ETA Deal Team Day: NYC
A thoughtfully designed day for Active Searchers to forge deep community connections and level up SMB Acquisition knowledge.
This is not your average panel discussion or generic networking event. This is hands-on, targeted, and built to give you the edge you need to stand out with your search.
Our goal is simple: empower you to unlock strategies, build connections, and secure the tools you need to close the deals you are actively working on. You'll hear expert insights from top voices in the ecosystem, work alongside deal team experts, and build connections with fellow searchers.
What to Expect:
Actionable Deal Strategies:
Gain practical insights from top deal team partners on financial diligence, legal structuring, risk analysis, and more.The Deal Tank Workshop:
Put your skills to the test in a live, interactive pitch competition where you’ll structure offers for fake SBA and Non-SBA deals alongside industry experts.1:1 Access to Experts:
Chat with seasoned investors, lenders, and legal pros for personalized guidance tailored to your search challenges.Fuel for the Day:
Enjoy a catered lunch, all-day snacks, and wrap it up with a celebratory happy hour to recharge and share ideas.
🔎 A KILLER LINEUP OF DEAL TEAM EXPERTS & ETA PARTNERS FOR THE DAY:
Leading Minds at your fingertips...
It’s rare to get this many of the right people in one room. But that’s exactly what’s happening. They’re going to be there—with you, in person, ready to dig in.
Sourcing & Due Diligence
Modern Deal Sourcing, Standing Out and Strategically Winning the Deal
How Searchers are actually finding good deals in today’s market. From brokered listings to proprietary outreach, this panel breaks down what sourcing strategies are working and how buyers validate opportunities before going deep in diligence.
Moderator: Dylan Gans - Baton
Panelists:
Alex Hinch - Rejigg
Avnit Sekohn - Treewalk Advisors
Jackie Hirsch - Crowne Atlantic Business Brokers
Patrick Dichter - Appletree Business Services
Legal & Risk Strategies
IOI, LOI, APA & Risk Oh My!
Navigating the legal landmines and structuring protections that shield your downside without killing the deal.
Moderator: Tye Hernandez - AspenHR
Panelists:
Joe Spina - wiggin(x)
Josh Richman - NewCo Risk
Kevin Henderson - SMB Law Group
Scott McKenzie - Baker Newman Noyes
Capital Table Confidential
Debt, equity, and the real mechanics of getting a deal funded. Hear how lenders, investors and legal experts evaluate opportunities and how Searchers are structuring capital that actually works after close.
Moderator: Andrew Hippert - Acquisition Lab
Panelists:
Adam Markley - Prox Search Capital
Drew Eckman - SMB Loan Support
Jacob Hall - Kando Capital
Mitch Vermet - Bankside Advisory
Lunch & Deal Team Networking
Great Meal, Great Company - Areas for partners and attendees to connect 1:1 in a less-structured setting to have meaningful conversations around real deal problems
The Deal Tank Workshop
No more passive listening. In this interactive working session, we will break into groups to analyze two simulated deals (1 SBA, 1 Non-SBA). You'll collaborate with our Deal Team Experts to build a strategy, draft an offer, and pitch live to a sell-side "seller," broker, and legal team to see who wins the deal.
From Searcher to Operator
No theories here. These are real stories, lessons, and battle scars from post-acquisition life. This panel is all about operators sharing the surprises, mistakes, and lessons that come with stepping into ownership.
Moderator: Tim Wear - System Six / Snack Savvy NH
Panelists:
Dan Jabick - Searcher now Operator
Grant Hensel - Entrepreneurial Capital
Joe Evangelista - Searcher now Operator
Happy Hour & Networking
Unwind, grab a drink, and cement the connections you made throughout the day.
Ready to Get in the Room?
If you’re actively Searching—or ready to be—this is the most valuable day you’ll spend this quarter. Sign up, show up, and let’s get to work.
👉 Reserve your spot! (this will sell out).