Ready for Vegas? A Helpful Guide for the 2022 BDO Alliance Conference

It’s back! In person! As members of the alliance, our team is so excited to head back to Las Vegas for this year’s BDO Alliance USA Conference. The conference was held virtually the last two years, so we are beyond excited to attend this year in person!
 
Some members of our team have attended this conference for more than a decade and some of us will be attending in person for the first time. As we prepare for the conference, we thought it would be helpful to share our tips and tricks to make the most of the conference experience. We asked our team what they most look forward to, and you’ll see their responses throughout this post!
 
BEFORE THE CONFERENCE
Before you catch your flight, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you benefit the most from the conference while you’re there.
 
1. Download the App.
The official app provides you with daily schedules, contact info, presentations, maps, and more. Most importantly, the app is used to record all the CPE tracking! With the app, you will be able to have the most important information possible in a condensed and organized format. Information regarding the app is usually released prior to the conference, so be on the lookout for it!
 
“I’m looking forward to making new connections, enjoying the Las Vegas sunshine and getting to experience my first in-person BDO Alliance Conference!” Morgan Saavedra, Graphic Design
 
2. Familiarize yourself with the location.
Save yourself some stress by knowing where you are and where you want to go. Check out the hotel map to familiarize yourself with the Cosmopolitan and its amenities. Look at where the sessions will take place, which restaurants you would like to visit, and any other points of interest so you can move around the property with ease. Remember that it will probably take longer than you expect to arrive at your destination, so plan accordingly.
 
3. Learn about the speakers.
Every year, BDO plans an impressive lineup of speakers. Find out a little bit about the speakers and their companies before you go. Visit their websites, follow them on social media, and look for updates or other important information. This will give you a better idea of who they are, what they do, and the knowledge they offer. Through social media, you can also stay in contact with the speakers and address questions you may have after the conference.
 
4. Connect on social media.
In addition to the speakers, make sure you follow BDO Alliance USA on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter. Connect with other attendees on social media as well. Engaging on social media is a huge plus and can only help grow brand awareness for your business and BDO Alliance colleagues. Follow (and use!) the hashtag #BDOLV22 to stay in the loop on conference updates.
 
“Throughout my time at TSB, I have worked remotely. I look forward to spending time with my team outside of Zoom in one of my favorite cities! I am also excited about some the of the Las Vegas content I will get to post (I say some, because what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas😉), and all of the people I will get to meet!” Mackenzie Fleming, Social Media Strategist
 
DURING THE CONFERENCE
 
1. Take advantage of networking opportunities, including the tradeshow.
There are opportunities to make connections everywhere! Attend absolutely everything you can and don’t miss an opportunity to network! You never know the impact one new professional relationship could have on your career or your business. Speaking of networking, DO NOT MISS the tradeshow. You can mingle to different tables while taking advantage of conveniently located bars and delicious hors d’oeuvres. The tradeshow is the perfect opportunity to connect with all the amazing resources and services offered by the BRN firms and industry groups within the Alliance. Don’t forget about online networking too. There will be plenty of tweet-worthy conference content. Remember to use the hashtag #BDOLV22.
2. Divide and conquer.
There’s no need to travel in a pack with your co-workers. Branch out to different areas of the conference so you can get the most value. Discuss ideas and exchange insights. Take a chance and strike up a conversation with someone new. Arm yourself with some tried and true conversation starters. Be present. Keep your phone usage to a minimum. The more you put into the conference, the more you’ll get out of it.
 
“I look forward to reconnecting with long-time friends, making new connections, and watching my team experience this amazing conference for the first time!” Betsy Gray, Founder & CEO
 
3. Bring the essentials.
During the conference, wear comfortable shoes, stay well hydrated, and make sure you have all the essentials. Mints, hand sanitizer, and a light sweater or jacket are a few of the things we always pack, along with the conference badge, a few business cards, phone/tablet/laptop, and a charger. Practice a simple and memorable introduction so you are ready to connect with new people!
 
AFTER THE CONFERENCE
 
1. Take some time to process everything you learned.
When the conference is over, do a brain dump. Review your notes and make plans to incorporate new ideas and takeaways. Meet with your team to discuss new concepts and the best ways to utilize information. Make a note of contacts, new and old, and make a plan to follow up!
 
2. Thank the team that prepared the conference.
Don’t forget to thank and acknowledge the BDO Alliance USA team for their hard work putting together the conference. Planning a conference isn’t an easy task and they never disappoint!
 
3. Continue networking.
Keep the momentum going and continue networking with your new contacts, until you see them again!
 
“After attending the conference virtually for the past two years, I look forward to being there in person. I can’t wait to see familiar faces, connect with new people, learn more, and witness the #BDOLV22 content for myself!” Leah Swaggerty, Content Editor
 
 
Have some tips of your own to share? Leave them in the comments!
 
Are you as excited as we are? Get prepared, get your #BDOLV22 tweets going, and we’ll see you in Vegas! In the meantime, connect with us here:
 
The Social Bullpen
The Social Bullpen