You've registered for SuiteWorld 2024, booked your flights, secured your hotel, and explored Las Vegas’s attractions. But are you truly prepared for the journey ahead?

Conferences are what you make of them. If you don’t have a clear purpose or goals, you might not fully benefit from the experience. SuiteWorld – NetSuite's major annual conference – is no exception.

Whether you’re attending alone or with a team, having a solid yet flexible plan is key. With a packed schedule of product demos, expert sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Additionally, make sure your NetSuite system is updated and ready for the new features.

From our own experiences, we’ve put together valuable tips and strategies to help you navigate the event effectively.

Here’s your essential guide to making the most of SuiteWorld 2024.

SET YOUR GOALS

Before diving into SuiteWorld, think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to meet new people, share your work, or catch up on NetSuite’s latest features? Do you want to know more about maximizing budgeting, forecasting, or reporting? Maybe you want to improve your production planning processes.

While you can do all items, having clear goals will help you choose the right sessions and make the most of your time.

PLAN YOUR AGENDA WISELY

SuiteWorld offers a packed schedule of keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking events. Review the agenda in advance and identify the sessions that align with your interests and business needs. Prioritize sessions that cover new features, best practices, and industry trends. Make a plan to attend sessions that address your specific challenges and goals.

SuiteWorld is also offering an Agenda Builder to help you create your schedule and preview over 200 in-person sessions, half of which will be led by NetSuite's expert trainers.

IMPORTANT TIP 💡 Avoid scheduling back-to-back sessions unless they're really appealing. Give yourself a bit of breathing room between sessions to stay refreshed and make the most of each one.

ATTEND HANDS-ON LABS & WORKSHOPS

SuiteWorld often includes hands-on labs and workshops where you can gain practical experience with new features and functionalities. These sessions are an excellent opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills. Once you’ve picked your sessions, register quickly to secure your spot. All attendees will have the opportunity to schedule one workshop and one seminar, so be sure to register now to guarantee your spot.

IMPORTANT TIP 💡 If you’re attending with a team, split up to cover more ground. Each person can attend different sessions to gather a broad range of insights. Back at the office, organize a Lunch and Learn session to share what everyone has learned. If you're going solo, find a conference buddy during breakfast and compare notes.

GET FAMILIAR WITH THE VENUE

Caesars Forum is sprawling, so it’s a good idea to get familiar with the layout. Make a note of key spots like session rooms, restrooms, dining areas, and the show floor. 

Here are some additional tips:

• Arrive early on the first day to explore without the usual crowds.
• Look for signs around the venue to guide you to important areas.
• Walk through the conference center to understand distances and walking times between sessions.
• Identify unique landmarks to help with navigation and consider snapping some photos of maps and key locations.

Don't Forget To Leverage The Expo Hall!

The Expo Hall is a hub of activity featuring NetSuite partners and solution providers. Use this space to explore new tools, services, and technologies that can enhance your NetSuite experience. Take the time to visit various booths, ask questions, and gather information on products and services that could benefit your organization.

SCHEDULE BREAKS

Conferences can be exhausting, so it’s important to schedule breaks to recharge.

Whether it’s a coffee break, lunch break, or just a moment to stretch, make sure you give yourself time to relax. Overloading yourself with sessions and events can lead to burnout. Use your breaks to:

• Take a walk outside.
• Catch up with your team.
• Meditate or do some deep breathing.
• Listen to music or a podcast.
• Read a book or catch up on personal messages.
• Reflect on what you’ve learned so far.

EAT WELL TO STAY ENERGIZED

Conference food can vary, so consider exploring local restaurants for better options. Choose foods that help you stay focused and energized. Opt for "brain foods" like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and dark chocolate, and steer clear of too much sugar to avoid crashes.

NETWORK EFFECTIVELY

Networking is a key component of SuiteWorld. Take advantage of opportunities to connect with fellow attendees, industry leaders, and NetSuite experts. Prepare an elevator pitch about your business and goals to facilitate meaningful conversations. Engage in discussions during networking events and consider setting up one-on-one meetings with potential partners or solution providers.

The good thing is that SuiteWorld offers a fantastic blend of work and play, providing countless opportunities to connect with colleagues and new members of the NetSuite community.

Lunch Events:

• Tuesday, September 10: Join us for the Culture & Inclusion General Session and Luncheon, where you'll explore strategies to enhance workplace culture with AI.

• Wednesday, September 11: Connect with fellow NetSuite users in your area at the NetSuite User Groups.

• Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, September 10–12: Enjoy a Cloud Du Jour Lunch with SuiteWorld sponsors. Discover how they can address business challenges or support your next NetSuite integration.

Evening Events:

• Monday, September 9: Kick off SuiteWorld at GSI's Welcome Dinner, where you can network with NetSuite experts, customers, and employees while enjoying drinks and appetizers.

• Tuesday, September 10: Don’t miss the Expo Happy Hour from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., a perfect chance to explore the expo, connect with sponsors, and mingle with fellow attendees. 

• Wednesday, September 11: Return for another Expo Happy Hour from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. before heading to The Party from 9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. SuiteWorld’s famed party promises unforgettable music and company.

• Thursday, September 12: Wrap up SuiteWorld in style at the Closing Reception from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Though networking is one of the most valuable aspects of SuiteWorld, it can feel awkward if you’re not used to it. Approach networking as an opportunity to build meaningful connections, not just to collect business cards. To start a conversation, try questions like:

• What was your favorite session so far? Or what did you think of the keynote?
• Is this your first time at SuiteWorld? How did you decide to come?
• What’s a standout idea or technique you’ve learned here?

Show genuine interest by asking thoughtful questions and listening actively. Building personal connections based on shared interests can lead to more meaningful conversations.

IMPORTANT TIP 💡 Instead of focusing solely on professional topics, connect on a personal level. Ask for book or podcast recommendations, chat about the local food, or share favorite spots in Las Vegas.

PACK SMART FOR THE CONFERENCE

Having the right essentials can make your SuiteWorld experience smoother.

What to Pack: Keep your bag light and efficient. Bring your SuiteWorld schedule, a notebook, a pen, a snack, business cards, and chargers for your phone and laptop. Don’t forget a water bottle to stay hydrated!

Dress Comfortably: Most attendees opt for business casual. Choose an outfit that’s comfortable for long days. Avoid anything too formal or too casual—think smart, but comfy. Layer up, as conference rooms can get chilly.

Modern Networking: Use QR code business cards to make networking a breeze. Ensure the code links to a mobile-friendly page with your details and test it out beforehand. Place the code prominently and add a friendly call to action.

GET YOUR NETSUITE PORTAL READY

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT

After attending sessions, networking, and taking notes, remember to have fun!

SuiteWorld is a fantastic break from the daily routine, so embrace the experience. Make new friends, bond with colleagues, try local food trucks, and enjoy your time in Las Vegas.

PREPARE YOUR FOLLOW-UP STRATEGY

After the conference, follow up on the connections and information you gathered. Review your notes and materials, and reach out to new contacts to solidify relationships and discuss potential collaborations. Assess the insights and ideas you gained and develop an action plan to implement relevant takeaways in your business.

GSI: Your Go-To Guide for SuiteWorld 2024

At SuiteWorld 2024, GSI will be there in full force, representing you and ensuring you get the most out of the event - whether you're attending in person or tuning in remotely! Our team will provide real-time updates, keeping you informed about all the latest developments as they happen.

Our experts have been working diligently, conducting extensive research on the upcoming updates and new processes well before the conference. This preparation means we’ll be ready to break down the latest information and deliver relevant demos right when you need them.

But our support doesn’t stop at the conference. After SuiteWorld, we’ll offer comprehensive resources, including detailed panel discussions, to delve into the updates and answer all your questions. Contact us for valuable insights and get ready to maximize your SuiteWorld experience with GSI by your side!