One-of-a-Kind Conference for Family Business in Canada

OAKVILLE, ON, April 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Business families from across Canada will converge on the nation's capital May 23-25^th for CAFE 2012 Symposium, the largest and only conference of its kind focused on the needs of family business. Family businesses are a vital driver of world economies constituting 80% of all business worldwide and creating an estimated 70-90% of global GDP.

The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) hosts the biennial conference to provide business families a forum to network, learn and share best practices.  Participants will enjoy two days of engaging presentations and workshops by leading family business experts including Cameron Herold of BackPocket COO, author/actor Christopher Kennedy Lawford, and David Bentall of Next Step Advisors.

Symposium also features the 2012 Family Enterprise of the Year Achievement Award (FEYA) Gala to recognize and celebrate the contributions of family businesses in Canada. This year's nominees are: The Halifax Seed Company of Halifax, Nova Scotia; Label Innovation of Ottawa, Ontario; and The Collins Family of Companies from London, Ontario.  Previous winners of this prestigious award include E.D. Smith & Sons Limited and Rogers Communications.

BMO Harris Private Banking are the presenting sponsors of this year's Symposium, to be held at the world renowned Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.

About CAFE

The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise (CAFE) is a national not-for-profit organization established in 1983 with the mandate to promote the well-being, understanding and success of families in business. Through chapters across Canada, CAFE provides services, resources, education and support to those involved in family enterprise. Visit www.cafecanada.ca to learn more.

Sheila Simms; [email protected];  [phone] ext. 221