Agenda

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM               Keynote Fireside Chat

PANELIST
Marisa Messana, Founder, Marigold Elite Partners

MODERATOR
Elena Mervine, Partner, Transaction Advisory Services, CohnReznick

1:35 PM - 2:05 PM Navigating the M&A Landscape: Current Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving market, the ability to pivot—whether in business strategy, personal development, or one’s career—has become a crucial skill for sustained success. This panel will explore the dynamic concept of "the power of the pivot," discussing how organizations, entrepreneurs, and individuals can leverage adaptability to drive innovation, foster resilience, and enhance performance. We will also dive into how career pivots—making bold shifts in one’s professional trajectory—can lead to greater fulfillment, new opportunities, and long-term growth.

PANELISTS
Marissa Mann Andrews, Principal, Saratoga Partners
Phyllis Costanza, Chief Social Investment Officer, Advanced Portfolio Management
Sheila Dharmarajan, Partner, ZMC
Pam Hendrickson, Riverside and American Investment Council
Lexia Shwartz, Managing Director, Canaccord

MODERATOR
Allie Colman, Northeast Technology Leader | Tax Partner, Aprio Advisory Group, LLC

As the global market continues to evolve, we will provide an update highlighting emerging trends, challenges, and potential opportunities for the M&A landscape from leading professionals in the field. This panel will explore how trends are shifting in response to economic factors and market dynamics, including the changes in valuations, deal structures and financing options that are emerging in today’s M&A transactions.

PANELISTS
Kerri Hagen, Director, Cascadia
Michelle Jacobs, Co-Founder, Womanness
Jessica Love, Vice President, BlackArch 
Aysha Saeed, Founder, AYSHA NY

MODERATOR
Marissa Wiley, Partner, Nixon Peabody

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM                 Professional Workshops
Select 1 of 4 Interactive Workshops!

Strategic Wardrobe Planning for Executive Presence
This session, presented in partnership with a professional stylist and corporate-focused clothing brand, offers guidance on assembling a wardrobe that reinforces credibility and presence in high-stakes professional settings. Participants will receive instruction on how to curate versatile, investment-worthy pieces, align personal style with firm culture, and adapt outfits for various M&A-related environments—including boardrooms, conferences, and offsite events. The workshop will also address current trends in professional dress codes and how to navigate them with authenticity and polish.

Commanding the Table – Wine Literacy for the Corporate Setting
This workshop, led by a certified sommelier, is designed to equip participants with foundational wine knowledge and strategies for navigating wine lists with authority. Attendees will gain practical skills in ordering wine at business dinners and client meetings, including how to assess a wine list quickly, select wines appropriate for the meal and setting, and handle common service scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on increasing confidence and decision-making in traditionally male-dominated environments, where wine selection can influence perception and leadership dynamics.

Present with Impact – Public Speaking and Personal Brand Development
This interactive workshop focuses on enhancing public speaking and presentation skills essential for M&A professionals managing deal negotiations, investor communications, and internal leadership roles. Led by a communications expert, the session will cover structuring presentations, improving delivery techniques, and refining one’s verbal and non-verbal presence. In addition, the workshop will provide frameworks for building a consistent personal brand that aligns with long-term career goals in the dealmaking space.

The Confidence Routine – Skincare as a Form of Self-Care
In the high-performance world of M&A, taking time for yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership strategy. In this session, renowned dermatologist Dr. Panta Schaffer, in partnership with Fig.1 skincare, will explore how intentional skincare can support executive presence, long-term health, and everyday confidence. Learn about the science behind skin health, how to build a results-driven skincare routine, and why self-care is foundational—not frivolous—to showing up at your best. The session will include a live Q&A with Dr. Schaffer, offering personalized insights into how skin health plays a role in personal presentation and professional resilience.