Updated February 9th, 2026
The 2026 MBBI Annual Conference, Grit to Growth: Winning in Uncertain Times, opened at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort, bringing together dealmakers, M&A professionals, and industry leaders from across the region for a full day of insight and connection.
This article highlights key moments from the conference, with discussions focused on navigating uncertainty, strengthening transaction momentum, and preparing for the year ahead.
Ahead of the general program, attendees gathered for a combined Rising Stars and Women in M&A networking session, bringing together professionals from across the Midwest deal community. The Rising Stars initiative continues to gain traction as a dedicated platform for professionals in the first decade of their career, creating space to build relationships, expand visibility, and engage more deeply in the M&A ecosystem.
Alongside it, the Women in M&A initiative reflected MBBI’s continued focus on strengthening representation across advisory, banking, and transactional roles. The early morning session carried forward into the broader conference program, contributing to an environment shaped by both established connections and the future direction of Midwest dealmaking.
Register for Upcoming Events
Following registration and early networking, attendees moved into the main conference space for a welcome luncheon that opened the formal program and recognized sponsors supporting MBBI’s ongoing initiatives. The session marked the transition from networking into a full day of discussion focused on leadership, market dynamics, and practical insights for deal professionals. Celebrating deal collaboration became a central theme as the program continued.
MBBI leaders including Mark Ahern, Jay Steiner, Matt Friscia, and Laurie Huspen took the stage throughout the day, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to education, professional development, and relationship building within the midwest M&A community.
Coach Matt Doherty delivered the conference’s keynote presentation, drawing connections between leadership, resilience, and long term success. His message on preparation, accountability, and overcoming adversity resonated with attendees and reflected many of the same qualities required to navigate successful transactions.
The session sparked strong engagement throughout the room and reinforced a theme that carried across the conference: great deals are built on strong relationships, continuous learning, and a commitment to growth. Coach Doherty also reminded attendees that while professional success matters, maintaining perspective and enjoying the journey along the way is just as important.
Steve Morrissette offered attendees a buyer’s perspective on evaluating opportunities, identifying risk, and navigating the acquisition process. Drawing from years of acquisition experience, his session provided practical insights into how buyers assess businesses, where opportunities are uncovered, and what factors can influence a transaction’s success.
The presentation gave advisors and intermediaries a clearer understanding of how businesses are viewed from the other side of the table.
George Vellmer delivered a live demonstration showcasing how today’s AI tools can support sales outreach, research, and business development. Rather than focusing on theory, the session highlighted practical applications that attendees could immediately relate to within their own businesses and advisory practices.
The demonstration generated significant interest throughout the room, offering a glimpse into how technology is beginning to reshape everyday workflows across the lower middle market while creating new opportunities for efficiency and growth.
One of the more memorable moments of the conference came during the awards and recognition portion of the program. Board members and past leaders, including Tom Meyer, Tom Thomas, and Ray Horn, were recognized for their contributions to the organization before assisting with the presentation of awards. The unexpected recognition served as a reminder that MBBI’s success is built on the collective efforts of members who dedicate their time, experience, and leadership to strengthening the Midwest M&A community.
Brennan Hollenbeck, President of Muller Wealth and newly appointed President of MBBI, shared the organization’s vision for the year ahead, highlighting its continued focus on bringing M&A professionals together through education, networking, and industry engagement. The message reflected both an appreciation for the foundation built by past leadership and an enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead as the organization continues to bring together business brokers, advisors, lenders, investors, and transaction professionals throughout the region.
The year ahead will include continued support for signature programs such as Rising Stars and Women in M&A, along with the educational events and networking opportunities that have made MBBI a trusted resource for dealmakers across the Midwest for decades.
Explore Our Trusted M&A Network
As the conference concluded, conversations continued throughout the venue as business brokers, advisors, lenders, investors, and business owners connected with peers from across the Midwest. Many discussions built upon themes explored throughout the day, from leadership and market trends to technology, dealmaking, and long term value creation.
The MBBI Annual Conference continues to serve as a gathering place for professionals committed to advancing the middle market M&A community through education, collaboration, and relationship building. Events like these provide opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen networks, and stay connected to the forces shaping transactions across the region.
MBBI’s next event, M&A Due Diligence, will take place on February 18, 2026, at Cooper’s Hawk in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Additional information on upcoming programs and events is available at mbbi.org/events.
Trusted by dealmakers, advisors, & business owners.
State Chapters
Quick links
© 1997-2026 MBBI | Midwest Business Brokers & Intermediaries. All Rights Reserved.
