eta forum - Returning in 2026
Australia’s flagship event for the Search & Acquisition community
- Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney
- 21 - 22 October, 2026
Event overview
A Day for Searchers, Investors, Operators & Advisors
Join us in Sydney this September for a full-day event bringing together Australia's Entrepreneurship through Acquisition community. From insightful panels to real-world operator stories, the EtA Forum is where meaningful connections are made.
Speaker List
Headline Sessions
John Eales AM
One of the greatest Wallaby captains of all time, and an in-demand keynote speaker on leadership, teamwork and organisational culture.
Full bio
John Eales AM is regarded as one of the greatest rugby players Australia has ever produced. His influence extends well beyond his exceptional skill on the field, with a career defined by inspirational leadership, business success and relentless determination.
John's sense of fair play and genial nature made him one of the most respected figures in the game, and an extraordinary ambassador for sport and Australia.
He debuted for the Wallabies in 1991 and captained the side from 1996 until the end of his Test career in 2001. He played in two successful Rugby World Cup campaigns, captaining Australia to victory in 1999, and led the Wallabies to three Bledisloe Cup titles, two Tri-Nations victories and a series win over the British and Irish Lions. In 20 Tests against the All Blacks, he was on the winning side 11 times, including six wins from 11 Tests as captain. He remains the highest scoring forward in Test rugby history.
His achievements have been recognised through an extraordinary list of honours, including appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1999, receipt of the Australian Sports Medal in 2000, induction into the Australian Institute of Sport ‘Best of the Best’ in 2001, being named Queenslander of the Year in 2002, and induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2003, the International Rugby Board Hall of Fame in 2007 and the Wallaby Hall of Fame in 2011. He was elevated to Legend of Australian Sport status by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2020, one of the highest honours in Australian sport, and in 2025 was named an inaugural inductee of the Stadium Australia Hall of Fame. The annual award presented to Australia's best rugby union player proudly bears his name: the John Eales Medal.
Beyond rugby, John founded the Mettle Group, a consultancy acquired by Chandler Macleod in 2008. He sits on the boards of Flight Centre Travel Group, Fuji Xerox-DMS, Magellan Financial Group and Trajan Group Holdings, and is the author of “Learning from Legends – Sport” and “Learning from Legends – Business”.
John is an in-demand keynote speaker who delivers practical and compelling insights on leadership, teamwork and organisational culture.
Dr Glen Richards
Entrepreneur & investor · former Shark Tank Australia · founding Managing Director, Greencross
Full bio
Glen was the founding Managing Director of Greencross and a co-founder and Director of Mammoth Pet Holdings (Petbarn) before it merged with Greencross — now Australasia's leading consumer-facing pet care business, with 200+ veterinary hospitals and 300+ pet stores across Australia and New Zealand.
He is currently chairman and shareholder of Healthia (ex-ASX:HLA) and People Infrastructure (ASX:PPE), plus chairman and shareholder of Arbor Permanent Owners and Naturo Technologies, and a non-executive director of De Motu Cordis and Adventure Holdings Australia. Glen was a resident panellist and investor on Channel 10's Shark Tank Series.
Steve Baxter
Entrepreneur & investor · former Shark Tank Australia · Co-founder & Executive Chairman, TEN13
Full bio
Steve left school at 15 to join the Army's apprenticeship program before founding SE Net in 1994 from his spare room, growing it to 35,000+ customers before it was acquired by Ozemail/UUNet. In 2001 he co-founded PIPE Networks, listed on the ASX in 2005 and sold to TPG for $373 million in 2013, then spent a year with Google in California.
He appeared as a 'Shark' on Shark Tank Australia for four seasons and served as Queensland's Chief Entrepreneur in 2018. Today he's Co-founder & Executive Chairman of TEN13 and Founder & Lead Investor at Beaten Zone Venture Partners.
Nick Sheehan
Founder & CEO, efex
Full bio
Nick founded efex in 2013 and has led it through 16 strategic acquisitions — including four completed with Advent Partners in the past 12 months — growing the business from one employee to 450+ across 24 locations nationwide, and building a decentralised, AI-driven, customer-centric platform along the way.
Outside business, Nick keeps fit through cycling and boxing, tends vineyards in the Adelaide Hills, and reads widely in business, history and philosophy.
James Frank
Frank Law
Full bio
James helps founders build, scale, protect, and exit their businesses on their terms. A self-proclaimed deal-nerd and acquisition aficionado; he likes to see cubes where others see squares, spotting opportunities where others see obstacles.
As Managing Director of The Frank Group, James oversees the firm's growth and development and brings a rare mix of legal expertise, corporate insight and practical execution. He's passionate about giving small business owners the tools, frameworks and perspective to not just manage what they have, but seize what is possible.
Day 1 speakers Wed 21 Oct
Search Panel 9:45am
Amit Saran
Entrepreneur
15+ years across strategy consulting and industry leadership at BCG, Uber and Fonterra. A two-time founder now searching to acquire and operate an Australian SME as CEO.
Hugh Podmore
Entrepreneur
Founded and exited two businesses, including a 65-person IT services business sold to private equity. Now an independent sponsor buying and scaling services businesses.
Kennett Sinclair
Panellist
Engineer and operator with senior leadership experience across manufacturing and construction businesses in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Has led teams, held P&L responsibility and driven operational improvement, and is aiming to become an owner-operator.
Acquire Panel 11:15am
Sami Pelenda
Moderator
Bio coming soon.
Sam Stevens
Roadknight Group
Owns and operates Almara Cabinets and My Security Door, acquired in 2023 and 2026. Previously investment banking at Morgan Stanley and strategy consulting at EY.
Kylie Wright
SME Ventures
Oxford MBA and C-suite executive with 15+ years leading high-growth, tech-enabled businesses. Partnered with SMEVentures to search for a business to acquire and lead as CEO.
Jackson Allan
PassMark Software
CEO of PassMark Software, acquired in 2026 through a traditional search. Previously 15 years in B2B sales across Brisbane, Houston and Melbourne.
EtA Central Update 12:15pm
Jemima Cooper
Head of Ecosystem, EtA Central
Extensive operational and consulting experience across the UK, Europe, the US and Australia, leading sponsorship, partnerships and ecosystem growth across ANZ and APAC.
AU Market Update 1:30pm
Jake Nicholson
SME Ventures
Leads SMEVentures, which has backed several search fund acquisitions including the first in Australia. Mentors as Entrepreneur in Residence at INSEAD.
Operate Panel 2:00pm
Pete Seligman
Moderator · Search Investor
Co-founder of EtA Forum. Co-founded Alpin Group in 2012, acquiring five businesses between 2013–2017 and acting as CEO for three, before managing his own succession.
Ashley Alfs
Autolift Garage Doors
15 years across manufacturing, medical devices and FMCG. Acquired Autolift Garage Doors as an independent searcher in 2026 and operates it as CEO.
Japan Mehta
Ticketless Parking
Mechanical and aerospace engineering background, with 25+ years across sectors turning operational ambiguity into scalable systems under new ownership.
James Collins
GlasDec
25-year corporate executive career before acquiring GlasDec, an established glass decorating business, at age 50.
Grow/Exit Fireside Chat 3:30pm
Nick Sheehan and James Frank feature in this session — see Headliners above.
Day 2 speakers Thu 22 Oct
Search & Entrepreneur Stream
Jason Andrew
SBO Financial
Chartered accountant and founder of the Arbor Group, on a mission to improve the financial literacy of entrepreneurs and executives.
Andrew Phelan
Liston Newton
Specialist business and entrepreneurial advice for high-net-worth clients, known for mentoring younger staff and an approachable, down-to-earth style.
James Frank
Frank Law
Managing Director of The Frank Group, giving small business owners the tools and frameworks to seize what's possible, not just manage what they have.
Bahar Agar
Frank Law
Director of Corporate & Commercial, advising on M&A, capital raisings and governance. Recognised in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for 2023 and 2024.
Operator Stream
Rachel Lawler
Aperture Growth
Managing Director, Commercial Transformation, designing operating models for founders, CEOs and PE-backed organisations. Supported deal teams deploying $3.5B+ across the US and APAC.
Jordan Koukides
Founder, Applied Intelligence
Applied Intelligence helps businesses identify, develop and implement AI solutions that deliver measurable commercial results, supporting clients from opportunity identification through to development and adoption.
Cameron Honey
Current Future
Founder and CEO of Current Future, a reformed lawyer and chartered accountant with two decades of finance, advisory and operational experience at PwC, Herbert Smith Freehills and more.
Austin Rosier
Omnisure
Senior Risk Adviser and industry-leading expert in holistic risk management and M&A insurance, named Insurance Business' Young Achiever of the Year.
Pitch Session 2:00pm
Dr Glen Richards and Steve Baxter judge this session — see Headliners above.
Stew Glynn
Host · Co-founder & Managing Partner, TEN13
Bio coming soon.
Pete Seligman
Host · Search Investor
What's On
The Agenda
Registration & networking breakfast opens
Collect your name tag at the registration desk, grab breakfast courtesy of EOS and a barista coffee from the SBO coffee cart.
Forum Opening
Make your way into Foundation Hall and join our host Pete Seligman to kick off the EtA Forum Sydney.
Opening Keynote
A very special guest keynote speaker. A story of challenge, leadership and high performance. Announcement coming soon.
Search Panel
Real talk from active searchers on sourcing deals, building pipeline and standing out to buyers.
Panel Amit Saran, Hugh Podmore, Kennet Sinclair
Networking break
Morning tea on the MCA outdoor terrace, with views across Sydney Harbour.
Acquire Panel
What it actually takes to get a deal across the line, from LOI to close.
Moderator Sami Pelenda
Panel Sam Stevens, Kylie Wright, Jackson Allan
EtA Central Update
The next chapter of the EtA Central community goes live: launch plans, a community platform update and a special offer for the community.
Speaker Jemima Cooper, Head of Ecosystem, EtA Central
Networking lunch
Grab a bite, meet other attendees and enjoy the buzz of Circular Quay.
Australian Search Market Update
Jake Nicholson marks five years on the Forum stage with a look at how the Australian EtA landscape has shifted since the very first Forum.
Speaker Jake Nicholson, SMEVentures
Operate Panel
Lessons from the operator's chair: leadership, systems and scaling post-acquisition.
Moderator Pete Seligman
Panel Ashley Alfs, Japan Mehta, James Collins
Networking break
Last chance to grab a coffee from the SBO coffee cart.
Grow/Exit Fireside Chat
From one to 450: the efex growth story
A candid conversation about what it really takes to scale, with efex founder Nick Sheehan.
Moderator James Frank, Managing Director at Frank Law
Day One Wrap
Closing remarks and housekeeping to end the formal program.
Networking drinks
Closing out day one the EtA way: connection over drinks. Thanks to our sponsor, Arrowpoint Capital.
Canapés and food stations
Stick around for something to eat, stand-up style, while the conversations keep going.
Close
That's a wrap. See you tomorrow for Education Day.
Four sessions on day two run in two streams. Pick whichever suits you at the time — there's nothing to book in advance.
Networking breakfast & registration opens
Fuel up for a big day with breakfast and a barista coffee from the SBO coffee cart.
Session one
Search & Entrepreneur Stream
Foundation Hall
Financial modelling for EtA
Speaker Jason Andrew
Presented by SBO Financial
Operator Stream
Quayside Room
Growth strategies and tools for operators scaling post-acquisition
Speaker Rachel Lawler
Presented by Aperture Growth
Session two
Search & Entrepreneur Stream
Foundation Hall
Structuring the Deal Before You Sign: What Advisors Wish Searchers Knew Earlier
Speaker Andrew Phelan
Presented by Liston Newton
Operator Stream
Quayside Room
Preparing for exit
Speaker James Frank
Presented by Frank Advisory
Networking morning tea
Morning tea is served in both Foundation Hall and the Quayside Room.
Session three
Search & Entrepreneur Stream
Foundation Hall
The legal essentials every searcher needs before signing anything
Speakers James Frank and Bahar Agar
Presented by Frank Law
Operator Stream
Quayside Room
How operators are using AI to run leaner, smarter businesses
Speaker Jordan Koukides
Presented by Applied Intelligence
Session four
Search & Entrepreneur Stream
Foundation Hall
Before you buy: understanding insurance and risk
SpeakerAustin Rosier
Presented by Omnisure
Operator Stream
Quayside Room
Diligence and Preparing for the First 90 Days
Speakers Cameron Honey and David Johnson
Presented by Current Future
Networking lunch
Lunch is served in both Foundation Hall and the Quayside Room, so you won't miss out either way.
Pitch session
A room full of entrepreneurs. Two former Sharks. One live pitch session.
Searchers and entrepreneurs pitch directly to two of Australia's most experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
Panel Dr Glen Richards, founding Managing Director of Greencross
Steve Baxter, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of TEN13
Hosts Stew Glynn, TEN13, and Pete Seligman, Search Investor
Networking drinks
Close out the Forum and make those final connections.
Forum close
That's a wrap. See you in 2027.
EtA Central Partners & Sponsors
eta central partner
Omnisure is a specialist insurance and risk advisory firm, believing that a holistic risk management approach, and ongoing partnership with businesses and their owners best protects business’ long-term outcomes.
eta central partner
Western Sydney’s trusted corporate and commercial law firm, and business advisory providing deep expertise and friendly service.
eta central partner
Current Future are experienced Operating Partners, focused on accelerating the growth of privately held businesses. We partner with CEOs, Private Capital, Venture Capital, Family Offices and portfolio companies.
EtA Forum Sydney Event Sponsors
event & lanyard sponsor
We are motivated by our client relationships to design world class banking and finance solution for Commercial and Corporate clients and their Home Lending needs. Represented by a team with half a century of banking experience we are driven to ensure you receive the right access to market solutions.
Showcase Sponsor
Liston Newton Advisory is a specialist accounting and advisory firm focused on empowering business owners and individuals with expert business, tax and wealth management services. We have tailored our service offering to the Search Fund and Entrepreneurship-through-Acquisition (EtA) community to be practical, professional and competitively priced.
Coffee cart sponsor
SBO Financial is a Virtual CFO and accounting firm for Australian eCommerce, Search Fund, SaaS, agency and startup businesses. Since 2014, our Chartered Accountants have delivered accounting, tax, Virtual CFO and compliance services, turning financial data into practical decisions.
Showcase sponsor
Applied Intelligence helps businesses identify, develop and implement AI solutions that deliver measurable commercial results, supporting clients from opportunity identification through to development and adoption.
networking drinks sponsor
Arrowpoint is an Australian-based lender dedicated to providing flexible, purpose-driven debt and hybrid debt solutions to mid-market companies in Australia and New Zealand. Arrowpoint’s strength is understanding more complex borrower requirements and responding in a timely and bespoke manner.
Showcase sponsor
Aperture Growth designs and builds bespoke commercial operating models for mid-market professional and technical services firms. We integrate people, process, technology, AI and automation to make revenue generation traceable, repeatable and scalable.
Who Should Attend
Who is the EtA Forum For?
Typical eta forum attendees include:
- People Looking to Acquire a Business
- Current Operators
- Investors & Funders
- Advisors & Lawyers
- Business Owners
- People Looking To Learn More About EtA
Does this sound like you?
Event Feedback
What Past Attendees Say
Everyone was there to genuinely help and support the growing community
Thanks for creating such a quality but relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It was a pleasure to participate this event and I am very happy to be part of the EtA community
It was my first introduction to the community. High quality of professionals and experienced business owners. Quality networking opportunity
Good to know
Attendee FAQs
Event Overview
When and where is the EtA Forum Sydney being held?
The Forum takes place on Wednesday 21 October and Thursday 22 October, 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney.
Daily Schedule
What's the schedule for Day 1 (Wednesday 21 October)?
- Registration opens7:45am
- Networking breakfast7:45am
- Program start8:30am
- Program finish4:30pm
- Optional networking drinks & light dinner4:30–8:00pm
What's the schedule for Day 2 (Thursday 22 October)?
- Registration opens7:45am
- Networking breakfast7:45am
- Workshops start8:30am
Choose your own adventure — Search Stream (Foundation Hall) or Operator Stream (Quayside Room)
- Workshops end12:50pm
- Networking lunch12:50–2:00pm
- Pitch Session, Shark Tank style (Foundation Hall)2:00pm
- Networking drinks & afternoon tea3:15–5:15pm
- Event close5:30pm
Full agenda available on the event website.
Tickets & Registration
How do I check in?
Collect your name badge at the registration desk — your badge is your entry.
Where is the registration desk?
Entry foyer of Foundation Hall.
What is the cancellation policy?
Refunds or credits are available if you cancel by 7 October (14 days prior). Cancellations after this date are non-refundable.
Getting There
What are the transport options?
- Public transport — ferry to Circular Quay, Martin Place Metro (15 min walk) or Barangaroo Metro (13 min walk), light rail to Circular Quay, train to Circular Quay
- Rideshare/taxi — drop-off at the Overseas Passenger Terminal entry at The Rocks
- Parking — paid parking at Wilson Parking, 75 Harrington St, The Rocks
Is the venue accessible?
Yes, there is step-free access throughout. Access to the Quayside Room is via the lifts.
Attire
What should I wear to the Forum?
The Forum is not a formal event and comfort is key. Business casual is recommended, in the relaxed sense — neat jeans and a t-shirt, shirts, polos, dresses, or whatever you feel comfortable networking and learning in. No need for suits or ties. Bring a light layer for air-conditioning or cool weather.
Food & Dietaries
Will dietary requirements be accommodated?
Yes, meals will cater for dietary needs where possible. Please note food is prepared in a commercial kitchen and may contain traces of allergens. If you have severe allergies, bring your EpiPen/medication — you're welcome to bring your own food.
Photography & Filming
Will photos and video be taken?
Yes, content may be used on EtA Central and LinkedIn. If you haven't consented, please notify registration staff and email a headshot to hello@etacentral.com.au so you can be excluded where possible.
Onsite Extras
What extras are available at the venue?
- Complimentary barista coffee each morning
- Meeting/work spaces — MCA Cafe or The Terrace (outside break times)
- Wi-Fi — details at registration and on room signage
- Cloak/storage — ask staff at the registration desk if you need to store bags or jackets
- Meals — breakfast, lunch, and morning/afternoon tea included both days
- Networking drinks and a light dinner on Wed 21 Oct; networking drinks and afternoon tea on Thu 22 Oct
Pre-Forum Meetup
Is there an event before the Forum starts?
Yes — an informal Sydney meetup on Tuesday 20 October from 5:00pm. Venue TBA. Self-funded food & drinks available.
Support
Who do I contact if I need help?
Email hello@etacentral.com.au or reach out to Helen Clark via EtA Central or on 0405 724 004.