-In and Breakfast


8:15 AM The State of Family Business Research | Dr. Clay Dibrell


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 Employee Stock Ownership Plan | William O’Brien, ESOP Specialist at Morgan Stanley


10:45 AM Live Data Feedback | Facilitated by Dr. Clay Dibrell


11:00 AM Keynote Q&A | Jonathan Jones, CEO of Jones Capital - Facilitated by Abb Payne, Founder and CEO of The Payne Companies


12:00 PM Departure (Lunch To-Go)


$181.00 USD per night 

Last Day to Book : Monday, September 1, 2025