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.
Please note: This workshop is held prior to the start of the conference. 

Breakfast served
Invitation only to AM&AA Chapter Executive Committee Members
 

Registration & Exhibits Open

Conference registration begins at 10:00 a.m. 
The AM&AA Registration & Hospitality Desk will be located on the second floor to welcome and check you into the conference as you arrive on Tuesday. Visit with exhibitors and learn how their services can take your deal to the next level!

1:1 Meetings open at 10:30 a.m. to begin scheduling. 

Welcome Luncheon & Keynote

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 valuable content. During the lunch, hear from keynote speaker, Paul Baier, CEO, Co-Founder and Principal Analyst at GAI Insights on How GenAI is Impacting Company Valuation in M&A.

KEYNOTE
Generative AI (GenAI) is revolutionizing the corporate landscape by significantly boosting task productivity by 15% to 40%. This surge in efficiency translates to substantial increases in EBITDA, thereby enhancing asset value both at acquisition and throughout the holding period. GenAI is creating new revenue opportunities by monetizing previously untapped data. Join us as we delve into various case studies and provide comprehensive framework for understanding how GenAI impacts company valuation during acquisitions. 

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

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

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.

PRESENTED BY

 

Executive Education Class: 
Advanced Legal and Tax Strategies for Business Sales and Acquisitions

This professional education course provides a deep exploration of tax and contract law in business brokerage and deal making. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the intricate tax and legal frameworks that govern transactions in private business sales and acquisitions. Drawing on foundational principles and current legal precedents, the course delves into essential topics such as tax implications of business transfers, contractual obligations in mergers and acquisitions, and strategies for mitigating legal risks in deal negotiations.

AM&AA Members Only

Breakout: Speed Networking

Uncover new opportunities and expand your professional network during this dynamic session of speed networking. Participants will rotate through designated tables during timed sessions prompting rapid yet meaningful interactions to exchange information, share insights, and explore potential synergies.

Opening Reception

Make the most of this opportunity to forge connections with industry power players and potential new partners!

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!

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. 

Breakout: Finding the Right Buyer When Taking a Business to Market 

The M&A Advisor has many roles, but playing match maker in a diverse world of buyers is the most challenging role. From owner expectations to exit options to buyer types, join us as we explore this match making process.

PRESENTED BY

Breakout: M&A Market Survey Report

See detailed results of the AM&AA 2024-Q3 National M&A Market Survey with data reported on over 2,000 deals. Analysis includes:

• Deal volume in the market
• Sale multiples
• Composition of consideration
• Target company financial performance
• Deal exports by industry

for deals closed in Q1 & Q2 in 2024, as well as deals under LOI in the current M&A pipeline. Additionally, detail on factors required to get deals under LOI and closed in today's current M&A climate will also be presented, along with how those factors have been changing over time. Data on the outlook for M&A for Q3 & Q4 in 2024 will also be presented, as well as the headwinds and tailwinds driving the forecast for the M&A market.

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

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.

PRESENTED BY

General Session #4 - Due Diligence when Partnering with Private Equity

This panel will focus on how actively managed, middle market private equity funds respond to diligence efforts led by sellers, advisors, and financing partners in today’s environment. We will discuss factors that help firms win deals including LP composition, fund size and capacity, exit strategies, and capital structures that are assessed to determine a firm’s 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, we will also discuss best practices led by private equity throughout a transaction process that help create competitive advantages necessary to win high demand deals in the middle market.

Lunch & Awards Presentation

Continue connecting with your peers over lunch and help us recognize some esteemed industry leaders for their achievements.

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

Breakout: How High Impact Exit Planners Develop Quality Sellers and Collaborate for Successful Business Sale Transactions

Identifying who the most trusted advisor to the business owner is will lead to understanding who is controlling the information and resources that flows to that owner, including referrals for M&A transactions. This panel discussion will focus on where exit planners are filling that role as this emerging industry quickly develops. Exit planners both originate and cultivate existing relationships and help to prepare owners and companies for sale. This session will highlight this emerging industry, demonstrate the value of these partnerships and give specific guidance on how to develop relationships with quality exit planners that are doing the work.

PRESENTED BY

Table Talk: Using AI in M&A

During this table talk, participants will share how they are using AI technology to accelerate the M&A process. The possibilities are broad—ranging from utilizing AI for HR, accounting, legal, cybersecurity, and corporate governance. Come hear from fellow M&A professionals and bring your experience to share as well. Table talks will be facilitated by M&A experts who have knowledge of these different areas.

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. 

PRESENTED BY

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. 

Boat Cruise Reception

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). 
Boarding begins at 5:15 p.m. The boat will depart at 5:30 p.m. and arrive back at the dock at 7:00 p.m. 
Details will be sent directly to attendees.