PGA National Resort

Join leading architecture and engineering firm buyers, sellers, and M&A experts for two powerful days of valuation, deal structure, and creative success networking.

AEC M&A Summit brings together firm principals and executives, capitalization experts, investors, and financial analysts for solutions-based workshops, panels, and networking sessions guaranteed to reframe your growth strategy for 2027 and beyond.

Where AEC Leaders Turn Growth into Action

Over two eye-opening days, you learn new ways to identify, assess, plan, and execute AEC mergers and acquisitions that advance your objectives while limiting the substantial risks that come with every decision. You’ll swap ideas and war stories with CEOs, principals, firm owners, private equity and capitalization partners, investors, and transaction experts. And you’ll move beyond buzzwords and hype to learn what’s driving the BEST deals right now, and how you can benefit! 

• What’s driving today’s strongest deals,

• Lessons top deal makers have learned

• How to position your AEC firm for long-term growth.

Make smarter mergers and acquisitions decisions

Learn how the most successful M&A deals in the AEC space came together, what your peer executives wish they had done differently, and how to overcome deal delays and roadblocks.

Get Direct Access

to diverse AEC M&A perspectives, plus solutions to challenges, through expert-led presentations and engaging panel discussions.

Dig Into the Latest Data

on AEC merger and acquisition transactions to undertstand trends, establish valuations, and leverage opportunities.

Network with like minded peers

and experts, visionaries, and other AEC professionals just like you!

Get answers to your specific questions

with a complimentary and confidential one-on-one consultation with one of PSMJ’s senior AEC M&A advisors on site.

Golf with fellow attendees

Golf on the PGA National Resort’s Fazio Course on Thursday afternoon, the perfect opportunity to cement lasting relationships and strategize next steps.

One Experience that transforms HOW you approach architecture and engineering firm mergers and acquisition strategy and deal execution

AEC M&A Summit Agenda

AEC Mergers & Acquisitions Essentials

 

Registration

 

Workshop Sessions

 

Networking Lunch

 

Workshop Sessions

 

Cocktail Reception

 

Main Event

Registration and Networking Breakfast


Opening Remarks

Opening Keynote: State of the AEC Industry, with PSMJ President Greg Hart

We get things started with a high-level look into the rapidly evolving M&A landscape in the AEC industry. Drawing from PSMJ's deep market intelligence, Hart dives into current transaction trends, valuation multiples, and key market forces driving consolidation activity across the AEC industry. See how economic conditions, tech disruption, and client demand shifts are reshaping deal structures and strategic acquisition opportunities. You gain critical perspective for navigating today's complex M&A environment and positioning your firm.

Valuable Roundtables, Workshops, and Panel Discussions

Lunch

AEC M&A Summit Classic Golf Tournament

Join your fellow AEC M&A Summit attendees for an afternoon of golf on the PGA National Resort's famed Fazio course.

Networking Reception


Networking Breakfast

Day 2 Opening Remarks

Day 2 Opening Panel

Valuable Roundtables, Workshops, and Panel Discussions

Lunch and Closing Keynote

AEC M&A Summit Concludes

OPTIONAL PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOP: Master the Essentials of AEC Mergers & Acquisitions

New to AEC M&A? Build the Knowledge to Make Smarter Deals.

Whether you’re new to mergers and acquisitions or looking to strengthen your foundation, the AEC Mergers & Acquisitions Essentials Workshop gives you the knowledge and confidence to make smarter decisions. Learn the core principles behind successful AEC transactions, backed by real-world deals and today’s market conditions.

In this immersive one-day workshop, you’ll discover how successful mergers, acquisitions, and firm sales come together. Through real case studies, practical exercises, and expert guidance, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of valuations, deal structures, common pitfalls, and the strategies that drive successful outcomes.

Available as a pre-conference workshop or a standalone program, this six-hour interactive experience is led by a seasoned M&A advisor with decades of experience helping AEC firms buy, sell, and grow with confidence.

Core Concepts You'll Master

Leadership Development

  • When to separate ownership from leadership
  • The 10 fundamental truths of leadership development
  • 7 common transition planning mistakes—and how to avoid them
  • Key traits every successful new leader shares
  • The 5 drivers behind every successful AEC transition

Developing Future Leaders

  • 3 proven ways to identify, develop, and measure future leaders
  • How generational differences impact leadership strategy
  • How to present ownership opportunities to rising leaders
  • What to do when a leadership candidate declines ownership
  • 5 effective ways to resolve partner disputes

Valuation Strategies

  • How to avoid costly valuation mistakes
  • Proven valuation approaches that work—and those that don’t
  • What actually drives valuation up or down
  • How to account for intangible assets in your valuation
  • How to manage gaps in valuation expectations

Agreements & Risk Management

  • Why traditional non-competes fall short—and what works better
  • 59 costly Buy/Sell Agreement mistakes to avoid
  • How to protect former owners without harming the business
  • Best practices for building effective shareholder agreements

Ownership Affordability

  • How to structure ownership deals that incoming leaders can realistically afford
  • Strategies to minimize tax impact during ownership transition
  • When gifting stock makes sense—and when it creates risk

Ownership Models

  • How to structure stock option plans that benefit everyone
  • How to maintain control while expanding ownership
  • Best practices for building effective shareholder agreements

REAL ATTENDEE RESULTS

Trusted by AEC Leaders Across the Industry

See why executives, firm owners, and emerging leaders consistently rate AEC M&A Summit a must-attend experience.

Joseph Viscuso

Senior Vice President and Director of Strategic Growth, Pennoni

Rated 5 out of 5

I attended the past PSMJ M&A conferences and plan on attending again. The conference is a great way to interact with both buyers and sellers to exchange best practices on the state of M&As in the architectural and engineering sector.

Ira Starr

Partner, Long Point Capital

Rated 5 out of 5

I attended the event for networking purposes, not educational purposes. However, I found the quality of the presentations was so strong, I attended every one of them. A great overall conference with many takeaways!

Angela O'Byrne

Owner and President, Perez, APC

Rated 5 out of 5

One of the best conferences I have ever attended. It was very relevant & loaded with up-to-the minute information and advice.

What You Get

included with your registration:

The latest data on AEC valuations and transactions

Insider looks at the latest deal structures

Face-to-face conversations with key dealmakers, investors, strategic buyers and private equity investors

New approaches to acquisition financing

Proven solutions to your biggest M&A challenges

Diverse perspectives from buyers, sellers, and a wide range of experts

Emerging and creative models for success

And so much more!

Venue & Accomodations

The PGA National Resort: The Perfect Location to Relax and Recharge Your Growth Strategy

At the PGA National Resort, luxury is always the standard, with six championship golf courses, a world-class dining, a state-of-the-art sports and racquet club, and more, all at the heart of a luxurious resort community.

PGA National Resort
400 Ave of the Champions
Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Link to make your discounted room reservation coming soon, or email education@psmj.com for more information.

PLAY THE LEGENDARY FAZIO COURSE

Where Great Conversations Continue

Trade the conference room for the fairway and enjoy an unforgettable afternoon on PGA National Resort’s legendary Fazio Course. The AEC M&A Summit Classic combines championship golf, meaningful networking, and relaxed conversation—giving you the perfect setting to build relationships that last long after the Summit concludes.

Spots are limited.

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AEC M&A Summit is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education. For more information, please contact our education team at (617) 965-0055 or education@psmj.com.