New to DealMAX? Start Here.
DealMAX brings together thousands of middle-market dealmakers for three days of meetings, networking, insights and relationship-building. If this is your first time attending, welcome—and know this: you are not alone. A significant portion of DealMAX attendees are new each year, and ACG has built resources, programming and onsite support to help you arrive prepared, navigate the event with confidence and make meaningful connections from the moment you check in.
Whether you are coming to schedule back-to-back meetings, expand your network, reconnect with the ACG community or simply understand how to make the most of the experience, this page is your starting point.
What to Expect as a First-Time Attendee
DealMAX is high-energy, fast-moving and relationship-driven. The most successful first-time attendees come in with a plan—but also leave room for the unexpected conversations that happen in the lounges, at meals, during receptions and between meetings.
You will have access to ACG Access, the official DealMAX meeting scheduler, where you can browse the attendee list, request one-on-one meetings, manage your calendar and stay organized onsite. You will also find open meeting areas, lounges, networking meals, receptions and onsite staff available to help answer questions.
The goal is simple: help you spend less time figuring out where to go and more time connecting with the right people.
First-Time Attendee Webinars and Resources
To help first-time attendees prepare, ACG hosts First-Time Attendee webinar sessions designed to walk through the DealMAX experience before you arrive. These sessions cover what to expect onsite, how to use ACG Access, how to think about meeting strategy and how to make the most of networking opportunities throughout the event.
If you missed the live sessions, webinar recordings and additional preparation resources are available to help you get ready at your own pace.
Join Us Sunday Evening: First-Time Attendee Welcome Reception
Start DealMAX before the official rush begins at the Sunday evening First-Time Attendee Welcome Reception.
This casual welcome event is designed especially for first-time attendees to meet one another, connect with ACG staff and begin building relationships before Monday’s full schedule gets underway. It is a low-pressure way to ask questions, get oriented and start the conference with familiar faces already in the room.
First-time attendees are encouraged to attend, and returning attendees are welcome to join in helping welcome new participants to the DealMAX community.
You Get Out What You Put In
DealMAX is built for efficient, high-value connection—but the experience becomes strongest when attendees engage early, show up prepared and stay open to new conversations. Build your plan, use the resources available to you and take advantage of the many ways to connect before and during the event.
Welcome to DealMAX. We are glad you are here.
Tips to Make the Most of Your First DealMAX
Start before you arrive
Log in to ACG Access early, review the attendee list and identify the people and firms you most want to meet. Send targeted meeting requests, respond promptly to inbound requests and build a schedule that supports your goals. The earlier you engage, the more productive your onsite experience will be.
Do not overbook yourself
It can be tempting to fill every available time slot, but experienced attendees recommend leaving space in your calendar. Some of the most valuable DealMAX connections happen through informal conversations, quick introductions, hallway run-ins and last-minute opportunities. Build in breaks so you have time to recharge and take advantage of spontaneous networking.
Use the lounges as your home base
The DealMAX Lounges are designed to keep meetings, meals, networking and amenities close together. Use the lounges for scheduled meetings, impromptu conversations, coffee breaks, meals and opportunities to meet new contacts between sessions.
Be open to conversations with people you do not know
First-time attendees often hear the same advice from DealMAX veterans: people are here to meet people. Take a seat at breakfast or lunch, introduce yourself before a session, stop by a reception and be willing to start a conversation. DealMAX works best when attendees are proactive, approachable and open to new connections.
Pick up your badge early
Your badge is required to access DealMAX spaces and events. If possible, arrive on Sunday, pick up your badge and get settled before the full conference schedule begins. This gives you time to orient yourself, review the venue layout and begin Monday ready to go.
Ask for help when you need it
If you have questions about ACG Access, meeting locations, schedules, registration or onsite logistics, stop by an info desk or the ACG Access help desk. ACG staff are onsite to help you navigate the experience.