SUPER EARLY BIRD | Book before 7 January
The Family Business
Event of the Year
Now in its 26th year, the Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific is heading to Hobart in 19 - 22 May 2026. We’ll be right in the heart of the action at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, just a stone’s throw from Hobart’s city centre and surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, delicious local produce, and the rich heritage Tasmania is famous for.
The Family Business Conference is designed specifically for you, bringing together 500 family business leaders and advisors from across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region.
This is the only conference dedicated exclusively to family businesses in the Southern Hemisphere, offering 4-days of keynote sessions, masterclasses, family business site visits and social events all in the company of a truly welcoming and supportive community who understand the complexities and opportunities of working with family.
At Next is Now, focus on the steps you're taking today to shape the future of your family business. Gain valuable insights to act with foresight, document your strategy and embrace change - not later, but now.
Because your next chapter is already being written.
Keynote Speakers
Michael
Hilti
Chairman of the Board at Hilti, a third-generation family business founded in Lichtenstein in 1941.
Richard
Crawford
Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand & Pacific at Marriott International.
Amie
Lyone
Co-CEO at COS, Australia's largest family-owned workplace and education supplies business.
Belinda
Lyone
Co-CEO at COS, Australia's largest family-owned workplace and education supplies business.
Sacha
Coburn
Sacha is COO of her family business, Coffee Culture, a 20-location boutique coffee group with 300 staff.
Dr Lila
Landowski
Multi-award winning neuroscientist and senior lecturer at the University of Tasmania.
Simon
Kuestenmacher
Director and Co-founder of The Demographics Group, presents on demographic and global trends.
Gus
Balbontin
An 'Alternative Futurist' and former Executive Director and Chief Technology Officer of Lonely Planet.
More speaker announcements are still to come...
Build your Conference Experience
Make the Family Business Conference your own. With so much on offer, you can personalise your program with hands-on masterclasses, exclusive family business site visits, and make the most of your time with the family business community at our social events.
Family Business Site Visits
Get an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at some of Hobart's most iconic family businesses. Hear directly from family members and gain an insight into the systems and processes that have driven their growth and success.
Masterclasses
Take a deep dive into key family business topics through dedicated masterclasses for Advisors, Family Business Leaders and the Emerging Generation. Over 3.5 hours, you’ll gain actionable takeaways to apply in your business.
Social Events and Tours
Build new relationships and reconnect with familiar faces at our social events. Including a conference favourite, the Longest Lunch, each helps you make meaningful connections and enjoy time with the family business community.
The steps you take today are shaping the future of your family business.
The future isn't a distant concept, it's already taking shape in today's decisions. Next is Now highlights the opportunity to prepare for what’s ahead, while recognising that transition, innovation and generational shifts are already underway.
You are not waiting for your next chapter; you are writing it now with every decision, every conversation and every action. Your next is now.
At the 2026 Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific in Hobart, Tasmania where the air is clearer and you’re surrounded by history and legacy, you will explore what this means for your business; whether you are navigating succession, driving growth and expansion, setting up governance structures, or empowering your emerging leaders.
This year’s conference will motivate you to act with foresight, document your strategy and embrace change - not later, but now.
Because your next chapter is already being written.
What makes the Family Business Conference special?
Take a look at our recap video from 2025 to get a glimpse into 4-days of keynotes, masterclasses, site visits and social events, all while surrounded by a welcoming and supportive community.
We often hear from those who attend, ‘I've finally found my people’, and that they feel relief in knowing there are others who truly understand what it means to work with family. Come along and find your community.
Join us in beautiful Hobart at the Hotel Grand Chancellor
The 2026 Family Business Conference: Asia-Pacific will be held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart, perfectly located in the heart of the city. With its modern facilities, comfortable accommodation, and easy access to Hobart’s vibrant dining and cultural scene, the hotel provides the ideal setting to learn, connect, and make the most of your conference experience.
Thank you to our Sponsors
A special thank you to our Family Business Conference Gold Sponsors. Their support, alongside all our Family Business Conference Sponsors and Partners, enhances the success of the event and contributes to the growth and strength of our family business community.
Family Business Conference Gold Sponsors
Family Business Conference Sponsors
