Redefining practice in the age of AI and complexity
On June 12-13, over 400 of the nation’s leading business valuation professionals convened in Toronto for CONNECT 2025 to confront the forces actively reshaping the industry. From artificial intelligence integration to complex litigation scenarios, sessions delivered practical frameworks for navigating an increasingly sophisticated valuation landscape.
For those who couldn’t attend, here are the key takeaways that are already influencing how leading practitioners approach their work.
AI integration: Moving from theory to practice
MARK DALEY’S KEYNOTE:
The conference’s focus on artificial intelligence wasn’t about distant possibilities, it was about immediate applications. Mark Daley’s keynote, “Eight Billion Geniuses,” posed a practical question that resonated throughout the event: “What would you do with an army of genius assistants?”
GREG ENDICOTT’S SESSION:
Greg Endicott’s session on “The AI Revolution – Why it Matters to Valuators” provided a concrete framework for assessing AI capabilities and limitations in valuation work. The discussion centred on real-world use cases: automating data collection, enhancing comparable company analysis, and improving financial modelling efficiency.
CBV Institute has been actively exploring AI’s impact through their AI & Technology Working Group, established in November 2023, ensuring members have guidance as these tools become more prevalent in practice.
The consensus among attendees wasn’t about revolutionary change, but rather strategic adoption – understanding where AI adds value while recognising where professional judgment remains irreplaceable.
Navigating high-stakes valuation and litigation scenarios
While AI presents a strategic opportunity, several sessions drilled down into the complex, high-stakes scenarios where professional judgment is most critical. The “Decoding Valuation of Technology Assets” session addressed a growing challenge: with intangible assets now representing more value than tangible ones in many companies, valuators need refined approaches for intellectual property, data assets, and algorithmic capabilities.
The discussion on Material Adverse Effects in failed mergers provided timely insights, particularly relevant given the post-COVID landscape where buyers have attempted to walk away from deals due to performance declines. Understanding MAE/MAC clauses and their application has become essential knowledge for M&A practitioners.
The day 2 session on the evolution of the global valuation profession offered perspective on how international standards are evolving, affecting practitioners working on cross-border transactions or multinational engagements.
These weren’t theoretical discussions – they addressed scenarios practitioners encounter regularly, providing frameworks for handling complex situations with greater confidence.
Professional skills that matter more than ever
While technology dominated many conversations, the conference emphasised skills that remain uniquely human. In the expert witness training, live demonstrations revealed how even technically sound valuations can fail under cross-examination without masterful presentation skills.
Catalina Miranda and Ron Martindale’s session on quality control processes addressed a practical concern: as technology handles more routine tasks, robust QC processes become critical for maintaining accuracy and professional standards.
Beyond the sessions, the corridors and cocktail reception buzzed with networking and peer-to-peer problem-solving that cannot be replicated virtually. Practitioners exchanged candid insights on emerging valuation challenges, sharing proven solutions for complex files.
Looking ahead: CONNECT 2026 in Calgary
The insights from CONNECT 2025 reflect an industry adapting to new tools while maintaining rigorous professional standards. The challenges discussed – AI integration, complex asset valuation, evolving litigation scenarios – will continue to shape practice requirements.
CONNECT 2026 will take place in Calgary on June 11-12, continuing the CBV Institute’s tradition of providing practical, relevant professional development for the business valuation community across the country.
For practitioners balancing the costs and time commitment of conference attendance, CONNECT offers concentrated access to specialised knowledge, peer networks, and practical tools that directly impact practice quality and efficiency.
The valuation landscape is not waiting. The challenges of AI adoption and asset complexity discussed in Toronto will be practice-critical by next year. CONNECT 2026 in Calgary is the essential forum for mastering these changes and connecting with the peers who are leading the way.