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FFI 40th Anniversary logo with text: Educate. Connect. Inspire.
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April 24, 2026
Deadlines Approaching: Board Nominations, GEN Scholarships, and Achievement Award Nominations
FFI on Friday: April 24, 2026 cover
D

eadlines are fast approaching for three opportunities to recognize practitioners in the FFI membership and beyond!

As FFI marks its 40th anniversary, please do not miss this moment to recognize outstanding practitioners, researchers, and advisors.

Please forward this newsletter to your colleagues!

April 25: Submit Nominations for the FFI Board of Directors
Suggestions for potential nominees to the FFI board of directors are due tomorrow!

The 2026 Nominating Committee welcomes suggestions from the FFI membership for nominees for Board of Director positions. These terms will begin immediately following the Annual Meeting in November 2026 and conclude as of the Annual Meeting in 2030.

2026 Nominating Committee
Rania Labaki, chair
Stacy Allred
Patricia Annino
Ricardo Mejía
Linda Murphy
May 1: Submit Nominations for the Achievement Awards
For more than 40 years, FFI has championed excellence—advancing academic research, promoting best practices, and inspiring professionals across the family enterprise field. The Achievement Awards were inaugurated in 1992 and include the Richard Beckhard Practice Award, the Barbara Hollander Award, the Interdisciplinary Award, and the International Award. They honor the accomplishments of leaders in the field.

Submit a nomination today and help celebrate excellence in the family enterprise field.

2026 Achievement Awards Committee
Daniela Montemerlo, chair
Edith Ang
Christine Blondel
Denise Federer
Lisa Morel
Preston Root
Albert Jan Thomassen
May 1: Apply for GEN Scholarships
FFI GEN Scholarships are generously provided for a limited number of individuals who wish to enroll in an FFI GEN certificate program. Each scholarship includes the certificate enrollment fee, one year of FFI membership, and complimentary FFI conference registration during the year of enrollment.
Core Program Scholarships
FFI Board Scholarship: Offered annually at the discretion of the FFI Board of Directors to one or more applicants who demonstrate financial need.

Glenn Ayres Memorial Scholarship: (Requires legal background) Offered in 2026 by Carolyn Ayres to honor the intellectual and professional legacy of Glenn Ayres, a scholar, legal practitioner, and past president of FFI.

Waesche Family Scholarship: Offered annually by the Waesche family for those in need of financial support to take the next step in their professional development within the field of family enterprise. Preference will be given to applicants who research and aid in the understanding of the inescapable influence of money on the family enterprise.

Advanced Program Scholarships
Alliant Private Client Scholarship: Offered for next-generation family business members who would like to pursue an Advanced Certificate, further developing their understanding of the family enterprise field. Applicants must have earned a CFBA and/or a CFWA to apply.

Glenn Ayres Memorial Scholarship: (Requires legal background) Offered in 2026 by Carolyn Ayres to honor the intellectual and professional legacy of Glenn Ayres, a scholar, legal practitioner, and past president of FFI.

We extend our gratitude to the sponsors who make these opportunities possible.
2026 GLOBAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
Paradigm Shifts FFI Global Conference logo with text: October 28-30, 2026, NY, NY, Marriott Marquis Times Square
Register for the 2026 Global Conference at the Spring Rate before June 30.
Join us on June 2 for the Regional Reception in Boston
Register now for the June 2 regional reception in Boston at the Harvard Club on Commonwealth Avenue.
Previous Edition
FFI on Friday: April 17, 2026 cover
The 2026 conference program committee is proud to announce the roster of sessions celebrating the 40th anniversary of FFI’s founding. The program has been designed around the theme “Paradigm Shifts” and will take place at the Marriott Marquis on October 29 and 30.

Forty years—a landmark, a moment in time, and an occasion to celebrate in the Big Apple. We look forward to seeing you in October in New York City’s Times Square.

Dates to Remember
April 25
Deadline to Submit Suggestions for Board Nominations
May 1
Applications for FFI GEN Scholarships
FFI Achievement Award Nominations
May 30
Enrollment Deadline for Q2 2026 GEN Certificate Programs
June 2
Regional Reception in Boston
© 2026 Family Firm Institute