5 Ways to Get Ready for QuickBooks Connect Sydney

QuickBooks Connect is returning to Sydney, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!

On May 24th, 2018, the accounting and small business community will come together for one of the most exciting industry events of the year. If you’re attending, you can expect your schedule to be jam-packed with presentations from Australia’s leading entrepreneurs, expert-led workshops, and nonstop networking opportunities that will leave you feeling inspired to grow your business.  

To get the most out of your experience and take full advantage of everything being offered, it’s important to plan ahead. As seasoned event attendees, we’ve compiled a list of five ways to get ready for QuickBooks Connect Sydney.

Set goals

When you’re surrounded by so much activity (and every session is calling your name!), it helps to set goals that will keep you focused on what’s important to you and enable you to stay on track throughout the day.  

See below for a few conference goals inspired by this year’s #QBConnect Twitter chat and some suggested tips on how to achieve them:

• Gain actionable insight from speakers: When every speaker is guaranteed to provide valuable insight, it can be difficult to choose which sessions to attend. To ensure that you get the most beneficial information, create an agenda and plan to attend the sessions that are most aligned with your firm’s goals.

• Network with as many people as possible: Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of QuickBooks Connect. To make your interactions even more impactful, coordinate meetups with your peers ahead of time and use social media to connect with people you want to meet. Use the event as an opportunity to step out of your shell and grow your network!

"Join bookkeeper and accounting groups on Facebook before the event – it’s a great way to organize a meetup with others!” 

– Reuben Bergola, New Wave Business Solutions

• Take as many selfies as possible (by far the most popular goal!): Long after QuickBooks Connect is over, the memories captured in conference selfies will live on. Keep your phone charged so you never miss a photo opportunity! (Try using Instagram’s Boomerang feature for fun short clips.)

Do your app vendor research

QuickBooks Connect is an excellent opportunity to speak with app vendors in person and learn about the accounting app ecosystem.

To take your learning to the next level (and avoid app fatigue), research and prioritize the vendors you’d like to connect with before you arrive at the conference. Identifying your firm’s workflow inefficiencies will give you insight into which apps will drive the most value for your firm.

Check out some of our favorite cloud accounting tools exhibiting at QB Connect:

Practice Ignition: Practice Ignition will help you manage your contacts, compliance, and payments – all in one system. (@TrentMaclaren and team will be happy to answer all of your questions at their booth!)

TSheets (by QuickBooks): Time tracking and scheduling software that employees love! Find out how TSheets simplifies payroll, billing, and invoicing.

Fathom: Fathom can help you transform accounting data into accounting intelligence – discover how smarter reporting can benefit your business.

Expensify: Expensify is a great tool for receipt tracking and expense management – find out how easy employee reimbursement can be.

For a quick list of questions to ask while vetting apps at QBC, check out our Accounting App Evaluation Checklist.

Plan your must-see speakers

QuickBooks Connect always attracts awesome speakers, and this year is no exception. To make sure you get to see your favorites, do some research and add their sessions to your schedule. Here are some of our top picks:

Lauretta Finis: A QuickBooks Online expert and a 2017 Hubdoc Top 50 Cloud Accountant, Lauretta is a must-see speaker. Don’t miss her session on how to deal with complex transactions and use QuickBooks Online reporting to make you look like a rockstar with your clients.
 

Session: Tricky Transaction & Rockstar Reporting with QuickBooks Online
Time: 13:45 – 14:45
Location: Machine Room
Twitter: @LaurettaBYBB

Clayton Oates: As an accounting thought leader, business owner, and incredible speaker, Clayton Oates is another one to watch. Hear how Clayton uses advisory and technology to deliver business growth and enhanced quality of life for his firm and clients.
 

Session: Leveraging Your Practice to Create New Revenue Streams
Time: 13:45 – 14:45
Location: Engine Room
Twitter: @Clayton_Oates

Tim Hoopmann: Prior to starting Spinn Business Solutions, a consulting company that helps small businesses increase efficiency through cloud technology, Tim was the owner-operator of a leading cloud bookkeeping firm. Make sure you check out his panel session on how to navigate the app ecosystem alongside other awesome cloud leaders!

Session: App Stargazing: Navigating the App Universe
Time: 15:00 – 16:00
Location: Eveleigh Room
Twitter: @TimHoopmann

Get active on social

Networking is one of the most important parts of QuickBooks Connect – it’s the best way to connect with like-minded individuals and forge new relationships. To maximize your networking potential, use social media to interact with fellow attendees before the event.

Try our suggested tips to boost your social presence below:

• Use multiple social networks to increase your visibility and access to relevant information. Ensure your Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn accounts include your full name, company website, an up-to-date headshot, and a short bio.
• Connect with people you want to meet – friend, follow, comment, like, or retweet their content. Consider sending them a message and planning a meetup IRL (in real life)!
• Create your own content – share photos, try live-tweeting a session, and of course, post conference selfies!
• Follow @QuickBooksAU and #QBConnect on Twitter to take part in the conversation as it’s happening.

“Take a proactive approach. Use the event hashtag and post things that interest you from what you have seen or heard. Connect with speakers and attendees – follow their posts and engage with them. People love meeting people and social media is a great way to start the connection."

– Tim Hoopmann, Spinn Business Solutions

Pack a conference survival kit

The last thing to consider before heading to QuickBooks Connect is what to pack in your bag. Prepare for an activity-filled day by remembering to bring the following items:

• Comfortable shoes! You’ll spend a lot of time on your feet.
• An extra sweater for chilly air-conditioned rooms
• Business cards and a card case
• A portable charger for electronics
• A bag for collecting swag
• Hand sanitizer
• Gum

"Bring your best dancing shoes! The parties are heaps of fun!"

– Reuben Bergola, New Wave Business Solutions
 

Get excited!

Between the sessions, speakers, and attendees, you’re guaranteed to have a blast at QuickBooks Connect Sydney this year. With a little extra planning, you’ll get even more out of your experience.

Make sure to come by the Hubdoc booth (S12) and say hi to our team – we look forward to seeing you soon!

Source: Intuit QuickBooks  

Are you attending QuickBooks Connect Sydney?
Tell us on Twitter – we’ll see you there!

About the Author

Matt is the Australian Country Manager at Hubdoc. He is a graduate of the University of British Columbia where he majored in History. He’s obsessed with music and sports – he believes it’s a healthy obsession.

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About the Author

Paige is an Education Specialist at Hubdoc. She draws on her experience on Hubdoc's support and marketing teams to provide users with top-notch digital educational resources. Paige takes her knack for teaching to the yoga studio and chases any opportunity to learn something new.

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