Business Brokers Convene to Refine Dealmaking Standards
Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus Pace opened the 2026 International Business Brokers Association annual conference in Minneapolis, urging industry professionals to transform setbacks into strategic comebacks. The three-day event drew brokers from across North America to sharpen their approach to business valuation, negotiation, and the human psychology behind ownership transfers.

The conference sessions addressed the technical and relational complexities inherent in selling small businesses. Attendees explored curriculum ranging from advanced valuation strategies and manufacturing deal fundamentals to the nuances of managing technical forces during a business transfer. These educational tracks serve the IBBA’s broader mission: ensuring brokers remain equipped to navigate owners through high-stakes transitions with professional precision.
Emily Bowler, executive director of the IBBA, emphasized that the responsibility of guiding owners through life-changing sales demands a commitment to ongoing excellence. By prioritizing industry standards and professional certification, the association seeks to protect the integrity of the deal for both buyers and sellers. Following the success of the Minneapolis gathering, the organization is already preparing for its 2027 conference, scheduled for May 21-23 in Orlando, Florida.
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