Acquire It Summit 2027

The ETA summit that doesn't feel like a conference

In January 2027, members of the ETA community will gather aboard Virgin Voyages' Brilliant Lady for a summit designed around real conversations, real stories, and real relationships.

Sailing from Miami with stops in Key West and Bimini Beach in the Bahamas, this Acquire It Summit combines meaningful programming and community connection with time to think, relax, and build relationships with others in the acquisition space.

Secure your cabin

A gathering for acquisition entrepreneurs building the future of Main Street

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Learn, network & relax at Acquire It 2027

Not your typical conference

The Acquire It Summit is intentionally designed to feel different from traditional conferences.

We're mixing half-day, focused sessions — including keynotes, Operator-led sessions, and real deal breakdowns — with plenty of time for relaxation, fresh air, and warm weather so that conversations, ideas, and relationships can develop naturally.

Work/life balance in action

Our summit is designed as a blend of structured programming and open time.

Outside of daily sessions, you can co-work, take meetings, join fitness classes, attend onboard events, or explore Key West and Bimini alongside other Searchers and Operators.

Good food, good vibes & good people

Not a fan of cruises? We hear you.

We specifically choose Virgin Voyages for its fun design aesthetic, good food, and adults-only approach to sailing.

During the voyage, we'll have our own private dinner in one of the onboard restaurants, as well as two private cocktail receptions on the ship.

Need to work? No problem

We understand that it may not be possible to unplug from your day-to-day responsibilities.

That's okay. Your cabin includes basic Wi-Fi, but high-speed options are available (paid separately) if you need to get things done, take video calls, and keep moving the needle forward on time-sensitive projects.

Spouses and partners are encouraged to attend

The acquisition journey is often one that spouses take together, and the Acquire It Summit is no different!

All attendees are encouraged to bring their spouse, partner, significant other or business partner to attend sessions, gain a better understanding of the acquisition space, and enjoy the trip!

Walker Deibel
Walker Deibel Author, Buy Then Build
Keynote Speaker

A keynote conversation from Walker Deibel

Founder of Acquisition Lab and author of Buy Then Build, Walker Deibel will deliver the keynote address at Acquire It 2027.

Over the past decade, Walker has helped thousands of acquisition entrepreneurs better understand the path to ownership and has supported a growing community of searchers as they buy and operate real businesses.

What to Expect

What to expect

The Acquire It Summit is a fully programmed event designed to be more engaging, flexible, and relationship-driven than a traditional conference.

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Dedicated, specialized programming

Each day includes focused info sessions for acquisition entrepreneurs.

We'll cover topics around sourcing, financing, diligence, execution while also hosting Operator-led panels and real deal breakdowns.

02

Interactive sessions

Participate in live deal discussions and roundtables with an emphasis on practical learning.

Because each conversion is driven and shaped by the community, every session offers a unique, shared experience.

03

Private group events

The Summit includes private cocktail receptions and a group dinner, creating space for relaxed conversations and deeper relationship-building.

You'll be able to meet peers and unwind in unstructured settings that match your preferences and personal taste.

04

A flexible daily format

Programming is structured as half-day sessions, leaving plenty of time for co-working, meetings, and networking.

Attendees are encouraged to connect both on the ship and during stops in Key West and Bimini.

Accommodations

Cabins with a view

Attendees can select either of two cabin layouts for their voyage.

Because Summit pricing is by cabin rather than by attendee, it's possible to lower costs by sharing the space.

Sea Terrace Photo

Sea Terrace

Step outside to your own private balcony and take in open ocean views from Virgin Voyages' iconic crimson hammock.

Sea Terrace cabins are approximately 185-225 square feet with a private outdoor balcony. They're the most popular cabin on the ship and the sweet spot for space, comfort, and that at-sea feeling.

Sleeps up to two guests per cabin.

Sea View Photo

Sea View

Experience all the style of a Virgin Voyages cabin with natural light and ocean views through a large window.

Sea View rooms are approximately 130-190 square feet and have no balcony. This selection offers a great value option for sailors who want the view without the extra cost.

Sleeps up to two guests per cabin.

An experience that stays with you

The Acquire It Summit brings Searchers, Operators, and Advisors together for meaningful networking and conversation that doesn't happen anywhere else.

The Summit was great for those looking to get as much value as they can from one place. The talks covered all of the relevant topics needed in closing a deal and the various aspects of operations after an acquisition.
Alex McCracken
The Summit was incredibly valuable for connecting with others who are buying, operating, or scaling acquired businesses. It's ideal for Searchers exploring their first deal and for Operators looking to grow, pivot, or strengthen their companies. Hearing stories like Kinza Azmat's reminded me how important it is to invest in sales training and adapt when things get tough — practical lessons I'm already bringing back to my business.
Jonathan Bohn
[The] heart of the ETA world! A chance to put face to names for all of the folks that you should already be talking to and working with, great to connect with people who have been in the trenches and get their thoughts on how to make an acquisition successful. Anyone who wants to be in the 'who's who' of ETA should be there.
Chelsea Hamilton
I felt the info presented was very applicable to buying a business. For example, the presentation by CapForge was very tactical in what to look for during financial due diligence, and now I have someone I feel confident hiring to help me complete due diligence when I'm under LOI. Anyone wanting to buy a business should attend.
Stavros Timothy
Networking is truly the biggest value of the event. I thoroughly enjoyed moving from virtual to real interactions: meeting in person with people I had only known online and connecting with many new acquaintances across all sides of the search ecosystem. I chose the Lab over other communities because I felt their participant selection was far more thoughtful and not just a money grab. After attending in person, I'm fully convinced I made the right choice. Everyone I met was both extremely competent and genuinely pleasant to be around.
Evelino Campiti
Pricing

Summit pricing & availability

The Acquire It Summit is priced as a complete, all-in experience.

Pricing is structured per cabin, not per attendee and includes your event ticket, lodging, meals, and all scheduled Summit programming.

Sea View

Early bird (through May 29, 2026)
$X,XXX
Lab members only
Standard pricing
$X,XXX
Lab members

Sea Terrace

Early bird (through May 29, 2026)
$X,XXX
Lab members only
Standard pricing
$X,XXX
Lab members

What's included

Your Summit booking includes the following:

  • Event ticket
  • Cabin accommodations
  • All meals
  • Non-alcoholic beverages
  • A $50 bar tab
  • Two private cocktail receptions
  • A private group dinner
  • Basic Wi-Fi
  • Gratuities

Since all costs are consolidated, the experience is priced below a typical multi-day summit or conference.

Flexible payments & shared cabins

Reservations require 20% up front, with the remaining balance split into two 40% payments.

Payment schedule:

  • Second payment due: September 8, 2026
  • Final payment due: October 8, 2026

Pricing is per-cabin, not per-attendee. Costs can be lowered significantly by sharing a cabin with a business partner or collaborator.

If your plans change, cabins can also be transferred to another Lab member at no cost until a few weeks prior to departure.

Because the ship has a limited number of cabins available for the Summit, availability is limited.

Pricing notes: To attend the Acquire It Summit, attendees need to book through Acquisition Lab, not directly with Virgin or a third party website.

Your Summit booking with us is an all-inclusive experience and offers per-cabin rates. While pricing on third-party websites appears lower, these costs are typically per-attendee and do not include gratuities, taxes, and fees.

Individuals choosing to book separately aren't eligible to attend any events, sessions, or dinners, as availability for these spaces and meetings is tied directly to our all-in booking arrangement with Virgin.