The Community Summit is less than a month away, and if you’re a first-time attendee, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. We understand those first-timer jitters and the challenges that come with attending a conference of this scale.
That’s why we’re here to help you prepare and make the most of your experience.
As seasoned Summit-goers, we’ve been in your shoes and know what it takes to navigate this event effectively. Our objective is to ensure you don’t waste any time, enjoy a hassle-free trip, and return with valuable insights that can benefit your decision-making or impress your boss!
This guide is designed to provide you with practical tips to ensure your first Community Summit experience is a resounding success. Whether you’re attending as a business owner looking for a new Microsoft partner or as a professional seeking education on innovative solutions for your company, these tips will help you make the most of your time.
Tip 1: Set Clear Goals
Before the Summit begins, take some time to set clear goals for your attendance. What do you want to gain from this event? What challenges or issues do you want to solve by attending this event? What can your company achieve by participating? Having a well-defined purpose will help you plan your schedule efficiently and avoid wasting time on sessions or partners that don’t align with your objectives.
Tip 2: Plan Ahead
Planning is key for a smooth experience. Start by thoroughly reviewing the Summit’s agenda on their website. While there’s a first-timer agenda, don’t limit yourself to it; explore the full agenda to find sessions and activities that resonate with your unique goals.
Additionally, research the partners listed in the sponsors’ directory. Identify those that align with your business needs, but be strategic in your research. Consider factors like:
Experience
Look for partners with a proven track record of successful implementations. TMC, for instance, has over 35 years of experience and has completed over 1500 implementations.
Competency
Seek partners recognized for their Digital Transformation expertise. TMC has been awarded accolades like the Clutch Award, Accounting Today recognition, Microsoft Gold Competencies, and Bob Scotts Top 100 VARS, showcasing our competence in implementing B2B software solutions.
Industry Expertise
Find partners with experience in your specific industry. TMC has a rich history of working with diverse companies in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing & distribution, and more. A partner with experience in your field will know how to directly work with your industry requirements and challenges.
Custom Solutions
Look for partners willing to tailor solutions to your unique needs. TMC is committed to crafting customized solutions because we understand that one size doesn’t fit all in the business world.
Technical Support
Research their customer reviews to assess the quality of post-implementation support.
By taking these factors into account and relying on extensive knowledge, you can confidently make informed choices regarding the partners you collaborate with.
Tip 3: Attend Speaking Sessions
Don’t miss the opportunity to attend speaking sessions. These in-person sessions offer invaluable insights, including demos, how-tos, and thought leadership discussions that can positively impact your business. Moreover, they provide a chance for real-time Q&A, allowing you to get immediate answers to your questions. It’s also an excellent opportunity for networking.
This year, TMC’s Senior Application Consultant, Ting is leading three sessions regarding the following topics:
- Consolidation Magic: Consolidating multiple entities in multiple currencies – Wednesday, October 18 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM EST | E219D
- Automate Business Central Intercompany Transactions – Thursday, October 19 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM EST| E219BC
- 15 Things You Should Know How to Do in Business Central –Thursday, October 19 | 3:20 PM- 4:00 PM EST| Richardson B
Also don’t miss out on the highly anticipated Women in Tech panel, TMC sponsors every year. Our very own CEO and President, Jennifer Harris, is once again on panel alongside other top women leaders in the industry on October 18, 2023 (Wednesday) from 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM at the Legends Theater (Expo Floor) to discuss and answer questions about:
- Mentorship, Allyship, and Community
- Individual Growth and Personal Empowerment
- Opportunities & Trends for Women in Tech
Tip 4: Network Effectively
Networking is a vital aspect of any conference. Here are some strategies to enhance your networking experience:
Join Discussions
Engage in panel discussions or Q&A sessions by asking thoughtful questions or sharing insights.
Offer Value
Think about how you can provide value to others, whether it’s sharing knowledge, making introductions, or offering assistance and even referrals (our booth is #1226)
Leverage Social Media
Participate in Summit-related conversations on social media platforms by using dedicated hashtags such as #MySummitNA or #CommunitySummit or joining event groups.
Attend Networking Events
Many partners host networking events like mixers after the conference. These provide a relaxed setting to meet fellow attendees.
Tip 5: Packing Necessities
Ensure you have the essentials for a successful Summit:
- Print your schedule and prepare a list of questions (See Tip 8)
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes as you’ll be on your feet the majority of the time.
- Bring a laptop or notebook for notetaking. (don’t forget the charger in your hotel room)
- Bring a bag to put in your swags. If you need a large enough bag, TMC will be handing out a bag that can hold all your goodies! Stop by at booth #1226.
Tip 6: Explore Co-working Spaces
Look for co-working spaces at the conference venue. These can be handy for catching up on emails and work tasks between sessions.
Tip 7: Make Reservations
Reserve dining spots in advance, as restaurants near the conference venue can get crowded. This saves you from waiting in long lines and ensures you have a place to eat.
Tip 8: Prepare Questions
Having questions ready will help you make the most of your interactions with partners and speakers. Consider that you’ll not only talk to sales reps, but consultants too, so having questions that are more solutions-oriented will be handy if you need answers right away.
Every year, Technology Management Concepts brings together their top consultants to help attendees. This is a rare opportunity as many other partners only bring their sales reps, so attendees’ questions don’t get answers until days later. If we can’t provide the answers you need, we’ll gladly refer you to a partner who can! Take advantage of this opportunity and stop by our booth with your questions.
Tip 9: Take Notes
Finally, don’t forget to take notes during sessions and conversations. Jot down key insights and action items to ensure you leave the Summit with valuable takeaways.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate your first Community Summit and maximize the value you gain from this event. For more Summit tips and updates, sign up for our newsletter here.
