M&A Source® Announces 2026 Fall Conference for High-Stakes Deal-Making

M&A Source® 2026 Fall Conference Overview

The M&A Source®, recognized as the premier non-profit group for professionals in the lower middle market sector, is gearing up for its highly anticipated 2026 Fall Conference and Deal Market. This multi-day event is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 4 at the luxurious JW Marriott in Houston, Texas. It promises to unite a diverse group of intermediaries, investors, and thought leaders in the industry, fostering an environment rich in education, networking, and collaborative deal-making.

This year's conference is particularly significant as it seeks to equip M&A advisors with practical tools and insights that are crucial for both growing their businesses and enhancing their deal-making capabilities. The agenda is replete with professional development courses and workshops, meticulously curated and led by seasoned industry practitioners. Participants can expect to gain actionable knowledge spanning critical topics such as business development, deal sourcing, transaction management, valuation, and post-close best practices.

Keynote Presentation by Amy Wirtz

A highlight of the conference will be the keynote speech by Amy Wirtz, a Senior Family Enterprise Advisor with extensive expertise in law, exit planning, and family enterprise advisory. Her presentation is titled De-Escalate & Deliver: A 5-Step Framework for High-Stakes Conversations in M&A. Amy brings decades of experience to the table, sharing invaluable strategies that enable dealmakers and advisors to effectively manage high-pressure discussions.

Amy's session will address the intricacies of emotional disagreements that often arise in lower-middle market M&A transactions. With her time-tested tools, she will equip attendees with techniques to navigate sensitive issues, mend communication gaps, and foster productive dialogues even in emotionally charged scenarios. Practical active-listening techniques will also be shared, enabling participants to enhance their interactions with clients, team members, and deal partners.

The Importance of Communication in M&A

For those involved in lower-middle market M&A and family enterprise advice, maintaining effective communication is paramount to ensuring successful transactions. Dealing with various personalities and identifying the appropriate conversational approach for each interaction can be critical. By recognizing different types of discussions and their dynamics, advisors can mitigate potential friction and keep deals on track.

The M&A Source® conferences, including the Fall Conference and Deal Market, play a vital role in empowering lower-middle market advisors. They create opportunities for participants to identify new deals, refine transaction strategies, and network with prospective buyers, investors, and leading experts in the sector. Kylene Golubski, the Executive Director of M&A Source®, stated, _