Private Equity Boot Camps: A Comparison of Value Between Columbia’s Deal Camp and BlackmoreConnects Conferences

Written By: Gerald O’Dwyer IIThe PE Guru — Blackmore Partners, Inc | December 4th, 2024

Understanding the Costs and Value Proposition

For executives aspiring to break into private equity (PE) or enhance their knowledge, immersive programs like Columbia Business School’s Deal Camp and BlackmoreConnects conferences offer different paths. However, when comparing costs, value, and learning opportunities, BlackmoreConnects conferences clearly provide a more comprehensive and cost-effective solution.

Columbia Business School Deal Camp: A Three-Day Experience

Cost: $12,950 (exclusive of travel, with total expenses exceeding $14,000).
Format: A 3-day in-person program in Montauk, NY.
Focus: Foundational PE knowledge through panels, case studies, and discussions with Columbia faculty and industry experts.
Networking: Primarily with peers and faculty; limited interaction with active PE firms.

BlackmoreConnects Conferences: A Year-Round, Immersive Experience

For significantly less than Deal Camp’s total cost, executives can gain access to six one-day conferences, each offering a mix of tailored content, live interactions with PE firms, and deep-dive workshops.

Cost:

1. - Single conference: $3,999.
  - Six-conference bundle: $12,000.
  - Total cost is less than $14,000 for six events, with travel typically unnecessary as they are virtual.

Format and Duration:

1. - Six 1-day conferences attended by 15–20 active PE firms each.
  - Conferences include 6 pre-conference workshops (1.5 hours each) and 3 post-conference workshops (1.5 hours each)—a total of 13.5 hours of supplemental training per conference.

Led by Experts:

1. - Sessions are led by a 20-year PE veteran and special guest experts with proven PE exit experience.

Networking Opportunities:

1. - Real-time interaction with 15–20 PE firms at each event actively looking for executive talent and deal opportunities.
  - Build connections with hundreds of executives and dealmakers over the course of six conferences.

Ongoing Support:

1. - Access to weekly PE Mastermind workshops, peer-led and designed to accelerate deal-making, role placement, and knowledge building.
  - Each workshop helps attendees navigate the PE process more effectively.

Knowledge and Tools:

- Executives attending three or more conferences gain access to tools and databases worth thousands of dollars—including platforms like PitchBook and Cyndx—for strategic planning and deal sourcing.

Why BlackmoreConnects Outshines Deal Camp

Cost Efficiency:
At $8,000 for six conferences (plus ongoing workshops), BlackmoreConnects offers a year-long PE immersion for less than Deal Camp’s 3-day total cost of $14,000.

Scalability of Knowledge:
Each BlackmoreConnects conference builds on prior learnings, unlike Deal Camp, which is a one-time educational experience.

Active Deal Engagement:
While Deal Camp focuses on academic learning, BlackmoreConnects puts executives directly in front of active PE firms looking for talent and deals—creating immediate opportunities.

Community and Support:
BlackmoreConnects includes access to peer networks and specialized Mastermind sessions for ongoing mentorship, role discussions, and deal structuring—a dynamic feature Deal Camp lacks.

Conclusion: Making the Smart Investment

For executives serious about entering or thriving in the private equity world, BlackmoreConnects offers unparalleled value. It combines cost-effective learning, live deal-making opportunities, and ongoing support, ensuring participants maximize their return on investment.

Why settle for three days when you can have six high-impact conferences, interactive workshops, and the tools and networks to transform your PE journey? With BlackmoreConnects, executives don’t just learn about PE—they become part of it.