Family Enterprise Research Conference 2025

About FERC 2025

We cordially invite you to the 20th annual Family Enterprise Research Conference (FERC), hosted by Dublin City University and Ulster University, to be held in Dublin, Ireland. Established in 2005, FERC is dedicated to developing a community of global scholars interested in conducting research to further our understanding of family enterprises and creating usable knowledge in this field. FERC’s goals include:

• Building usable knowledge on family enterprises;
• Challenging scholars to enhance the rigor, relevance, and reach of research;
• Creating partnerships among and between scholars and practitioners focused on family business issues; and
• Developing the field of family business scholars by providing professional development opportunities, especially for those early in their careers.

Conference Schedule

Monday 21st July 2025

09:00 - 17:00 Doctoral Students & Junior Faculty Research Seminar

An exclusive seminar for 15 emerging scholars to refine their research and connect with experts. Engage in paper development workshops, mentoring sessions, and research seminars led by world-renowned scholars.

19:00 Conference Opening & Social at Local Family-Owned Museum

FERC kicks off with an evening for all attendees at a local family-owned illusion museum, a perfect setting to celebrate the creativity and legacy of family firms. Connect with friends and colleagues in a unique and entertaining setting, enjoy great conversation, light refreshments, and a touch of magic as we set the stage for an inspiring conference ahead!

Tuesday 22nd July 2025
09:00 - 17:00 Workshops & Research Presentations

Gain insights from senior scholars through keynotes on the latest trends and groundbreaking research in family business. Participate in thought-provoking discussions and deepen your understanding of the field.

18:00 Riverdance at The Gaiety Theatre

Experience the world-renowned Riverdance—a breathtaking production with Grammy-winning music and electrifying choreography. Witness the energy and artistry of Riverdance in the city where it all began!

Wednesday 23rd July 2025
09:00 - 17:00 Workshops & Research Presentations

Explore cutting-edge research at the engaging Poster Sessions, enhance your skills in the dynamic Professional Development Workshops, and be inspired by the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award recipient(s).

19:00 Awards Dinner at The Guinness Storehouse

The FERC awards dinner takes place at the world-famous Guinness Storehouse, voted the World's Leading Tourist Attraction. Enjoy a night of great cuisine, traditional music and raise a toast as we honour the outstanding achievements of FERC scholars. Awards will be presented for best doctoral contribution, as well as qualitative, quantitative, and theoretical contributions.

Important Dates

• Submission Deadline: February 14th, 2025
• Registration Deadline: April 30th, 2025
• Late Registration Closes: June 1st, 2025
• FERC 2025 in Dublin: July 21st - 23rd, 2025

Fees and Registration

Conference rates are as follows:

Registration Fee: €685 (+€24.54 processing fee)

The Registration Fee includes full participation in the academic conference, as well as daily lunches and refreshments, the Conference Opening and Social at a Local Family-Owned Museum, Riverdance at The Gaiety Theatre, and the Awards Dinner at the Guinness Storehouse.

Late Registration Fee (after April 30, 2025): €735 (+€24.54 processing fee)

The Late Registration Fee includes full participation in the academic conference, as well as daily lunches and refreshments, the Conference Opening and Social at a Local Family-Owned Museum, Riverdance at The Gaiety Theatre, and the Awards Dinner at the Guinness Storehouse

Doctoral Student Registration Fee: €500 (+€24.54 processing fee)

This reduced Doctoral Student Registration Fee is only for those accepted to the Doctoral Students & Junior Faculty Research Seminar and includes registration to the full FERC conference as well as daily lunches and refreshments, the Conference Opening and Social at a Local Family-Owned Museum, Riverdance at The Gaiety Theatre, and the Awards Dinner at the Guinness Storehouse

Accompanying Person Registration Fee: €200 (+€14.75 processing fee)

This Accompanying Person Registration Fee only includes access to the social events during the conference, including the Conference Opening and Social at a Local Family-Owned Museum, Riverdance at The Gaiety Theatre, and the Awards Dinner at the Guinness Storehouse. Social events are strictly over 18 years of age.

Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.

Contact Us

• Dr Eric Clinton (eric.clinton@dcu.ie)
• Dr Catherine Faherty (catherine.faherty@dcu.ie)
• Dr Ian Smyth (i.smyth@ulster.ac.uk)
• Dr Judith Woods (j.woods@ulster.ac.uk)

Any delegates who require a confirmation of invitation letter to fulfil Visa requirements, please email: ferc2025@dcu.ie