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 at 7:30 a.m.
Invitation only for AM&AA Chapter Executive Committee Members

Registration Open

Conference registration begins at 11:00 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 Wednesday. 

Welcome Luncheon

Lights, camera, closure! Get ready to spotlight your deals while enjoying lunch at one of Charleston's iconic landmarks, the Riviera Theater, located across the street from the hotel. During lunch, hear from keynote speaker, Sharon Heaton, Founder/CEO at sbLiftOff as she presents on "The Heart of the Deal: The Art of Successful M&A Transactions."

KEYNOTE
Author and national thought-leader Sharon Heaton calls empathy the secret to a successful deal. “It’s not about killer instinct or being smarter than other people. It’s not even about the megatrends going on in the market. The secret to a successful deal is to be able to see everything from the other person’s perspective. If there’s a superpower in M&A, it is empathy.” Hear why the heart of the deal drives likelihood of close and post-deal integration. 

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! 

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Exhibit Hall Open

Connect with exhibitors and learn how their services can take your deal to the next level!
Exhibits open at 2:00 p.m. after the Welcome Luncheon. 

General Session #1 – Market Update: Valuations, Macro Effects, and Owner Mindsets Entering 2024

Hear from industry experts in middle market M&A and private equity as they discuss current market characteristics, including valuation and leverage data on completed transactions. The discussion will include a current market assessment on valuation, macro effects, the mindset of the business owner, 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.

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General Session #2 – Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Independent Sponsors in Private Equity

In recent years, independent sponsors have emerged as a significant force in the private equity industry, challenging traditional investment models and bringing innovation to deal origination and execution. This panel discussion will explore the key trends, challenges, and opportunities associated with independent sponsors in the private equity space – from both the buy and sell side perspective.

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Opening Reception

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

Conference Breakfast & Networking

Get fueled for the day with a delicious breakfast. Maximize your meeting time and invite a colleague to join you! 

CM&AA Reunion Breakfast

Members of CM&AA are invited to a special breakfast recognizing their achievements.

Invitation only for CM&AA instructors and recipients of the CM&AA designation

Registration & Exhibit Hall Open

The AM&AA Registration & Hospitality Desk will be located in the Ballroom Foyer on Thursday 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. 

M&A Market Survey Report

See detailed results of the AM&AA 2024-Q1 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 Q3 and Q4 of 2023 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 2024 will also be presented, as well as the headwinds and tailwinds driving the forecast for the M&A market.

Breakout: Negotiating Structure in the Current Deal Environment

This dynamic discussion will cover the following topics:

• Explore how to manage expectations when determining how to fund a deal.
• Discuss how deals are getting done with a mix of seller finance, private credit, and commercial credit.
• Review some of the roadblocks or hurdles that surface and how to navigate to a close.

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General Session #3 – Trends in Transaction-Related Tax Planning

This panel of industry experts will delve into the intricacies of M&A transaction-related tax planning, providing valuable insights into the ever-evolving tax landscape. From the impacts of legislative changes to innovative tax-efficient structures, this discussion promises to equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complex world of transaction-related taxes.

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!

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General Session #4 – Priority M&A Diligence Items to Expect in 2024

Within the last three years, AM&AA members have experienced both turbulence and recovery throughout portfolio companies and acquisition activity. This panel will cover how diligence is assisting in validating the success and what deal makers are prioritizing in diligence now as a result.

Conference Lunch & Awards Presentation

Continue connecting with your peers over lunch and help us recognize the recipients of the Thought Leader of the Year Award, presented by FORVIS, and Chapter Leader of the Year Award!

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Breakout: Build a Pipeline of Future, Well Prepared Sellers by Incorporating / Partnering with Exit Planners & Consultants

As a mergers and acquisitions professional or a private equity group, quality deal flow is THE critical success factor to your business. The International Exit Planning Association (IEPA) has trained the highest qualified and experienced exit planners and consultants in the marketplace today. Join this interactive panel discussion and hear from experienced exit consultants about how to gain access to business owners, years before they are ready to sell. Learn how exit consultants help business owners improve company and personal readiness for a future transaction, making for a cleaner, higher-value and greater certainty-to-close pipeline of future transactions. Case studies will be provided to show how these concepts are working in today's market. 

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Breakout: Unique Complexities in Registered Investment Adviser Transactions

This session will review investment adviser transactions from pre-deal through closing from both the Buyer and Seller perspective focusing on those elements that are unique to transactions in the investment adviser industry. These complexities include regulatory requirements, client risk, regulatory risks, and risks related to the nature of the business being acquired.

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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

General Session #5 – Best Path to a Done Deal

Imagine a 360 review of the deal flow process that involves all the major players. . . This panel of buyers, sellers, and advisors will discuss what are the pivotal moments on the road to closing a deal. How do you navigate the needs of each deal team member in those crucial moments? What takes a deal from tentative to tombstone? Gain the perspective from each player when you attend this panel.

General Session #6 – Debt in 2024: Restructuring and Turnaround

In 2024, the M&A industry is expected to undergo significant changes due to advancements in technology and evolving market dynamics. Restructuring and turnaround will also continue to be a critical aspect of M&A in 2024. This session will highlight the importance of proactive restructuring strategies to enhance operational efficiency and drive value creation.

Executive Education Class:
Market Value Study: How to Get Paid While You Educate and Win New Clients

Business owners should know what drives the value of their business, so they can make informed decisions about selling or growing. Owners often receive a lot of misinformation about value. Even traditional valuation reports, which are designed for compliance or litigation, fail to address real market value considerations. The solution… M&A Advisors can deliver a Market Value Study to provide clients real feedback from market buyers. Learn how to use a Market Value Study to educate clients on real market value metrics, and simultaneously position yourself as the client’s trusted M&A Advisor.

AM&AA Members Only

Table Talk: Technology & AI

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.

25th AM&AA Anniversary Celebration Soirée

Enjoy a night of celebration as we toast to 25 years of deal making with AM&AA. This lux garden party marks the pinnacle of the conference, offering unparalleled networking that you don't want to miss!