Family Enterprise Research Conference 2025

Join us for the 20th Annual Family Enterprise Research Conference (FERC) on 21-23 July 2025 at Dublin City University, Ireland. The conference takes place on our DCU St. Patrick’s Campus.

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.

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.

From Dublin Airport

St Patrick’s Campus, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 is located approximately 8 km south of Dublin Airport and about 2 km north of Dublin city centre. It is easily accessible by public transport and taxi.

By Bus (Public Transport)

A number of Dublin Bus routes connect the airport to Drumcondra Road, where St Patrick’s Campus is located. The most convenient options include Route 16 (via Santry and Drumcondra) or Routes 41, 41B, or 41C (via Swords and Drumcondra). These buses depart regularly from the Dublin Airport Bus Terminal (Zone 15). The journey typically takes 25–35 minutes, depending on traffic. Disembark at the Drumcondra Road bus stop just outside the main entrance of St Patrick’s Campus.

By Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport and offer a direct route to the campus. The journey usually takes 15–20 minutes, with an approximate fare of €30–€40, depending on traffic.

Dublin Skylon Hotel (4-Star Hotel)

100 meters from conference venue

Room Rates (with Breakfast Included)

Single Occupancy

20th July 2025: €209.00

21st-24th July 2025: €159.00 per night

Double Occupancy

A €15 supplement per person, per night for double occupancy in the same room.

Special Rate

These rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until they are fully booked or until June 1, 2025, whichever comes first.

Booking Information

Visit the Dublin Skylon Hotel website.
Click "BOOK NOW" (top right).
Select dates (20th-24th July 2025 for the special rate).
For extra dates, book separately and request the same room in the comments.
Enter promo code FERC2025.
Prepayment is required.

Bonnington Hotel (4-Star Hotel)

1 kilometre from conference venue

Room Rates (with Breakfast Included)

Single Occupancy

20th-24th July 2025: €200.00 per night

Double Occupancy

A €20 supplement per person, per night for double occupancy in the same room.

Special Rate

These rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until they are fully booked or until June 1, 2025, whichever comes first.

Booking Information

Visit the Bonnington Hotel website.
Click "Book Online" (top right).
Select dates (20th-24th July 2025 for the special rate).
For extra dates, book separately and request the same room in the comments.
Enter promo code FERC2025.

DCU All Hallows (Campus Accommodation)

400 meters from conference venue

Room Rates (with Breakfast Included)

Single Occupancy

Single Room: €89.00 per night (20th-24th July 2025)
Small Double Room: €119.00 per night (20th-24th July 2025)
Double Room: €129.00 per night (20th-24th July 2025)

Double Occupancy

Double Room: €149.00 per night (20th-24th July 2025)
Twin Room: €149.00 per night (20th-24th July 2025)

Special Rate

These rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until they are fully booked or until June 1, 2025, whichever comes first.

Booking Information

Book directly at the link here.