INAC Global Annual Meeting 2026 in Padua

International Perspectives, Leadership, and Shared Growth

This year, Grünewald Consulting GmbH once again participated as the German partner in the INAC Global Annual Meeting, the most important international gathering within the global network. The 2026 meeting took place in Padua, Italy.

For us, the event was about far more than international discussions and fresh perspectives. Above all, it provided a valuable opportunity for personal exchange with our partners from a wide range of markets and cultural backgrounds. Key topics included leadership transformation, governance, international expansion, and the sustainable development of family-owned businesses across generations. These are challenges that are becoming increasingly relevant for many of our clients in the German SME sector as well.

Global Study on Family-Owned Businesses

A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Global Study on Family-Owned Businesses, a collaborative project developed across five continents. The study explores critical topics related to leadership, governance, continuity, growth, and transformation within family-owned enterprises. During the client event, Leading Family Businesses Across Generations, founders, CEOs, and board members engaged in open discussions about the challenges, opportunities, and future outlook of their businesses. One particularly valuable insight was that, despite operating in different markets and regions, many business owners face remarkably similar strategic challenges.

A Truly Global Network

The meeting once again demonstrated that an international network is about far more than maintaining a presence in multiple countries. What truly matters are shared values, trusted relationships, and the ability to exchange knowledge, perspectives, and experience across borders. The close collaboration within the INAC network enables its members to identify global developments at an early stage and support clients with international perspectives, local market expertise, and long-term strategic guidance.

INAC Awards

A particularly memorable moment of the meeting was the presentation of the INAC Anniversary Award to Grünewald Consulting GmbH in recognition of our 20-year membership in the international INAC network. The award reflects two decades of trusted partnership, close international collaboration, and a shared commitment to professionalism, reliability, and sustainable business relationships.

The recognition also highlighted the significant contribution of Lothar Grünewald in establishing and strengthening international partnerships, as well as the continued development of the firm under the leadership of Cedric Schütz. For Grünewald Consulting, active involvement within the global INAC network remains a key element of our international strategy and an important foundation for expanding worldwide connections and collaborations.

We would like to thank INAC Global, INAC Italy, and all partners, clients, and participants for the inspiring conversations, valuable insights, and an exceptional international gathering.