# Event Details - **Event Name**: Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A Summit - **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 22 Oct, 2026 at 09:00 am – Thu, 22 Oct, 2026 at 03:30 pm - **Event Description**: Hear insights about business building and exits, plus executive compensation issues. Then, enjoy lunch and the thrills of Keeneland racingAbout this EventWelcome to the Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A SummitEnjoy a day filled with operating and deal insights from two business owners who founded and developed companies, exited, and pursued new challenges and opportunities. Additionally, an expert shows how executive compensation issues intersect with business transactions and transitions.Full day registration includes the M&A program plus lunch at Thoroughbred Club of America and racing at Keeneland, home of the 2026 Breeders Cup. Morning-only attendance slots are also available.Morning Program:DEAN DORTON | 250 West Main Street, Suite 1500, Lexington, KY 40507 (Parking - Lexington Financial Center Garage. Fee required)Afternoon Lunch, and Racing:THOROUGHBRED CLUB and KEENELAND RACE COURSE | 3555 Rice Rd., Lexington, KY 40510 (Free Parking).Agenda?: 09:00 AMMORNING (DEAN DORTON): Arrival | Welcome | Meet & Greet | Coffee?: 09:30 AMOpeningHost: Dennis WellsInfo: One of BLUEMAP's founders introduces the day's speakers, topics and events?: 09:35 AMWhat's Your Ten-Year Plan?Host: Gwen Riley, CEO, NoviEdgeInfo: Business consultant Gwen Riley began helping HVAC company owners and ended up in the industry herself. Right away, she set the ownership clock ticking. Ten years, then search for a buyer. In her case, it was a Midwestern industry leader expanding through acquisitions. Riley tells the story of her business, the exit and new horizons.?: 10:15 AMWhat to Know about Executive Compensation and M&AHost: Katherine Smith, Partner, Womble Bond DickinsonInfo: One of the nation’s leading legal experts on executive compensation, Katherine Smith advises companies undertaking restructurings, mergers, acquisitions, as well as those going IPO. A partner at Womble Bond Dickinson and local to Lexington, she frequently speaks to groups about the topic and trends. She is a 2004 public policy graduate of the University of Kentucky and earned her JD from New York Law School in 2007.?: 11:00 AMNetworking | Table Break?: 11:25 AMAn Unexpected Opportunity....and Other Tales of EntrepreneurshipHost: Lydia Henshaw, COO, Neece TransportationInfo: After acquiring Journey Warehousing, Lydia Henshaw proceeded to boost company efficiency and double revenue. The future unfolded unexpectedly. A transportation company in the area had just purchased a trucking company and sister warehouse, and a tornado left severe roof damage. Where could they move and store the goods? Henshaw explains how a chance conversation led to an introduction -- and an exceptional opportunity. ?: 12:10 PM - 12:15 PMMorning Wrap-Up and Racing TipsHost: Dennis Wells?: 01:00 PMAFTERNOON - Thoroughbred Club of America and Keeneland Host: KeenelandInfo: Arrival at TCA, drinks (cash bar) and networking. (Business casual dress code.)?: 01:30 PMBuffet Lunch SeatingInfo: Enjoy lunch in the main dining room or in the reserved second floor boardroom?: 02:00 PMAfternoon Interaction | Racing Info: Enjoy live Keeneland racing action at Keeneland (shuttle available) or at TCA (live simulcast, cash bar available) - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/lexington/fall-2026-bluemap-manda-summit/100002000405876827 - **Event Categories**: business, sports, workshops, meetups, meet-and-greet, kentucky-derby - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Age Limit: All Ages - Doors Open At: 8:45 AM - Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes - Location: Dean Dorton | BLUEMAP event host - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 60.54, max: 113.89, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Lexington - **state**: KY - **country**: United States - **location**: Dean Dorton | BLUEMAP event host - **lat**: 38.0475989 - **long**: -84.4990308 - **full address**: Dean Dorton | BLUEMAP event host, 250 West Main Street, Lexington, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A Summit - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/535c9c98e77c6da82ada27bfbce17ecb3afb7134e8ee4c305380763b2b1d3415-rimg-w1200-h675-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg?v=1790811074 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A Summit being held? - **A:** Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A Summit takes place on Thu, 22 Oct, 2026 at 09:00 am to Thu, 22 Oct, 2026 at 03:30 pm at Dean Dorton | BLUEMAP event host, 250 West Main Street, Lexington, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A Summit? - **A:** Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A Summit is organized by BLUEMAP (Bluegrass M&A Professionals). - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A Summit is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Lexington, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A Summit sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast. ## Structured Data (JSON-LD) ```json [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Event", "name": "Fall 2026 Bluemap M&A Summit", "image": "https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events5/banners/535c9c98e77c6da82ada27bfbce17ecb3afb7134e8ee4c305380763b2b1d3415-rimg-w1200-h675-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg?v=1790811074", "startDate": "2026-10-22", "endDate": "2026-10-22", "url": "https://allevents.in/lexington/fall-2026-bluemap-manda-summit/100002000405876827", "location": { "@type": "Place", "name": "Dean Dorton | BLUEMAP event host", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "250 West Main Street", "postalCode": "40507", "addressLocality": "Lexington", "addressRegion": "KY", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": "38.0475989", "longitude": "-84.4990308" } }, "eventAttendanceMode": "https://schema.org/OfflineEventAttendanceMode", "description": "Hear insights about business building and exits, plus executive compensation issues. 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