Families in Business Conference Schedule

The Sanctuary, 851 Main St, Roosevelt Island, New York, NY

The Sanctuary on Roosevelt Island is a one-mile walk from the Cornell Tech campus, accessible via the Roosevelt Island walking path, or the free public shuttle (a red-colored bus) that picks up in front of The Graduate Hotel.

The Sanctuary, Roosevelt Island

Daniel G. Van Der Vliet, John and Dyan Smith Executive Director of Family Business

The Sanctuary, Roosevelt Island

The Sanctuary, Roosevelt Island

Keynote speaker – Cristina Mariani-May, President and CEO at Banfi Vintners

Banfi is a name that all Cornellians are familiar with. Banfi is the sole U.S. importer of the Mariani family’s internationally renowned wine estates in Italy — Castello Banfi of Montalcino, Tuscany, and Banfi Piemonte of Strevi, Piedmont. Banfi Wines, family-owned since 1919 and is currently led by 3rd generation family proprietor and CEO Cristina Mariani-May. We welcome Ms. Mariani-May to share the story of Banfi Wines, its founding in the US as an importer of fine Italian wines, and its eventual entry into the Italian market with Castello Banfi in Montalcino, Italy.

Verizon Executive Education Center, Cornell Tech

Verizon 121

Join Wesley Sine, the John and Dyan Smith Professor of Management and Family Business, and Daniel Van Der Vliet, the John and Dyan Smith Executive Director of the Smith Family Business Initiative as we reflect on the 10 years that have helped to create the SFBI as we know it today. Dann and Wes will be joined by John MBA ’74 and Dyan Smith as we take a look forward into the next 10 years, and beyond.

Verizon 121

We welcome several of our most influential Family Business Club Officers back to Cornell to share their experiences post-MBA, where they are now, and the role their family business, and the SFBI, have played heretofore.

Moderator: Vishal Gaur, Anne and Elmer Lindseth Dean of the Johnson Graduate School of Management

• Christopher “CK” Chua MBA ‘17, Managing Director, Wong Chu King Holdings Inc.
• Maria Virginia Dellizzotti, MBA ’18, Chief Strategy Officer, Molinos San José S.A.
• Bryan Wong MBA ’17, Senior Vice President, Papillion Ribbon & Bow, Inc.

Verizon Executive Education Center, Cornell Tech

With environmental concerns at the forefront of global discussions, family businesses are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in sustainability and waste reduction. This panel delves into the innovative solutions and best practices that family-owned enterprises are implementing to create a greener future. Panelists will share their personal experiences, successful strategies, and potential solutions for going easy on the Earth and promoting sustainability within their businesses. Join us to learn how family businesses can make a significant impact on environmental conservation and inspire future generations to prioritize sustainability.

Moderator: Rochelle Clarke, Cornell Family Business Mentor

• Jeremy Brunner ’94, President,  Espoma Organic
• Alessandro Magnani, Business Development, Davines
• Chris Noble MBA ’09, Noblehurst Farms

In today’s globalized world, family businesses often face the unique challenge of navigating cultural differences. This panel explores how family-owned enterprises tackle cross-cultural diversity in various scenarios, such as immigrant owners managing businesses in new countries, operating in foreign markets, and conducting business across multiple nations. Panelists will share insights and strategies on overcoming cultural clashes, adapting to different business practices, and leveraging cultural diversity to enhance business success and cohesion.

Moderator: Ben Berger, Tax Services Partner, RSM

• Cathy Choi ‘93, President Bulbrite
• Deborah Erickson, Executive,  Servenco Management
• Lola Famuyiwa MBA ’24, Muyis Photography
• Parth Vedawala MBA ’19, Kush Gold & Jewelry

Verizon Executive Education Center, Cornell Tech

Verizon Executive Education Center, Cornell Tech

Moderator: Wes Sine, John and Dyan Smith Professor of Management and Family Business, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Doug Baumoel ’78, Founder, Continuity Family Business Consulting, Cornell Family Business Fellow.

Luis Carlos Sarmiento MBA ’20, Managing Director, Grupo Aval, Investment Bank (joining via Zoom)

In this rousing visit with four New York City family business leaders, we will explore the challenges and reality of running a business in the Big Apple. Humorous, poignant, and entertaining.

Moderator: Stefanie Kyles, Cornell Family Business Mentor

• Michael Harney ’77, Vice President & CEO, Harney & Sons Tea
• Kevin Leichter ’97, President,  Premier Paint Roller
• Lloyd Robinson ’87, President, AWISCO
• Alan Rosen ’91, Junior’s Cheesecake

Verizon 121

Fred Keller ’67, Founder, Cascade Engineering 

Moderator: Wes Sine, John and Dyan Smith Professor of Management and Family Business, Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management.