Detailed information on upcoming events
CEO X-Change. An exclusive six-month peer mentorship programme for family businesses.
For the first time, the Baltic Family Firm Institute and AUBI International are introducing CEO X-Change, an exclusive six-month peer mentorship programme tailored for family business CEOs, founders, and next-generation leaders across the Baltic States. This innovative programme aims to unite leaders who not only have valuable experience to share but also face questions that could benefit from the insights of another senior leader.
Participants in the programme are paired for six months, alternating roles between mentor and mentee. This unique structure allows you to not only give and receive guidance but also to engage in meaningful conversations that draw on your experiences while gaining perspectives on the significant business and leadership questions that matter to you.
The programme fosters an environment for discussions that senior leaders in family-owned businesses may not often engage in, such as comparing experiences, challenging existing assumptions, and exploring decisions from new angles. It also provides an opportunity to build enduring professional relationships that evolve over time, rather than concluding after a single conversation. As part of the broader initiatives that the Baltic Family Firm Institute is planning for the conference 2026, this mentorship programme is designed to enhance the vitality and resilience of family-owned enterprises in the region.
The six-month programme includes:
— One peer mentoring session each month, from October 2026 to March 2027, as part of the Baltic Family Firm Institute initiative;
— An onboarding workshop that covers essential topics such as peer mentoring, crafting better questions, building trust, and fostering psychological safety for family-owned businesses;
— Careful matching based on what you can contribute and the insights you seek from another leader’s perspective;
— A Hogan Assessment, along with a personal debrief, to enhance your understanding of your leadership strengths, drivers, and any behaviors that may become less helpful under pressure;
— A closing session at the end of the programme to reflect on the experience, share key discoveries and learnings, and discuss what participants aim to take forward after the conference 2026.
The matching process is a vital component of the programme. In the application, we inquire about the experience and expertise you can share, the areas where you desire deeper insights, and what you hope to gain and offer. We utilize this information to create pairs that provide genuine value for both sides.
Programme lead
CEO X-Change, which plays a pivotal role in supporting family-owned businesses, is led by Aušra Bijaminienė, Founder and CEO of AUBI International. As an executive advisor to CEOs, founders, and family business owners, she brings 25 years of international people & culture and leadership experience. A US-certified executive coach and Hogan-certified assessor, she is poised to contribute valuable insights at the upcoming Baltic Family Firm Institute conference 2026.
Pricing
For members of the Baltic Family Firm Institute, the complete programme for the conference 2026, which includes the Hogan Assessment, is provided at no extra cost as part of your membership. For those who are not members, the participation fee is €500 + VAT (21%) per participant, as outlined in the booklet, particularly useful for family-owned businesses.
Registration
Applications for the Baltic Family Firm Institute's conference 2026 close on 5 October, and the programme is limited to ten pairs. Because the quality of the matching depends on who is in the group, we encourage you to apply early if you would like to take part in this opportunity for family-owned businesses. Apply here.
More information
If you would like to learn more about the programme before applying, Ausra would be happy to have a short conversation and answer any questions you may have, especially regarding the Baltic Family Firm Institute's upcoming conference in 2026 and its focus on family-owned businesses. You can book a time directly with her: https://calendly.com/ausra-aubiinternational/30-minute-conversation-with-ausra-vip
Webinars
October Webinar: What Really Changes During Generational Transition?
Understanding Organisational Culture in Family Businesses.
Generational transition is often perceived primarily as a transfer of ownership or leadership. However, successful succession requires much more than appointing a new CEO or transferring shares. It also brings changes to organisational culture, decision-making, leadership styles, communication patterns, and relationships between family members, managers, and employees.
During this two-hour online webinar, we will explore both the visible and invisible changes that can take place within a family business as leadership passes from one generation to the next.
During the webinar, participants will:
- Recognise the visible and invisible elements of organisational culture in family businesses;
- Identify the cultural changes that often accompany generational transition;
- Learn from the experiences of other family businesses;
- Explore practical questions that can help initiate important conversations within their own organisations;
- Exchange experiences with peers facing similar challenges;
- Participants will also gain a practical framework for discussing organisational culture during succession—helping families better understand what should be preserved, what may need to evolve, and how to approach these changes more consciously.
About the speaker
Maija Dobele is an organisational development consultant with more than 25 years of experience in leadership development, organisational culture, HR strategy, and organisational transformation.
She is currently conducting doctoral research on organisational culture during second-generation succession in family businesses. Her work combines evidence-based research with practical consulting, helping family businesses navigate leadership transition while preserving the values that contribute to their long-term success.
Duration
The webinar includes 1-1.5 hours of presentation, followed by a discussion and practical reflection tools/self-assessment, allowing participants to connect the themes directly to their own family-owned businesses.
Registration
Registration is required. The access link for the webinar will be sent directly to registered participants before the event. Register here to secure your spot and connect with other family-owned businesses: https://forms.gle/idtuzGSHFbZkUM5X7.
Highlights from the 4th BFFI-ECGI Family Business Conference
The 4th Baltic Family Firm Institute (BFFI) - ECGI Conference, titled "Steering the Legacy: Governance and Succession in Family Enterprises," took place at the Estonian Business School in Tallinn on June 15-16, 2026.
This year's conference focused on how family-owned businesses can enhance governance structures to effectively balance entrepreneurial agility with accountability, navigate succession confidently, and address the increasing complexity of family offices and shared assets.
Participants delved into best practices regarding board composition, financial and managerial decision-making, and conflict resolution, alongside strategies for cultivating next-generation leaders and aligning family and business objectives. Engaging discussions with prominent family business owners, advisors, and academics provided insights on leveraging strong governance to propel sustainable growth, preserve legacy, and foster harmony across generations.
Over the course of two days, attendees participated in keynote sessions, expert panels, and practical workshops covering areas such as:
- Governance models for family enterprises
- Succession planning and next-generation leadership
- Family office structures and wealth preservation
- Managing conflict and aligning family and business goals
- Growth strategies, international expansion, and capital markets
The conference featured esteemed international speakers, including Renee Adams from the University of Oxford and Luigi Zingales from the University of Chicago, along with experienced family business leaders from across Europe.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our host, the Estonian Business School, as well as our speakers, participants, BFFI members, ECGI, our general sponsor SEB, and corporate partners Sorainen and ViaClarus for contributing to the success of this inspiring gathering.
Participants
This year’s conference brought together leading academics, advisors, and multi-generational family business leaders from across Europe. It attracted more than 150 registered participants from 18 countries. With a carefully balanced mix of family business leaders (50%), academic experts (25%), and experienced advisors (25%), the conference offered a rare opportunity for meaningful dialogue and long-term relationship-building across sectors.
General Sponsor
Conference Contributors
Highlights from the 3rd BFFI-ECGI Family Business Conference
The 3rd BFFI - ECGI Conference titled "Empowering Family Enterprise: Professionalisation and Community Impact" took place at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Latvia, on June 9-10, 2025. This significant event, hosted by the Baltic Family Firm Institute, featured over 50 expert speakers and attracted more than 150 participants from 20 countries.
Bringing together leading academics, advisors, and multi-generational family business leaders from across Europe, the conference explored how family-owned businesses can balance tradition with innovation amid rapid change. Sessions focused on critical topics such as attracting and developing next-generation talent, accessing external capital without compromising family identity, managing complexity in family business groups, and addressing the emotional dimensions of governance and succession. Case-based workshops and panel discussions fostered open dialogue and peer learning, setting a new benchmark for meaningful exchange within the Baltic family business community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our hosts at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, speakers, participants, BFFI members, ECGI, our general sponsor SEB, and corporate partners Sorainen and ViaClarus for making this inspiring gathering possible. Looking ahead, we are excited for the upcoming conference in 2026 to continue these important discussions.
June 9-10, 2025
Stockholm School of Economics (Riga) | Latvia
Highlights from the 2nd BFFI-ECGI Family Business Conference
The 2nd BFFI - ECGI conference on “The Role of Family Firms in Long-Term Sustainability” provided valuable insights into how family-owned businesses can spearhead sustainable practices. Hosted at ISM University of Management and Economics in Vilnius, Lithuania on June 12-13, 2024, this event attracted a diverse assembly of experts and practitioners to explore the essential challenges and opportunities encountered by family businesses and family offices.
Over 130 participants representing 15 countries attended the conference: Estonia (22), Latvia (31), Lithuania (57), Belgium (2), Canada (1), Denmark (2), France (1), Germany (3), Italy (1), Netherlands (1), Norway (2), Portugal (1), Spain (2), UK (2), and USA (4).
The conference showcased an impressive mix of family businesses, academic professionals, and advisors, with the largest contingent comprising representatives from family business and family offices (70), followed by academics (31) and advisors (31). The agenda featured enriching presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities, emphasizing key topics such as family governance, succession planning, environmental performance, and the strategic role of family offices in fostering intergenerational success.
This conference was made possible through significant contributions of time and resources from a global team dedicated to empowering family enterprises in the Baltic region. Special thanks go to the conference hosts (ISM University of Management and Economics), speakers, participants, BFFI members, ECGI, and the event sponsors—including the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation, Signet Bank, Sorainen, and ViaClarus.
Support for this program was graciously provided by funding from the Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF). For more information about BAFF scholarships and future speaker support opportunities at the conference 2026, please visit https://www.balticamericanfreedomfoundation.org/
June 12-13, 2024
ISM University | Vilnius | Lithuania
Highlights from the 1st BFFI-ECGI Family Business Conference
The 1st Baltic region's premier family business conference, hosted by the Baltic Family Firm Institute, took place on June 30 and July 1 in Tartu, Estonia. Over two dynamic days, attendees were immersed in a wealth of enriching presentations, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. This conference brought together a diverse group of 70 participants from 12 countries: Estonia (18), Latvia (19), Lithuania (15), Belgium (1), Denmark (1), Germany (2), Italy (2), Netherlands (1), Norway (3), Singapore (1), USA (5), and the UK (2).
The event featured a remarkable mix of family-owned businesses, academics, and advisors, with family business representatives making up the largest group (26), followed by academics (22), advisors (12), family office representatives (5), and participants from organizations and government sectors (5).
The BFFI - ECGI Conference titled "Resilience of Family Businesses During Turbulent Times" covered a wide range of topics emphasizing the importance of value creation, professional governance, and strategic planning for transitions. Multiple experts shared their insights on various facets of family business management throughout the conference.
***** Insights and Reflections from Conference Participants *****
"It was an extremely well invested two days into our growth as a family business," -- Natalija Kurganovė ♡, Biržų duona (Lithuania)
"The Baltic Family Firm Institute conference was exceptionally well-organized, featuring a thoughtfully designed agenda, influential speakers, and networking opportunities with high-profile professionals," – Maija Treija-Kovaca, GEMOSS (Latvia)
"The event in Tartu was diverse, professionally organized, and shed light on the deeper aspects of what it means to be a family entrepreneur," -- Mihkel Tammo, TIFC Family Office (Estonia)
"It was the best family business conference I have ever attended," -- Karolis Montvila, UAB Domeina (Lithuania)
"The conference surprised me - there were really high-level presentations and excellent speakers. It was interesting, and I learned many new things that made me think about the future and the management of family-owned businesses," -- Vytautas Jokuzis, PhD, ELINTA (Lithuania)
This conference benefited from the generous contributions of time and resources from a global team passionate about supporting family enterprises in the Baltic region. We extend our gratitude to the conference hosts (Tartu University), speakers, participants, BFFI members, ECGI, and the event sponsors—Signet Bank, Sorainen, and ViaClarus, as we look forward to the upcoming conference in 2026.
June 30 - July 1, 2023
Tartu University | Tartu | Estonia