M&A Source's 2026 Fall Conference & Deal Market runs November 2–4 at the JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria in Houston, Texas. The association announced the program on Tuesday, and attendee and Deal Market table registration are both open. The event gathers intermediaries, investors and industry advisers for education, deal-making and professional development in the lower middle market.

What happens at the 2026 Fall Conference & Deal Market

The agenda pairs courses and workshops with time for deal-making. Sessions led by practitioners cover business development, deal sourcing, transaction management, valuation and post-close practices. A separate Deal Market lets private equity groups, investors and service providers reserve tables; that registration is limited to investors and firms.

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Amy Wirtz, a senior family enterprise adviser, headlines with a keynote titled "De-Escalate & Deliver: A 5-Step Framework for High-Stakes Conversations in M&A." According to the announcement, her talk covers defusing emotional disagreements, handling difficult personalities and listening techniques that keep tense talks productive.

Why you should go

  • A keynote on the human side of deals. Wirtz draws on experience in law, exit planning and family enterprise advisory to address friction that the association says can derail transactions.
  • Practical sessions across the deal cycle. Workshops cover sourcing, transaction management, valuation and post-close practices rather than theory alone.
  • A structured place to meet buyers and investors. The Deal Market brings private equity groups, investors and service providers together under one roof.
  • It suits working advisers. M&A Source says participants leave with insights they can apply to their practice and client outcomes.

Why does communication matter in deals?

M&A Source says emotional friction and communication breakdowns can derail lower-middle-market transactions, particularly in family enterprises. The keynote is built around helping advisers recognize different kinds of conversations and choose an approach for each. That framing fits a market where buyers are taking longer and looking harder before closing, according to reporting on the segment.

What to know before you go

  • Dates: November 2–4, 2026.
  • Venue: JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria, 5150 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056.
  • Registration: Attendees buy a conference pass and can add a guest or courses; Deal Market table registration is for investors and firms only.
  • Cost: The brief does not list prices, so check with the organizer.

FAQ

When and where is the M&A Source Fall Conference?

It runs November 2–4, 2026, at the JW Marriott Houston by The Galleria, 5150 Westheimer Rd, Houston, Texas.

How much does it cost to attend?

Prices are not listed in the announcement. Contact M&A Source or visit its event page for pass and table rates.