Chicago Booth School of Business ETA Conference

The Booth-Kellogg Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Conference is the premier annual gathering for the ETA community, co-hosted by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and Northwestern’s Kellogg Innovation & Entrepreneurship Initiative. The 11th annual event, held on November 4, 2024, at the Chicago Marriott Magnificent Mile, drew a record attendance of approximately 1,000 participants from 13 countries and 47 universities, reflecting the rapid growth and global interest in ETA

The conference convenes search fund entrepreneurs, investors, MBA students, faculty, and industry professionals to exchange insights, share experiences, and foster connections within the ETA ecosystem. Programming highlights included panels on empowering women in business, navigating setbacks in ETA, and strategies for mastering operations and value creation post-acquisition. The event emphasized the increasing diversity within ETA, particularly the rising presence and leadership of women, and provided practical guidance on building value in acquired businesses—such as working backwards from a defined exit, engaging teams for strategic planning, and focusing on long-term vision.