Lessons and Insights from the Echelon Deal and Dealmakers Summit

Folks, I’m bringing you another solocast of the DealQuest Podcast this week. This week, I want to share with you some of the valuable lessons and experiences I had at the Echelon Deal and Dealmakers Summit. This event holds a permanent reservation in my calendar every year.

The Echelon Deal And Dealmaker Summit is one of the premier M&A conferences in the investment advisory and wealth management space. Dan Siebert and his team at Echelon Partners — a respected investment banking firm in the industry — organized this event impeccably, and I appreciate their approach to conference planning.

KEEPING IT SHORT AND SWEET

One of the standout features of this conference, and a lesson for organizers in any industry, is its concise format. Unlike many conferences that span several days, the Echelon Summit typically runs for a day and a half. It starts late afternoon, extends into the evening, and then concludes with a full day of content. This condensed schedule keeps things focused and engaging.

This shorter format does not lack for content, education, entertainment, and networking, however. It is filled to the brim, without being exhausting, with a cornucopia of information each year. It's a format I truly appreciate and recommend to conference planners. Conferences are hard for people to get to, especially carving upwards of a week out of their calendar, so this accessibility is one I commend.

THE CONSISTENCY OF INDUSTRY THEMES

At the heart of the summit were discussions surrounding M&A, with a focus on growth strategies, capital, and deal structures. These topics are the bread and butter of the M&A world, and it was refreshing to see industry leaders engaging in insightful conversations about them.

While there may not have been any groundbreaking revelations at the summit, it's essential to understand that the M&A landscape is continually evolving. Certain themes remain consistent, such as the presence of aggregator and integrator acquisition firms actively engaging in deals. Additionally, there's a constant influx of capital into the industry, which has significant implications for valuation and deal structures.

THE ENDURANCE OF SMALLER ADVISORS

One of the interesting points raised at the summit was the enduring presence of smaller advisors in the industry. Just as in other industries, the smaller boutique firms offer specialized and personalized services to clients. It's not about disappearing but finding your niche and excelling in it. The middle ground can be challenging to navigate, and it's likely that this will continue to evolve over time.

THE EVOLUTION OF INDUSTRIES

The evolution of industries is a constant theme, and the M&A world is no exception. Looking back a decade or two, it's clear how much the investment advisory and wealth management space has matured. New players, such as private equity firms and family offices, have entered the scene, triggering consolidation and increased funding for acquisitions. This is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of business.

As you navigate your own journey in the world of M&A, consider the lessons learned and insights gained from this conference. It's a testament to the enduring value of conferences in building relationships, staying updated, and exploring new opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, there's always something to be gained from events like the Echelon Summit.

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For my full discussion, and more on this topic and others discussed or not featured in this blog post: Listen to the Full DealQuest Podcast Episode Here

Corey Kupfer is an expert strategist, negotiator, and dealmaker. He has more than 35 years of professional deal-making and negotiating experience. Corey is a successful entrepreneur, attorney, consultant, author, and professional speaker. He is deeply passionate about deal-driven growth. He is also the creator and host of the DealQuest Podcast.
 
If you want to start getting yourself deal-ready, check out the DealQuest Podcast with Corey Kupfer each week. Featuring industry leaders and newcomers as guests alike, the DealQuest podcast has something for everyone.