Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
DealCon is a unique summit focused on mergers and acquisitions, bringing together serious founders and dealmakers. Scheduled for October 19-21, 2026, at the Archer Hotel in Austin, Texas, this event offers a curated environment for networking and learning.
Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders on acquisition strategies and have opportunities to build meaningful connections. DealCon takes place in Austin, USA.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: DealCon takes place from October 19-21, 2026, at Archer Hotel Austin, Texas.
- 2Scale and Focus: This summit is designed for 150 vetted leaders focusing on M&A strategies and networking.
- 3Organiser: Hosted by Deal Boardroom, known for connecting entrepreneurs with acquisition opportunities.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include 7- to 9-figure business founders and CEOs looking to scale through acquisitions.
- 5Entry / Access: Various ticket options available, including VIP experiences and general admission.
Why visit
Attending DealCon provides access to exclusive M&A strategies and networking with top entrepreneurs. Participants will learn from successful founders and gain insights into scaling their businesses through acquisitions. The event fosters an intimate environment for relationship building, ensuring attendees leave with actionable strategies and valuable connections.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at DealCon allows businesses to connect with high-caliber entrepreneurs actively seeking acquisition opportunities. Exhibitors can showcase their services to a targeted audience of decision-makers, enhancing visibility and engagement. This summit is a unique platform for establishing partnerships and driving growth through strategic collaborations.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
7- to 9-figure business founders
CEOs looking to scale through acquisitions
Investment professionals seeking M&A opportunities
Business development executives in the M&A space
Entrepreneurs preparing for exits
Capital partners funding acquisitions
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
M&A advisory firms
Investment banks specializing in business sales
Consultants offering acquisition strategies
Legal firms focused on M&A transactions
Financial service providers for business valuations
Marketing agencies targeting M&A professionals
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
M&A consulting services
Investment opportunities in startups
Business valuation services
Legal services for mergers and acquisitions
Financial advisory for business growth
Networking platforms for entrepreneurs
Location & Facilities
Venue
Archer Hotel Austin
3121 Palm Way, Austin, TX 78758
Facilities
Parking
Archer Hotel Austin in Austin 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: Archer Hotel Austin in Austin 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 Archer Hotel Austin for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
General Admission
2997DealMaker Access
3747VIP Experience
4747
Who runs the show
Organisers
Deal Boardroom
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Austin, USA
Why it matters
Attending DealCon on 2026-10-19 to 2026-10-21 in Austin lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
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.
Austin-Bergstrom International
to venue
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Archer Hotel Austin (host venue hotel)
upscale
AustinThe host venue property referenced for this edition; staying on site removes transfer time and makes hallway meetings easier. Confirm event room-block rates and cancellation terms directly with the hotel.
Downtown Austin business hotels
mid-range
Downtown AustinDowntown gives the best balance of walkability, restaurants, and proximity to meeting venues. Rates climb during major city events, so book early.
Select-service hotels near AUS and the north Austin corridor
budget
Airport corridor and north AustinLower nightly rates but higher transport cost and time; useful if you are driving in or arriving late. Confirm parking charges before booking.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi or rideshare
Estimated costUSD 35-75 taxi or rideshare to the venue district
Best forAustin-Bergstrom International (AUS) to Archer Hotel Austin
Uber and Lyft operate across Austin, including designated airport pickup areas, and taxis are available at the terminal. Surge pricing is common during event evenings.
public transit (CapMetro)
Estimated costApprox. USD 1.25-3.50 for a single ride, with day passes available; confirm current CapMetro fares
Best forAUS and downtown Austin local bus and MetroRail Red Line
CapMetro bus route 20 connects the airport with downtown, and the MetroRail Red Line serves the north Austin corridor. Service is thinner outside the central core, so many business visitors combine transit with rideshare.
rental car
Estimated costApprox. USD 40-90 per day plus parking, which can add USD 20-45 per day downtown
Best forAUS pickup to Austin hotels and the venue district
Useful if you plan to visit companies outside central Austin, but downtown parking and traffic make it less convenient for a meeting-led event week.
walking
Estimated costNo fare
Best forDowntown Austin hotels to venue district
Central Austin is walkable in good weather, and October conditions are usually comfortable for a 10-20 minute walk between hotels and meeting venues.
Weather
October 2026 in Austin. Expect a warm, mostly sunny month with occasional showers: daytime highs typically around 78-88 F (26-31 C) and overnight lows around 58-68 F (14-20 C). Humidity is lower than the summer peak, and there is no expectation of snow or freezing conditions. These are approximate climatological bands; confirm the live forecast shortly before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Austin has broad 4G and 5G mobile coverage across the city centre, the airport corridor, and the venue district, and hotels and meeting venues typically provide Wi-Fi, which can slow down during peak session times. US mains power is 120 V at 60 Hz using Type A and Type B plugs, so visitors from Europe or the UK need a plug adapter and, for some devices, a voltage converter. If you are travelling internationally, check your roaming plan or buy a prepaid US eSIM or SIM card on arrival, and confirm data allowances with your carrier before you fly.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Austin is a casual city, so business casual is the norm, with a jacket sensible for keynote sessions and evening networking. Comfortable shoes matter if you move between meeting rooms, the host hotel, and downtown venues.
Tipping
Tipping is expected in the United States: around 15-20 percent at restaurants, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and USD 2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
Punctuality
Meetings and one-to-one slots start on time and are usually tightly scheduled. Arrive a few minutes early, keep your own conversations to length, and leave buffer time between back-to-back meetings.
Conversation style
Dealmaking conversations in Austin tend to be direct but informal, and a short personal introduction before business is normal. A one-page summary of your fund, mandate, or target profile helps move a first meeting toward a concrete next step.
Getting around
Austin is car-centric outside the walkable downtown core, so rideshare is the default for short business trips. Distances that look small on a map can take longer in traffic during peak hours.
Local colour
Austin describes itself as the live music capital of the world, with a strong barbecue and outdoor culture. October's mild weather makes evening receptions and patio meetings particularly pleasant.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: AUS
AUS (Austin-Bergstrom International) is the closest commercial airport for the October 2026 edition, with the strongest nonstop coverage from major US hubs; travellers from smaller cities usually connect through Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Houston (IAH). Book early because October is a busy month in Austin with major events and football weekends, and consider comparing fares to San Antonio (SAT), roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive away, as a fallback. International visitors should confirm ESTA or visa status before paying for flights. All fare guidance is approximate; confirm live prices before booking.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS). Allow road or rail time to Archer Hotel Austin; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Archer Hotel Austin: Austin: Archer Hotel Austin (host venue hotel); Downtown Austin: Downtown Austin business hotels; Airport corridor and north Austin: Select-service hotels near AUS and the north Austin corridor.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft both operate throughout Austin, including designated pickup and drop-off zones at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Expect approximately USD 30-60 from AUS to central Austin and around USD 8-20 for short downtown trips, with surge pricing common during event evenings and on weekends. Confirm current app coverage and airport pickup procedures before you travel.
Public transit: CapMetro operates Austin's local bus network and the MetroRail Red Line. Bus route 20 connects Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with downtown, and downtown bus and rail services link to other parts of the city. Approximate local fares start around USD 1.25 for a single ride, with day passes available, but service is limited outside the central core so many business visitors combine transit with rideshare. Confirm current fares, routes, and service hours with CapMetro before travel.
Parking: The host hotel and downtown Austin garages typically offer paid parking, with daily rates often in the approximate USD 20-45 range and valet higher. Confirm current rates directly with the venue and ask whether event guests receive validated parking. If you drive, plan for downtown congestion and allow extra time at peak periods.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Daytime highs typically 78-88 F (26-31 C); overnight lows typically 58-68 F (14-20 C). These are approximate climatological bands for Austin in October; confirm the live forecast shortly before travel.
Seasonality: October is a transitional month in central Texas: generally mild and dry with occasional rain showers, and short heavy downpours are possible. There is no expectation of snow or freezing conditions. Confirm the live forecast before you travel and keep a compact umbrella handy.
Packing: Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, business casual clothing with a jacket for evening receptions, comfortable walking shoes, a compact umbrella or light rain shell, sunscreen and sunglasses, and a Type A/B plug adapter plus any voltage converter you need if travelling from Europe or the UK.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at DealCon usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 14
Confirm your ticket tier and complete registration for the October 2026 Austin edition.
Day 13
Book flights to AUS and reserve a hotel near the host venue, checking cancellation terms before paying.
Day 12
Request or confirm one-to-one meetings with your priority counterparties through the organiser platform.
Day 11
Prepare a one-page deal or fund summary and a ranked target list of funds, family offices, or corporates.
Day 10
Check ESTA or US visa status if travelling internationally and save copies of your documents.
Day 9
Download the event app or bookmark dealconlive.com/schedule and start building your daily agenda.
Day 8
Arrange airport transfer or set up your rideshare account, and note a backup plan from AUS.
Day 7
Confirm dress code guidance and any evening reception or dinner invitations you have accepted.
Day 6
Set up digital business cards or a LinkedIn QR code so contacts can be captured quickly.
Day 5
If an attendee list is published, shortlist around ten must-meet contacts and message them in advance.
Day 4
Prepare follow-up templates: a short thank-you email, an NDA or term sheet draft, and a data-room invite.
Day 3
Pack business casual clothing, comfortable shoes, chargers, a laptop, and a compact umbrella for Austin showers.
Day 2
Reconfirm flights and hotel, check the Austin weather forecast, and print or download any meeting schedules.
Day 1
Arrive early, collect your badge, test venue Wi-Fi, and walk the meeting areas so you know where you are going.
T-15
On-site: Keep a running meeting log, note agreed next steps, and send follow-ups within 24 hours of each conversation.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Archer Hotel Austin
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2DealCon registration concourse
Archer Hotel Austin
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Archer Hotel Austin
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$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
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 2997 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · DealMaker Access
USD 3747 / per person
organiser_published
visitor_ticket
visitor · VIP Experience
USD 4747 / per person
organiser_published
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visitor_ticket | visitor | General Admission | USD 2997 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | DealMaker Access | USD 3747 / per person | organiser_published | |
| visitor_ticket | visitor | VIP Experience | USD 4747 / per person | organiser_published |
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether DealCon fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published - confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources - confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where does this event take place?
The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 2026 in Austin, Texas, with the host venue referenced as the Archer Hotel Austin. Confirm the final dates and daily timings on the official schedule page at dealconlive.com/schedule before booking travel.
What kind of event is it?
It is a dealmaking-focused gathering rather than a conventional exhibition floor. Attendees are investors, acquirers, advisers, and operators who use the event to source deal flow, compare capital providers, and negotiate partnerships, and the published ticket tiers including DealMaker Access reflect a meeting-led format.
What ticket tiers are published?
The organiser-published tiers are General Admission at USD 2,997, DealMaker Access at USD 3,747, and VIP Experience at USD 4,747 per person. Confirm exactly what each tier includes, and current availability, on the official registration page.
Who typically attends?
Expect private equity and venture funds, family offices, corporate development and M&A teams, investment bankers and transaction advisers, and founders or owners exploring a sale or capital raise. Because the format is meeting-led, attendees generally arrive with a defined target list.
How do I get to the venue from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)?
AUS is the main commercial gateway for Austin. Expect roughly 20-35 minutes by car or rideshare to central Austin hotels in normal traffic, or longer at peak. Budget approximately USD 30-60 each way for a taxi or rideshare and confirm live fares before travel.
Do I need a visa to attend?
Most international attendees travel on a US B-1 business visitor visa or, where eligible, through the Visa Waiver Program using an approved ESTA. Appointment and processing times vary by consulate, so start at least 8-12 weeks ahead and confirm current requirements with the US embassy in your country.
What is the dress code?
Austin business dress is generally smart casual, and dealmaking conferences typically run business casual with a jacket for keynote sessions and evening networking. Comfortable shoes are worth packing if you move between meeting rooms and reception areas.
What is the weather like in Austin in October?
October is one of Austin's more comfortable months, with daytime highs typically in the upper 70s to upper 80s F (roughly 26-31 C) and overnight lows in the 60s F (roughly 14-20 C). Occasional showers are possible, so pack a light layer and a compact umbrella and check the forecast close to travel.
Is parking available at the venue?
The host hotel and nearby downtown garages typically offer paid parking, with daily rates often in the approximate USD 20-45 range and valet higher. Confirm current rates and whether event guests receive validated parking directly with the venue when you book.
How should I prepare for meetings?
Bring a one-page deal or fund summary, a prioritised target list, and a clear follow-up process. Most value at a dealmaking event comes from scheduled one-to-one meetings and same-week follow-up with an LOI or a data-room invitation.
Can I bring a colleague or co-investor?
Published tiers are priced per person, so plan a separate pass for every attendee so that meeting scheduling and badge access stay accurate. Ask the organiser about any team or group rate before you buy multiple passes.
Glossary
- Deal flow
- The pipeline of acquisition, investment, or partnership opportunities a fund or corporate development team is actively reviewing. Sourcing new deal flow is the main reason attendees book one-to-one meetings at a dealmaking conference like this one.
- Letter of intent (LOI)
- A document setting out proposed transaction terms before definitive legal paperwork. In practice, attendees aim to leave the event with a short list and an LOI drafted for follow-up within weeks.
- Term sheet
- A short summary of the core economics and governance of a proposed deal, including valuation, structure, and investor rights, that precedes full documentation.
- Due diligence
- The confirmatory review of financial, legal, and commercial records before closing. Post-event diligence and data-room checklists are standard next steps after a first meeting at the conference.
- Dry powder
- Committed but uninvested capital held by private equity funds, venture funds, and family offices. High levels of dry powder are a recurring panel theme because they intensify competition for quality assets.
- Buy-side and sell-side
- Buy-side describes acquirers and investors deploying capital; sell-side describes advisers, bankers, and owners marketing assets. Both attend so counterparties can meet directly rather than through intermediaries.
- EBITDA multiple
- Valuation shorthand expressing enterprise value as a multiple of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. It is the common language of mid-market deal conversations at events like this.
- Indication of interest (IOI)
- A preliminary, usually non-binding signal that a buyer or investor wants to pursue a transaction, often exchanged in the weeks immediately after an initial meeting.
- Data room
- A secure online repository of diligence documents. Access is typically granted once a term sheet or LOI has been signed, so it is a useful marker of how far a conversation has progressed.
- Earn-out
- A deal structure in which part of the purchase price is paid later if the business hits agreed performance targets, often used to bridge valuation gaps between buyer and seller.
- General partner (GP) and limited partner (LP)
- GPs manage a fund and source deals; LPs provide the capital. Both sides use dealmaking events to review deployment pacing and discuss co-investment.
- Family office
- A private investment vehicle for a wealthy family. Family offices are active direct investors and frequent attendees at dealmaking conferences because they can move quickly on smaller tickets.
- Co-investment
- A direct investment alongside a fund in a specific transaction, usually at reduced or zero management fee, often arranged through relationships formed at events.
- Roll-up
- A strategy of acquiring several smaller companies in the same sector and combining them into one larger platform, a common thesis discussed in mid-market panels.
- Recapitalization
- Restructuring a company's capital stack, often to give founders or sponsors partial liquidity while keeping a stake in the business.
- Sponsor-backed
- A company owned or backed by a private equity sponsor. The term is used to describe target profiles and to signal governance and reporting expectations during sourcing.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- DealCon
- M&A Summit
- Austin business events
- CEO networking
- entrepreneurship conference
- DealCon 2026
- DealCon Austin
- DealCon Austin 2026
- Austin USA
- Business Conference Austin 2026
10 more alternate names hidden
Trust footer
Sources
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References
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Publishers
0
Date checked
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Deal Boardroom
- event_website
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