Agenda

Private Boat Cruise (limited to 68 passengers)

Sponsored by: Ruberto, Israel & Weiner

Connections Café Open for 1:1 Meetings (open to all attendees)

Sponsored by: Duffy & Sweeney, a Division of Stevens & Lee

Opening Speaker Session: Lower Middle Market M&A Update

The lower middle market M&A landscape is evolving, shaped by changing buyer behavior, deal quality and a dynamic economic and political climate. In this timely session, our expert presenters will share fresh market data, highlight emerging opportunities, and explore potential policy shifts - offering valuable insights to help dealmakers and business owners navigate and capitalize on what's ahead.  

Speakers:

• Ryan McCann, Middle Market Analyst, GF Data
• Valentina Midura, Senior Managing Director, BDO Capital Advisors
• Jade Toher, Partner, Tax Services, KLR
• Gabrielle Piasio, SVP, Sponsor Banking, Grasshopper Bank (moderator)

Sponsored by: Grasshopper Bank

Connections Café Open for 1:1 Meetings (open to all attendees)

Sponsored by: Duffy & Sweeney, a Division of Stevens & Lee

Speaker Session: Alternative Financing Solutions

In today’s evolving capital markets, lower middle market business owners have more financing options than ever - but knowing when and how to access them is key. From private credit and equipment finance to growth capital and customized debt solutions, this panel explores practical strategies for funding growth, acquisitions, and transitions.

Join our panelists for a creative conversation on how alternative lenders approach deals, what they look for in borrowers, and how owners can position their businesses for smart, strategic capital.

Speakers:

• Karin Gregory, Managing Partner, Blue Highway Growth Capital
• Michael Hensinger, CEO, Encina Private Credit, LLC
• Saurin Shah, President, Midcap Equipment Finance
• Sean McGah, Managing Director, Banc of California (moderator)

Speaker Session: Aligning Culture in M&A

Financials may drive M&A, but culture determines long-term success. For lower middle market companies, cultural alignment, leadership fit, and board dynamics can make - or break - a deal’s value post-close.

In this dynamic conversation, panelists will explore the human and cultural variables that come into play during diligence and integration. Drawing on their experience assessing leadership teams, coaching CEOs, and aligning talent strategies with private equity partners, the panel will unpack real-world challenges and practical strategies for navigating cultural fit, leadership transitions, and evolving governance dynamics.

Speakers:

• Rena Clark, Principal, AlignPath Advisory
• Michael Duffy, Vice Principal, Fort Point Capital
• Clark Waterfall, Managing Director, Talent Sequencing Inc.
• Ben Armour, Partner, Sullivan & Worcester (moderator)

Sponsored by: Sullivan & Worcester

Closing Speaker Session: CEO Panel - Transaction Perspectives

Every M&A journey is unique - and who better to share those stories than CEOs who have lived them? This panel features seasoned leaders with firsthand experience raising outside capital, navigating transactions and managing change from the CEO seat.

Join us for this open conversation, ideal for business owners, executives, and investors looking for practical insights on scaling and transitioning companies.

Speakers:

• Karin Borchert, 3 x CEO
• Sarah Eustis, Founder & CEO, Main Street Hospitality Group
• Chris Pisapia, CEO & Co-Founder, Verndale
• Tim Shanley, serial CEO of PE portfolio companies
• Gordie Spater, CEO, Katahdin Group (moderator)

Sponsored by: Farsight AI