ACQUICON 2026 targets lower middle market owners and investors in Salt Lake City

ACQUICON 2026 will bring about 400 to 500 founders, CEOs, investors and M&A professionals to Salt Lake City from October 19-21 for an application-only event focused on relationships, enterprise value and capital deployment. The conference is positioned as part of the broader Acquisition Headquarters ecosystem serving established businesses in the lower middle market.

Why it matters: - ACQUICON 2026 is aimed at established companies, not startups, with a focus on businesses generating roughly $2 million to $75 million in EBITDA. - The event is designed to connect operators, capital providers and advisors who influence acquisitions, growth, exits and ownership transitions in the lower middle market. - Organizers say the conference is built to help participants create stronger businesses, more durable enterprise value and long-term wealth.

What happened: - ACQUICON 2026 will be held October 19-21 at the Karen Gail Miller Conference Center in Salt Lake City. - The conference expects about 400 to 500 attendees, including founders, CEOs, investors, M&A professionals and other business owners. - Attendance is application-only and requires an intake and approval process. - Founder Nathan Byrd said the event is built on the belief that better transactions begin with better relationships and access to knowledge.

The details: - About 50% of attendees are expected to be seasoned operators, mainly founders and CEOs of established businesses. - About 35% to 40% of attendees are expected to represent active capital and investment. - Another 10% to 15% are expected to come from M&A, advisory and professional services. - The capital audience includes private equity, family offices, independent sponsors, accredited and high-net-worth investors, private credit, wealth managers, fund managers and acquisition entrepreneurs. - Programming includes the Ownership Exchange, Enterprise Value Hot Seat, Deal Room, strategic matchmaking, expert-led lunches and breakout workshops. - Workshop topics include acquisitions, financial reporting, quality of earnings, capital formation, tax strategy, alternative investments, business growth and transaction readiness. - The ACQUICON Deal Room is designed to connect accredited investors with selected off-market alternative investment opportunities. - Opportunities in the Deal Room go through an intake and selection process before presentation. - About 26 exhibitors and partners are expected at the 2026 conference. - Supporting organizations include Taylor Proactive Team, NOW CFO, Scott Danner of Steward Partners, Revitalization Unlimited, Alpha Wealth Funds, Fisher SMB, Thryv, Foley & Lardner and Fortis Bank. - ACQUICON was founded in November 2022 and began as a conference focused on helping experienced operators understand acquisitions. - The event now sits within the broader Acquisition Headquarters ecosystem connecting people, capital, education and professional expertise around privately held companies. - ACQUICON describes itself as a flagship conference for the lower middle market focused on funding, operators and advisors.

Between the lines: - The conference is trying to stand apart from networking-heavy events by emphasizing deeper business relationships and deal readiness. - Its application process and curated audience suggest a more selective environment than a typical industry conference. - The broader AHQ ecosystem points to a year-round relationship and deal network, not just a one-time gathering. - Byrd said the goal is to shift business culture toward stronger relationships, durable enterprise value and long-term thinking about ownership, capital and wealth.

What's next: - ACQUICON 2026 will take place in Salt Lake City from October 19-21, 2026. - Approved attendees will use the conference to explore acquisitions, investments, exits and strategic partnerships. - The AHQ ecosystem is expected to continue serving as the longer-term network around the conference. - More information is available through Acquisition Headquarters / ACQUICON.