Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The AccountingToday PE Summit 2026 is a premier event for accounting professionals, focusing on the intersection of private equity and the accounting industry.
Taking place from November 16 to 19 at the Loews Chicago Hotel, this summit will feature expert-led sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions on the future of accounting in a private equity context.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into trends, challenges, and strategies shaping the industry.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The AccountingToday PE Summit 2026 takes place from November 16 to 19 at Loews Chicago Hotel, Chicago, United States.
- 2Scale and Focus: This summit focuses on private equity in the accounting sector, attracting industry leaders and decision-makers.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Accounting Today, a leading resource for public accountants.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include accounting firm leaders, private equity investors, and industry advisors.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is available online, with various pricing options for different attendee categories.
Why visit
Attending the AccountingToday PE Summit 2026 offers invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders and decision-makers. Gain insights into the latest trends in private equity and how they impact the accounting profession. Participate in expert-led sessions that provide actionable strategies for navigating the evolving landscape of accounting.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the AccountingToday PE Summit 2026 provides access to a targeted audience of accounting firm leaders and private equity investors. Showcase your solutions and services to decision-makers looking for innovative approaches to enhance their firms. Benefit from exclusive networking opportunities that can lead to valuable partnerships and business growth.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Managing partners and partners at CPA and accounting firms evaluating private equity investment, recapitalization, or succession options.
Founders and owners of accounting practices preparing for a sale, merger, or next-stage capital partner.
Private equity investors and deal teams sourcing accounting-sector platform and add-on acquisitions.
M&A advisors, investment bankers, and transaction advisers focused on accounting-firm deals.
Valuation, quality-of-earnings, and due-diligence specialists serving accounting-firm transactions.
Legal counsel structuring partnerships, transactions, and regulatory compliance for CPA firms.
Practice-management and technology vendors supporting PE-backed accounting platforms.
Consultants advising accounting firms on growth, integration, and operating models.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Private equity firms and family offices seeking accounting-sector platform or add-on investments.
M&A advisory and investment banking firms with accounting-firm transaction practices.
Valuation, quality-of-earnings, and due-diligence providers serving CPA-firm deals.
Law firms with partnership, tax, and transaction expertise in professional services.
Practice-management, cloud accounting, and data-analytics vendors targeting PE-backed firms.
Recruiting, leadership, and integration consultancies that support post-close growth.
Insurance and risk providers serving accounting firms and professional-services platforms.
Capital providers and lenders financing accounting-firm acquisitions and recapitalizations.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Succession and partner-transition planning for accounting firms.
Private equity investment, recapitalization, and platform formation.
M&A deal sourcing, origination, and target pipelines.
Valuation, quality-of-earnings, and financial due diligence.
Transaction structuring, tax, and legal advisory for CPA-firm deals.
Post-close integration, operations, and practice management.
Technology, data, and cloud platforms for PE-backed accounting firms.
Talent, leadership, and recruiting solutions for growing accounting platforms.
Location & Facilities
Venue
Loews Chicago Hotel
455 North Park Drive, Chicago, IL 60611
Facilities
Parking
Loews Chicago Hotel in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Loews Chicago Hotel in Chicago typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Loews Chicago Hotel for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Accounting Firms
850Private Equity Firms
3750Legal Firms
3750All Other Professionals
3750
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Chicago, United States
Why it matters
Attending the AccountingToday PE Summit 2026 offers invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders and decision-makers. Gain insights into the latest trends in private equity and how they impact the accounting profession.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Chicago O'Hare International
ORD is Chicago's main international gateway. Take the CTA Blue Line toward downtown or a taxi/rideshare to Loews Chicago Hotel; confirm live traffic and fares before travel
Approx. 17 mi / 27 km
to venue
Approx. 35-55 min by car; 45-60 min by CTA Blue Line plus walk or rideshare
by car
Chicago Midway International
MDW is closer to downtown and served by the CTA Orange Line. Use the Orange Line to the Loop, then a short rideshare or bus to Streeterville; confirm live routes and fares
Approx. 12 mi / 19 km
to venue
Approx. 25-40 min by car; 30-45 min by CTA Orange Line plus walk or rideshare
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Loews Chicago Hotel (venue hotel)
Streeterville, downtown Chicago
USD 220–380 / night
The event venue is itself a hotel. Approximate November 2026 nightly band; book early because availability tightens around the PE Summit. Confirm live rates, taxes, and cancellation terms.
sourceStreeterville / Magnificent Mile 4-star comparable
Streeterville / Magnificent Mile
Approximate nightly band for a comparable full-service hotel within walking distance or a short rideshare of the venue. Confirm live availability.
River North 4-star
River North
River North is a short bus or rideshare ride from Loews Chicago Hotel, with restaurants and evening options nearby. Approximate nightly band; confirm rates.
Downtown Chicago 3-star
Loop / River North
Budget-oriented downtown option; add taxi or CTA costs to reach Streeterville. Approximate nightly band, confirm taxes and fees.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
CTA Blue Line ('L' train)
Estimated costApprox. USD 5.00 one-way from O'Hare on the CTA Blue Line; standard 'L' fare is approx. USD 2.50 elsewhere. Confirm current Ventra fares.
Best forO'Hare International (ORD) to downtown Chicago
Blue Line trains run from ORD into downtown Chicago. From the nearest downtown station, walk or take a short rideshare to Loews Chicago Hotel in Streeterville.
CTA Orange Line ('L' train)
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.50 one-way on the CTA Orange Line; confirm current Ventra fares.
Best forChicago Midway International (MDW) to Loews Chicago Hotel
The Orange Line connects MDW to the Loop. From downtown, use a short bus or rideshare to reach Streeterville and Loews Chicago Hotel.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. USD taxi/rideshare from ORD to venue (estimate; confirm before travel)
Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to Loews Chicago Hotel
A direct taxi is the simplest option with luggage. Allow 35-55 min depending on traffic; compare against the CTA Blue Line plus a short rideshare.
rideshare
Estimated costApprox. USD 40-65 for Uber or Lyft depending on surge and time; confirm in-app quote.
Best forChicago O'Hare International (ORD) to Loews Chicago Hotel
Follow airport signs to the designated rideshare pickup zone at ORD. From MDW, rideshare to Streeterville is typically shorter and cheaper.
parking
Estimated costApprox. USD 45-75 per night at downtown Chicago hotels and garages; confirm the venue rate.
Best forLoews Chicago Hotel and downtown Chicago
On-site parking is available at Loews Chicago Hotel. Confirm self-park or valet rates, height restrictions, and whether event attendees receive a discount.
bus
Estimated costApprox. USD 2.25 single CTA bus fare; confirm current Ventra fares.
Best forDowntown Chicago to Loews Chicago Hotel / Streeterville
CTA buses connect the Loop, River North, and Streeterville. Use a Ventra card or contactless payment and allow extra time in poor weather.
Weather
November in Chicago is late autumn: approximate daytime highs 45-50 F (7-10 C), overnight lows 32-38 F (0-3 C), with wind off Lake Michigan, rain, and occasional early snow. Check a local forecast before travel and pack layers.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
U.S. mobile networks use 4G and 5G, and eSIM plans from major carriers are widely available for international visitors. Loews Chicago Hotel and nearby hotels typically provide Wi-Fi; confirm access with the venue. Power is 120V, 60Hz, Type A/B plugs, so visitors from most other regions need a plug adapter and, for non-dual-voltage devices, a voltage converter.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is the norm for accounting and private equity conferences in Chicago. Most attendees wear blazers, collared shirts, or smart separates.
Tipping
Restaurant servers typically receive 18-22 percent, and bartenders about USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis and rideshares commonly add 15-20 percent.
Weather and walkability
Streeterville is walkable, but November wind and rain can make a warm coat and comfortable waterproof shoes essential.
Arrival and badge pickup
Allow extra time on the first morning for registration and badge pickup at Loews Chicago Hotel, especially if sessions start early.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ORD
Captured fare checks for 16-20 November 2026 show nonstop LHR-ORD around 8 hr 45 min, nonstop DXB-ORD at 15 hr 25 min, and JFK-ORD round trips from USD 267. London and Dubai fares were flagged as currently high, while Tokyo and Sydney were typical, so lock long-haul seats early and compare MDW only if the fare saving justifies the extra transfer.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Chicago O'Hare International (ORD): Approx. 35-55 min by car; 45-60 min by CTA Blue Line plus walk or rideshare; Chicago Midway International (MDW): Approx. 25-40 min by car; 30-45 min by CTA Orange Line plus walk or rideshare. Allow road or rail time to Loews Chicago Hotel; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Loews Chicago Hotel: Streeterville, downtown Chicago: Loews Chicago Hotel (venue hotel); Streeterville / Magnificent Mile: Streeterville / Magnificent Mile 4-star comparable; River North: River North 4-star.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Chicago. At ORD, follow signs to the designated rideshare pickup zone; at MDW, use the marked rideshare area. Approximate fares to Streeterville are USD 40-65 from ORD and USD 25-40 from MDW, depending on surge and traffic. Confirm the in-app quote before riding.
Public transit: CTA 'L' trains connect both airports to downtown: the Blue Line from ORD and the Orange Line from MDW. Use a Ventra card or contactless payment; the standard 'L' fare is approximately USD 2.50, with a higher fare from the O'Hare station. From downtown stations, a short bus or rideshare reaches Loews Chicago Hotel in Streeterville.
Parking: Loews Chicago Hotel offers on-site parking, with downtown Chicago rates typically in the approximate USD 45-75 per night range. Confirm current self-park or valet rates with the hotel and ask whether PE Summit attendees receive a discount.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: November
Temperature: Approx. 32-50 F (0-10 C); wind chill can make it feel colder, especially near the lake.
Seasonality: Rain is common in November, and early snow is possible. Lake-effect wind adds chill, so plan for wet sidewalks and variable conditions.
Packing: Bring a warm coat, removable layers, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella. Meeting rooms may be heated, so dress in layers that work indoors and outdoors.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at AccountingToday PE Summit 2026 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm your PE Summit registration category, whether accounting firm, private equity, legal, or other professional, and save the confirmation.
Day 13
Book Loews Chicago Hotel or a Streeterville backup hotel; November rates rise as the event nears.
Day 12
Compare flights into ORD and MDW, and book a refundable or changeable fare where possible.
Day 11
Review the schedule and mark sessions on succession, valuation, deal structuring, and integration.
Day 10
Prepare a one-page summary of your firm's deal, capital, or succession goals for 1:1 conversations.
Day 9
Check U.S. entry requirements, including ESTA or visa needs, and confirm passport validity.
Day 8
Arrange your airport transfer by CTA Blue or Orange Line, taxi, or rideshare.
Day 7
Download the schedule and venue map, and note the Loews Chicago Hotel meeting-room locations.
Day 6
Confirm mobile connectivity and hotel Wi-Fi; set up an eSIM if travelling from outside the U.S.
Day 5
Pack business casual layers, a warm coat, and waterproof shoes for Chicago in November.
Day 4
Save your registration confirmation and a photo ID for badge pickup.
Day 3
Reconfirm meetings and dinner reservations in Streeterville or River North.
Day 2
Check the local forecast and allow extra time for traffic or CTA delays.
Day 1
Arrive, collect your badge, and test the route between your hotel and the venue.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Loews Chicago Hotel
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2AccountingToday PE Summit 2026 registration concourse
Loews Chicago Hotel
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Loews Chicago Hotel
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$250.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$400.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Cost reference
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visitor_ticket
visitor · General admission
USD 850 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General admission | USD 850 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether AccountingToday PE Summit 2026 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For AccountingToday PE Summit 2026, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your role needs the sessions and the downtown location more than a large exhibition hall footprint.
Best for
Delegates whose programme is hosted in Loews Chicago Hotel meeting space and who need a downtown Streeterville base within walking distance of sessions.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks ahead for registration plus flight and hotel booking around the 16-19 November 2026 stay window.
Risks
Google Hotels returned no availability rows for the captured 16-19 November 2026 dates, so room rates must be re-checked live.
Long-haul fares from London and Dubai were flagged as currently high in capture.
exhibit
Your product suits a compact, high-intent hotel-based audience in downtown Chicago.
Best for
Suppliers and sponsors who need direct access to delegates gathered in a single downtown Chicago hotel venue rather than a convention centre hall.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for space booking, freight planning to a downtown hotel loading setup, and pre-event promotion.
Risks
Hotel meeting-space capacity charts must be reviewed before committing to stand or tabletop dimensions.
No booth or sponsorship pricing appears in the captures, so confirm rates with the organiser.
skip
Your display, logistics or audience fit is better served by a convention-centre format this cycle.
Best for
Teams that need a large machinery footprint, outdoor exhibits, or heavy-equipment handling that a downtown hotel venue cannot support.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Platform investment
- The initial private equity investment in an accounting firm that becomes the base for later add-on acquisitions and a buy-and-build strategy.
- Add-on acquisition
- A smaller accounting practice bought to bolt onto a platform firm, adding clients, talent, or geographic coverage.
- Buy-and-build
- A private equity strategy that combines a platform accounting firm with multiple add-ons to grow revenue, service lines, and market reach.
- EBITDA
- Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, a common measure used to compare accounting-firm profitability and value deals.
- Quality of earnings
- A due-diligence review that tests whether an accounting firm's reported earnings are sustainable and properly adjusted for one-time items.
- Letter of intent
- A document outlining the proposed price, structure, and key terms of an accounting-firm transaction before final due diligence and definitive agreements.
- Recapitalization
- A capital restructuring in which an accounting firm sells part of its equity to a private equity investor while existing partners may retain or roll over ownership.
- Management rollover
- An arrangement where an accounting firm's partners or managers reinvest part of their sale proceeds into equity of the new PE-backed entity.
- Multiple arbitrage
- The valuation spread between what a platform firm pays for add-on accounting practices and the higher multiple applied to the combined platform.
- Succession planning
- The process of preparing partner retirements, ownership transitions, and leadership handovers at an accounting firm, often linked to a sale or recapitalization.
- Seller's discretionary earnings
- An earnings measure for owner-operated accounting practices that adds back owner compensation and certain discretionary expenses to show normalized cash flow.
- Deal pipeline
- The set of prospective accounting-firm acquisition targets that a private equity platform or strategic buyer is tracking and developing.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- AccountingToday PE Summit 2026 Chicago
- AccountingToday PE Summit Chicago 2026
- PE 2026
- PE Chicago 2026
- Chicago United States
- Conference Chicago 2026
- Conference Event Chicago
- Accounting software and technology solutions.
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.