PELLA, Iowa — The family behind Pella Corporation, one of Iowa’s most iconic multigenerational companies, will headline the 2026 Iowa Family Business Conference in Pella on Nov. 11. Bringing industry leadership, legacy insights and hometown pride to the state’s premier gathering of family‑owned enterprises, Adam Farver will take center stage among a star lineup of Iowa’s leading family firms.

"For more than 100 years, the Pella shareholder family has embraced the truth that stewardship is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Adam Farver, fourth-generation owner and board chair of Pella Corporation. “Every generation inherits something valuable, and our job is not simply to preserve it, but to prepare it for those who come next. That is why I am excited to keynote the 2026 Iowa Family Business Conference. Family businesses carry a unique responsibility to their employees, customers, communities and future generations. Bringing family business leaders together creates an opportunity to share hard-earned lessons, challenge one another's thinking, and become better stewards of the businesses, families, and communities entrusted to our care.”

Hosted by the University of Northern Iowa’s Family Business Center, the conference is the only statewide event dedicated exclusively to multigenerational family-owned businesses. Whether you're a founder seeking succession insight, a next-gen leader navigating transition or a cousin consortium looking to strengthen alignment, the conference offers a full day of peer learning, strategic guidance and celebration.

“I always leave gatherings like this energized by the generosity, wisdom and humility of the people in the room,” said Farver. “When family businesses learn from one another, we all get stronger."

This year’s programming will be hosted at Vermeer Corporation’s Museum and Global Pavilion and includes breakout sessions on next-generation development, family governance, branding your company as family-owned and more — each designed to equip attendees with practical tools for business growth and legacy preservation.

“At Vermeer, we believe strong family businesses help build strong communities and a strong state,” said Mindi Vanden Bosch, vice president of operations and a  third generation family member at Vermeer. “Hosting the Iowa Family Business Conference is a chance to bring leaders together, share perspectives and strengthen the role family-owned and -operated enterprises play in Iowa’s economy. We’re proud to partner with the Family Business Center at the University of Northern Iowa and welcome business families to Pella.”

The conference will take place at Vermeer on Wednesday, Nov. 11. Registration is open, with early bird discounts running through Aug. 31. Learn more and register at unifamilybusinesscenter.com/events/iowa-family-business-conference.