Agenda
Agenda details are subject to change. Please check back regularly for updates and speaker additions.
Each General Session or Breakout Discussion are eligible for (1) CPE credit.
All listed times are Central Time Zone (CT).
TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2024
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM | AM&AA Chapter Executive Committee Members Workshop This interactive workshop is designed for Executive Committee Members to identify and implement chapter growth strategies through multiple outlets, such as events, sponsorships and resources. Breakfast served | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM | Registration & Exhibits Open Conference registration begins at 10:00 a.m. 1:1 Meetings open at 10:30 a.m. to begin scheduling. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM | Welcome Luncheon Kick off the 26th annual Summer Conference with a welcome luncheon that offers a robust networking opportunity for M&A professionals to connect before heading into an afternoon filled with meetings and education. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | AM&AA Deal Connect The exclusive and highly anticipated Deal Connect allows private equity professionals to request meetings with middle market intermediaries and investment bankers holding various transaction opportunities at hosted tables. Stop by to make the most of your conference experience with this valuable opportunity! PRESENTED BY | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM | General Session #1 - Market Update: Forging Ahead in 2024 Hear from industry experts in middle market M&A and private equity as they discuss current market characteristics, including data on completed transactions. The discussion will include a current market assessment on valuation, the reasoning behind deal execution and failure, deal structuring and leverage, and challenges facing deal professionals. It will conclude with a view toward where M&A is headed over the next six months. PRESENTED BY Andrew Greenberg - Greenberg Variations Capital LLC Melina Audinelle - Fifth Third Securities David Welinsky - Monroe Capital LLC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:10 PM - 4:00 PM | General Session #2 - Evolution of Deal Sourcing and the Business Development Function This panel will focus on how private equity funds respond to diligence efforts led by LP’s, sellers, advisors, and financing partners in today’s environment. Our panelists will walk through the ideal attributes a firm may possess across its fund size and composition, capacity, experience, exit strategies, and capital structures that help determine fit, capability, and bandwidth to provide adequate support capital towards investments. With continuation funds and extended hold periods on the rise due to persistent market volatility, this panel ultimately aims to share insights into how private equity can best respond to fund specific pressures to help win high demand deals and maintain success while navigating through challenging times. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM | Breakout
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5:15 PM - 6:45 PM | Opening Reception Make the most of this opportunity to forge connections with industry power players and potential new partners! |
WEDNESDAY, JULY 31, 2024
8:00 AM - 8:50 AM | Breakfast & Mingle with AM&AA Chapter Leaders Get fueled for the day with a delicious breakfast. Maximize your meeting time and invite a colleague to join you or stop by to meet leaders from your local chapter! | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Registration & Exhibits Open The AM&AA Registration & Hospitality Desk will be located in the Ballroom Foyer on Wednesday and will remain open throughout the day to assist with any questions you may have. Be sure to connect with exhibitors to learn how their services can help your business. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:00 AM - 9:50 AM | Breakout
| Breakout: M&A Market Survey Report
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10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | AM&AA Deal Connect Looking for a deal? Stop by Deal Connect to meet with middle market intermediaries and investment bankers bearing transaction opportunities stationed at designated tables. Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity for private equity professionals! PRESENTED BY
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10:10 AM - 11:00 AM | General Session #3 - Navigating the Nuances of Valuation in Mergers and Acquisitions Valuation is a critical aspect of any merger or acquisition, playing a pivotal role in determining the success and feasibility of a deal. However, the process of valuation is multifaceted and often fraught with challenges and uncertainties. This panel will delve into the complexities of valuation in M&A transactions, exploring various methodologies, factors influencing valuation, and best practices for achieving accurate and equitable assessments. Lindsey Wendler - 414 Capital Ariel Fischman - 414 Capital Brian Wendler - National Business Valuation Transaction Services, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:20 AM - 12:10 PM | General Session #4 - How to Due Diligence Private Equity This panel will focus on how private equity funds respond to diligence efforts led by LP’s, sellers, advisors, and financing partners in today’s environment. Our panelists will walk through the ideal attributes a firm may possess across its fund size and composition, capacity, experience, exit strategies, and capital structures that help determine fit, capability, and bandwidth to provide adequate support capital towards investments. With continuation funds and extended hold periods on the rise due to persistent market volatility, this panel ultimately aims to share insights into how private equity can best respond to fund specific pressures to help win high demand deals and maintain success while navigating through challenging times. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12:00 PM - 1:10 PM | Lunch & Awards Presentation Continue connecting with your peers over lunch and help us recognize some esteemed industry leaders for their achievements. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | AM&AA Deal Connect Calling all private equity professionals! This is the last opportunity of the conference to schedule 1:1 meetings or drop by stationed middle-market intermediaries and investment bankers with open transaction opportunities. PRESENTED BY
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1:20 PM - 2:10 PM | Breakout
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2:30 PM - 3:20 PM | General Session #5 - Best Practices for Preparing Lower Middle Market Businesses for Successful Transactions Lower middle market businesses often face unique challenges when it comes to preparing for successful transactions. This panel brings together industry experts to explore the best practices and strategies tailored specifically for this segment of the market. From enhancing financial readiness to optimizing operational efficiency, panelists will delve into the crucial steps and considerations necessary to ensure a smooth transaction process. Whether you're a business owner or private equity sponsor contemplating a sale or an advisor assisting clients in the lower middle market, this session will provide invaluable insights to navigate the complexities and unlock opportunities for success. Join us as we uncover the keys to maximizing value and achieving favorable outcomes in today's M&A environment. Frank Dery - Berkeley Research Group Scott Gilbertson - Pfingsten Partners LLC Brian Lunt - Stevenson & Company | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:40 PM - 4:30 PM | General Session #6 - Closing the Deal: Insights from Family Office Leaders Learn how family offices approach their acquisition strategy and differentiate themselves from private equity groups both in terms of sourcing, evaluating and ultimately closing on deals. Our panelists will delve into the unique challenges and advantages that family offices face in the investment landscape. They will offer valuable insights into the critical aspects of deal-making, including due diligence, relationship management, risk assessment, and negotiation tactics tailored to family office needs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
5:15 PM - 7:00 PM | Reception Cruise We're bringing back the famous AM&AA boat cruise to celebrate a successful conference and toast to the deals that were made this week. Join us for a 1.5-hr cruise along the famous Chicago River for a memorable night of networking! Meet in the hotel lobby at 5:00 p.m. to walk to the boat. The dock is two blocks from the hotel (7-min walk). |