The SPAC Conference 2018

The SPAC Conference is the largest forum for networking and discussion of special purpose acquisition companies and alternative IPO techniques.

DealFlow Events is pleased to offer the complete set of audio/video recordings from this event along with the official Event Book & Resource Guide.

If you missed the conference, you can still benefit from all the education of attending the event. Purchase the archive event kit today or call us at (516) 876-8006 or email team@dealflowevents.com with questions.

February 15, 2018

7:30 AM - 8:35 AM

Registration & Breakfast (sponsored by Morrow Sodali)

8:35 AM - 8:40 AM

Opening Remarks

8:45 AM - 9:05 AM

Presentation

Overview of the 2017/2018 SPAC Market

Discussion of changes to the structure of SPACs.
Recap of current market dynamics and 2018 forecast.
Recent private equity entrants and their perspective.
Understanding the evolution of the market.

Doug Ellenoff

Partner
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole

Speaker

9:10 AM - 9:55 AM

Panel

The SPAC Solution: A Look Toward the Future

Will private equity investors continue to see this as a reliable liquidity solution?
Understanding the Wall Street vs. Silicon Valley culture clash and its impact on traditional IPOs.
SPACs as an alternative to small stock IPOs and alternative going-public techniques.
Will SPACs be a better long-term fit for tech companies?

Mitch Nussbaum

Co-Chair
Loeb & Loeb

Speaker

Avi Katz

Founder
GigCapital Group

Speaker

Larry Glassberg

Managing Director
Maxim Group

Panelist

Kathleen Smith

Chairman
Renaissance Capital

Panelist

10:00 AM - 10:25 AM

Presentation

Navigating the Registration Statement Process

Initial S-1 registration statement filing process.
Pricing and closing of the IPO.
Independent registered public accountant’s involvement in the process.
Important items and pitfalls that sponsor groups should consider.

Marc Silverman

Partner
Withum

Speaker

Jay Shepulski

Partner
Withum

Panelist

Mark Deters

Partner
Withum

Speaker

10:25 AM - 10:40 AM

Networking Break

10:40 AM - 11:25 AM

Panel

SPAC IPO Structuring Alternatives

Unit and warrant structure.
Sponsor’s at-risk capital.
Forward purchase agreements.
Onshore vs. offshore SPACs.
Use of IPO proceeds for expenses.

Joel Rubinstein

Partner
White & Case

Speaker

Daniel Silvers

CEO
Leisure Acquisition Corp.

Panelist

Steve Kaplan

Managing Director
Lucid Capital Markets

Speaker

Guy Barudin

Director
Chardan Capital Markets

Speaker

11:30 AM - 12:15 PM

Panel

Private Equity & Venture Capital Roundtable Discussion

Roundtable discussion of private equity and venture investors
Changing approach to identifying acquisition targets
Discussion of different sector strategies
Navigating conflicts of interest

Bill Meagher

Associate Editor
The Deal

Moderator

Daniel Hennessy

Chairman
Hennessy Capital

Panelist

Dr. Marlene Krauss

CEO
KBL Merger Group

Panelist

Aamer Sarfraz

CEO
Draper Oakwood Technology Acquisition

Panelist

12:20 PM - 12:45 PM

Presentation

SPACs: By the Numbers

State of the market presentation
Analysis of money raised, merger activity, current deals
Popular target areas, discussion of deal size, and new fund sources

Jamie Mendola

Founder and Portfolio Manager
Pacific Grove Capital

Speaker

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM

Lunch (sponsored by Continental Stock Transfer & Trust)

1:45 PM - 2:25 PM

Panel

Merger Mechanics: Understanding the SPAC Business Combination

Legal and accounting requirements.
Navigating proxy statement/S-4 reporting requirements.
Transitioning from business combination filings through closing.
The practicalities of getting a deal done.

Steven Nelson

President & Chairman
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company

Moderator

John Klenner

Partner
Marcum

Panelist

George Kaufman

Partner
Chardan

Moderator

Lou Taubman

Partner
HTFL

Panelist

Mark Zimkind

SVP and Director of Shareholder Services
Continental Stock Transfer & Trust

Speaker

2:25 PM - 3:10 PM

Networking Break

3:10 PM - 3:55 PM

Panel

Transitioning From Blank Check to Operating Company

Examining ways to work with shareholders to get the vote.
Strategies to build a new shareholder base.
Creating post-merger liquidity.
Understanding trading dynamics post-merger.

Ridge Barker

Partner
Withers Worldwide

Moderator

Steve Calk

Senior Managing Director and co-General Manager
Alpha IR Group

Panelist

Mike Powell

Managing Director
EarlyBirdCapital

Panelist

Kevin Kelly

Senior Director
Morrow Sodali

Panelist

4:00 PM - 4:25 PM

Panel

Everything You Need to Know About SPAC Deal Documentation

NDA’s, LOI’s and engagements with advisors.
Agreements related to SPAC deal sponsors.
Indemnifications, fairness opinions and insurance issues.
Customary (and non-customary) reps and warranties.

Stuart Neuhauser

Partner
Ellenoff Grossman & Schole

Moderator

4:30 PM - 5:10 PM

Panel

The Listing Options: OTC, AIM, LSE, NYSE American, NYSE, and Nasdaq

Overview of the listing requirements of each market/exchange.
Review of current trading SPACs.
Is there an ideal market for smaller offerings?
Update on capital pool companies (CPCs).

Brian Zucker

Partner
RRBB

Speaker

Ryan Thomas

Head of Business Development
TMX Group

Panelist

Carolyn Saacke

COO
NYSE

Speaker

Cromwell Coulson

President & CEO
OTC Markets

Panelist

Michael Bartels

Vice President of Listing Services
Nasdaq

Panelist

5:15 PM - 5:30 PM

Closing Remarks

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM