2026 Rocky Mountain Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference
We are excited to announce the 2026 Rocky Mountain Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference. The conference will be hosted by the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business in Boulder, Colorado in collaboration with Denver ETA Meetup, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines, Metro State University, Regis University and University of Denver on Saturday, Nov 7, 2026 at The Limelight Boulder from 8:00am-6:30pm.
The 2026 RMETAC will continue to expand on opportunities and new avenues in the ETA space. This conference will bring together search fund entrepreneurs, students, investors, service providers, faculty, and other participants in the ETA ecosystem to connect, learn and share best practices in a growing field. And add workshopping on certain topics to improve and strengthen the understanding and practice.
The conference is bringing together a diverse set of presenters and panelists for a full day of sessions devoted to two. tracks: Introductory and advanced ETA experience. Attendees are welcome to attend any sessions.
The conference promises to provide a vigorous and lively discussion about current activity and opportunity in the ETA field. This conference is an opportunity to review and exchange perspectives on how our society is transitioning over $14 trillion in value from one generation to the next.
The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship with Denver ETA Meetup, Colorado State University, Colorado School of Mines, Metro State University, Regis University and University of Denver are co-hosting the conference and reception afterwards. Register now to confirm your spot in what is expected to be a day full of powerful insights and connections.
If you have any questions regarding the conference please email deming@colorado.edu.
To learn more about sessions, speakers and to register, please check back as we solidify the schedule, sessions, speakers and workshops.
Contact Us
deming@colorado.edu
Deming Center for Entrepreneurship
Leeds School of Business
995 Regent Drive
419 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309
Support
Rocky Mountain ETA Conference Hosting Partners
There are a number of hotel/lodging options to choose from in and around Boulder either within walking distance to the venue or a short bus/uber ride. Below are few we suggest:
Suggested method to get from the airport to downtown Boulder: RTD Airport ride will take you directly from DIA (Denver Intl Airport) to downtown Boulder for $10. Tickets can be purchased via kiosk, RTD mobile app or online in advance. Return ride is the same ($10 from Boulder to DIA). Uber from the airport is quite expensive. And getting around Boulder is cheaper once you’re here. Rental cars are an option, but not necessary.
There is an RTD stop directly in front of the University Memorial Center and all along Broadway which runs in front of the Limelight Boulder where the RMETA conference is being held.
2025 Inaugural Conference Details
We are excited to announce the inaugural Rocky Mountain Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference. The conference will be hosted by the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business in Boulder, Colorado in collaboration with Denver ETA Meetup on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at CU Boulder from 8:00am-6:30pm.
The 2025 RMETAC will be the first conference of its kind in the Rocky Mountain region. This conference will bring together search fund entrepreneurs, students, investors, service providers, faculty, and other participants in the ETA ecosystem to connect, learn and share best practices in a growing field.
The conference is bringing together a diverse set of presenters and panelists for a full day of sessions devoted to two tracks: introductory and advanced ETA experience. Attendees are welcome to any and all sessions.
The conference promises to provide a vigorous and lively discussion about current activity and opportunity in the ETA field. This conference is an opportunity to review and exchange perspectives on how our society is transitioning over $14 trillion in value from one generation to the next.
The Deming Center for Entrepreneurship and Denver ETA Meetup are co-hosting the conference and reception afterwards.
Inaugural Conference held at CU Boulder October 25, 2025
Introductory Track Sessions - For newcomers and students exploring ETA
What is ETA and Why People Do It - Operators from different backgrounds share their "why" journey and decision-making path
Is ETA Right for Me? Preparing for a Career in ETA - Career decision panel for MBA students and career pivoters
Getting the Deal Done: Search to Close - Deal mechanics, timelines, diligence basics
Funding Your Acquistion: A Self-Funded Journey - Overview of SBA lending and investor capital and how they work together
Advanced Track Sessions - For experienced operations, investors and service providers
Building Your Deal Team - From capital partners to attorneys and brokers—what it takes to build a sustainable pipleine and support system
Raising Capital Strategically: Cap Tables and Investor Fit - Who to bring into your deal—and why. Contrast high-involvement LPs vs. passive syndicates
Operating Post-Acquistion: Blood, Bruises and Bias for Action - Panel of operators sharing stories of first-year surprises, crisis management and practical scaling strategies
Legal + Q of E Deep Dive: Working Smart with Experts - What to watch in contracts, pitfalls in earn-outs and how not to overpay in legal
Intermediaries vs. Proprietary Search: A Brutally Honest Exchange - Brokers, bankers and searchers debate trust, friction and sourcing dynamics
Closing Panel (for all attendees): The Future of ETA in the Mountain West - Brokers, bankers and searchers debate trust, friction and sourcing dynamics
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
