Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz

Creating Enterprise Value: AI, Talent, Risk & Growth Strategies for Agency Leaders:

A Business Conference for Agency CFOs, CEOs, Presidents, Managing Principals & Owners

 

Program Overview:

This conference is designed to address strategic, financial, operational, and legal issues that can afect agency profitability, valuation, leadership succession, risk management, and long-term enterprise value. Through a combination of expert presentations and executive discussions, attendees will gain practical insights into the opportunities and challenges facing agency leaders in an increasingly complex business environment.

 

12:00 PM – 12:25 PM

Registration, Lunch and Welcome

 

12:25 PM – 1:10 PM

AI’s Impact on Agency Processes, Economics, Pricing, and Profitability and Negotiating Agreements With Clients to Address These Issues

Artificial intelligence is reshaping agency operations, economics, client expectations, and risk profiles. This session will examine how agencies can leverage AI to improve eficiency and profitability while addressing evolving contractual and governance considerations.

Topics Covered

What clients to understand about the use of AI, costs and eficiencies.

Intellectual property, ownership and compliance considerations

AI's impact on agency business models and economics

Client expectations regarding AI usage and disclosure

Pitch and procurement pressures

Key contractual protections and risk allocation provision

Governance frameworks for AI review and approval

Speakers: Candice Kersh and Karen Lo (Special Group) 

 

1:10 PM – 1:50 PM

Building an Ownership Culture: Equity Participation & Long-Term Incentive Strategies

Topics Covered

Equity participation structures for key employees and next-generation leaders

Employee Participation Units (EPUs), phantom equity, profits interests, and other incentive alternatives

Balancing founder control with meaningful employee ownership opportunities  

Designing long-term incentive programs that align performance and succession goals

Rewarding key contributors without giving up unnecessary control

Roll-over equity particularly in private equity roll ups

Speakers: Wendy Heilbut and Mark Himmelsbach (Episode Four)

 

1:50 PM - 2:40 PM

Diversification Opportunities, Including SaaS, IP licensing, Investment, and Branded Entertainment

Many agencies are exploring new revenue streams and proprietary assets that can improve growth, valuation, and long-term sustainability.

Topics Covered

SaaS and technology licensing opportunities

Development and monetization of agency intellectual property

Proprietary technology and data products

Strategic investments and ownership interests

Branded entertainment and content ventures 

Building value through scalable, non-service-based assets

Speakers: Greg Boyd, Chris Chase and Ben Moskowitz 

 

2:40 PM - 2:55 PM

Networking Break 

 

2:55 PM - 3:55 PM

M&A Readiness, Succession Planning & Deal Structures

Whether you're thinking about growth through acquisition, bringing in an investor, transitioning ownership, or eventually selling your agency, understanding the deal process is critical. This session will demystify how agency transactions work, what to expect during a sale process, and the key deal terms, structures, and negotiation points that can materially afect outcomes for founders and owners.

Topics Covered

Who is buying agencies today and why

Strategic buyers versus private equity investors

What the sale process looks like from start to finish

Valuation drivers and factors that influence deal value

Earn-outs, rollover equity, and other key deal structures

Deal terms that commonly surprise agency owners

Preparing for diligence and avoiding common pitfalls

Building the right advisory team and preparing for a successful transaction

Speakers: Lee Silver, Gavin McElroy and Michael Sidler (Madison Alley)

 

3:35 PM - 4:15 PM

Talent Risk Management and Employment Issues 

Managing talent-related risks has become increasingly challenging, particularly as agencies engage a broader ecosystem of employees, contractors, creators, and influencers.

Topics Covered

Employee versus independent contractor classification

Compensation and payment compliance considerations

California-specific workforce requirements

Background checks and screening practices

Risk management when engaging creators and influencers

Speakers: Wendy Stryker and Tiffany Caterina 

 

4:15 PM - 4:25 PM

Networking & Refreshment Break

 

4:25 PM - 5:05 PM

Practical Approaches to Contracting, Governance, and Compliance Strategies

As the legal and regulatory environment continues to evolve, agencies must adopt practical operational safeguards that reduce risk and help avoid costly disputes.

Topics Covered 

Contracting strategies to mitigate business risk

Risk allocation and indemnification provisions

Ownership and rights-management considerations

Internal governance and approval procedures

Vendor management and oversight

AI governance frameworks

Updating contracts, policies, and workflows to address emerging AI-related risks

Creating practical review processes that reduce liability exposure

Speakers: Matthew Vittone and Andrew Folks

 

5:05 PM - 5:40 PM

Advertising Technology: Emerging Risks for Agencies 

The rapid growth of privacy litigation involving digital tracking technologies is creating new legal challenges for the advertising industry. This session will explore the evolving litigation landscape, the potential exposure of advertising agencies, and practical steps agencies can take to protect themselves and their clients.

Topics Covered 

Emerging class action and regulatory risks involving tracking technologies

When advertising agencies may face liability for client websites, apps, marketing pixels, and data collection practices

Allocating risk through client contracts, indemnification, and insurance

Practical strategies for reducing litigation risk without compromising marketing effectiveness

Speakers: Matt Pearson and Caren Decter

 

5:45 PM - 7:15 PM

Cocktail Reception

Networking reception for agency executives, speakers, sponsors, investors, and advisors.