​2027 SoCal ETA Conference

​January 29, 2027 | UCLA Luskin Conference Center

​Join us for the 2027 SoCal ETA Conference, bringing together 250+ searchers, investors, business owners, operators, and students from across Southern California and leading MBA programs nationwide for a day of learning, networking, and conversation around entrepreneurship through acquisition.

​Whether you're exploring ETA for the first time, actively searching for a business, investing in searchers, or operating an acquired company, the conference offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from experienced practitioners, and build relationships across the ETA community.

​Planning to join us in person? Scan the QR code below to reserve your room at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center. We encourage you to book early to take advantage of our conference room block.

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​Conference Agenda

​8:30 – 9:00 a.m. | Breakfast and Registration

​Kick off the day with breakfast and informal networking. Connect with fellow attendees, investors, operators, and students before the program begins.

​9:00 – 9:45 a.m. | Welcome and Opening Keynote

​Conference leadership from UCLA Anderson and USC Marshall will welcome attendees and set the stage for the day. A distinguished ETA leader will share perspectives on the state of entrepreneurship through acquisition, emerging trends, and lessons from the field.

​10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Panel Discussions

​Two concurrent tracks will feature panels covering a range of perspectives on entrepreneurship through acquisition, from the fundamentals of launching a search to emerging trends and more advanced topics shaping the ETA landscape.

​Track 1: Search and ETA Fundamentals

​Explore the different paths to acquiring a business, identifying attractive industries, sourcing opportunities, raising capital, and navigating the search process. Panels will feature experienced searchers and investors sharing practical insights and lessons from the field.

​Track 2: Advanced Topics in ETA

​Explore a broader range of topics shaping the ETA landscape, with panels featuring investors, operators, and other experienced practitioners. Discussions will examine evolving strategies, emerging opportunities, and new perspectives on acquiring, financing, and growing businesses.

​12:15 – 1:20 p.m. | Lunch and Networking

​Enjoy lunch while connecting with speakers, sponsors, investors, and fellow attendees. Sponsored tables will provide opportunities for more focused conversations.

​4:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Fireside Chat

​Close out the conference program with a candid conversation featuring successful entrepreneurs reflecting on their journeys as business owners and CEOs. Speakers will share the decisions, challenges, and lessons that shaped their success, including the realities of building significant value for themselves and their investors, the sacrifices involved, and what they learned along the way.

​5:00 – 7:30 p.m. | Happy Hour and Networking Reception

​Luskin Centennial Patio

​Continue the conversation over drinks and informal networking. Connect with fellow attendees, strengthen relationships, and reflect on the day's discussions in a relaxed setting.