The Insider’s Guide to SuiteWorld.

SuiteWorld  is a prime networking hub, an unparalleled educational event, and a big party — all rolled into one.

It’s a lot to take in, and it can be overwhelming. But it can also be incredibly fun and rewarding, especially when you dive in with clear goals and a solid plan.

Airbase’s SuiteWorld veterans — who have over 20 SuiteWorld visits between them — have mastered the art of navigating this behemoth of gatherings.

We asked them for their recommendations on how to “win SuiteWorld” by making great connections and gaining fresh perspectives without feeling that you’re missing out on the best stuff.

We’ve gathered their tried-and-true tips in this guide to help you get the most out of your SuiteWorld experience — whether it’s your first time or your tenth.

Airbase proudly partners with NetSuite to provide the deepest integration available for any procure-to-pay solution. Plenty of Airbase team members have in-depth knowledge of NetSuite. Make sure you chat with them about your specific needs and challenges!

See vendors in action:

We all have our wish lists of things we’d like to fix in our finance and accounting operations, and vendors will be out in force to demonstrate how they can help. Now is the time to open yourself up to new ways of approaching solutions. Things are moving fast, and you’ll hear and see a lot about how AI is powering new possibilities for how we all do our jobs.

Another theme is comprehensive solutions rather than point solutions, especially the ones that play nice with NetSuite. It’s fair to say that we’re moving past the era of hyper-automation to an era of hyper-intelligent software.

It’s well worth researching the types of solutions you’re interested in before the conference. SuiteApp reviews are an excellent place to start gathering info on vendors that work to improve your NetSuite investment.

Once you’re at SuiteWorld, it’s an incredibly efficient way to check in on those vendors that interest you. Many independent software vendors (ISVs) have booths where you can see a live demo. Come prepared to ask questions and bring forward your current challenges. These vendors are there to help solve your problems and better meet 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 hold pre-scheduled meetings and 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!

Pro tip: Leverage your existing network! One controller we talked to regretted not reaching out to more of their network before the conference.

Forums like Off the Ledger are an excellent way to connect with peers and compare SuiteWorld plans, notes on must-see sessions, and the most rewarding events.

Pro tip: Contact your existing vendors and let them know you’ll be there. You could get invites to smaller events with excellent peer networking opportunities.

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. Keep an eye on updates to the schedule. This year, the opening keynote happens on Monday — be sure to check it out.

Sessions: SuiteWorld offers over 200 sessions. 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.

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

Pro tip: As always, this year’s agenda is packed with timely topics! Be sure to check out the list of AI-related topics, including a keynote session, “Readying the Workplace Culture For AI.”

Get in on the fun.

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.

Let your vendors know you’ll be attending. If they are hosting a party, you can ask to get on the guest list—most are thrilled to have enthusiastic customers join their event.

Bear in mind that you can typically schedule two private events each evening (for example, an early dinner and an after-party). These events do fill up.

Beyond the private parties, don’t miss the big conference-wide events.

• Welcome Reception on Monday: Get the conference off to a social start at this great networking event. Compare notes with other attendees on session gems they may know about, and share your research.
• SuiteWorld Party on Wednesday Evening: Last year’s party maintained its luster as a 10 outta 10, and we recommend making the effort to get there for this year’s bash. There is always great people-watching, food, and drinks.
• Dinner at Beauty and Essex: Celebrity chef Chris Santos of Chopped fame will unveil a new menu at his renowned restaurant, Beauty and Essex. Join us for an event that will exceed your expectations! Email Airbase to express your interest. Subject to availability 

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!

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!

Pro tip: Save time and avoid Las Vegas traffic! The Vegas Loop at the Las Vegas Convention Center offers fast and convenient transportation for convention and trade show attendees, connecting the new West Hall with the North, Central, and South Halls. Now, with the Resorts World passenger station open, attendees have direct access to and from the convention center. Four passenger stations provide easy access to key LVCC destinations and nearby transport links.

What about the freebies?

Every booth offers free swag. 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. You don’t want to be netted for 20 minutes by a charming sales rep for a product or service you don’t need just because you liked their T-shirts.

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.

Where/when 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.

Pro tip: Book an Airbase meeting in advance to guarantee your spot!

Meetings nearby: A block in Vegas can be half a mile and can take 20-30 minutes 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 minutes 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 three 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.

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).

Places to meet outside the conference hall: Restaurants, drinks, and coffee.

Restaurants:

Drinks:

Coffee:

Grab coffee from the Airbase stand at SuiteWorld: Airbase will be offering artisnal coffee drinks from our booth!— 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!

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. 

Airbase is a NetSuite SuiteCloud Developer Partner.