Operators' Forum at Middle Market Week

Keynote: You won't want to miss this discussion as Richard Lichtenstein, a partner with Bain & Company, takes us through how operating partners and portfolio companies are using AI and other technology to move the value creation needle.

• Richard Lichtenstein, Partner, Bain & Company
• Moderator: Joe Jordan, President, ShipSigma

Panel 1: Competing in a New Era to Attract & Retain Talent

With growing expectations from employees what can companies do to attract and retain the best talent. Join this session to hear how companies have changed their recruiting practices to better align with today's market realities. Hear from the experts on what works and what doesn't when trying to build a world class operation with top notch employees. 

• Mara Edgar, Managing Director, Human Capital, The Riverside Company
• Mary Halfpenny, Human Capital Strategist, Value Creation, Newspring Capital
• Ellen Kim, Operating Partner, Rotunda Capital Partners
• Joe McDougall, Managing Director, Trive Capital
• Moderator: Ron Senatore, Certified Business Performance Advisor, Insperity

Panel 2: Value Creation and Exit Planning - What's the Role of the Operator?

Getting to the exit with a strong valuation is the end game for private equity firms and operating partners play a very important role in making that happen. Not only are the operators tasked with creating value, throughout the life of the investment, but can also play a critical role during the exit planning. Join this session to learn about the different ways operating partners are creating value and becoming an integral part of exit planning.

• Joseph Gwozdz, Operating Partner, Edison Partners
• Ben Humphreys, Operating Partner, Monomoy Capital
• Gabe Mesanza, Chief Executive Officer, Rampart Exterior Services
• James Nouss, Senior Principal, TowerBrook Capital Partners, LP
• Moderator: Libby Covington, Partner, The Craig Group

Keynote Discussion: A New President & the Impact it will have on Dealmaking

Join this session to hear Dan Greenhaus, Chief Economist and Strategist at Solus Alternative Asset Management, as he breaks down how a new face in the White House will impact dealmaking, portfolio companies and operators as they continue to look for ways to grow their businesses. Greenhaus will discuss what he is expecting from the new president and how their politics will impact the economic environment for dealmakers and companies alike. You will not want to miss this lively discussion.

• Dan Greenhaus, Chief Economist & Strategist, Solus
• Moderator: Ted Morgan, Partner, Plante Moran