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The M&A Source fall conference is a comprehensive event offering M&A professionals opportunities for learning, networking, and deal-making, with a focus on larger deals in the lower mid-market.

Topic Discussed

The exchange is structured as a podcast interview with the following parts:

1. Introduction by the host, Dave Dejewski, welcoming listeners and introducing the guest, Kathlene Thiel, who is the conference committee chair for the M&A Source fall conference.
2. Kathlene Thiel provides an overview of the conference, its purpose, and thanks the committee members and organizers involved in planning the event.
3. Dave and Kathlene discuss the conference in detail, including the educational sessions, networking opportunities, deal market, and other activities planned.
4. Kathleen provides specific details about the conference agenda, speakers, and session topics.
5. Dave asks Kathlene questions collected from listeners about the conference, such as how to register, what to expect as a first-time attendee, and whether sessions will be recorded.
6. Kathlene shares information about getting involved with M&A Source committees and leadership opportunities.
7. Dave wraps up the interview and provides information on how to register for the conference.

Questions/Answers

• Q: Give us a high-level overview of what this conference in the fall is all about.
• A: It's a combination of learning, getting exposed to veterans in the industry, and networking with other professionals. It's an action-packed schedule with activities, content, and classes.
• Q: How has the conference evolved over the years, and what's unique about this 2024 fall event?
• A: The content and classes have moved up-market to focus on larger deals and intricacies of the lower mid-market. There is also a major push to bring investor buyers in as members and provide content around that.
• Q: Can you give our listener a sneak peek into some of the key learning opportunities and what makes them particularly valuable to M&A professionals?
• A: Kathleen provides an overview of the keynote speaker, Dr. Tom Deans, and various educational sessions and panels planned, including topics like professional ethics, deal case studies, due diligence, deal sourcing, and more.
• Q: As a first-time participant in the deal market, what should I expect, and how can I best showcase my deals to potential buyers or investors?
• A: You don't have to have deals to participate. It's important to network and introduce yourself to private equity groups. If you have a deal, bring a one-page teaser and plan to follow up after the conference.
• Q: Are education sessions more focused on tactical advice for deal-making or broader topics like market trends, business valuation, and negotiation strategies?
• A: The sessions cover both tactical advice and broader topics. Instructors are willing to dive deeper into specific areas based on attendee questions.
• Q: Is there a mobile app or platform to access the agenda, connect with attendees, or plan my schedule during the conference?
• A: Yes, there is a mobile app called C-Band that attendees can download to access the agenda, receive reminders, and plan their schedule.
• Q: Will conference sessions be recorded for later viewing, or will there be post-conference resources available for attendees?
• A: Sessions will not be recorded, but attendees will receive copies of all presentation slides. Some instructors may not allow recording.
• Q: Are there ways to stay engaged with M&A Source and the connections once the conference is over?
• A: Joining a committee is the best way to stay engaged and leverage your investment in M&A Source. Committee members can potentially move into leadership roles over time.

5 Best Quotes

1. "Even though we have all these wonderful classes and instructors and you're going to walk away with knowledge and skills that you didn't have before, I still think the biggest takeaway is the opportunity to network." - Kathlene Thiel
2. "We've really moved up-market to focus on the intricacies of larger deals, all of the things that are involved working capital with the due diligence quality of earning." - Kathlene Thiel
3. "We encourage all of you to, you know, make sure you ask any questions you have. So that's the kick-off. And then we're going to, we're going to do a little bit of, I guess, what would I call housekeeping type which content?" - Kathlene Thiel
4. "I would recommend that you have, if you have a small one-page teaser on your deal, go introduce yourself, do a really quick overview of what you're offering and hand your business card and say, I'd like to reach out to you after the conference to tell you about my deal." - Kathlene Thiel
5. "I didn't really leverage my investment in time and resources and and money money in the M&A Source until I actually joined a committee. That's how you really get to know people and take advantage of it." - Kathlene Thiel

Tips Learned

The M&A Source fall conference is a valuable opportunity for M&A professionals to gain knowledge, network with industry peers and potential buyers/investors, and explore deal-making opportunities. The conference offers a well-rounded program with educational sessions, expert panels, and a deal market, catering to professionals working on larger deals in the lower mid-market.

Members value the emphasis on networking and making connections, as this seems to be one of the most significant benefits of attending the conference. The ability to interact with experienced professionals, private equity groups, and potential partners in a relaxed setting can lead to valuable relationships and future collaborations.

Additionally, the range of educational sessions and the willingness of instructors to dive deeper into specific topics based on attendee questions is highly valuable. This allows attendees to tailor their learning experience to their specific needs and interests.

The M&A Source fall conference is a comprehensive event that provides a platform for professional development, deal-making opportunities, and building a strong network within the M&A community.