What  did you experience at BCMMGC 2024?

Over the past five years, economic and global influences have created a highly dynamic market landscape. With the pandemic behind us, the financial markets await the inevitable loosening of monetary policies. Every Federal Reserve meeting that comes and goes brings uncertain results that impact the M&A markets. The 2024 Middle Market Growth Conference provided an update on current market conditions and focus on pertinent topics and emerging trends. 

With forecasting at the forefront of the savvy investor's agenda, attendees gained invaluable insights into the broader M&A landscape through the lens of a top Canadian economist and other insightful professionals. As always, ACG prioritized networking and organized various opportunities to connect and collaborate with industry peers and colleagues. 

The agenda

Our content brought new innovative thinking and methods of practical applications. 

Private Market M&A Update: In 2023, the Canadian M&A market experienced a slowdown, but there are positive signs for an optimistic 2024 outlook. Managing Director from KPMG Corporate Finance, Leo Wilson, provided an updated view on the Canadian M&A market and how we are tracking as well as his predictions for the remainder of the year. Additionally, Leo provided insights into which sectors are showing early signs of opportunities for BC investors. 

Economic Update: We unlocked exclusive perspectives from one of Canada’s leading economist as we dissected the intricacies of a current Canadian economic snapshot. We moved beyond the speculation of interest rates to explore other factors that are driving the economy at scale. As a savvy investor, we want you to stay informed, anticipate shifts, and be ahead of the curve with cutting-edge forecasts and insights.

Investing in Sustainability: Moving towards carbon neutrality demands commitment and proper processes to ensure compliance. We featured an exclusive panel discussion with a leader developing tangible corporate solutions and various investors supporting the movement. Attendees learned about how investors are demanding transparency and how supporting sustainable initiatives can drive positive change while achieving financial gains.

Indigenous Finance: Indigenous communities are key players in the Canadian economy. From partnership with Indigenous-owned businesses to development of resources industries and urban real estate projects, the opportunities for collaboration and partnership with Indigenous peoples are abundant. How can we work with Indigenous organizations to form relationships built on trust, respect and shared prosperity? What does economic reconciliation look like? We provided insights on this critical segment of the market.

Due Diligence in a Dynamic World: In a rapidly evolving world, the realm of due diligence has undergone significant transformations, particularly in the wake of the post-COVID era. Shifting environments have prompted buyers to reassess their priorities, directing attention towards new areas and topics. Has innovation and technology helped improve the due diligence process? Our panel unpacked the intricacies of navigating due diligence amidst evolving business landscapes. Attendees also gained  insights into the latest trends and focal points shaping the perspectives of buyers in today's ever-changing marketplace.

Artificial Intelligence: Our conference wouldn’t be complete without delving into what is billed to be the biggest technological revolution since the internet. From investors funding these strategies to management teams executing on the opportunities, this session provided attendees with valuable insights into how AI is directly impacting, and being utilized within, the middle market.

Fireside Chat Keynote: Lasse Gustavsson is the President and CEO of Ocean Wise, a global NPO organization geared towards driving the conservation of our oceans. Lasse has dedicated his career to conservation and sustainable development, and has decades of experience including leadership roles at Greenpeace International, WWF Sweden and Oceana. This esteemed international environmental leader provided and thought leadership on how ESG considerations are impacting businesses today. 

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