Reserve Your Spot to Display at the EXPO that precedes the Awards!

Register for the Awards & Expo to be held on November 12, 2025!

Central Ohio’s Only Awards Program Celebrating Family Businesses

Come celebrate the achievements of Central Ohio family businesses at the 27th Annual Family Business Awards & Expo on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the Hilton Easton in Columbus. The Awards luncheon recognizes honorees in categories that reflect the key pillars of family business success and longevity: leadership, planning, communication, support, and community service.

Over 400 companies have been awarded over the last 26 years, representing many of Central Ohio's finest family-owned businesses. VIEW past award winners.

The Conway Center for Family Business Awards Program annually recognizes family businesses that have:

Successfully transferred the leadership of the company from one generation to the next.
Found a unique solution to a complex business problem.
Made a contribution to our community.
Gone above and beyond the call of duty to help an employee, customer, or vendor.

Opportunities for awards sponsorship and advertising in the Awards Program distributed to over 450 luncheon attendees are available!

»VIEW Program Ad Pricing and Specs
»VIEW ALL Sponsorship Opportunities

Award Categories

Nominations are closed for 2025, but are available year-round. We are now accepting nominations for our 2026 program. Click on the categories below to view the description of each award.

Conway Center Champion

Recognizes organizations or individuals that have shown significant support to the success of the Conway Center or who have made substantial gifts during life, and/or have included the Conway Center for Family Business in their estate plans.

Nominate

Family Business of the Year

Recognizes a family business that has made a significant contribution to their industry or the Central Ohio business community. Winner in this category will be asked to give short remarks.

Nominate

J. Richard Emens Lifetime Achievement

Recognizes a family business leader who has made a significant contribution to their industry or the Central Ohio business community. Winner in this category will be asked to give short remarks.

Nominate

Milestone Achievement

Recognizes family businesses that have reached a significant anniversary milestone during the award year.

Nominate

Resiliency Award

Recognizes a family business that has persevered, re-invented themselves, worked hard on sustainability of the family business, and/or that has come back from adversity.

Nominate