Business Brokers of Florida gathers nearly 300 in West Palm Beach

Business Brokers of Florida drew nearly 300 brokers, instructors and guests to West Palm Beach on Aug. 28-29 for a biennial conference centered on education, networking and deal-making skills. The event highlighted AI, legal issues and SBA financing as Florida brokers work to support business owners and transactions statewide.

Why it matters: - Business Brokers of Florida members facilitate almost $1 billion in business transactions annually, making the group's training and relationship-building directly relevant to Florida deal flow. - The conference aimed to help brokers better serve business owners, buyers and acquisition professionals across the state. - The event reinforced co-brokerage and collaboration, two practices that shape how BBF members do business.

What happened: - Business Brokers of Florida held its biennial conference Aug. 28-29 at the Hilton West Palm Beach. - Nearly 300 business brokers, industry professionals, instructors and guests attended from across Florida. - The two-day program focused on education, collaboration and professional relationships. - Sessions covered artificial intelligence, legal issues, SBA financing, deal execution and other topics affecting the brokerage field.

The details: - BBF members and affiliates led educational workshops and volunteered their expertise to help other brokers improve transaction skills and business performance. - Attendees met with industry experts to discuss trends shaping small business ownership, acquisitions and transactions in Florida. - Networking took place during receptions, meals and informal gatherings throughout the event. - Ryan Cave, chairman of Business Brokers of Florida, said cooperation and co-brokerage are central to how BBF operates. - Cave said the conference gave members a chance to improve skills, share knowledge and strengthen statewide relationships.

Between the lines: - The conference placed member-led education at the center of the event, suggesting BBF is leaning on internal expertise rather than outside presenters alone. - The mix of legal, financial and technology topics points to a brokerage market adapting to more complex deal conditions and changing client needs. - The focus on relationships reflects a business that still depends heavily on trust and repeat connections, not just transactions.

What's next: - Attendees left with new ideas, expanded professional networks and insights they can apply in future client work. - BBF is expected to continue using its biennial conference to reinforce education, networking and professional development across Florida. - The organization says it will keep supporting members through education, networking, professional development and industry resources.

The bottom line: - BBF used its West Palm Beach conference to strengthen the skills and connections that drive Florida business brokerage.