Updated September 24th, 2025
Looking to navigate the Midwest M&A market and build connections? Here’s a curated list of the top 10 conferences in 2025 for dealmakers, advisors, intermediaries, and investors focused on small to mid-market transactions. These events are packed with networking opportunities, expert insights, and actionable strategies tailored to the region’s unique landscape.
Each event offers a focused opportunity to meet active deal professionals, sharpen your strategy, and stay ahead of trends shaping the Midwest lower middle market.
Aug 21, 2025
Chicago, IL
Aug 26, 2025
Des Moines, IA
Sept 9, 2025
Minneapolis, MN
Sept 17, 2025
Waukesha, WI
Sept 23, 2025
Oak Brook, IL
Oct 16, 2025
Des Moines, IA
Oct 21, 2025
Golden Valley, MN
Nov 18, 2025
Golden Valley, MN
Dec 3, 2025
Brookfield, WI
Jan 29, 2026
Oak Brook, IL
More Upcoming Events
This annual MBBI Illinois event takes place at the Columbia Yacht Club, offering dealmakers and advisors an evening of high-level networking right on Lake Michigan. Attendees can connect with Midwest leaders across private equity, lending, and advisory while sharpening their strategies for the year ahead.
A pre-event social from 4:00 – 5:00 PM gives Rising Stars members and eligible guests an exclusive chance to build relationships in a smaller, focused setting before the main program begins. View eligibility details and explore the MBBI network for those looking to join this fast-growing group of next-generation deal professionals.
Hosted by MBBI Iowa, this annual State of the State conversation centers on the role of manufacturing in driving Iowa’s economy. The event features a guided discussion with Nicole Crain, President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI), whose career has been dedicated to supporting Iowa businesses, industries, and communities.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into the policies, workforce challenges, and opportunities shaping the state’s manufacturing sector. With Nicole’s expertise in public policy, economic growth, and community engagement, the conversation offers a practical look at how businesses can thrive in today’s environment while preparing for future growth.
This event is ideal for dealmakers, intermediaries, and business leaders seeking to understand the manufacturing landscape and its impact on lower middle market transactions in Iowa and beyond.
This full-afternoon program brings Midwest manufacturing leaders, advisors, and investors together to examine both the opportunities and challenges shaping today’s deal market. This MBBI Minnesota event blends networking and exhibits with thought leadership from some of the region’s most respected voices.
Keynote speaker Bob Kill, President and CEO of Enterprise Minnesota, will share his perspective on growth strategies for manufacturing enterprises of all sizes. The agenda also includes a progressive roundtable and a dynamic panel discussion on Deal Drivers & Deal Killers, featuring Ben Axelrod (Borgman Capital), Young Bebus (Moderator), Rob Laubscher (Laubscher Consulting), and Brad Pieper (American Peat Technology).
With a focus on exit planning, strategic growth, and applications in manufacturing, this event equips deal professionals with actionable insights to navigate volatility and unlock opportunities in the sector.
This unique MBBI Wisconsin event combines sport and strategy, bringing M&A professionals together for an afternoon of sporting clay shooting followed by networking. Attendees can take part in the full shooting experience or opt for networking-only registration to join in the social portion afterward.
The program includes gun rentals, safety training, and an introductory lesson for first-timers, making it accessible for all skill levels. After the shoot, the group gathers for an open networking session with food, drinks, and conversation.
Designed to balance business with camaraderie, this event is a favorite for dealmakers and intermediaries looking to expand their networks outside the traditional conference room.
This MBBI Illinois program takes a data-first approach to understanding the dynamics of the Midwest’s lower middle market. The evening discussion will explore economic and market conditions, policy impacts, industry-specific valuation trends, and transaction volumes, giving attendees a sharper lens for evaluating opportunities and risks.
Featured speaker Paul Janson, Managing Director at Capstone Partners, brings more than 25 years of executive experience in investment banking, telecom, and infrastructure. His background leading complex transactions and guiding valuation strategy makes him a trusted voice for intermediaries and investors alike.
With its focus on market intelligence and valuation insights, this event is designed for dealmakers who want to strengthen their decision-making framework and keep pace with shifting trends in the Midwest M&A landscape.
Financing is often the make-or-break factor in middle market deals, and this MBBI Iowa event gives professionals a clear look at how lenders evaluate and structure transactions. The program brings together seasoned lending experts to share insights on SBA programs, credit risk management, and strategies that keep deals moving forward.
Featured speakers include Evan Muench (SBA lending specialist), Byron Pierce (Director of Loan Review at UMB Bank), and Tim Weinhold (25-year SBA veteran focused on acquisitions and buyouts). The session will be moderated by Ben Woodward of First Internet Bank, who has led more than $80MM in transactions nationwide.
With practical advice on structuring, underwriting, and pre-qualifications, this event is a must-attend for intermediaries, business owners, and advisors who want to strengthen their dealmaking toolkit through smarter financing strategies.
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As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, MBBI Minnesota brings together experts to examine how AI is influencing deal strategy, valuations, and due diligence in the middle market. This evening program offers a timely perspective on how technology is becoming a tool for both buyers and sellers in M&A.
The session will be moderated by Brandon Hall (BGH Valuation Services), with insights from Katelyn Kerfeld, CPA (CLA), Julie Keyes (KeyeStrategies), and Clare Richards (CEO & Co-Founder, Impacks). Together, they will explore real-world examples of AI in practice, from smarter financial analysis to improving exit planning and market positioning.
With a mix of valuation specialists, exit planning advisors, and entrepreneurs, this discussion is designed to help dealmakers and intermediaries understand the practical role AI can play in driving efficiency and creating competitive advantages in today’s M&A market.
This annual MBBI Minnesota program provides a forward-looking view of the global economy and capital markets, equipping dealmakers with the context they need to plan for the year ahead. Attendees will gain insights into how global trends in equities, fixed income, and alternative investments are shaping the Midwest deal environment.
Featured speaker Gordon Telfer, Director of Investment Management Research at Huntington Wealth Management, brings nearly four decades of experience in global equity strategies and portfolio management. With a background spanning leadership roles at Nuveen, RBC Global Asset Management, and Alliance Capital, Gordon’s expertise helps attendees translate complex market forces into practical strategies for M&A and investment planning.
This session is a valuable opportunity for intermediaries, investors, and advisors to ground their 2026 strategies in a deeper understanding of the capital markets landscape.
MBBI Wisconsin’s flagship year-end program brings together private equity professionals, intermediaries, and advisors for a full day of dealmaking and networking. The event blends economic updates, speaker sessions, and breakout networking opportunities with a spotlight on the region’s most active capital providers.
Highlights include the MBBI Shark Tank Panel, where four private equity groups compete in live deal pitches, offering attendees an inside look at how investment decisions are made. The day closes with a Deal Sourcing Cocktail Bar, giving participants one-on-one access to private equity groups to learn more about their investment criteria.
With its unique mix of education, competition, and high-impact networking, the Private Equity Connection is a must-attend event for dealmakers looking to strengthen relationships and explore new opportunities in the Midwest market.
The MBBI Annual Conference is the premier gathering for Midwest dealmakers, intermediaries, and M&A professionals. This one-day summit combines keynote presentations, networking sessions, and industry panels designed to help professionals navigate uncertainty and position for growth in the coming year.
This year’s theme, Grit to Growth: Winning in Uncertain Times, sets the tone for practical discussions around market resilience and innovative strategies. The event will feature a wide range of attendees, including accountants, lenders, attorneys, private equity groups, investment bankers, and business brokers, making it one of the most diverse and impactful networking opportunities in the Midwest M&A calendar.
The keynote address will be delivered by Coach Matt Doherty, former UNC basketball coach and motivational speaker, who draws lessons from the court to the boardroom. With experience leading teams alongside legends like Michael Jordan and Dean Smith, Doherty provides a unique perspective on leadership, resilience, and high-performance culture.
Closing out the 2025–2026 event cycle, the Annual Conference offers a chance to align strategies, sharpen dealmaking skills, and build connections that last well beyond the event.
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