Is the world really flat? was the headline for the International Conference held by the Association for Corporate Growth 's Chicago chapter on Wednesday. Judging from the way stock market jitters had spread from China to the rest of the world the day before, the answer would have to be yes.

Attendees at the ACG gathering — subtitled Middle market companies competing in the global economy — certainly seemed to think so. Some 300 private equity investors, investment bankers, commercial lenders, corporate managers, attorneys, accountants and consultants attended the event, and talk about the potential ripple effect from Tuesday’s selloff was heard throughout the day.

But there were plenty of other things to talk about as well. Conference Chairman Frank Mack, a managing director of the international turnaround advisory firm of Conway MacKenzie & Dunleavy, welcomed everyone to the “ever shrinking business planet ." And panelist after panelist discussed both the opportunities and challenges of cross-border expansion and investment. “Emerging markets like Mexico, China, India and Eastern Europe offer a tremendous opportunity for middle market manufacturers, distributors and investors, but seizing those opportunities is no easy task,” said Francis Bassolino, partner at Alaris Consulting and conference panelist.

For more information on ACG Chicago, the International Conference as well as other upcoming events, please visit www.acg.org/chicago.

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