Why ETA Conferences Should Be on Your Fall Calendar

This week is a special one for us at Pioneer Capital Advisory.

We’re about to help our 100th client close on a business acquisition.

When I stop and think about it, it’s hard to believe it’s been just over three years since we started. In that time, we’ve worked alongside buyers from all walks of life, helping them navigate one of the most exciting (and sometimes challenging) transitions of their careers.

Looking back, one thing stands out:

Relationships are everything. And if there’s one place where relationships in this space really take root, it’s at in-person ETA conferences.

From Small Gatherings to Cornerstone Events

When we first started, ETA events were relatively small. A handfuls of buyers, a few lenders, and some seasoned operators sharing stories. Now, the ETA and business buying community has exploded. These conferences have become multi-day events filled with hundreds of buyers, operators, investors, and advisors, all swapping ideas, sharing hard-won lessons, and opening doors for each other.

For anyone serious about buying a business, these conferences are no longer “nice to have.” They’re a chance to accelerate your learning curve, build meaningful connections, and hear directly from people who’ve been exactly where you are now.

Why Being There Matters

Sure, you can watch webinars or read articles - and there’s value in that - but being in the room changes the game. You can:

• Look an investor in the eye and explain why you’re the right person to lead a business.
• Walk a lender through your deal and get immediate feedback.
• Have an off-the-record chat with a fellow operator who’s willing to share what really worked - and what didn’t - post-closing.

And let’s be honest: some of the best conversations happen over coffee, in the hallway between sessions, or sitting next to someone you just met at lunch.

What You’ll Learn

The best ETA conferences cover the fundamentals every buyer needs to master:

1. Building Your Deal Team – How to find the right attorney, lender, quality of earnings provider, and other key partners.
2. SBA Lending & Banking Strategy – What lenders look for, how to structure your deal, and how to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. Financial Due Diligence – Making sure the numbers hold up and spotting any red flags early.
4. Raising Investor Equity – Finding investors who align with your goals and structuring the deal to make sense for everyone.
5. Your First Months as CEO – Leading through the transition, keeping your team engaged, and setting the tone for growth.

Where You’ll Find Us This Fall

Our team will be out and about at several key conferences this fall, and we’d love to meet up if you’re attending any of them. We have 3 teammates who will be attending a combination of these conferences: Rafael (see his background on LinkedIn here), Alan (see his LinkedIn), and Myself (see my LinkedIn here). Feel free to connect with any of us before these conferences if you plan on attending (or even if you just want to connect with us!)

• Southeastern ETA Conference – September 5–6, 2025 – Attending: Alan (Conference Link)
• Rice University ETA Conference – October 17, 2025 – Attending: Matthias – PCA is Sponsoring
  (Conference Link)
• M&A Launchpad Conference (Chicago) – October 25, 2025 – Attending: Alan (Conference Link)
• Case Western ETA Conference – October 29, 2025 – Attending: Alan (Conference Link)
• Harvard ETA Conference – November 8, 2025 – Attending: Alan (Conference website not up)
• Chicago ETA Conference – November 19, 2025 – Attending: Matthias & Rafael – PCA is Sponsoring
  (Conference Link)

Why We Sponsor

We’re sponsoring the Chicago ETA Conference and the Rice University ETA Conference this year because they draw serious buyers, operators, and capital providers and those are the conversations we want to be part of.

Sponsorship isn’t about logos and banners for us. It’s about having a seat at the table where important discussions happen, sharing what we see in the lending market, and helping buyers structure deals that are both creative and financeable.

Let’s Meet

If you’ll be at any of these conferences, let’s grab a coffee or find a quiet corner between sessions to talk. Whether you’re still considering ETA or already deep in diligence, we can help you think through your financing plan and keep your deal moving forward.

If you're a business buyer interested in meeting with my team at Pioneer Capital Advisory, click here to coordinate schedules.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Business buyers are encouraged to consult with their legal counsel and accountant to ensure the proper structuring of their transactions and to fully understand the tax implications of seller financing.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reply directly to this email with any questions or thoughts.