​A thoughtfully designed day for Active Searchers to forge deep community connections and level up SMB Acquisition knowledge.

​​This is not your average panel discussion or generic networking event. This is hands-on, targeted, and built to give you the edge you need to stand out with your search.

​​Our goal is simple: empower you to unlock strategies, build connections, and secure the tools you need to close the deals you are actively working on.

​​You'll hear expert insights from top voices in the ecosystem, meet with deal team experts, and build connections with fellow searchers.

​​What to Expect:

• ​​Actionable Deal Strategies
  Gain practical insights from top deal team partners on financial diligence, legal structuring, risk analysis, and more.​
  

• ​​Real Connections
  Connect, collaborate, and converse with fellow Searchers who are just as driven to succeed as you are.
  

• ​1:1 Access to Experts
  Chat with seasoned investors and deal pros for personalized guidance tailored to your search challenges.
  

• ​Fuel for the Day
  Enjoy a catered lunch, all-day snacks, and wrap it up with a celebratory happy hour to recharge and share ideas.

​🔎 PANEL LINEUP:

​It’s rare to get this many of the right people in one room. But that’s exactly what’s happening.
Every expert you see on the card? They’re going to be there—with you, in person, ready to dig in.

​CIM CITY: Deal Sourcing Mastery

​How top Searchers are finding deals—and what’s actually working right now—brokered, proprietary, CRM-driven, and human-first.
Featuring:

• ​Dennis Unrein – SMB PE

• ​Kyle Griffith – The NYBB Group

• ​George Wellmer – Tupelo SMB

• ​Chase Murdock – Decada Group / Durable

​FINANCIAL DILIGENCE BREAKDOWN

​Real-life QofE pitfalls, what to watch for, and how to stop falling for doctored cash flow. Get it all right before you close.
Featuring:

• ​Patrick Dichter (Moderator) – Appletree Business Services

• ​Scott McKenzie – Baker Newman Noyes

• ​Avnit Sekhon – Treewalk Consulting

​ESSENTIAL LEGAL STRATEGIES

​Deal structures, red flags, and the clauses that really cost Searchers. The legal pitfalls most Searchers don’t see coming—until it’s too late.
Featuring:

• ​Charlie McCarthy (Moderator) – Veteran ETA / Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP

• ​Joe Spina – Cullen & Dykman LLP

• ​Bill Barlow – Barlow & Williams

• ​Laura Gieseke – SMB Law Group

​ETA DEBT & EQUITY SOLUTIONS

​Lenders, investors, and an operator on SBA, equity & how to stack capital without giving up control.
Featuring:

• ​Kevin Bibelhausen (Moderator) – Investor / Heritage Fabrics

• ​Sarah Andrews – Live Oak Bank

• ​Jared Johnson – First Internet Bank

• ​Jordan Fliegel – Shareholder Ventures

• ​Donza Worden – Capital Pad

​RISK & BUSINESS OPERATIONS

​Buying is just the beginning. People issues, back-office chaos, and what you’ll wish you’d set up earlier. This panel gets real about what happens after close.
Featuring:

• ​David Snow (Moderator) – Search Party Podcast

• ​Tim Wear – System Six

• ​Josh Richman – NewCo Risk

• ​Josh Tyrrell – Aspen HR

​FROM SEARCHER TO OPERATOR

​No theories here. These are real stories, lessons, and battle scars from post-acquisition life.
Featuring:

• ​Rand Larsen (Moderator) – SMB Community

• ​Grania Michel – Associated Photo & Imaging

• ​Dan Jabick – Generation Ready

• ​Jason Pratts – Kumo

• ​Kay Azmat – The Chief Rebel

​Ready to Get in the Room?

​If you’re actively Searching—or ready to be—this is the most valuable day you’ll spend this quarter. Sign up, show up, and let’s get to work.

​👉 Reserve your spot! (this will sell out).