The popularity of family offices has grown alongside the increasing wealth of the rich, with 8,000 family offices managing $3.1 trillion in assets worldwide. The number of family office conferences has also increased, with 123 in 2024 and 244 scheduled for this year. These events provide a platform for families to discuss shared challenges and opportunities, as well as for investment professionals to tap into the sizable capital in the family space.
Raphael Amit, a professor at the Wharton School, has hosted family office gatherings for over two decades, offering intimate and sponsor-free conferences for family offices. However, many family office conferences are dominated by sponsors and vendors, which families find intrusive. Anthony Ritossa, a prominent figure in family office circles, faced scrutiny over his business practices following a Vanity Fair article in 2022. Despite this, he has continued to host family office summits, including one in Dubai in 2024 that brought together high-net-worth individuals and Middle East royalty.
The reputation of conference guests is more important to attendees than the hosts, with families attending events to connect with others in the community. Overall, family office conferences provide a valuable opportunity for families to network, share experiences, and explore investment opportunities, despite concerns over the legitimacy and practices of some conference organizers.
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