This invite only meeting brings together ACG Chapter Staff for strategic planning and roundtables.
Schedule By Day
Your agenda, your way.
Note: schedule subject to change. All times are shown in PT.
Sunday, April 6, 2025
12:00 PM -
6:30 PM
Aria
Registration Open
Registration/badge pick-up will be located on the second level of the West Convention Center of the ARIA Resort & Casino near the business center.
2:00 PM -
6:00 PM
Exhibitor Move-In (By Invite)
Dedicated set-up time for all sponsors with a booth in the DealMAX® Lounge.
3:00 PM -
6:00 PM
ACG Global Board of Directors Meeting (Closed Meeting)
Invite only meeting for ACG’s Global Board of Directors.
Monday, April 7, 2025
6:00 AM -
1:00 PM
ACG Golf Tournament
Join us at Bali Hai Golf Club, right on the Las Vegas strip. The ACG Golf Tournament is open to all and space is limited.
7:00 AM -
7:00 PM
Registration Open
Registration/badge pick-up will be located on the second level of the West Convention Center of the ARIA Resort & Casino near the business center
8:00 AM -
5:00 PM
DealMAX® Lounge Open
The DealMAX® Lounge is the center of the action at DealMAX®. With open tables for meetings and networking, sponsor booths, education, demo sessions – the Lounge is your home base for the event. You’ll also find meals, snacks, and beverages available throughout the day.
8:00 AM -
9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Located in the DealMAX® Lounge, fuel up for the day ahead with a full breakfast. Grab a seat at one of the open tables and network with fellow DealMAX® attendees.
Sponsored by
8:00 AM -
11:45 AM
Forum: Strategic Acquirers (By Invite)
This invitation-only forum allows Strategic Acquirers to engage in candid conversations in a peer environment. From sharing deal origination strategies to improving all aspects of the deal process, sessions are geared to setting Strategic Acquirers up for success in an increasingly competitive deal market. Attendees must be pre-approved. View the full agenda.
10:30 AM -
11:00 AM
Pavilion Session: GF Data Presents: Unlocking Dealflow in 2025
Join GF Data Managing Director Bob Dunn as he discusses factors that influenced dealmaking in 2024 and what is expected to drive deal flow and a strong comeback in 2025.
Bob Dunn,
Managing Director,
GF Data
Sponsored by
11:45 AM -
1:00 PM
General Session & Networking Lunch
Sponsored by
1:00 PM -
1:50 PM
Featured Session: A New Model to Help Drive Returns: Employee Ownership
Since the beginning, private equity firms have offered ownership rights to management teams as an incentive to drive growth. The model is changing. Today, an increasing number of private equity firms are offering ownership stakes to non-management employees in hopes of creating a stronger alignment to drive value creation. Join this session to hear from private equity firms and portfolio companies how offering widespread ownership is changing the private equity game.
Peter Robbins,
Managing Director,
Baird's Global Technology & Services Investment Banking Group
Yup Kim,
Chief Investment Officer,
Texas Municipal Retirement System
Chris Linthwaite,
CEO,
SCRAM
Marc Jourlait,
Operating Partner, Riverside Value Fund,
The Riverside Company
1:00 PM -
4:00 PM
Chapter Meetings (By Invite)
2:00 PM -
2:30 PM
Pavilion Session: Beyond Cost-Cutting: Unlocking Transformative Operational Value
Cost-cutting remains a critical element of M&A, but true value creation often lies in transformative strategies. This session will focus on how operating partners go beyond the basics to unlock growth potential, such as driving revenue expansion, enhancing customer experiences, and enabling digital transformation. Learn how to balance cost-efficiency with long-term innovation.
Travis Loomis,
Senior Manager, M&A Advisory Lead, ODD/PMI,
Withum
Steve Brady, CPA,
Partner, Market Leader, Transaction Advisory,
Withum
Sponsored by
2:00 PM -
2:50 PM
Featured Session: What’s Next for the Lending Environment?
The demand for private credit soared over the last few years, despite the high cost of capital. Will that continue in 2025 and beyond? Join this session to hear what lenders and dealmakers expect as this look to get deals over the finish line in what is expected to be a strong year for dealmaking. From working with alternative sources of financing to deploying innovative deal structures, dealmakers are pushing to get deals done. Let’s hear how the lenders plan to respond.
Ty Black,
Vice President, Neuberger Berman,
NB Capital Solutions
Josh Apfel,
Director, Private Credit,
Bow River Capital
Sarah Bittner,
Principal, Direct Lending,
PGIM Private Capital
Francesca Ficai,
Managing Editor,
PitchBook
Karin Kovacic,
Managing Director, Institutional Sales,
Libertas Funding
Sponsored by
2:45 PM -
3:15 PM
Pavilion Session: Transforming Deal-Making: Where Gen-AI Delivers Value, Where it Falls Short
In this session we collate learnings from several AI deployments for investment research at multiple participating funds and advisory firms. Covering key topics requested by attendees - Key Use-cases, Accuracy, Data Privacy & Security, Build vs. Buy, Tech Stack, ROI, Change Management, Limitations and more. How to navigate fast paced developments and choose among competing frontier models. Join us for an interactive panel discussion where we’ll discuss how to effectively apply Large Language Models across end-to-end investment lifecycle.
Sid Masson,
CEO,
Wokelo Inc.
Sponsored by
3:00 PM -
3:50 PM
Featured Session: PE Funcast Live: How to Market Your Firm in a Hyper-Competitive Industry
Another private equity firm seems to launch every day. And, if you look at their websites and hear their pitches, they all sound pretty much the same (sorry, it's true). So, how can you differentiate yourself in a hyper-competitive market where investors, entrepreneurs, and sellers have more choices than ever? Come listen to the Private Equity Funcast hosts, Devin Mathews and Paul Stansik, as they break down their thoughts on how they created a unique brand with ParkerGale Capital that is deliberate, authentic, different, a little irreverent, and totally compliant with industry regulations. You don't want to miss this because, as with all things PE Funcast-related, Devin and Paul will let it rip and share what is really on their minds.
Paul Stansik,
General Partner,
ParkerGale Capital
Devin Mathews,
Partner,
ParkerGale Capital
Tony Hill,
Principal, Business Development,
Trivest Partners
3:30 PM -
4:00 PM
Pavilion Session: The 3 Secrets to Value Creation in Private Equity
PE firms often chase value through financial engineering—but the real unlock lies in operational excellence. Join Damon Baker (former Danaher Operating Company President & Danaher Business System Executive) and Ephraim Starr (former Danaher General Counsel) as they reveal three powerful Lean secrets that top PE firms use to:
- ✅ Accelerate EBITDA growth across portfolio companies
- ✅ De-risk acquisitions through operational due diligence
- ✅ Drive premium exits with sustainable improvements
Lean Focus helps PE firms turn Lean into a repeatable value-creation engine. If your firm isn’t leveraging Lean, you’re leaving money on the table. Don’t miss this session.
Ephraim Starr,
Former General Counsel,
KKR-Owned PCH Group and Danaher's Water Quality Platform
Damon Baker,
CEO,
Lean Focus
Sponsored by
4:00 PM -
5:00 PM
ACG Chairman’s Reception (By Invite)
The invite only Chairman’s Reception brings together ACG leaders from the Board of Directors, ACG Global and Chapters. Invitees can stop by for a quick drink or bite before heading upstairs to the opening party.
Sponsored by
5:00 PM -
7:00 PM
Opening Party
The ultimate place for organic networking – all are invited to join the fun at the DealMAX® opening party. Unwind after a productive day of one-on-one meetings, content sessions and networking. Grab a drink, a bite and enjoy the entertainment.
Sponsored by
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
6:00 AM -
7:00 AM
ACG Run Club
Runners, joggers and walkers are all welcome to join in DealMAX’s Run Club! No need to sign up prior to running, just arrive at the designated start location at 6:00AM.
7:30 AM -
5:00 PM
Registration Open
Registration/badge pick-up will be located on the second level of the West Convention Center of the ARIA Resort & Casino near the business center.
8:00 AM -
5:00 PM
DealMAX® Lounge Open
The Lounge is the center of the action at DealMAX®. With open tables for meetings and networking, sponsor booths, education, demo sessions – the Lounge is your home base for the event. You’ll also find meals, snacks, and beverages available throughout the day.
8:00 AM -
9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Located in the DealMAX® Lounge, fuel up for the day ahead with a full breakfast. Grab a seat at one of the open tables and network with fellow DealMAX® attendees.
Sponsored by
8:00 AM -
10:00 AM
Single Family Office Breakfast & Workshop
This invitation-only DealMAX® workshop will welcome Single Family Office and select PE investors to discuss middle market co-investment opportunities in an intimate and informal breakfast setting.
8:30 AM -
9:30 AM
Featured Session: The Good, Bad and the Ugly: Learn How Investment Strategists think New Federal Policies will Impact Dealmaking
Join investment strategists Brian Belski and Dan Greenhaus to learn what President Trump's policies from immigration reform to trade and tariffs could mean for M&A activity, portfolio companies and the overall economy over the next four years. You will not want to miss this fun, interactive session as Brian and Dan hash it out.
Colin Schopbach,
Senior Vice President, America Sales,
Datasite
Dan Greenhaus,
Chief Economist and Strategist,
Solus Alternative Asset Management
Brian Belski,
Chief Investment Strategist,
Bank of Montreal
Sponsored by
10:00 AM -
10:50 AM
Featured Session: Beyond the 3-5 Year Window: Rethinking PE Exits with Continuation Funds, Secondary Funds and NAV Loans
PE firms typically operate on a relatively predictable cycle: acquire, optimize, and exit within 3-5 years. This timeline is often driven by fund lifecycle constraints, portfolio maturity, and LP cash return expectations. However, in today’s challenging exit environment, GPs face a tough choice. Should they hold onto an outperforming asset? In this session our experts will discuss how and why private equity firms are increasingly looking to continuation funds, secondary funds and NAV loans to achieve the best return outcomes possible.
James Stith,
Partner,
AEA Investors
Matt Swain,
Head of Direct Placements and Secondaries,
Houlihan Lokey Private Funds Group
Graeme Frazier,
Founder,
PCR Partners
Rocky Pontikes,
Senior Managing Director, Co-Head of Investment Banking,
Mesirow Investment Banking
Frister Haveman,
CEO and Co-Founder,
Gain.pro
Sponsored by
10:30 AM -
11:00 AM
Pavilion Session: How Deal and Business Development Teams Leverage Gen AI
We all want more time in our day and help with tasks like running reports and pulling data and insights when needed. Many firms are moving to Gen AI solutions to drive efficiency and productivity. Deal and business development teams are rapidly adopting AI solutions, but how are they using them to drive the most impact?
In this session, BlueFlame AI will host a Q&A and discuss how deal and business development teams leverage Gen AI in their processes. Hear firsthand about the platforms and models your peers use, their specific use cases, and how Gen AI is driving efficiency and productivity for their teams.
Eric Levinson,
Head of Sales,
BlueFlame AI
Henry Lindemann,
Co-Founder and COO,
BlueFlame AI
Sponsored by
11:00 AM -
12:00 PM
Keynote: A Fireside Chat with Damola Adamolekun, CEO, Red Lobster
In a dynamic conversation with DealMAX Committee Chair Tony Hill, Mr. Adamolekun will share his vision for transforming Red Lobster following its post-bankruptcy restructuring. He’ll also discuss his strategy for driving growth among younger customers while ensuring the loyalty of the brand’s long-time patrons.
Tony Hill,
Principal, Business Development,
Trivest Partners
Damola Adamolekun,
Chief Executive Officer,
Red Lobster
Sponsored by
12:00 PM -
1:00 PM
Networking Lunch in DealMAX® Lounge
Located in the DealMAX® Lounge, grab and go lunch will keep you powered for an afternoon of networking and deal meetings. Grab a seat at one of the open tables and network with fellow DealMAX® attendees.
1:00 PM -
2:00 PM
Keynote: A Market Update: Key Drivers and Trends in M&A
What’s in store for the rest of 2025? Join a stellar team of experts, including GF Data’s own Bob Dunn, as they take us through a market update and talk about the trends that are emerging in 2025 and beyond. The panel will discuss the macroeconomic environment, M&A activity, hiring trends and more. You will not want to miss this informational session that will give you the tools needed to transact in today’s ever-changing environment.
Ruth Yang,
Managing Director, Global Head of Private Markets Analytics,
S&P Global Ratings
Donna JW Hare,
Senior Business Performance Consultant,
Insperity
Bob Dunn,
Managing Director,
GF Data
Scott Linch,
National Industry Leader, Private Equity,
FORVIS Mazars
Sponsored by
1:00 PM -
4:00 PM
Chapter Staff Meeting (By Invite)
This invite only meeting brings together ACG Chapter Staff for strategic planning and roundtables.
1:30 PM -
2:00 PM
Pavilion Session: Don’t Let Cyber Risks Derail Your Deal
Private equity firms are prime targets for cyber threats due to the sensitive data they manage and high-value transactions they facilitate. Operating Partners must ensure portfolio companies meet compliance requirements (like HIPAA and PCI DSS) and maintain strong security controls to safeguard assets and support successful exits. This session will explore how PE firms can strengthen their cybersecurity posture and meet compliance standards without straining their bottom line, featuring insights from Abacode, a leading Managed Security Services Provider (MSSP) and GRC services provider.
Isaiah Jackson,
Director, Marketing & Demand Generation,
Abacode Cybersecurity & Compliance
Sponsored by
2:00 PM -
2:50 PM
Featured Session: Putting AI to Work
AI technologies are transforming whole industries and companies alike, but financial services firms are still feeling out how to put the transformative technology to use. Hear from the experts what the advantages and pitfalls are of using AI technologies, why adoption has been slow, but how not learning to use AI will put your firm at a disadvantage.
Heather Madland,
Managing Director,
Novacap
Daniel McDow,
Global Managing Director, Head of Software Investment Banking,
Citi
Vimal Pattni,
Vice President, European Product Strategist,
FactSet
Richard Lichtenstein,
Chief Private Equity Data Officer,
Bain & Co.
Gavin Slader,
Head of Investment Banking,
Citizens JMP
Sponsored by
2:15 PM -
2:45 PM
Pavilion Session: Pricing Power Play: Mastering the #1 EBITDA Driver from Underwriting to Exit
Pricing isn’t just a number—it’s the most powerful lever for driving EBITDA and maximizing value across the deal lifecycle. In this session, we’ll break down best practices for pricing excellence at every stage: from underwriting smarter deals, to unlocking value creation post-close, to optimizing pricing strategy for a premium exit. Learn how top-performing firms leverage data, discipline, and dynamic pricing to turn revenue into real returns. Whether you’re structuring a new deal or prepping for exit, this session will equip you with the strategies that separate private equity leaders from the pack.
Dave Clement,
Partner and Head,
Simon-Kucher’s New York Office
Sponsored by
3:00 PM -
3:30 PM
Pavilion Session: The Evolution of AI in Dealmaking
Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform and reshape M&A dealmaking in unprecedented ways. Join us for anengaging and informative conversation with industry experts to discuss how dealmakers are using AI to streamlinetraditional deal processes, generate data-driven decisions and foster successful outcomes. Explore real-world examples of how AI-powered due diligence allows firms to analyze vast amounts of data with unprecedented speedand efficiency, reducing time and costs while minimizing human error. This session is essential for M&A professionalslooking to apply the power of AI to uncover new opportunities and drive smarter, faster transactions across an increasingly digital landscape.
Matthew Wells,
VP Global Product Marketing and Strategy,
SS&C Intralinks
Ronjohn Dadd,
Principal Product Manager,
SS&C Intralinks
Sponsored by
3:30 PM -
5:00 PM
Lounge Happy Hour
Wrap up another productive day of one-on-one meetings, content sessions and networking with a drink at the DealMAX bar. Located in the DealMAX® Lounge, toast to a successful event with your colleagues and new connections.
4:00 PM -
6:00 PM
Special Session: Are We Readying for a Strong Year of Dealmaking?
The coming year is likely to bring change for the M&A markets. With a new administration, rules and regulations are expected to loosen all while dealmaking is set to pick up the pace. Join the foremost leading women of ACG to hear their perspectives on where the market is today, what dealmakers are expecting over the next year, and how they are positioning their firms for the future.
All attendees are encouraged to attend this special session!
Networking + Cocktails!
Immediately following the session will be cocktails and networking to continue the conversation.
Ashton Gillespie (Moderator),
Vice President, Sponsor Coverage,
TM Capital
Kincy Gibson,
Director,
Keystone Capital
Cornelia Cheng,
Managing Director, Western Region,
MGG Investment Group
Kendall Childers,
Vice President,
Rosewood Private Investments
Emily Wildes,
Managing Director, Co-Head of Healthcare,
Lincoln International
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
6:00 AM -
7:00 AM
ACG Run Club
Runners, joggers and walkers are all welcome to join in DealMAX’s Run Club! No need to sign up prior to running, just arrive at the designated start location at 6:00AM.
7:30 AM -
11:00 AM
Registration Open
Registration/badge pick-up will be located on the second level of the West Convention Center of the ARIA Resort & Casino near the business center.
8:00 AM -
9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Located in the DealMAX® Lounge, fuel up for the day ahead with a full breakfast. Grab a seat at one of the open tables and network with fellow DealMAX® attendees.
Sponsored by
8:00 AM -
10:00 AM
Chapter Board Leader Breakfast & Session (By Invite)
8:00 AM -
11:00 AM
DealMAX® Lounge Open
The Lounge is the center of the action at DealMAX®. With open tables for meetings and networking, sponsor booths, education, demo sessions – the Lounge is your home base for the event. You’ll also find meals, snacks, and beverages available throughout the day.
11:00 AM -
2:00 PM
Exhibitor Move-Out
During this time, all exhibitor materials must be packed/prepared for shipment and removed from the show floor.
