Conference Program

Conference Program

2024 CONFERENCE CHAIR

Blair Hyslop

Co-Owner, Co-CEO, Mrs. Dunster’s | President of The Order of the Wallace McCain Institute

Welcome to the 5th annual Business Transitions Forum in Halifax

"Join us this Spring at the Halifax Convention Centre as we unite entrepreneurs and experts to share invaluable insights and stories on the journey of business growth and transition. Whether you're in the early phases of consideration or well-advanced through the process, you'll have the opportunity to learn from industry professionals and connect with like-minded peers who can provide valuable guidance for your transition strategy."

Enjoy the conference!

Nova Scotia lawyers, consider including this course as a CPD learning activity in your mandatory annual Continuing Professional Development Plan as required by the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society.

CPAs may include this content as verifiable CPD credits.

This conference is also recognized by the Family Enterprise Canada for 7 hours of professional development for FEA designations.

All Days VIP Welcome Reception Conference

APRIL 8, 2024 | VIP WELCOME RECEPTION - BY INVITATION ONLY

APRIL 9, 2024 | CONFERENCE PROGRAM

7:15AM - 8:00AM

Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast

8:00AM – 8:10AM

Forum Overview by Conference Chair

Introduction by: Danny Connors, Business Center Manager, Nova Scotia BDC

Chair: Blair Hyslop, Co-Owner, Co-CEO, Mrs. Dunster’s | President of The Order of the Wallace McCain Institute

8:10AM - 8:40AM

The Big Picture: Economic Outlook For Entrepreneurs Over The Next 12-24 Months

The decisions you make today will ultimately impact your business in the future. This session will provide insights into both a macro view of the economy, as well as cast a lens on regional and industry sector differences. What are the economic factors that will impact the next 12 months? You will walk away with:

An overview of the current and future economic conditions and market trends that business owners need to consider when thinking about your business.
The impacts on the changing cost of capital – is relief finally on the way?
An understanding of how these trends impact your business.
Insights into the current M&A environment, such as industry consolidations, leading acquirers and other factors which might affect the future of your business.

Speaker:
Michael Denham, Executive Vice President, Commercial & Private Banking, National Bank

8:40AM – 9:15AM

The Roadmap To Transition: How To Build A Saleable Business

Whether the sale of your business is on the horizon or many years away, most experts agree that it can take years to optimally structure a company to increase the probability of a successful sale. Who’s to know if and when there may come a knock on your door? What exactly should you be doing now in order to get your business ready?

This session will provide you with an understanding of the extensiveness of the process and how much advanced planning is required so that you can build your own roadmap with exactly what you need for a successful transition.

A step-by-step overview of the mechanics of selling and/or transitioning a business
At what stage should you be considering hiring advisors or other transition experts
How to mitigate risk to maximize reward and successfully exit your business with confidence

Speaker:
Rob Normandeau, President, SeaFort Capital

9:15AM – 10:00AM

Elevate Your Performance, Elevate Your Business: The Nexus of Sustainable High Performance

In the relentless pursuit of your company’s growth, you constantly push the boundaries of what’s achievable, both personally and professionally. You’ve encountered setbacks, surmounted challenges, and reveled in the exhilarating highs of your entrepreneurial journey. Yet, have you considered the toll this journey takes on your well-being and how that directly affects your company’s performance?

This session will provide you with an exploration of the intricate relationship between personal sustainable high performance and the success of your business. Drawing from the unfiltered stories of high-growth entrepreneurs, insights drawn from athletes, and a top high performance medical professional you’ll gain a comprehensive perspective on the keys to enduring the tumultuous waves of entrepreneurship without losing yourself or compromising your vision of success. We will go deep into the realms of self-awareness, authenticity, biohacking, personalizing your optimization strategies, dealing with your ego, shifting your mindset, and the art of confronting one’s inner demons.

Key takeaways: To reshape your understanding of sustainable high performance and provide you with some tools to elevate your game across the varying seasons of your life and ensure you and your company thrive for the long haul. Elevate your performance, and in the process, elevate your business.

Moderator: Dawn Umlah, Growth & Transition Executive

Panel:
Dr. Nikole MacLellan (Dr. Kokes), Naturopathic Doctor, Registered Dietitian
Thomas Rankin, Co-founder & CEO, Dash Hudson

10:00AM – 10:45AM

Networking & Coffee Break

10:45AM – 11:45AM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions on Business Growth

Understanding Your Liquidity Options – What’s Best For Your Business?

You’re contemplating ways to turn years of hard work into cash, but what are your options? Should you look to your senior management team as potential investors, assuming they are interested and able to invest in your business? Should you look outside your firm for strategic buyers? Could private equity, search funds or other entities provide liquidity opportunities? In this session, a panel of experts will help you learn what distinguishes different classes of buyers, depending on your size of business, and what other options you have to generate capital. The panel will address the pros and cons of various options that could allow you to take some chips off the table.

Strategic buyers
Private equity
Going public
Buying out partners
Management buyouts
Other recapitalization options

Moderator: Sally Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Wallace McCain Institute

Panel:
Donna Alteen, Founder & CEO, Time + Space Media
Dave Doucette, Regional Vice President, Atlantic, Roynat Capital
Jillian Murray, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP

Growth By Acquisition: What You Need To Know Before Buying A Business

Considerations For Acquisitive Entrepreneurs

Implementing an outbound M&A strategy at your company is a high-value, high stakes game. How can you establish your M&A Mindset? The M&A processis intensive, with many steps – it can often take many months to identify acquisition targets, initiate and close transactions – all while you’re still operating your business. Learn how to operate and run your business while embedding process that will improve M&A outcomes.

Identifying and comparing acquisition strategies for your business
Financing acquisitions
Examples of successful and failed acquisitions

Moderator: Kirk Cornell, Director, Growth and Transition Capital, BDC

Panel:
Scott Duke, Founder & Lead Advisor, OpnRoad
Denis Gallant, CEO, East Coast Dental Group
Deanne MacLeod, Partner, Stewart McKelvey

Successful Scaling: Actionable Growth Strategies To Quickly Expand Your Business

The perfect time to start expanding your business was yesterday! The world of business is fast paced and understanding the best practices to scale yours is crucial.

How do you best diversify your offerings? What about strategies for amplifying your marketing efforts? Should you expand locations and, if so, when? Is it the right time to penetrate a new market? How do you know?

Join a panel of entrepreneurs who have exponentially grown their businesses as they arm you with top strategies for effective scaling while also helping you navigate the challenges of growth. You’ll walk away with immediately actionable tips to prepare your business for substantial growth – even amidst the uncertainties of a tightening economy!

In this panel discussion, you will:

Learn proven growth strategies that will drive significant business growth in real-world scenarios.
Assess your readiness for expansion and when the right time is to scale up.
Understand the changes you must make for sustained growth
Get insights into major mistakes most business owners make when scaling (and learn how to avoid them)!
Receive hands-on advice from a panel of accomplished business owners & knowledgeable financial experts to help you scale your business in a changing economic landscape.”

You’ll leave this discussion with the confidence, practical strategies, and tools necessary to grow your business successfully.

Moderator: Ana McRae, Entrepreneur Coach & Founder, Ana McRae Coaching Corp.

Panel:
Drew Barbour, Managing Director, MC Advisory
Will Bernard, Chief Operating Officer, Kindred Home Care
Lori Weir, CEO & Co-Founder, Four Eyes Financial

11:45AM – 12:45PM

Networking Lunch

12:45PM – 1:15PM

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Will It Destroy My Business Or Force Me To Rethink My Business?

Speaker:
Souha Sabbagh, Analytics Innovation Principal Director, Accenture

1:25PM – 2:15PM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions on Planning for Transition

Maximizing Value – Understanding Buyers & How To Negotiate With Them

This session will focus on exploring the different types of potential buyers for your company and how you can increase the value of your business even before the negotiation process begins.

You will learn:

Strategies to build the “Value” that buyers are seeking before entering the market
Techniques to protect the value you’ve built during the selling and/or exiting process
How to decide on the breadth and nature of a sale process 
Which terms have an impact on price, and which do not 
The roles an advisor can play through the sale process, and when and how to manage them.

Moderator: Trisha Mossey, Partner, Confederation M&A

Panel:
Jordan Fraser, Former President, United Janitorial
Jeffrey McCain, Founder & President, Woodward Capital
Michael Notto, Partner, Growth Equity, BDC Capital
Julie Robinson, Emerging Companies Group Lead, Partner, McInnes Cooper

You’ve Decided to Sell, Now What? – Understanding the next steps

It’s time to figure out a strategy to sell your business but you’re not sure where to start. Do you hire an advisor or banker, and what are the pros and cons of different approaches? How do you best prepare for the process (e.g., getting a data room set up, gathering information, building a forecast model, preparing a pitch deck, aligning your senior executive etc.)? How do you find potential buyers or create a bidding process? What are the pros and cons of pursuing a strategic buyer versus financial buyer?

Moderator: Tom Hamilton-Piercy, CFA, Director, Baker Tilly (Canada) Capital

Panel:
Tim Blais, Founder & Broker, Gateway Business Brokers
Robert Gale, General Partner, Rothesay Capital Partners
Corinne Larkin, Atlantic Regional Director, CBV Institute Board of Directors & Principal, Grant Thornton LLP
Adrian Snow, Partner, Founders East Capital Partners

Post Integration: The 100-Day Post-Closing Plan

Long-term thinking about your business is an enormous endeavor, the process of a sale can throw that thinking into chaos. One of the most important elements that gets lost is what happens after the deal is signed. Having a post-closing plan to ensure that team, customers, vendors and operational systems are integrated into the new regime is essential so as not to disrupt the company’s performance and integrity.

Through an interactive discussion you’ll gain:

Expert insights on operational change management
Best practices for transitioning culture
Strategies for communicating to customers and vendors about change in ownership
Suggestions on how to plan for significant shifts in personal wealth

Moderator: Steve Foran, Founder, Gratitude at Work Limited | Master Certified Forum Chair, MacKay CEO Forums

Panel:
Jennifer DeWare, President & Founder, Visualiiz Management Consulting
John Kirkpatrick, Managing Director, Partner, STS Capital Partners
Brian Wood CFP, FMA, CIM, Regional Vice President, IG Wealth Management

2:15PM - 2:45PM

Afternoon Networking & Coffee Break

2:45PM – 3:15PM

Secrets From The Other Side: A Buyer’s Perspective

This keynote promises to provide a fresh perspective on the intricate dynamics of business transactions from the buyer’s side of the table. The art of buying a business is a complex dance of strategy, diligence, and foresight. Come with us and explore the fundamental differences in perspective between buyers and sellers, uncover what buyers are looking for and the learn about the challenges they strive to avoid (and look for).

Key Takeaways:

Challenges Faced by the Buyer: Understand the unique challenges that buyers encounter as they navigate the investment process. From identifying the right opportunities to conducting thorough due diligence, we’ll uncover the hurdles that can make or break a deal.
Keys to Closing a Transaction: Gain actionable insights into the strategies and tactics that buyers employ to successfully close deals. Learn what it takes to secure the best possible terms and ensure a seamless transition.
Pitfalls to Avoid: Explore the common pitfalls that buyers must be vigilant against. Discover how to steer clear of costly mistakes and protect your investment from potential risks.

Speaker:
Mark Brodkin, Private Equity National Head, Roynat Capital

3:15PM - 4:00PM

Done Deal: A Roundtable Discussion With Entrepreneurs Who Have Sold

Hear from a panel of business owners who have gone through transition with their business and now have the opportunity to share their tales from the trenches. This panel will share insights on:

What they wish they had known at the beginning of their transition journey and what would they have done differently
Did they get the price they asked for based on timing and deal terms
Key learnings they have brought into their next endeavours
The personal side of post-transition

Moderator: Blair Hyslop, Co-Owner, Co-CEO, Mrs. Dunster’s | President of The Order of the Wallace McCain Institute

Panel:
Cathy Bennett, Founding & Managing Partner, Sandpiper Ventures
Brian Schryer, CAIB, AIPC, CEO, Kent & White Insurance

4:00PM – 5:00PM

Cocktails & Conversation Networking Reception

Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice

APRIL 9, 2024 | CONFERENCE PROGRAM

7:15AM - 8:00AM

Registration, Networking & Continental Breakfast

8:00AM – 8:10AM

Forum Overview by Conference Chair

Introduction by: Danny Connors, Business Center Manager, Nova Scotia BDC

Chair: Blair Hyslop, Co-Owner, Co-CEO, Mrs. Dunster’s | President of The Order of the Wallace McCain Institute

8:10AM - 8:40AM

The Big Picture: Economic Outlook For Entrepreneurs Over The Next 12-24 Months

An overview of the current and future economic conditions and market trends that business owners need to consider when thinking about your business.
The impacts on the changing cost of capital – is relief finally on the way?
An understanding of how these trends impact your business.
Insights into the current M&A environment, such as industry consolidations, leading acquirers and other factors which might affect the future of your business.

Speaker:
Michael Denham, Executive Vice President, Commercial & Private Banking, National Bank

8:40AM – 9:15AM

The Roadmap To Transition: How To Build A Saleable Business

A step-by-step overview of the mechanics of selling and/or transitioning a business
At what stage should you be considering hiring advisors or other transition experts
How to mitigate risk to maximize reward and successfully exit your business with confidence

Speaker:
Rob Normandeau, President, SeaFort Capital

9:15AM – 10:00AM

Elevate Your Performance, Elevate Your Business: The Nexus of Sustainable High Performance

Moderator: Dawn Umlah, Growth & Transition Executive

Panel:
Dr. Nikole MacLellan (Dr. Kokes), Naturopathic Doctor, Registered Dietitian
Thomas Rankin, Co-founder & CEO, Dash Hudson

10:00AM – 10:45AM

Networking & Coffee Break

10:45AM – 11:45AM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions on Business Growth

Understanding Your Liquidity Options – What’s Best For Your Business?

Strategic buyers
Private equity
Going public
Buying out partners
Management buyouts
Other recapitalization options

Moderator: Sally Ng, Chief Executive Officer, Wallace McCain Institute

Panel:
Donna Alteen, Founder & CEO, Time + Space Media
Dave Doucette, Regional Vice President, Atlantic, Roynat Capital
Jillian Murray, Partner, Grant Thornton LLP

Growth By Acquisition: What You Need To Know Before Buying A Business

Considerations For Acquisitive Entrepreneurs

Identifying and comparing acquisition strategies for your business
Financing acquisitions
Examples of successful and failed acquisitions

Moderator: Kirk Cornell, Director, Growth and Transition Capital, BDC

Panel:
Scott Duke, Founder & Lead Advisor, OpnRoad
Denis Gallant, CEO, East Coast Dental Group
Deanne MacLeod, Partner, Stewart McKelvey

Successful Scaling: Actionable Growth Strategies To Quickly Expand Your Business

Learn proven growth strategies that will drive significant business growth in real-world scenarios.
Assess your readiness for expansion and when the right time is to scale up.
Understand the changes you must make for sustained growth
Get insights into major mistakes most business owners make when scaling (and learn how to avoid them)!
Receive hands-on advice from a panel of accomplished business owners & knowledgeable financial experts to help you scale your business in a changing economic landscape.”

You’ll leave this discussion with the confidence, practical strategies, and tools necessary to grow your business successfully.

Moderator: Ana McRae, Entrepreneur Coach & Founder, Ana McRae Coaching Corp.

Panel:
Drew Barbour, Managing Director, MC Advisory
Will Bernard, Chief Operating Officer, Kindred Home Care
Lori Weir, CEO & Co-Founder, Four Eyes Financial

11:45AM – 12:45PM

Networking Lunch

12:45PM – 1:15PM

LUNCHEON KEYNOTE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Will It Destroy My Business Or Force Me To Rethink My Business?

Speaker:
Souha Sabbagh, Analytics Innovation Principal Director, Accenture

1:25PM – 2:15PM

Concurrent Breakout Sessions on Planning for Transition

Maximizing Value – Understanding Buyers & How To Negotiate With Them

This session will focus on exploring the different types of potential buyers for your company and how you can increase the value of your business even before the negotiation process begins.

You will learn:

Strategies to build the “Value” that buyers are seeking before entering the market
Techniques to protect the value you’ve built during the selling and/or exiting process
How to decide on the breadth and nature of a sale process 
Which terms have an impact on price, and which do not 
The roles an advisor can play through the sale process, and when and how to manage them.

Moderator: Trisha Mossey, Partner, Confederation M&A

You’ve Decided to Sell, Now What? – Understanding the next steps

Moderator: Tom Hamilton-Piercy, CFA, Director, Baker Tilly (Canada) Capital

Post Integration: The 100-Day Post-Closing Plan

Through an interactive discussion you’ll gain:

Expert insights on operational change management
Best practices for transitioning culture
Strategies for communicating to customers and vendors about change in ownership
Suggestions on how to plan for significant shifts in personal wealth

Moderator: Steve Foran, Founder, Gratitude at Work Limited | Master Certified Forum Chair, MacKay CEO Forums

2:15PM - 2:45PM

Afternoon Networking & Coffee Break

2:45PM – 3:15PM

Secrets From The Other Side: A Buyer’s Perspective

Key Takeaways:

Challenges Faced by the Buyer: Understand the unique challenges that buyers encounter as they navigate the investment process. From identifying the right opportunities to conducting thorough due diligence, we’ll uncover the hurdles that can make or break a deal.
Keys to Closing a Transaction: Gain actionable insights into the strategies and tactics that buyers employ to successfully close deals. Learn what it takes to secure the best possible terms and ensure a seamless transition.
Pitfalls to Avoid: Explore the common pitfalls that buyers must be vigilant against. Discover how to steer clear of costly mistakes and protect your investment from potential risks.

Speaker:
Mark Brodkin, Private Equity National Head, Roynat Capital

3:15PM - 4:00PM

Done Deal: A Roundtable Discussion With Entrepreneurs Who Have Sold

Hear from a panel of business owners who have gone through transition with their business and now have the opportunity to share their tales from the trenches. This panel will share insights on:

What they wish they had known at the beginning of their transition journey and what would they have done differently
Did they get the price they asked for based on timing and deal terms
Key learnings they have brought into their next endeavours
The personal side of post-transition

Moderator: Blair Hyslop, Co-Owner, Co-CEO, Mrs. Dunster’s | President of The Order of the Wallace McCain Institute

Panel:
Cathy Bennett, Founding & Managing Partner, Sandpiper Ventures
Brian Schryer, CAIB, AIPC, CEO, Kent & White Insurance

4:00PM – 5:00PM

Cocktails & Conversation Networking Reception

Program, Schedule, and Speakers Subject to Change Without Notice

Mark Brodkin

Pierre Cléroux

Donna Alteen

Don Montgomery

Drew Barbour

Cathy Bennett

Will Bernard

Tim Blais

Danny Connors

Kirk Cornell

Michael Denham

Jennifer DeWare

Dave Doucette

Scott Duke

Steve Foran

Jordan Fraser

Robert Gale

Denis Gallant

Tom Hamilton-Piercy

Mike McIsaac

Corinne Larkin

Dr. Nikole MacLellan (Dr. Kokes)

Michael Crouse

Rhiannon Davies

Jeffrey McCain

David Allardice

Michael Notto

Axel Christiansen

Ana McRae

Prentice Durbin

Trisha Mossey

Andrew Kemper

John Kirkpatrick

Alan Chettiar

Jamie Angus

Tara Landes

Jillian Murray

Rob Normandeau

Chris Boudreau

Yves Boudreau

Matthew Cassidy, CPA, CA

Mark Gagnier

Kristi Miller

Sally Ng

Blair Hyslop

Danielle Daigle

Wade K. Dawe

Jennifer Deleskie

Kleo Landucci

Julia Rivard Dexter

Ryan Norton

Kevin Fraser

Christine Pound

Thomas Rankin

Ryan Kennedy

Gerry Lanigan

Levi Lawrence

Paul LeBlanc

Lauren Ledwell

Suzanne Loomer

Debby Carreau

Jim Crooks

Grant Foster

Tracey McVicar

Calle Johnson

Steve Chen

Tom Kramer

Brian MacIsaac

Mackenzie Regent

Chris MacIntyre

Samuel Li

Tim Houston

Jeff Mackenzie

Christine Bell

Steve Bragg

Dan Jennings

Sarah Campbell

Wayne Chamberlain

James Dent