Event Schedule
- 7:00 A.M. Registration, Coffee & Networking
- 7:30 A.M. Breakfast Is Served Bellows ABCD
- 7:45 A.M. Kickoff & Introductions Bellows ABCD
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8:00 A.M. On the Frontlines: An Investors’ M&A Roundtable Bellows ABCD
Presented By: Ice Miller LLP
The M&A market remains robust in the 10th year of the economic recovery. With a contraction inevitable at some point, what should you be doing to get deals closed now? And how can you structure them so your investments continue to perform in a downturn? Three of Columbus’ top dealmakers share their experiences with identifying opportunities and structuring deals in today’s environment, and their insights into how to handle the potential challenges ahead.
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9:00 A.M. Myth Busters: Fine Tune Your Acquisition Strategy Bellows EF
Presented By: Huntington / RSM
So, you think you know what it takes to buy a business? Join a panel of successful entrepreneurs as they dispel common myths about buying businesses to spur growth and peel back the curtain on what it really takes to develop a focused acquisition strategy.
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Panelists:
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9:00 A.M. Sold! Pitfalls and best practices Emerson Burkhart
Presented By: Schneider Downs / Wealthstone
What considerations arise when selling a company or location? Two entrepreneurs join an expert advisor for a no-holds-barred discussion about the pitfalls to expect and the best practices to overcome them in sell-side transactions.
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10:00 A.M. Picking winners: How companies attract capital Bellows EF
Presented By: U.S. Bank / Clark Schaefer Hackett
Why do some businesses attract VC and PE investments while others don’t? Learn how two entrepreneurs raised more than $80 million for their companies as well as what a regional family office leader looks for when investing – and get practical advice from an expert advisor on how to structure deals.
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Panelists:
Scott L. McRill
Shareholder, Transaction Advisory Services, Private Equity Industry Group
Clark Schaefer Hackett
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10:00 A.M. Anatomy of the Deal: Supercharge your growth plan Emerson Burkhart
Presented By: GBQ Partners LLC
In this special roundtable discussion, you will learn how two CEOs leveraged liquidity events to supercharge their businesses and engineer acquisition and growth strategies for long-term success. Hear from the business owners, investors and key advisors, as they break down the thought processes that go into developing—and executing—transactions.
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- 10:45-11:15 A.M. Networking
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11:15 A.M. The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: Entrepreneurs’ M&A Roundtable Bellows ABCD
Keynote Panel #1
Four of Columbus’ most successful entrepreneurs take you behind-the-scenes of their well-publicized deals — from raising hundreds of millions in capital to buying a company back from McDonald’s to going public – and the lessons learned from navigating high-profile exits. This quartet of leaders will talk about the good, the bad and the ugly from their very personal M&A experiences.
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Noon Beyond 2020: What’s next for Columbus? Bellows ABCD
Keynote Panel #2
Now that Columbus2020 has met its goals of positioning the region as a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity and is attracting VC and PE investors from New York to Silicon Valley, what’s next? Hear from the leaders who spearheaded the aggressive plan, as well as active M&A investors, as they discuss the present—and future—of the Columbus economy.
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1:45 P.M. Troubled Waters: Bridging the Unexpected Bellows EF
Presented By: Dickinson Wright / S&T Bank
When you’re acquiring and integrating a new business operation, it’s imperative to do your homework because it’s what you don’t know that offers the greatest challenges. Entrepreneurs and experts break down what’s worked for them and others. They’ll share frontline experiences on how to prepare for anything during the process, and then navigate through negotiations to successfully seal the deal.
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1:45 P.M. A Deep Dive on the Sell Side Emerson Burkhart
Presented By: Dickinson Wright / Aon
Effectively selling your business can be complicated, but highly rewarding when you have a plan to keep the transaction on track and your organization’s legacy secure. Entrepreneurs, investors, and experts explain how they to keep from drowning when you dive into the sell-side waters.
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2:45 P.M. How Much Is Enough? Bellows EF
Presented By: First Merchants Bank / Clarus Partners
Successful entrepreneurs and experts explore the pros and cons of raising money from private investors, financial institutions and venture capital — including stories from the front lines and actionable advice for entrepreneurs. Learn what you are overlooking, ways to find hidden sources of capital in your company and how to live with leverage.
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2:45 P.M. ESOPs: A Liquidity Event Where Everyone Wins Emerson Burkhart
Presented By: Lazear Capital Partners / Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter / Crowe
An experienced CEO and savvy veteran professionals discuss the A to Z’s of ESOPs — from structure, design and financing to implementation and ongoing success. Discover the benefits for all stakeholders, the mechanics and the day-to-day practical effects and operational challenges that every ESOP should know.
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- 3:30 P.M. Cocktail Reception & Awards Bellows AB
- 5:00 P.M. Adjourn