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Last updated Oct 23, 2023

The insider’s guide to SuiteWorld.

Written by Team Airbase
7 minute read

SuiteWorld has huge potential for new connections, growth, and learning. But, it’s also just HUGE. With some research, you don’t have to waste time trying to figure it all out once you arrive. A conference pass isn’t cheap, so you don’t want a lack of planning to keep you from getting the best experience possible.

In a digital age, you can’t beat these opportunities to physically connect with relevant vendors and other professionals in your field. With 88% recommending SuiteWorld to a friend and 81% saying they identified new solutions or have learned ways to create new efficiencies at the 2022 conference, it’s the place to be for everyone who is anyone in finance.

We don’t want you to get lost in SuiteWorld when it should be a time for discovery. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you expertly navigate the experience — whether it’s your first time or tenth time.

Airbase proudly partners with NetSuite to provide the deepest integration available from a spend management solution. Plenty of Airbase team members have in-depth NetSuite and SuiteWorld experience — we’re taking what we know and using it to help you get more out of SuiteWorld.

See vendors in action:

It’s important to research the solutions you want to investigate before you get to the conference. Since many independent software vendors (ISVs) have booths where you can see a live demo, it’s an incredibly efficient way to check in on those vendors you’ve been meaning to get back to.

Come prepared to ask questions and bring forward your current challenges. These vendors are there to help solve your needs. At the same time, be quick to move on if they don’t have what you’re looking for.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get the elevator pitch from competitors that are on your radar too — all under one roof.

Bonus! Many vendors also hold happy hours, private dinners, and exclusive events. It pays to have that 1:1 time with a vendor — and to have fun while doing it!

How to start booking sessions and keynotes:

Keynotes:  Don’t miss SuiteWorld’s keynote speakers. You will get professional and product insights that you can’t get anywhere else. Take a look at the scheduled keynote talks here: Program — SuiteWorld 2023 | Las Vegas & On Air | NetSuite.

Sessions: There are nearly 100 sessions at SuiteWorld. Make sure you comb through all the sessions to build your schedule and register well in advance to guarantee your spot.

  • You can start researching sessions by checking out the SuiteWorld index of sessions here
  • Check out the different types of sessions (keynotes, workshops, SuiteGuru Sessions, etc.) and search by keyword to find the best ones for you. Note that each session type offers something different, from one-on-one tutorials to round table discussions. It’s your chance to get a deep dive into mastering NetSuite features or hear how users are enhancing their NetSuite experience with third-party vendor applications. 
  • Use the SuiteWorld Agenda Builder to create your ideal schedule. Tip: Don’t miss Procure, Pay, Close with Airbase and NetSuite, Wednesday, October 18th at 11:00 am PT.

Remember, rooms often reach capacity quickly. You don’t want to miss that important session that you need to report back to your team about!

Practical survival guide:

  • Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Yes, there are ample amounts of parties and happy hours to get your cocktail fix. But, this dehydrates you! With water coolers at every door, all you need is your own bottle to stay hydrated and fresh.
  • Have a bedtime in mind and be strict about it. Vegas has all the fun activities, shows, blackjack tables, and concerts you could wish for. But, if you want to be the best version of yourself and get the most out of SuiteWorld, make sure you’re getting ample amounts of sleep in between. Be FIRM on your bedtime.
  • Take a break. Schedule them into your daily itinerary so you can get the most out of SuiteWorld. Don’t compromise on your downtime so you can remain present in meetings, and awake during sessions. Overextending yourself could be counterproductive.
  • Bring energy drinks or pre-empt coffee fixes. Coffee won’t always be available. Make sure to grab yours early, or have an alternative energy fix for those moments in between. Pro tip: Bring electrolyte powder packs to save room in your backpack. 
  • In terms of attire. Business casual all the way, with an emphasis on business — stylish comfort. Most importantly, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. SuiteWorld involves a lot of time on your feet, whether standing around or walking around. You don’t want to find yourself unable to focus because of achy feet!

What about the freebies?

Free swag is at every booth to grab your attention. Be strategic about what you allow to draw you in. Before you arrive at SuiteWorld, know who you need to talk to. Go to vendors that legitimately interest you and don’t waste time pursuing freebies if the vendor giving them away isn’t for you.

If you go to a vendor that you are actually interested in, they often have a better gift stored away for you. Later, you can do a last-minute fly-by at other booths to pick up some gifts for the kids back home.

For Partners:

Where to be:

The Partner Summit: The Partner Summit takes place on Monday, October 16, from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm. It’s exactly what it says on the package, a meeting and starting point for partners at SuiteWorld.

This summit is a great opportunity to meet new partners, reconnect with returning partners, and get the low-down on the upcoming calendar year for NetSuite partners.

Partner parties and events: Partners of all kinds throw extravagant parties every year but you won’t want to miss Avalara’s SuiteWorld After Party. It has a reputation as the best for a reason. You can register for it here.

Where to book meetings:

Meetings at SuiteWorld: Schedule meetings at the booth or pick a dedicated meeting spot inside or just outside the expo center. There will be tents and tables set up within Caesars Forum, so for more casual meetings, you can chat over lunch without losing time in transit.

Meetings nearby: A block in Vegas can be half a mile and can take 20-30 mins each way. If you are booking a meeting beyond the expo center — like over lunch or coffee — it’s a good idea to double-check the distance to the forum and make sure it’s workable. The LINQ promenade is full of options, and just 15 mins away on foot.

When it comes to meetings — plan ahead! People’s schedules fill up fast. Make the most of SuiteWorld and schedule as many meetings as possible, at least 3 weeks in advance. To be even more efficient, plant the seed around a month ahead.

Who to pay attention to:

Do your research on MSP and ISV partners before you arrive: Every MSP and ISV partner that matters has a presence at SuiteWorld. There is no better time or place to make new connections or strengthen pre-existing relationships.

Competitors: Make sure to have a member of your team register for your key competitor speaking engagements. This will give you an opportunity to see how they are positioning themselves at SuiteWorld and to NetSuite prospects.

What to bring:

  • A business survival kit: It may seem obvious, but if you don’t actively remind yourself to bring the few objects listed here every day, you could be kicking yourself in a key networking moment.
    • A pen and paper.
    • Your digital business card (think dot. cards).
    • Some digital resources on your business to share with prospects (e.g., a QR code to your product page).
    • Your business phone.
    • Your schedule.
    • Cell phone charger and battery power bank.
    • Water bottle.
    • 5-hour energy or electrolyte packs to put in your water. You want to stay energized and hydrated!
    • Some mints (often given away by a couple of vendors).

Events not to be missed and other places to eat and drink.

Companies go to great lengths to host fun private events and great dinners at SuiteWorld. If you’re invited to one, it’s worth considering it for your schedule. Bear in mind that you can typically get two events in each evening, for example, an early dinner and an after-party. These private events do fill up — case in point, here at Airbase we still have a few spots for one of our invitation-only events, but another one is already sold out. Contact us to learn more.

Here are some other happening happenings:

  • Avalara SuiteWorld After Party. Always a favorite, the great energy of this party helps set the tone for the conference.
  • SuiteWorld Party on Wednesday Evening: This party is a guaranteed 10/10! There is always great people-watching, networking, food, and drinks. It’s the perfect excuse to go big on the final night of SuiteWorld. This is where you lose your sleep! Pro tip: You usually have to catch a bus from the conference center to the main event. Make sure you find out where NetSuite is picking you up and dropping you off!
  • High Roller Takeover: Soar over Vegas on the High Roller Tuesday evening while enjoying drinks and snacks, all courtesy of SCS Cloud, SquareWorks, and Netgain. 
  • Caravel’s Happy Hour: Join the Caravel team for Taco Tuesday at SOL Mexican Cocina. Bonus: great music and drinks!

Restaurants:

Restaurants Walking distance from conference center
Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab 18 minutes
Nobu 18 minutes
Restaurant Guy Savoy 19 minutes
Beauty & Essex at The Cosmopolitan Resort 26 minutes
Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen 17 minutes

Drinks:

Drinks Walking distance from conference center
Alto Bar — Caesars Palace 17 minutes
Yard House 18 minutes
Montecristo Cigar Bar 18 minutes

Coffee:

Coffee Walking distance from conference center
Starbucks — you can even order ahead of time! 14 minutes
Dandelion Chocolate 11 minutes
Capital One Fashion Show Café 18 minutes
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 20 minutes

Grab coffee from the Airbase stand at SuiteWorld: Airbase will be offering lattes from booth #802 — swing by and check us out while also getting a caffeine hit!

Enjoy, and we wish you all the best at SuiteWorld, from everybody here at Airbase! Want to learn more about Airbase while you’re at SuiteWorld? We’re at booth #802. Book some time with us!

Note that SuiteWorld and its partners continue to release more details about the conference. We’ll update our Insider’s Guide as new information becomes available. 

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