Looking to grow your business in 2025? This guide covers the top events where buyers can find deals, build skills, and gain market insights. From AI-powered networking tools to workshops on acquisitions, these events are tailored for small business buyers.
Key Highlights:
- Winter (Feb-Mar): Conferences like the National Small Business Conference (Feb 11-13) and TrailblazerDX 2025 (Mar 5-6) focus on acquisitions and CRM tools.
- Spring (Apr-Jun): Events such as Tableau Conference (Apr 15-17) and Small Business Expo (May 7-8) offer hands-on training and free entry options.
- Fall (Sep-Oct): Strategic growth is the focus with events like America’s SBDC Conference (Sep 2-5) and the Inc. 5000 Conference (Oct 22-24).
- Year-Round: Traveling expos and online events provide flexible options for buyers to connect and learn.
Quick Tips:
- Book tickets 3-6 months early for discounts.
- Use event apps for networking and scheduling.
- Focus on sessions aligned with your goals, like valuation or market trends.
Plan ahead to make the most of these opportunities and drive your business forward.
Trade Show Sales - Make the most of attending conferences and events
2025 Events by Month
The calendar organizes events seasonally, aligning with key planning periods and buyer interests.
Winter Events (Feb-Mar)
Winter events kick off the year with a focus on acquisitions and industry insights.
The National Small Business Conference (February 11-13, New Orleans) attracts over 2,000 attendees. For $625, participants can join AI workshops and financial strategy sessions.
TrailblazerDX 2025 (March 5-6, San Francisco) highlights CRM integration for acquired businesses, an important tool for tech-driven acquisitions. Hybrid participation is available through Salesforce+ [1].
Spring Events (Apr-Jun)
Spring blends hands-on training with actionable insights.
Tableau Conference #Data25 (April 15-17, San Diego) dives into AI-powered analytics, helping attendees evaluate acquisitions effectively [1].
The Small Business Expo in Miami (May 7-8) offers:
- Free entry for cost efficiency
- Workshops on due diligence
- Over 150 vendor exhibits
Connections 2025 (June 11-12, Chicago) introduces AI-focused sessions on customer retention and market analysis [1].
The WBENC National Conference (June 23-26, New Orleans) highlights strategies for acquiring and supporting women-owned businesses, with a focus on growth and diversity [2].
Fall Events (Sep-Oct)
Fall events shift toward strategic growth and scaling.
America's SBDC Conference (September 2-5, Orlando) includes sessions on:
- AI adoption for small businesses
- Funding strategies
- Scaling operations after acquisitions [1]
The season wraps up with the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala (October 22-24, Phoenix), spotlighting growth strategies for leading businesses.
Traveling Event Series
Traveling event series offer opportunities to find deals and connect with industry professionals throughout the year. A standout example is the Small Business Expo, which will visit over 15 U.S. cities in 2025. This series allows buyers to meet sellers and experts in various regions, aligning perfectly with the goal of leveraging regional market access to discover opportunities.
Small Business Expo Schedule
The Small Business Expo follows a consistent format across all locations but tailors its content to fit the specific needs of each region. Key features of the event include:
- Sessions on business valuation, due diligence, and acquisition strategies
- Consultations with brokers and advisors
- Insights into regional market trends
Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Event
To make the most of these events, attendees should:
- Use event apps to schedule meetings with experts in advance
- Attend sessions focused on regional market trends
- Build connections with local brokers and advisors
Virtual Options
Each stop on the expo tour includes virtual options to ensure accessibility:
- Keynote presentations streamed live
- Virtual networking lounges for connecting with participants
- Digital resources and tools for scheduling buyer-seller meetings online
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Buyer Training Events
Alongside seasonal conferences, specialized training events provide buyers with practical workshops on topics like valuation, due diligence, and financial analysis.
Buyer Skills Training
The CommBank SmallBiz Week in Melbourne (April 29-30) features financial modeling workshops that cover:
- Business valuation methods
- Financial due diligence steps
- Structuring acquisition deals
For those unable to attend in person, the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit (May 4-10) offers online sessions tailored to buyer training.
Tools and Resources
Businessbuyers.co supports these events with helpful tools, including:
- Detailed due diligence checklists aligned with workshop content
- Financial modeling templates designed for acquisition analysis
- Broker connection services
Additionally, the IBBA's Certified Business Intermediary program provides advanced training in valuation techniques [2].
These resources are designed to complement event-based learning. Visit businessbuyers.co for the latest checklists and templates.
Online Events
Online events are a great way to complement in-person gatherings, offering buyers the flexibility to juggle event participation alongside their deal workflows.
National Small Business Week Online
This free summit features workshops led by SCORE, virtual exhibit halls with on-demand access, and AI-powered matchmaking to connect attendees with relevant resources.
Brandweek Recorded Sessions
Brandweek offers year-round access to recorded sessions focused on brand strategy. These sessions are especially useful when evaluating marketing assets during acquisitions. The 2025 lineup will include insights on brand valuation frameworks and real-world acquisition case studies.
Here’s how to get the most out of Brandweek content:
- Focus on sessions about brand valuation.
- Study acquisition case studies for practical insights.
- Download speaker-provided materials for reference.
- Participate in live Q&A sessions to clarify key points.
- Cross-check findings with valuation templates from businessbuyers.co.
These tools work seamlessly with the due diligence resources available on businessbuyers.co.
Planning Guide
Plan effectively to get the most out of your events. Choose those that align with your goals and fit within your budget.
Choosing the Right Events
Pick events that help you uncover deals, enhance your skills, and gain market knowledge. This focused selection ensures your efforts are aligned with your business objectives.
Getting the Most Out of Events
Once you've chosen the right events, use these strategies to maximize their impact:
1. Before the Event
Do your homework. Research speakers and sessions to prioritize your schedule. Use tools like those from businessbuyers.co (covered in the Tools and Resources section) to evaluate potential companies before any planned meetings.
2. At the Event
Quality beats quantity when networking. Take thorough notes and plan immediate follow-ups to build meaningful connections.
3. After the Event
Go through your notes within 48 hours, set follow-up priorities, and document key takeaways. These steps directly support your main goals: finding deals, improving skills, and gathering market insights.
| Event Type | How to Prepare |
|---|---|
| Buyer Training | Review materials and note challenges |
| Regional Events | Analyze the local market and create a target list |