5 Things I Learned at DealFest Northeast

At this year’s ACG DealFest Northeast held in Boston, the conversations were lively, the networking was strong and the insights from two standout panels on middle-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and artificial intelligence (AI) governance were too powerful to keep to ourselves. As you may know, DealFest Northeast is the largest and most significant middle-market M&A event in the region, drawing top capital providers, intermediaries, advisors and strategics from across the country. 

In the video below, I share five takeaways — and a surprise bonus — that could shape your deal strategy over the next two years. Here’s a sneak peek at two of them: 

Diligence is taking twice as long 

Buyers are digging deeper than ever — bringing in more advisors, asking more questions, and expecting fast, accurate answers in the data room. Starting prep early can make all the difference in building...and maintaining momentum. 

AI strategy is a boardroom conversation 

AI has moved beyond the IT team. Boards now expect clear AI roadmaps — and firms without them risk falling behind in a rapidly evolving deal market. 

That’s just the start. I also reveal how sellers are getting ahead of buyer questions, why optimism is returning to dealmaking and what’s driving new trends in minority deals. Hit the play button below to get the full story.