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 Mountain Time Zone (MT).

monday, JANUARY 20, 2025

12:00 PM - 5:30 PM

The AM&AA Open Golf Tournament

Conference attendees are invited to play in The AM&AA Open golf tournament on Monday prior to the Winter Conference. Players will be paired up based on provided preferences, ensuring valuable new connections and potential business opportunities. Don't miss this event designed for prime networking at a beautiful course in the #1 golf city in the country! 

Reserve your spot by selecting the add-on to purchase during registration or when modifying registration.
All players must be registered for the conference.

View course and tournament details >>

 
5:00 PM - 8:30 PM

AM&AA Advisory Council Meeting

The AM&AA Advisory Council will discuss the organization's initiatives & strategies.

Invitation only to AM&AA Advisory Council Members

 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2025

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.
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

 
 
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM

Registration & Exhibits Open

Conference registration begins at 10:00 a.m. 
The AM&AA Registration & Hospitality Desk will be located right off the lobby 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. 

 
 
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM

Welcome Luncheon

Kick off the 26th annual Winter Conference by joining us for a lunch that offers prime opportunities to connect with M&A professionals before heading into an afternoon filled with meetings and valuable content. 

 
 
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

AM&AA Deal Connect presented by UHY

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! 

 
 
2:00 PM - 2:50 PM

General Session #1 – Market Update: New Year, Brighter Future for M&A 

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, deal structuring and leverage. It will conclude with a view toward where M&A is headed in 2025, taking into consideration the improved marketplace fundamentals of lower interest rates and significant levels of un-invested capital that has been committed by institutional Limited Partners. 

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

PRESENTED BY

 
Graeme Frazier Allan Siposs Andrew Tomat Sharon Heaton
3:10 PM - 4:00 PM

General Session #2 – Navigating the World of Continuation Vehicles

Join this panel for valuable insights into the expanding continuation vehicle market, which can provide an attractive solution for liquidity in a challenging market. Panelists will explore the pros and cons of continuation vehicles for general partners, limited partners, and secondary investors.

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

 
Charles Cox Michael Blume Ulrich Erasmus Noam Hirschberger Tom Marking Jamie Smith
4:20 PM - 5:00 PM

Perfume & Prosecco: A Reception Hosted by the Women of AM&AA

Immerse yourself in an empowering afternoon of connection, creativity, and camaraderie. Enjoy prosecco (or your drink of choice) while crafting your own signature dealmaking scent.

Hosted by the Women of AM&AA to celebrate and strengthen female networks within our community, this event warmly welcomes gentlemen who wish to join in the experience.

 
 
4:20 PM - 5:10 PM

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.

All attendees are welcome to join, with a designated area reserved exclusively for AM&AA YoPro Members to foster connections and build relationships within their professional cohort. 

 
 

Breakout
Table Talk: Working with Exit Planning Advisors to Reduce Risk and Create Successful Transactions

Join the International Exit Planning Association’s Membership Committee Co-Chairs, Bruce Beickman and John Carter, for a dynamic table talk on the vital role of exit planning advisors in M&A success. Discover how collaboration between advisors, business owners, and transaction professionals can maximize value, streamline transitions, and achieve optimal outcomes. This interactive session offers practical insights, best practices, and an opportunity to connect with peers in an intimate setting. Perfect for M&A professionals and other senior level advisors looking to enhance their strategies, this session will provide actionable ideas to support successful transactions and lasting partnerships.

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

PRESENTED BY

 

 

 


 

 
Bruce Beickman John Carter John Leonetti
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Opening Reception

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

PRESENTED BY

 
 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2025

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

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

 
 
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

Registration & Exhibit Hall 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
M&A Market Survey Report

See detailed results of the 2025 Winter AM&AA Market Report 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 Q2 & Q3 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 Q1 & Q2 in 2025 will also be presented, as well as the headwinds and tailwinds driving the forecast for the M&A market.

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

 
Bill McCalpin

Breakout
Scaling Diligence to Deal Size

As lower middle market deal activity grows, aligning service value with deal size has become increasingly important. To meet these demands, it’s essential to adjust the scope and deliverables of diligence to match the needs of each transaction. Many deals require both legal and accounting diligence, but concerns around fees and services persist. This session will explore practical strategies and levers for tailoring diligence to better fit deal sizes, ensuring value without compromising quality.

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

PRESENTED BY

 

 
Christine Hollinden Michael Landers Darryl Mazow
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

AM&AA Deal Connect presented by UHY

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!

 
 
10:10 AM - 11:00 AM

General Session #3 – Foundations of Success: Pre-LOI Due Diligence Essentials

Join us for an insightful panel discussion on pre-Letter of Intent (LOI) due diligence in mergers and acquisitions. Our expert panelists will explore the strategies, challenges, and best practices for conducting thorough due diligence before formal commitments are made.

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

 
Lindsey Wendler Joe Basilico Jeff Michelson Robert Schroeder Eric Weiner
11:20 AM - 12:10 PM

General Session #4 – Accelerating Success: Proven Strategies to Shorten Deal Timelines

In today’s competitive market, speed is often the difference between a successful deal and a missed opportunity. This panel brings together experienced dealmakers to share actionable strategies that reduce the time from initial engagement to closing. From streamlining due diligence and fostering better communication to leveraging technology and optimizing negotiation processes, panelists will offer insights on how to overcome common delays and ensure faster, more efficient transactions. Whether you're an advisor, investment banker, or private equity professional, these practical techniques will help you close deals more quickly and capitalize on market opportunities.

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

 
Lamar Stanley Bobby Kingsbury Tim McCormack Robert Rough
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

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 EisnerAmper, and Chapter Leader of the Year Award!

PRESENTED BY


 

 
 
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

AM&AA Deal Connect presented by UHY

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. 

 
 
1:20 PM - 2:10 PM

Breakout
Harnessing AI in M&A: Elevate Client Advice with Confidence

The rise of AI in M&A brings both excitement and uncertainty. While risk management concerns persist, the potential for AI to streamline processes and create efficiencies in M&A deals is undeniable. But how can you harness AI’s power while maintaining 100% accuracy and control?

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

PRESENTED BY

 

 
Matthew Bain

Breakout
Table Talk: M&A Trends

Our table talk leaders will guide discussions on the latest leanings in M&A. Tables will be separated by topic to discuss these four key drivers in mergers and acquisitions:

  • Opportunities for digitalization to compete with Fintech & Insurtech
  • Transitions to renewable energy due to government policies
  • Continued healthcare consolidation
  • Building supply chain resilience through M&A

This is a great opportunity to learn from fellow M&A professionals, while gaining insights, new referral sources, and building your network.

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

 
John Cohan
2:30 PM - 3:20 PM

General Session #5 – Trends in Financing You Should Know About

In discussing current trends in financing, this panel will share insights across debt capital markets; specifically addressing how changes in interest rates, inflation, and growth trends within middle market companies have impacted M&A transactions. Our panelists will also share their experiences in accessing financing options and what lender or capital source preference changes they’ve encountered when negotiating deal structures.

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

 
Amanda Foyt Todd Morrissey Stefan Shaffer Kenneth Saffold
3:40 PM - 4:30 PM

General Session #6 – Post-Election Tax Changes: Impact on M&A Deals

This panel will discuss the expected impact of post-election tax reforms on mergers and acquisitions based on the President Elect’s proposed tax plan. Experts will explore how changes in corporate taxes, capital gains, and international tax policies may affect deal structures, valuations, and market activity. Attendees will gain key insights into adapting M&A strategies in response to evolving tax regulations.

CPE Credit: 1 - Specialized Knowledge

 
Eric Heath Jon Fotzler Olga Loy Richard Weiner Gregory Wilder
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Closing Reception

This event marks the pinnacle of the conference, offering unparalleled networking that you don't want to miss!