Best Events For Business Brokers 2025
- Brandon Chicotsky
- Nov 17, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Business brokers in 2025 are navigating a fast-paced industry, making professional events essential for staying on top of trends, regulations, and tools. These conferences offer education, networking, and practical insights, especially for brokers managing deals under $25 million EBITA. Here's a quick breakdown of the top events:
IBBA Annual Conference (May 16–18, Orlando, FL): National-level workshops, networking, and tools for brokers.
AACFB Annual Conference (April 9–11, Las Vegas, NV): Focus on commercial finance and AI in brokerage.
CABB Annual Conference (Sept 25–26, Santa Rosa, CA): California-specific regulations and AI-driven tools.
Murphy Business 2025 Conference (Dates TBA): Emerging trends like AI, ESG, and virtual closings.
TABB Annual Conference (Dates TBA): Texas-specific education and certifications.
Each event caters to different needs, from local market insights to national networking opportunities. Early registration is recommended for savings and better planning.
Best Business Broker Events in 2025
These events offer valuable insights and networking opportunities for business brokers to thrive in 2025.
IBBA Annual Conference
The International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) Annual Conference is set for May 16–18, 2025, in Orlando, FL. This event draws hundreds of professionals from across the U.S. and beyond, making it a top-tier networking opportunity. Known for its engaging workshops, panels, and mastermind sessions, the conference covers a range of topics like sales, marketing, technology, and broker development. Attendees can connect with industry leaders while exploring the latest tools and strategies to enhance their brokerage practices.
CABB Annual Conference
Scheduled for September 25–26, 2025, in Santa Rosa, CA, the California Association of Business Brokers (CABB) Annual Conference is a key event for brokers in California. It offers a deep dive into state-specific topics such as market trends, regulations, and legal considerations. The event also features interactive workshops that explore strategies like leveraging AI to find new listings and blending digital tools with personalized client service. Beyond the educational sessions, participants can network with peers and industry experts, gaining practical insights to advance their careers.
Murphy Business 2025 Conference
Under the theme "Elevating Excellence," the Murphy Business 2025 Conference focuses on innovation and professional growth. This event highlights emerging technologies and industry trends, offering hands-on workshops on topics like AI-driven deal matching, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations, and virtual closings. Sessions also cover exit strategy consulting, which is crucial for brokers guiding business owners through retirement transitions. With its mix of cutting-edge topics and actionable takeaways, this conference is a must for brokers aiming to stay ahead in a fast-changing market.
AACFB Annual Conference
The American Association of Commercial Finance Brokers (AACFB) Annual Conference will take place April 9–11, 2025, at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. With over 30 years of experience, AACFB continues to be a cornerstone for the commercial finance sector. The 2025 event focuses on trends like process automation and efficient deal flow. Key sessions include integrating AI into brokerage operations and building a sustainable brokerage. A standout feature is the Women in Finance Luncheon, which fosters networking and explores transitional roles in the industry. Roundtable discussions further enhance connections between brokers and funding sources.
TABB Annual Conference
The Texas Association of Business Brokers (TABB) Annual Conference shines a spotlight on Texas-specific education, networking, and skill-building. This event covers essential topics like local business practices, legal updates, and market trends tailored for brokers operating in Texas. Attendees can benefit from certification opportunities and connect with other brokers, intermediaries, and service providers. By focusing on state-specific challenges and opportunities, TABB helps brokers strengthen their expertise and build a supportive professional community.
Event Comparison Chart
Attending the right conference can make a big difference in your professional growth. To help you decide, here's a comparison of key events for business brokers, highlighting important factors like focus, audience, features, and costs.
Event | Dates | Location | Primary Focus | Target Audience | Key Features | Cost Range |
IBBA Annual Conference | May 16–18, 2025 | Renaissance SeaWorld, Orlando, FL | Education, networking, workshops, masterminds, and marketplace | Business brokers | Expert-led workshops, masterminds, optional courses, and a solution provider marketplace | $700–$1,200 |
AACFB Annual Conference | April 9–11, 2025 | Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, NV | Commercial finance, process automation, and AI integration | Commercial finance brokers and funders | Women in Finance Luncheon, roundtables, and automation sessions | $500–$800 |
CABB Annual Conference | September 25–26, 2025 | Santa Rosa, CA (typically at Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country) | Education, networking, and sessions on AI, marketing, and business growth | California business brokers and intermediaries | Educational sessions, networking receptions, and exhibitor access | $300–$600 |
Murphy Business 2025 Conference | 3 days (TBA) | TBA | Training, thought leadership, and industry trends - including AI, ESG, and virtual closings | Murphy Business franchisees, brokers, and agents | Keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, and sessions on emerging market trends | TBA |
TABB Annual Conference | TBA | TBA | Texas-specific education, certification, and local market insights | Texas business brokers and intermediaries | Certification opportunities, state-focused content, and professional development sessions | TBA |
Each event offers something distinct. For example, the IBBA Annual Conference is a premier event with a national and international audience, featuring a marketplace that connects brokers with industry solution providers. On the other hand, regional events like CABB and TABB focus on state-specific regulations, market trends, and practices, making them ideal for brokers who want localized insights.
If you're looking for broader networking opportunities and comprehensive programming, IBBA and AACFB conferences are excellent choices. While these events require a higher investment, they deliver significant value through diverse sessions and networking opportunities. In contrast, state-level events like CABB offer targeted content at a lower cost, making them a budget-friendly option for brokers seeking practical knowledge and connections.
The schedule also plays a role in planning. The AACFB Annual Conference in April kicks off the season, followed by the flagship IBBA Annual Conference in May and CABB in September. This staggered timing allows brokers to map out a year-long plan for professional development and networking.
Some events stand out for their unique features. For instance, the AACFB Annual Conference includes a Women in Finance Luncheon, emphasizing diversity and inclusion within commercial finance. The Murphy Business Conference dives into current trends like AI, ESG, and virtual closings, while CABB focuses on the practical use of emerging technologies in business brokerage.
For professionals managing sub-$25M EBITA transactions, conferences like IBBA and Murphy Business offer valuable insights into M&A processes, business valuations, and networking with CPAs, financial planners, and private equity professionals. These connections can be pivotal in supporting client transactions.
How to Get the Most from Industry Events
Attending industry events can be a game-changer for your business brokerage practice - if you approach them with a solid plan. Success at these gatherings doesn’t happen by chance. Brokers who make the most out of these opportunities come prepared with clear goals and a strategy to execute them.
Set Clear Objectives Before You Register
The brokers who gain the most from conferences know exactly what they want to achieve before they even sign up. Are you looking to expand your network by connecting with 10 new professionals? Attend three sessions focused on M&A trends? Schedule one-on-one meetings with solution providers? Defining these goals ensures your time is well spent [2][3].
For those working with businesses under $25 million EBITA, like members of the God Bless Retirement network, focusing on sessions about business valuations, buyer sourcing, or maintaining confidentiality during transactions can be especially useful. The trick is to pinpoint the gaps in your knowledge or the challenges you’re facing and use the event to address them. Once your objectives are clear, plan your schedule to take full advantage of the event.
Plan Meetings and Manage Your Time Wisely
Smart time management is critical. Review the event agenda ahead of time and use scheduling tools to lock in meetings with key contacts, exhibitors, or speakers. Conferences like CABB and IBBA often include dedicated networking breaks and receptions - great opportunities to connect informally [1][3].
Balance is key. While educational sessions are valuable, don’t let them crowd out time for networking. Block off time for workshops, exhibitor visits, and casual conversations during coffee breaks. This way, you’ll avoid overcommitting and missing out on meaningful interactions.
Make the Most of Educational Sessions
Workshops and sessions can provide actionable insights that can reshape your practice - if you approach them strategically. Choose topics that align with your goals, participate actively, and take detailed notes. This ensures the learning doesn’t stop when the session ends.
At events like the Murphy Business 2025 Conference or the IBBA Conference, industry experts often share practical tools and strategies [2][3]. Take it a step further by following up with speakers afterward. A quick conversation or email can deepen your understanding and open doors for future collaboration.
Network with Intention
Networking is often the highlight of industry events, but it’s easy to approach it haphazardly. Come prepared with a concise introduction, plenty of business cards, and a willingness to engage in meaningful conversations. Mastermind sessions at IBBA events, for instance, are great for exchanging ideas with peers [3].
Social functions like cocktail receptions and luncheons at events such as CABB and AACFB offer a more relaxed environment to build genuine connections [1][4][3]. These informal settings can often lead to the most valuable relationships.
Follow Up to Build Long-Term Relationships
The real work begins after the event. Following up is where you turn casual conversations into lasting professional relationships. Send personalized emails or LinkedIn messages within a few days, referencing specific discussions you had. Scheduling a follow-up call or meeting within two weeks can keep the momentum going [2][3].
Use Technology to Your Advantage
Modern conferences are packed with digital tools to enhance your experience. Event apps can help you manage your schedule, connect with attendees, and access session materials. Exhibitor halls at events like IBBA often feature cutting-edge software, marketing tools, and financial resources. Sessions on emerging topics like AI-driven deal matching or virtual closings, as seen at Murphy Business and AACFB events, can also offer valuable insights [2][4].
Avoid Common Mistakes
Even seasoned brokers can fall into traps that limit their return on investment. Don’t make the mistake of attending without clear goals, neglecting to follow up, or overloading your schedule with sessions [2][3].
If you’re a first-time attendee, do your homework. Research the event and its participants, set realistic expectations, and seek out mentorship opportunities. Many conferences offer newcomer orientations and mastermind groups, which are excellent for learning and integrating into the community [2][3].
A strategic approach to industry events can yield incredible results. By setting clear goals, managing your time effectively, engaging in meaningful networking, and following up afterward, you’ll position yourself for long-term success [2][3].
Conclusion
Thriving in the business brokerage field requires more than just expertise - it demands active participation in the community. The five conferences discussed here offer some of the most valuable opportunities in 2025 to grow your career and expand your professional network.
Each event brings something different to the table. From the IBBA's unmatched networking opportunities to Murphy Business's focus on AI and automation, these gatherings cater to various aspects of the profession. By applying the strategies shared earlier, you can make the most out of each event and build connections that last well beyond the closing session.
Feedback from past attendees consistently shows that even a single impactful workshop can make the entire investment worthwhile. For instance, the AACFB Annual Conference has been a cornerstone for connecting commercial finance brokers with top funding sources for over three decades. These events are more than just meetings - they’re long-term investments in your professional relationships and skills [4].
Setting clear goals and following up strategically, as noted earlier, can turn these events into stepping stones for ongoing success. Specialized sessions on topics like business valuations, M&A processes, and maintaining confidentiality are particularly relevant for brokers working with businesses under $25 million EBITA. As highlighted by God Bless Retirement, attending these events not only sharpens your expertise but also strengthens your professional network.
Don’t forget that early registration often comes with discounted rates. Whether you attend a flagship event or multiple conferences throughout the year, preparation and intentionality are crucial. As technology continues to transform the business brokerage landscape, the importance of in-person gatherings - where high-tech meets high-touch - will only grow [1].
FAQs
What are the benefits of attending business broker conferences in 2025, and how can they help advance my career?
Attending business broker conferences in 2025 presents an excellent chance to advance your career. These gatherings bring together industry professionals, offering a platform to exchange ideas, stay informed about market developments, and learn practical strategies for success. By networking with peers and experts, you can uncover new opportunities, build partnerships, and gain insights that refine your skills.
For brokers and M&A professionals, staying up-to-date is crucial. God Bless Retirement, a family-run business brokerage, provides valuable support through services like certified business valuations and connections to a reliable network of CPAs, financial planners, and private equity specialists. Using these resources can help deepen your expertise and propel your career forward in the industry.
What’s the best way to prepare for business broker conferences in 2025 to make the most of networking and learning opportunities?
To make the most of business broker conferences in 2025, a little preparation can go a long way. Start by digging into the event agenda ahead of time. Look for sessions or speakers that align with your business goals. This way, you can prioritize your time and focus on what will benefit your business the most.
Networking is another big piece of the puzzle. Bring plenty of business cards and have a quick, clear introduction ready about what you do - like how you guide clients through buying or selling businesses. These events are great for forming connections that could open doors to future opportunities.
Don’t forget to tap into professional resources. If you collaborate with experts like CPAs or financial planners, think about how their knowledge could give you an edge during the conference. By staying organized and proactive, you’ll walk away with practical insights and meaningful new relationships.
What event sessions should business brokers handling deals under $25 million EBITA prioritize in 2025?
Business brokers handling deals with an EBITDA of less than $25 million should focus on sessions covering certified business valuations, identifying qualified buyers and sellers, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) strategies. These areas are essential for managing the challenges of smaller business transactions while ensuring confidentiality remains intact.
Workshops that delve into building professional networks can also be incredibly helpful. Connecting with CPAs, financial planners, and private equity specialists can offer brokers the tools and relationships they need to better support clients through the buying or selling process.