Back when I started as a business brokerage professional I had long hesitated whether I should join IBBA and attend the IBBA conference. While I did realize the huge value I could get from it, I was a little discouraged by the cost, especially that I knew it could take time before I make my first dollar. I wanted to save my money for the rainy days.

What I failed to see was that the length of the rainy days period, as a new business broker, would depend on my knowledge as a professional. I had to learn a lot of things that I could have learned in  the IBBA conference the hard way. A few years later when I attended my first IBBA conference in Reno,Nevada, I realised how wrong I was when I was missing these conference in the beginning of my business brokerage career.  I was even reminiscing some costly mistakes I would have avoided had I learned a little more about some aspects of the profession through IBBA.

Next month, September 14th - 17th, the Canadian chapter of IBBA organises an IBBA conference for Canadians in Toronto. I personally believe that it should not be missed by any (wannabe) business broker in the GTA. Not only will you get all the benefits of the IBBA conferences, but for the first time some of the content will be customized to the Canadian context. One of the courses that I personally find extremely interesting is the The tax implications of the sale or merger of businesses in Canada. Furthermore, you also save on time, travel expenses and accommodation. This is a really a unique opportunity that will not repeat itself.