SoCal ETA Conference by UCLA Anderson and USC Marshall
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Breakfast and Networking
Kick off the day with breakfast and informal networking. Meet fellow attendees, reconnect with peers and start conversations with investors, operators and students before the program begins.
9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
Welcome and Opening Keynote
Opening Remarks
Conference leadership from UCLA Anderson and USC Marshall will open the day and set the tone for Southern California’s flagship ETA gathering.
Opening Keynote
A distinguished ETA leader will share insights on the current state of entrepreneurship through acquisition, emerging trends and lessons from the field.
10:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Panel Discussions
Two concurrent tracks
Track 1: Search and ETA Fundamentals
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Panel: Different Approaches to ETA and Why (Self-Funded, Traditional, Hybrid, EIR, Independent Sponsor)
11:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Panel: Riches in the Niches: Industry Selection and Sourcing
Explore the full spectrum of ETA paths — from traditional funded search to self-funded and single-sponsor models. Learn the trade-offs, economics and personal considerations of each approach.
12:15 – 1:20 p.m.
Lunch and Networking
Recharge with lunch and connect with speakers, sponsors and fellow attendees. Sponsored tables provide opportunities for focused discussions.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Panel: Switchers (Veteran to Searcher, Corporate to Search, Student to Search, Startup to Search)
Track 2: Operations, Finance and Value Creation
10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Panel: Advanced Deal-Sourcing Strategies
As ETA grows more competitive, sourcing creativity matters more than ever. Panelists will share advanced, differentiated approaches to finding high-quality acquisition opportunities.
11:10 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Panel: Using Leverage and Capital to Drive Growth
Dive into acquisition financing, capital structures and how thoughtful use of leverage can accelerate value creation while managing risk.
12:15 – 1:20 p.m.
Lunch and Networking
Recharge with lunch and connect with speakers, sponsors and fellow attendees. Sponsored tables provide opportunities for focused discussions.
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Panel: The Raise
Operators and investors share real-world post-acquisition stories — what worked, what didn’t and how value was built through strategy, execution and leadership.
2:40 – 3:30 p.m.
Panel: Post-Acquisition Operations
This session focuses on operational excellence: improving processes, building teams, scaling systems and executing growth initiatives after closing.
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Fireside Chat: TBD
Join an intimate conversation with a seasoned operator reflecting on their ETA journey — key decisions, lessons learned and advice for aspiring searchers.
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Happy Hour and Networking Reception
Close out the day with drinks, conversation and connection. The reception offers a relaxed environment to continue discussions, strengthen relationships and reflect on the day’s insights.