Featured Keynote: Chris Herschend

Chris is a third-generation owner and Board Chair of Herschend, the world’s largest family-owned themed attractions company. For 75 years, Herschend has been Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Its 12,000 passionate hosts collectively entertain 15 million guests annually across North America.     Chris has worked “outside and alongside” the family business for most of his career. His early experience included The Coca-Cola Company and the direct investment arm of a private family office. He joined Herschend as a Business Development Manager after earning his MBA and left the company a decade later as he led a divisional management buyout. Throughout these experiences, Chris served on the company’s majority-independent board and was elected Chair in 2019. As Chair, he serves the company’s board, CEO, and stockholders. Chris holds a BA from Emory University and earned his MBA from Emory’s Goizueta Business School. In addition to his responsibilities at Herschend, Chris is co-founder of Elmwood Management, a private investment firm, and an active thought leader in multigenerational business strategy and governance. Current and past affiliations include the IAAPA Applause Award Board of Governors, the John L. Ward Center for Family Enterprises at The Kellogg School of Management, E Ritter & Company, the Ida and Cason Callaway Foundation, Whitefield Academy, Passion City Church, and the Young Presidents Organization. Chris and his wife Ashley have four children and live in Atlanta, GA.