ACG InterGrowth Takes a New Turn: More Time to Network, More Visible Tracking for Corporate, Intermediary, and Private Equity Executives

It’s widely held that more deals and deal opportunities are struck at ACG InterGrowth than just about any other conference in the world, for one overriding reason: the proliferation of networking opportunities. Over the summer, KPMG conducted a telephone survey of InterGrowth attendees and found that the number one reason for attending and the most significant take-away is networking. People valued the extended time available to build relationships with like-minded executives who have the highest probability of creating deal flow. The upcoming InterGrowth – at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress in Orlando, April 26-28, 2006 – will provide for more “scheduled networking” than before. Evening events will be structured for networking: relaxed settings, good food, subdued surroundings so that you can locate and get to know better the people that matter. Venues during the day will be less demanding so that you’ll have time and opportunity to meet with the people you came to see. The pool of deal flow candidates will be large: We anticipate 1,200 attendees and are hoping especially that intermediaries and corporate leaders will be more prominently part of the mix. Intermediary Focus We recently reached out to all the intermediaries within ACG to find out what they do best and what they need from the organization. The data we gleaned are intrinsic to the plans for the InterGrowth, which I’ll provide in detail in upcoming articles. We have scheduled several events to increase focused networking, one of which is a more robust DealSource event – “speed dating” for intermediaries, private equity groups, and corporates – which will take place most of the afternoon, Wednesday, April 26. Corporate Depth Corporate interests are at the heart of InterGrowth planning. We’re still working to ensure that prominent and credible CEOs unveil trials and best practices that breed corporate success. We have secured contracts from the following corporate development pros, who receive high ratings as good speakers with serious content to offer: * Dennis Cuneo, Senior Vice President, Toyota-North America * Allan Snape, Vice President, Business Development, Fortune Brands Private Equity Deal Flow InterGrowth’s popular ACG Capital Connection event will take place on Thursday afternoon, April 27, so plan your time and attendance now. We anticipate more than 100 tables and some worthwhile surprises for participants. Advance registration for the hotel is available now at www.acg.org/conferences/intergrowth. Register now, save the dates, and stay tuned for more details in Mergers & Acquisitions, by e-mail, and in the mail. Bev Landstreet VP InterGrowth in 2006 Managing Director, KPMG LLP [email protected] (c) 2005 Mergers and Acquisitions Journal and SourceMedia, Inc. All Rights Reserved. http://www.majournal.com http://www.sourcemedia.com