Top M&A Conferences in 2026

After several years of market uncertainty, dealmakers entered 2026 with real momentum. Large-cap activity came back in a big way in 2025, and the drivers behind that rebound still matter now. Boards feel more willing to act when financing stays available and the policy backdrop feels more predictable.

A few themes are shaping the 2026 mergers and acquisitions (M&A) playbook. Expect more portfolio reshaping through divestitures and separations. Expect sponsors to stay active as exit pressure builds and creative capital structures keep larger deals viable. Lazard points to a jump in megadeals, more $1B+ divestitures, and a rise in sponsor-led take-privates as key signals heading into 2026.

The middle market also looks better positioned than it has in a while. Citizens’ 2026 survey shows optimism at a six-year high, with improving conditions supporting a broader upswing beyond the headline megadeals. That combination usually pulls more people off the sidelines.

That context matters for conferences. In an environment where momentum is back and competition for good assets is rising, relationships move deals faster. The right events compress months of outreach into a couple of days, with real conversations that lead to introductions, the start of due diligence, and signed letters of intent (LOIs).

So all things being equal, that should mean more participation in the best M&A conferences. The truth is, networking is the cheat code. The top dealmakers aren’t just smart — they’re plugged in. A strong network gives them an edge most folks don’t even realize they’re missing.

M&A conferences offer a shortcut to achieving this, providing attendees with face-to-face meetings with some of the most active leaders today.

Below, we look at some of the biggest M&A events and conferences for 2026.

‍1. 2026 AM&AA Winter Conference

The AM&AA Winter Conference is one of the most established events in the middle-market M&A calendar. The 2026 edition took place January 19-20 in Charleston, South Carolina, bringing together investment bankers, private equity investors, lenders, advisors, and deal professionals from across the M&A ecosystem.

Attendees include senior executives from investment banks, private equity firms, lending institutions, accounting firms, law firms, and advisory firms, with participants representing global markets. 

Participants can schedule one-on-one meetings and take part in Deal Connect sessions, which match private equity professionals with intermediaries and bankers for targeted discussions around active opportunities. The agenda also includes educational sessions and interactive workshops that explore current M&A trends, market data, and strategic issues shaping the middle market.

Ticket price: Check back for 2027 ticket pricing. 

Date: TBD (Last held January 19-20, 2026)

Location: Charleston, SC

Site: https://www.amaaconference.com/ 

2. TMT Finance EMEA 2026

TMT Finance EMEA 2026 (formerly TMT World Congress) is a major event for dealmakers in digital infrastructure across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The conference takes place January 28-29, 2026, in London and brings together senior leaders focused on M&A, financing, and investment in data centers, fiber, telecom, towers, and cloud businesses.

Organizers expect up to 650 executives from industry, investment firms, and advisory organizations, with most attendees at the C-suite or partner level. The format combines networking, deal origination, and content focused on emerging opportunities in digital infrastructure markets.

Key topics include valuation risk in AI-driven infrastructure, digital infrastructure M&A strategies, financing models for hyperscale and edge platforms, and investment approaches in data centers and wireless networks. These sessions provide a practical forum for understanding how capital, technology, and infrastructure trends intersect in modern dealmaking.

Ticket price: Starting at £3,395 + VAT (US$4,643.40)

Date: Last held January 28-29, 2026

Location: London, UK

Site: https://events.tmtfinance.com/emea/ 

3. DealCon M&A Summit

DealCon M&A Summit is a niche conference built for founders and operators who use acquisitions as a growth strategy. The 2026 event takes place February 9-11 in Miami, Florida and brings together vetted entrepreneurs, investors, capital partners, and advisors focused on lower middle-market transactions.

Unlike traditional investment banking or private equity conferences, DealCon targets growth-stage business owners rather than institutional dealmakers. Attendees typically run seven- to nine-figure companies and are actively exploring acquisitions to accelerate scale or prepare for an exit. 

Sessions cover deal sourcing, valuation, structuring, due diligence, integration, and exit planning. Workshops and case studies are designed to help founders understand how acquisitions can increase enterprise value and reshape growth trajectories.

Ticket price: Starting at $2,997

Date: February 9-11, 2026

Location: Miami, FL

Site: https://dealconlive.com/ 

4. AEC M&A Summit: Transactions and Trends Driving Growth 

The AEC M&A Summit is a sector-focused conference for dealmakers in architecture and engineering. The 2026 event takes place February 18-20 at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and brings together firm leaders, investors, and M&A advisors active in the AEC market.

The conference is designed for buyers, sellers, and executives navigating growth through acquisitions. Attendees include firm principals, capitalization experts, private equity investors, and financial analysts. The agenda focuses on valuation, deal structure, financing, and execution strategies tailored to the AEC industry.

Sessions explore recent AEC transaction data, evolving valuation trends, and common challenges in structuring and closing deals. Workshops and panels provide perspectives from both buyers and sellers, helping participants understand how successful AEC transactions come together and where deals often stall.

Ticket price: Starting at $2,595

Date: February 18-20, 2026

Location: Palm Beach Gardens, FL 

Site: https://go.psmj.com/aecmasummit 

5. PEI NEXUS 2026

PEI NEXUS is one of the largest global networking events in private markets. The 2026 conference runs February 22-25 at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and brings together senior private equity leaders and capital allocators from around the world. 

Participants include institutional investors, family offices, private wealth professionals, fund managers, and emerging managers. The structure combines multiple forums, including investor-focused sessions, private wealth discussions, and emerging manager programming, alongside curated networking and pre-arranged meetings with active investors.

Organizers highlight investor-only discussions, dedicated networking time, and structured meetings designed to connect managers with allocators and partners. The agenda also focuses on macro trends and strategic themes shaping private equity, providing context for fundraising, portfolio strategy, and deal activity.

Ticket price: Starting at $1,995

Date: February 22-25, 2026

Location: Orlando, FL

Site: https://live.peievents.com/nexus

6. ACG Silicon Valley M&A Tech Connect 2026

M&A Tech Connect 2026 is a Silicon Valley-based event focused on technology-driven dealmaking. The conference takes place February 18, 2026, at the Grand Bay Hotel in Redwood City, California and brings together C-suite executives, investors, and founders active in the tech M&A ecosystem.

This event aims to connect senior dealmakers with emerging technology companies and capital providers through curated meetings, startup showcases, and structured networking. Key components include ACG DealSource, which connects M&A professionals and investors, and VentureSource, which creates direct access between startups and venture capital firms.

Attendees can participate in one-on-one meetings, panels, and fireside chats focused on technology trends and deal activity. These events are followed by a networking reception designed to deepen relationships across the tech M&A community.

Ticket price: Starting at $525 ($395 for ACG members)

Date: February 18, 2026

Location: Redwood City, CA

Site: https://www.acg.org/sv/events/ma-tech-connect-2026 

7. Southeast M&A and Business Symposium

The Southeast M&A and Business Symposium is a sector-focused conference for dealmakers in the architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting industries. The 2026 event runs March 11-13 in Miami, Florida and brings together industry executives, investors, and advisors to discuss M&A trends, strategy, and growth opportunities in the AEC market.

Participants include more than 200 industry executives, investors, and experts. Over the course of the conference, attendees focus on advancing firm strategy, understanding deal activity, and exploring how industry trends are reshaping the AEC landscape.

Sessions include industry performance updates, CEO panels, and discussions on valuation, private equity involvement, and acquisitive growth strategies. Workshops and concurrent panels also examine integration, deal structuring, and data-driven approaches to building AEC firms, reflecting the sector’s evolving approach to growth through acquisitions.

Ticket price: Starting at $2,000

Date: March 11-13, 2026

Location: Miami, FL

Site: https://www.morrisseygoodale.com/southeast-ma-and-business-symposium/ 

8. Intermountain DealSource Summit 2026

The Intermountain DealSource Summit is a regional M&A event focused on middle-market dealmaking in the Mountain West. The 2026 conference runs March 11-13 at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah and brings together investors, business leaders, and advisors active in the Utah and broader Intermountain markets.

Attendees include private equity firms, investment banks, lenders, advisors, attorneys, accountants, and other service providers supporting middle-market deals. The structure emphasizes curated meetings and relationship building through ACG’s DealSource platform, which enables participants to schedule one-on-one discussions before the event begins.

Organizers position the event as a platform for strategic dealmaking, market insight, and networking among seasoned investors and operators. The agenda is designed to surface regional trends, connect capital with opportunities, and give participants direct access to active deal partners across the middle-market ecosystem.

Ticket price: Starting at $650 ($450 for ACG members)

Date: March 11-13, 2026

Location: Park City, UT

Site: https://www.acg.org/utah/events/intermountain-dealsource-summit-2026 

9. M&A Conference at Wharton San Francisco

The M&A Conference at Wharton San Francisco is a corporate-focused event designed for professionals directly involved in complex transactions. The 2026 conference takes place March 18-19 at Wharton San Francisco and brings together corporate development leaders, in-house legal teams, integration specialists, and private equity investors to discuss evolving challenges in deal execution.

The agenda covers strategy development, target selection, diligence, antitrust considerations, negotiation dynamics, integration planning, and divestitures. Sessions are led by practitioners who share real-world experience and practical approaches to improving transaction outcomes and performance.

Topics include accelerating diligence with AI and data analytics, managing risk allocation, structuring interim operating covenants, capturing synergies, and retaining critical talent post-transaction. The program also explores how corporate teams adapt M&A strategies in volatile markets and how regulatory changes influence deal processes.

Ticket price: $2,000 (Free for members)

Date: March 18-19, 2026

Location: San Francisco, CA

Site: https://www.transactionadvisors.com/courses/m-a-conference-at-wharton-san-francisco-march-2026 

10. 2026 Distressed Investing Summit

The Distressed Investing Summit is a specialized M&A event focused on restructuring, turnaround strategies, and distressed asset opportunities. The 2026 conference takes place March 23-24 in Palm Beach, Florida and brings together senior dealmakers, investors, and advisors working in distressed and special situations markets.

Attendees gain access to thought-leadership sessions, curated networking, and pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings designed to connect investors, lenders, and advisors with active deal opportunities. A central feature of the summit is the 20th Annual Turnaround Awards Gala, which recognizes standout restructuring deals and industry leaders shaping the distressed investing landscape.

Sessions explore restructuring strategies, market volatility, creditor and sponsor roles, and emerging trends in distressed M&A. Organizers also highlight case studies and insights from high-profile restructuring professionals, reflecting the growing importance of distressed transactions in volatile economic cycles.

Ticket price: Deal Forum: $495, Evening Events: Starting at $1,695

Date: March 23-24, 2026

Location: Palm Beach, FL

Site: https://events.maadvisor.com/2026DistressedInvestingSummit 

11. Buyer-Led M&A™ Virtual Summit

The Buyer-Led M&A™ Virtual Summit is a half-day online event focused on helping corporate development teams and deal leaders take a more proactive role in transactions. Organized by DealRoom, the summit brings together corporate development leaders and M&A practitioners to explore strategies for leading deals from due diligence through integration while maximizing long-term value creation.

This virtual event features live discussions, real-world case studies, and sessions led by corporate development leaders and investors. Topics focus on building scalable M&A frameworks, closing the gap between diligence and integration, and accelerating roll-up strategies within private equity and corporate portfolios.

A defining feature of the summit is its emphasis on the Buyer-Led M&A™ framework. Sessions explore how buyers can take control of the deal process, improve collaboration across teams, and increase visibility into deal execution. The agenda includes multiple sessions with industry leaders, interactive discussions, and a live M&A Science podcast episode, reflecting the event’s blend of strategic thinking and operational execution.

Ticket price: Free

Date: On Demand

Location: Virtual 

Site: https://dealroom.net/library/buyer-led-m-a-tm-virtual-summit 

12. Smart Business Dealmakers Conference

The Smart Business Dealmakers Conference is a middle-market M&A event series that connects entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors across major U.S. business markets. Rather than a single annual conference, Dealmakers operates as a multi-city program with events scheduled throughout 2026 in markets such as Nashville, Pittsburgh, Boston, Dallas, New York, and Atlanta.

These events bring together local CEOs, private equity and venture capital firms, lenders, and professional services providers. The conference format combines content and networking, with sessions covering topics such as buying and selling businesses, financing deals, liquidity events, transaction readiness, and family business dynamics.

Each event is tailored to its regional market but follows a consistent structure built around panels, breakout discussions, and networking sessions. Typical agendas include presentations from experienced dealmakers, interactive discussions on M&A strategy, and recognition of standout transactions through Dealmakers Awards programming. This structure positions the conference as both an educational forum and a deal-driven networking platform for middle-market professionals.

Ticket price: Starting at $595

Date: Multiple Dates

Location: Multiple Locations

Site: https://www.smartbusinessdealmakers.com/events/ 

13. The M&A Launchpad Conference

The M&A Launchpad Conference is a one-day event designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners focused on acquiring, scaling, or exiting companies. The 2026 conference takes place May 2, 2026, at The Westin Houston, Memorial City in Houston, Texas.

Organizers position the conference as a practical forum for learning how to buy and grow profitable businesses. Attendees include operators, investors, acquisition entrepreneurs, and capital partners seeking actionable strategies and connections.

The broader M&A Launchpad platform highlights topics such as deal structuring, due diligence, risk management, integration, and sourcing opportunities, reflecting the conference’s orientation toward execution and operational growth. Networking plays a central role, with the event positioned as a place to connect with other acquirers and capital providers in the lower-middle-market ecosystem.

Ticket price: Starting at $145

Date: May 2, 2026

Location: Houston, TX

Site: https://www.malaunchpad.com/event/b59fb39d-4f32-403b-8697-64c06c652c16/summary

14. Manufacturing M&A Dealmakers Forum

The Manufacturing M&A Dealmakers Forum is a focused, one-day event for manufacturing executives navigating valuation, capital, and strategic growth decisions. The 2026 forum takes place May 4, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri and is held immediately before the Manufacturing Leaders Summit, to be held on May 5-6, 2026.

The event is designed for CEOs, CFOs, and owners who want a clearer view of their company’s value and strategic options, even if a transaction isn’t in the company’s immediate future. Organizers position the forum as a practical environment for understanding deal dynamics, financing trends, and ownership decisions that shape manufacturing businesses over the long term.

Topics include valuation trends and deal flow outlook for 2026, shifts in capital availability and financing structures, buyer priorities in manufacturing, partnership and partial exit strategies, and leadership succession planning. Participants also engage in peer discussions and confidential one-on-one valuation meetings with advisors, creating opportunities to explore deal strategies tailored to their businesses.

Ticket price: Starting at $795

Date: May 4, 2026

Location: St. Louis, MO

Site: https://chiefexecutive.net/manufacturingleadershipsummit/dealmakersforum/

15. M&A Source 2026 Spring Conference & Deal Market

The M&A Source 2026 Spring Conference & Deal Market is a lower-middle-market focused event for M&A advisors and deal professionals. The conference takes place June 1-3, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

M&A Source positions its conferences and Deal Markets as places where lower-middle-market professionals learn, connect, and pursue transactions. The event aims to bring advisors, investors, and intermediaries together around active deal opportunities and industry knowledge.

Participants gather for sessions focused on the lower-middle-market landscape while also engaging in structured networking and Deal Market activity designed to surface opportunities and partnerships. 

Ticket Price: Available upon inquiry

Date: June 1-3, 2026

‍Location: Minneapolis, MN

Site: https://masource.org/event/2026-spring-conference-deal-market/ 

16. Western States M&A and Business Symposium

The Western States M&A and Business Symposium is a sector-focused conference for dealmakers in the architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting industries. The event is organized by Morrissey Goodale and brings together senior executives, investors, and advisors to discuss M&A trends, growth strategies, and industry dynamics in the AE market.

Organizers highlight participation from more than 200 AE and environmental industry leaders, buyers, sellers, and investors. Over three days, attendees engage in confidential CEO meetings, networking dinners, general sessions, and panels focused on industry performance, deal trends, and best practices in growth and ownership transitions.

Sessions explore consolidation trends, private equity involvement, valuation dynamics, and integration challenges, while curated meetings create direct opportunities for strategic conversations between potential buyers, sellers, and investors. Morrissey Goodale also positions the symposium as a place where many AE industry transactions begin through initial introductions between deal partners.

Ticket price: Registration is not yet open at the time of this writing 

Date: TBD (Last held June 9-11, 2026)

Location: TBD

Site: https://www.morrisseygoodale.com/events/western-states-ae-mergers-and-acquisitions-symposium/ 

17. M&A Conference at the University of Chicago

The M&A Conference Chicago is a corporate-focused event designed for professionals involved in complex transactions. The 2026 conference takes place June 24-25 at the University of Chicago Gleacher Center and brings together corporate development leaders, in-house legal and antitrust teams, diligence and integration specialists, and private equity investors.

Organizers position the conference as a forum for discussing current challenges in large transactions and exploring methods to improve deal execution and performance. Speakers share real-world experience, best practices, and practical guidance on strategy, negotiation, diligence, integration, and divestitures.

Sessions address strategy in volatile markets, target selection, accelerated diligence using AI and data analytics, antitrust approval, risk allocation, integration planning, talent retention, and divestiture execution. The program also includes discussions on applying generative AI in M&A, highlighting how corporate teams use technology to improve decision-making and execution across the deal process.

Ticket price: $2,000 (Free for members)

Date: June 24-25, 2026

Location: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Site: https://www.transactionadvisors.com/courses/m-a-conference-at-the-university-of-chicago-june-2026 

18. AM&AA Summer Conference

The AM&AA Summer Conference is a flagship middle-market M&A event organized by the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors. The 2026 conference takes place June 9-10 in Chicago at the Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel and brings together investment bankers, private equity investors, lenders, advisors, and other M&A professionals from around the world.

Attendees include executives from investment banks, intermediaries, private equity firms, accounting and law firms, and advisory organizations. The event provides access to hundreds of decision-makers and a balanced mix of market participants focused on active transactions and relationship building.

Through the Deal Connect Marketplace, private equity professionals can schedule structured one-on-one meetings with intermediaries and investment bankers to discuss potential opportunities. Alongside these sessions, the agenda includes general sessions, workshops, and breakouts that explore valuation trends, capital markets, buyer behavior, and evolving drivers of deal activity.

Ticket price: $1,195 (General Admission), $895 (AM&AA Members) 

Date: June 9-10, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL 

Site: https://www.amaaconference.com/2026summerconference/home  

19. M&A SoCal 2026

M&A SoCal 2026 is a flagship middle-market M&A conference hosted by ACG Los Angeles. The event takes place September 14-16, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California and brings together dealmakers from across private equity, investment banking, corporate development, and advisory services.

Over three days, participants connect with peers, explore market trends, and engage in networking designed to support active dealmaking. The event serves as a major regional deal summit where participants learn from industry leaders and build relationships that influence transaction pipelines.

While detailed agenda information is released closer to the event, M&A SoCal typically emphasizes relationship building and market insight within the middle-market ecosystem. The structure reflects ACG’s broader mission to connect investors, advisors, and executives who invest in and advise growing companies.

Ticket price: Registration is not yet open at the time of this writing 

Date: September 14-16, 2026

Location: Beverly Hills, CA

Site: https://www.acg.org/los-angeles/events/ma-socalr-2026  

20. 2026 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit

The Leadership in Dealmaking Summit, organized by The M&A Advisor, brings together top executives, thought leaders, and dealmakers from around the globe to address pressing issues in M&A and corporate finance. The 2026 summit takes place September 14-15 in New York City and is designed to connect global M&A professionals around emerging trends, execution challenges, and relationship building in cross-border transactions.

Sessions feature international M&A perspectives from practitioners and academics, while M&A Connects networking and one-on-one meetings create direct opportunities for meaningful conversations between active deal participants. The program also includes the 17th Annual International M&A Awards and the 17th Annual Emerging Leaders Awards, highlighting standout transactions and rising professionals in the global M&A community.

The summit hosts roughly 400 delegates and 40 faculty members, including experienced M&A professionals and subject-matter experts. This mix creates a focused environment for exchanging insight and building relationships across advisory, corporate development, private equity, and professional services roles.

Ticket price: Registration is not yet open at the time of this writing.

Date: September 14-15, 2026

Location: New York, NY

Site: https://maadvisor.com/upcoming-events/ (2026 event page is not yet available at the time of writing) 

21. M&A Conference at Cornell Tech New York

The M&A Conference New York is a corporate-focused event designed for professionals involved in complex transactions. The 2026 conference takes place September 16-17 at Cornell Tech in New York City and brings together corporate development leaders, in-house M&A and antitrust counsel, diligence and integration teams, and private equity investors.

Organizers position the conference as a forum for discussing current challenges in complex transactions and exploring new approaches to improving deal processes and outcomes. The agenda is led by practitioners from multiple industries who share real-world experience, best practices, and guidance on high-performing M&A execution.

Sessions cover strategy in volatile markets, target selection, accelerated diligence using AI and data, antitrust approval, risk allocation, integration frameworks, talent retention, divestitures, and the application of generative AI in deal execution. Participants also receive data-driven materials and insights on market trends, valuation dynamics, and negotiation patterns across recent transactions.

Ticket price: $2,000 (Free for members)

Date: September 16-17, 2026

Location: New York, NY

Site: https://www.transactionadvisors.com/courses/m-a-conference-at-cornell-tech-new-york-september-2026 

22. M&A Next Symposium

The M&A Next Symposium is a sector-focused conference for dealmakers in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. The 2026 event takes place September 28-29 in Park City, Utah and is organized by Zweig Group, a leading advisory firm in the AEC sector. 

The event provides real-world perspectives and high-value connections for participants making strategic decisions about capital and long-term growth. The agenda is built around themes such as valuation, capital strategy, succession planning, integration, and industry transformation.

Sessions explore valuation trends, private equity involvement, integration challenges, legal structures, talent retention, and the role of technology and AI in transactions and post-merger integration. Panel discussions and focus sessions provide perspectives from buyers, sellers, and advisors, highlighting both financial and cultural dimensions of M&A in the AEC market.

Ticket price: $1,495

Date: September 28-29, 2026

Location: Park City, UT

Site: https://zweiggroup.com/pages/m-a-symposium 

23. Texas and the South M&A and Business Symposium

The 2026 Texas and the South M&A and Business Symposium brings together leaders from AE firms nationwide to discuss strategies for advancing their organizations and driving growth. 

The 2026 event details have not yet been announced. The most recent edition was held October 21-23, 2025, in Houston, Texas. 

Based on prior programming, the symposium is positioned as an executive-level forum where industry leaders explore how strategy, innovation, and M&A intersect in the AE sector. Sessions typically cover market conditions, strategic planning, and real-world M&A case studies, alongside structured networking designed to support relationship building and potential deal discussions.

Ticket price: Registration is not yet open at the time of this writing. 

Date: TBD (Last held October 21-23, 2025)

Location: TBD

Site: https://www.morrisseygoodale.com/texas-and-the-south-ma-and-business-symposium/ 

24. M&A Source 2026 Fall Conference & Deal Market

The 2026 Fall Conference & Deal Market is a lower-middle-market M&A event hosted by M&A Source. The conference takes place November 2-4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria in Houston, Texas.

M&A Source frames its conferences and Deal Markets as places where advisors and investors learn, connect, and pursue transactions, with a strong emphasis on relationship building and active deal flow rather than purely educational content.

Participants engage in industry discussions while also connecting with peers and potential partners in structured networking environments. This dual structure reflects the organization’s focus on practical outcomes, including sourcing opportunities and strengthening relationships across the advisory ecosystem.

Ticket price: Registration is not yet open at the time of this writing. 

Date: November 2-4, 2026

Location: Houston, TX

Site: https://masource.org/event/2026-fall-conference-deal-market/ 

25. 2026 Future of Dealmaking Summit

The Future of Dealmaking Summit is a flagship event hosted by The M&A Advisor that brings together senior dealmakers, investors, and advisors to explore how financing, restructuring, and M&A are evolving. The 2026 summit takes place November 18-19 in New York City and is positioned as a forward-looking forum for professionals shaping the next phase of dealmaking.

Sessions focus on financing trends, restructuring dynamics, and M&A strategy, while M&A Connects networking and one-on-one meetings create direct opportunities for conversations between active deal participants. The program also features the 25th Annual M&A Advisor Awards, highlighting standout transactions and industry leaders across the global M&A ecosystem.

The summit hosts roughly 400 to 500 delegates and 40 faculty members, including business executives, deal professionals, academics, and media. This mix creates a focused environment for exchanging insight and building relationships across corporate development, private equity, advisory, and professional services roles.

Ticket price: Registration is not yet open at the time of this writing. 

Date: November 18-19, 2026

Location: New York, NY

Site: https://maadvisor.com/upcoming-events/

1. M&A Science Spring Summit 2024

Under the tagline, “it’s time for new M&A ideas to bloom”, the M&A Science Spring Summit emphasizes innovation in M&A. It provides M&A practitioners with an opportunity to learn the latest M&A tips and techniques.

The focus here is on new ways of thinking and how to leverage technology for better outcomes. Step into the next era of M&A knowledge, leaving equipped with practical solutions that will elevate your practice.

Exclusive to industry leaders, this invitation-only event is an unmissable opportunity to engage, learn, and grow with the best in the business.

Ticket price: Free

Location: Virtual

Date: April 10, 2024

Site: https://www.mascience.com/spring-summit-2024

2. Fall M&A Science Fair - Virtual (2024 Recording)

​The Fall M&A Science Fair, held on September 25, 2024, was a hybrid event that brought together over 700 M&A professionals from around the world. With the theme "M&A at Scale," the fair focused on sharing best practices and practical insights to help teams optimize and scale their M&A execution. 

The event featured more than five hours of content, including four sessions led by industry experts in internal diligence, careers in corporate development, M&A landscapes, M&A law, and private equity trends. For instance, you’ll hear from experts such as Camilo Franco, Director of M&A Integration and Operations at Jamf, Nicole Markowski, Manager of Corporate Development at Wipfli LLP, and Kison Patel, Founder and CEO of DealRoom.  

Watch the Fall M&A Science Fair on-demand: https://www.mascience.com/fall-ma-science-fair#watch 

Become an M&A Science Academy user today to view past recordings -> https://www.mascience.com/academy

3. AM&AA Winter Conference 2024

The AM&AA Winter Conference is usually the first major M&A conference on the calendar and is widely considered as one not to be missed. 26 different speakers have been pencilled in to speak over the course of two days, so there should be plenty of insights to be gleaned whatever your interest in M&A. Now in its 25th year, the conferences offers Ticket price: $1,895 ($1,595 for members)

Date: January 31 & February 1, 2024

Location: The Charleston Place, Charleston, SC.

Site: https://www.amaaconference.com/

4. M&A Conference at Wharton San Francisco

This two-day conference, hosted by the Transaction Advisors Institute, guides participants through each phase of the M&A process, from deal origination to holding onto a target’s best people. The conference is aimed at everybody with M&A on their agenda, from corporate development executives to private equity professionals.

Topics covered in 2024 include: Shifting M&A Sentiment, Developing M&A Targets, Employing Clever Methods for M&A Target Diligence, Executing Strategic Divestitures, Improving the Cross Border M&A Process, Negotiating Critical Deal Points, Retaining Human Capital, and Integrating to Capture Value.

Ticket price: $2,000 (Free for members)

Date: March 20-21, 2024.

Location: Wharton San Francisco

Site: https://www.transactionadvisors.com/courses/m-a-conference-at-wharton-san-francisco-march-2024

5. TMT World Congress 2024

With 2023 being a landmark year in the TMT sector thanks to the long-heralded arrival of Artificial Technology (AI), insights from the 2024 TMT World Congress cannot come soon enough.

With over 100 speakers, the conference offers an unrivaled opportunity to get a handle on M&A developments in digital infrastructure, telecoms, cloud, software, and most importantly, AI and Machine Learning (ML).

The conference is structured to offer a flexible range of options for attendees, including everything from CEO fireside chats to breakout roundtable sessions. Although subjects have not yet been disclosed, speakers for 2024 include Laura Abasolo, CFO at Telefónica, Cristina González, Managing Director of European Infrasture at KKR, and Laurence Hainault, Senior Managing Director at Evercore.

Ticket price: $2,965.

Date: January 31 & February 1, 2024

Location: ETC Venues, 133 Houndsditch

Site: https://world-congress.tmtfinance.com/

6. M&A Source 2024 Spring Conference and Deal Market

This conference is focused on the lower middle market. Spread over three days in total, it is set to feature a range of keynote speakers and excellent opportunities for networking, particularly in the M&A workshops that follow the speakers.

Although not one of the most high-profile conferences, M&A source is usually well attended by M&A practitioners in this end of the market.

Ticket Price: Available upon enquiry.

Date: May 13-15, 2024

Site: https://masource.org/event/2024-spring-conference-deal-market/

‍Location: Galt House Hotel, Louisville, KY.

7. UK Finance M&A Conference

This is the inaugural M&A conference of UK Finance, the UK’s collective voice for the banking and finance industry. It represents more than 300 financial organizations across the United Kingdom, and has set its stall out as being a thought leader for the industry.

Furthermore, given the size of London’s banking and financial services sector, there should be no shortage of good networking opportunities for those that make the trip.

The agenda of the inaugural conference shows no lack of ambition, with presentations and talks that include: Keynote presentation: A look ahead with the Takeover Panel, Panel discussion: What is keeping deal makers awake at night?, Getting shareholder engagement right in the context of M&A.

Ticket Price: £300 (+VAT)

Date: March 31, 2024

Site: https://www.ukfinance.org.uk/events-training/ma-conference

‍Location: 1 Angel Court, London, United Kingdom.

8. 2024 M&A and Transaction Solutions Symposium

Now in its ninth year, Aon’s M&A and Transactions Solutions Symposium brings together some of the most active players in the M&A industry to share strategic insights, industry trends, and innovative deal and business risk management tools for M&A leaders.

Given AON’s stellar reputation in the financial industry, this should indeed be compulsory for anybody in the southeast. Details on the conference can be obtained by emailing: Rachel.Cunningham@aon.com

‍Ticket Price: Available upon enquiry.

Date: January 30-February 1, 2024

Site: https://www.aon.com/m-and-a-events/2024-transaction-solutions-symposium

‍Location: Miami, FL.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I attend an M&A conference? 

M&A conferences provide a unique opportunity to network with dealmakers, gain industry insights, stay updated on the latest market trends, and learn best practices from leading experts. They can also help in sourcing potential deals and partnerships.

Are virtual M&A conferences still worth attending in 2026?

Absolutely. While in-person events are unparalleled for networking, high-quality virtual summits (like the Buyer-Led M&A™ Virtual Summit) offer focused, efficient learning on specific topics. 

They’re excellent for staying updated on trends and best practices with a minimal time commitment and cost. Think of them as specialized training rather than a replacement for deal-sourcing events.

Are these conferences useful for startups and small businesses? 

Yes, certain conferences, such as ACG Silicon Valley M&A Tech Connect, Smart Business Dealmakers Conference, and The M&A Launchpad Conference cater to startups, middle-market businesses, and emerging companies by connecting them with investors and strategic buyers.

With so many events, how do I choose the right M&A conference for me?

Focus on your primary goal. Are you looking for sector-specific insights (e.g., AEC, TMT, Manufacturing)? Look at events like the AEC M&A Summit or TMT Finance EMEA. 

Are you focused on networking and deal sourcing in the middle market? Prioritize conferences with structured "Deal Connect" or "DealSource" programs like AM&AA or ACG events. 

For corporate development best practices, the Transaction Advisors conferences (Wharton, University of Chicago, Cornell Tech) are ideal. Also, consider your budget, location, and whether you prefer large, broad events or niche, intimate gatherings.

Which M&A conference is best for private equity professionals? 

Conferences like M&A Source Spring Conference & Deal Market and The Future of Dealmaking Summit are highly attended by private equity firms and investors, offering valuable sessions on deal structuring, due diligence, and exit strategies.

What are the key themes typically covered in M&A conferences? 

Key topics include deal origination, due diligence, valuation strategies, M&A integration, regulatory changes, cross-border transactions, and distressed asset investing. Tech-driven conferences also explore trends like AI in M&A and digital transformation.

Many conferences offer "Deal Source" or "One-on-One Meeting" platforms. How do I make the most of them?

Preparation is key:

1. Sign up early. These platforms often open weeks in advance, and the best slots fill up quickly. 
2. Do your homework. Research the attendees and request meetings with clear intent. 
3. Have a concise pitch. Be ready to describe your ideal deal, investment criteria, or capabilities in 60 seconds. 
4. Follow up promptly. The real work begins after the conference; send a personalized follow-up within 48 hours.

Why are events from 2024 and 2025 still relevant for 2026 planning?

M&A conference cycles are often planned years in advance. Past events provide a reliable indicator of the organizer's quality, typical audience, and core focus. 

While dates and some topics change, the foundational value of these established conferences remains. Reviewing past agendas and speaker lists is one of the best ways to gauge if an event will be worth your time in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• Deal activity is back in 2026, and the playbook is shifting toward bigger, more complex moves, such as more divestitures/separations, more sponsor-led take-privates, and more megadeals as financing and policy conditions feel steadier.
• Conferences matter more in this environment because they compress relationship-building and deal sourcing into days. The right events can directly lead to introductions, diligence kickoffs, and LOIs, especially as competition for quality assets heats up.

The best conferences do two things: sharpen your thinking and expand your deal network. In 2026, both matter more because competition for good assets is back. A strong connection can move a process forward faster than another pitch deck ever will.

But conferences only pay off if you can convert conversations into execution. That means capturing what you learned and turning new relationships into a real pipeline. It means running diligence and integration with the same discipline as sourcing.

The DealRoom MA Platform helps teams keep the due diligence process organized in one place and keep stakeholders aligned on what matters. Deal teams can track requests, owners, and deadlines without losing context in email threads, then carry the same structure into integration, so value creation starts on day one instead of week six.

If 2026 becomes a higher-velocity deal year, process becomes a differentiator. DealRoom gives buyers a repeatable way to run deals end to end with the Buyer-Led M&A™ approach. Want to see what that looks like for your team? Book your DealRoom demo today.