despite the rise of virtual events, live conferences remain essential for career growth and relationship-building in the accounting industry.
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accounting arc
with liz mason, byron patrick, and donny shimamoto.
center for accounting transformation
in a world where virtual conferences have become the norm, it’s easy to question the value of attending in-person events. however, professionals like donny shimamoto, liz mason, and byron patrick argue that face-to-face interactions still hold immense importance in building meaningful, lasting relationships.
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the trio share their experiences attending conferences over the years, reflecting on why meeting people in person makes all the difference. patrick, vice president of client success at the b3 method institute and ceo of verifyiq, emphasizes the power of spontaneous connections, saying, “the number of people that i have met and built relationships with from those random moments…that does not happen virtually.”
mason, ceo and founder of high rock accounting, adds, “there’s no real way to network or connect with people in the same way virtually. you can try, but it’s not the same as awkwardly being in a coffee line with someone and striking up a conversation.”
one of the main benefits of in-person events is the opportunity for unplanned conversations, which often lead to meaningful connections. “i’ve been showing up at conferences for 20 years, and the network has just built,” says patrick, highlighting how consistent attendance at live events has helped him establish a solid network of contacts.
but it’s not just about networking. shimamoto, founder and managing director of intraprisetechknowlogies llc and founder and inspiration architect of the center for accounting transformation, points out that in-person conferences are often better for focusing and engaging with content. he commented, “i don’t feel like people try and pay attention during virtual conferences…they have them on in the background for cpe while multitasking.”
in-person conferences also foster deeper connections within the industry, something younger professionals might overlook. mason explains, “even if they’re not your close friends, building a human connection with people in your industry is important. you never know when you might need those connections later on.”
the accounting arc hosts suggest coming prepared to meet new people to get the most out of in-person conferences. mason advises, “have your conversation starters ready! ask about their favorite part of the job or the best session they attended. be genuinely curious.”
whether new to the profession or seasoned, attending live events could be the key to long-term career growth. as patrick concludes, “you just can’t replicate that energy virtually. i can’t imagine my career without these relationships.”
top 10 takeaways:
- in-person conferences allow for unexpected yet valuable connections.
- random moments like coffee breaks can lead to lifelong professional relationships.
- virtual events often result in divided attention, whereas live conferences ensure focus.
- you can’t replicate the warmth of a handshake or hug in a virtual space.
- the atmosphere at live events inspires engagement and learning.
- have conversation openers ready to make meaningful connections.
- building relationships early in your career can benefit you for years to come.
- pay it forward by helping others without expecting something in return.
- younger professionals should embrace live events to expand their network.
- stronger bonds and trust are built when you meet people face-to-face.