The Top 10 ways to get the most out of QuickBooks Connect 2022
We’re doing a repeat of our popular webinar to get ready for QuickBooks Connect. It’ll be on Monday, December 5, 2022 with CPA Academy so you can earn a CPE credit for attending. Register here!
In the style of the Late Show with David Letterman, here are the Top 10 Ways to Get the Most out of QuickBooks Connect 2022. And we’re hosting a free live webinar on this topic on November 29, a week before QuickBooks Connect, to talk about how we can all maximize our experience at the conference.
Build your agenda ahead of time.
There’s no reason to spend time in Las Vegas figuring out what session to go to next. Simply log in to to QuickBooks Connect to see every session, meal, break, and keynote and click “+” to add a session to your agenda. Naturally, you don’t want to miss Mainstage keynotes by Serena Williams, Malcolm Gladwell, Simon Sinek, and more.
Try sponsor software before the conference so you can ask questions in the Exhibit Hall.
You’ll have a chance to meet a lot of companies in the Exhibit Hall that are making software to help you grow and optimize your practice. It’s hard to follow up on all those connections after the conference. Why not flip the script? Check out the sponsors’ websites before the conference and circle the apps that you’d like to learn more about to make sure you swing by their booths. Even better, start free trials of the apps that interest you the most. That way, when you visit the Exhibit Hall, you can ask specific questions and get immediate answers from knowledgable booth staff. Most sponsors will have founders and senior leadership at QuickBooks Connect so it’s a great opportunity to make these connections and get the best information about these apps. For example, if you haven’t already, may I humbly suggest you give Uncat a try? I’ll send you a $5 Starbucks by email when you start a free trial, and I’ll be at QuickBooks Connect to answer any questions you have.
Reach out to speakers and panelists before the conference.
Let them know that you’re looking forward to their session and ask a question (or several) that you hope they’ll address in their remarks. Or ask them if they plan to cover certain topics to make sure it’s the right session for you. They’ll be flattered to hear from you and you’re likely to get immediate answers. Plus, they’ll almost certainly include the your topics in their remarks at QB Connect since every speaker wants to be relevant to their audience.
Maximize your CPE.
In fact, there’s really no reason not to leave QB Connect with as much CPE as you need to satisfy your required hours. And these live in-person opportunities to earn CPE tend to be high caliber. If you still need some CPE hours after QB Connect, you will have connected with multiple companies at the conference that provide CPE by webinar, podcast, and future conferences.
Try software at the conference.
If you want to get immediate answers and attention from any sponsor, try signing up for a free trial right at their booth. After all, that’s why they’re there. They’ve built something and they’ll be thrilled that you’re willing to try it. And they’ll do everything they can to make sure you get off to a great start. Plus, it’s a multi-day conference so you can swing back to their booth the next day with any overnight questions or feedback. I’m packing a bunch of $5 Starbucks gift cards for the booth for folks that want to start a free trial of Uncat right there.
Learn about topics that matter to you with Braindates.
Braindates are back! These were my favorite part of QuickBooks Connect 2019 and they’re back in 2022. As Intuit says, “Sign in to book a Braindate, a way to meet like-minded attendees to brainstorm, solve challenges, or share expertise and experiences at QuickBooks Connect. Meet 1:1 or in a group of up to 5 participants. You can join an already existing Braindate or create your own.” You can fill any gaps in your agenda with the chance to learn about the topics that are the most important to you and your practice. And you can propose topics so that other attendees can meet with you.
Get outside!
Las Vegas is a beautiful area. Get a few blocks away from The Strip and you’ll get fantastic views of the desert and mountains. Depending on the weather, you may want to take a walk or a run or a swim. Or you might just want to stand in the sunshine for a few minutes. In any case, it’s good to step away from the conference for a few minutes each day to take a breather and reconnect with nature.
Catch a show.
Las Vegas is one of the best cities for live entertainment – from concerts to comedy to Cirque du Soleil. Catch a show with your friends and colleagues while you’re in town.
Meet up with Intuit.
Stop by the Intuit booth and introduce yourself to everybody. Let them know how you use their products. What do you love? What could use improvement? What would you like to see next? Ask about any special programs, promotions, and opportunities. By getting on their radar, you may get the inside track on ways you can connect with the community and grow your practice.
Talk with everybody.
Be friendly and kind to everybody – attendees, speakers, sponsors, event staff. It’s truly the best way to have a great experience at QuickBooks Connect. Your energy and enthusiasm will be contagious and the people you meet will make the conference everything you want it to be – fun, educational, and inspiring. Safe travels and I’ll see you there!
