Yes, it's time for Intuit Connect, formerly known as QuickBooks Connect. The focus of this year's event is somewhat different, looking more at the expanded Intuit Ecosystem of products than just QuickBooks. That focus will include the new 'Intuit Enterprise Suite' an all-in-one product solution for the mid-market. I will have my personal one-on-one demonstration of I.E.S. this afternoon.
Following the morning's "lite bites" which is kind of a 'continental breakfast' (muffins, pastries, juice, coffee, etc.) it will be time to head over to the Exhibit Hall just as soon as the 'big rush' gets through the doors. Everyone is interested in tracking down new vendors, or the best swag being handed out. As for me, I'm always looking for the best 'ink pens' in the hall, and also the best 'snackables' being handed out: chocolate candies, mints, and perhaps someone with a Barista who is making Hazelnut Americano cafe. I will spend about two hours trying to identify the vendors I want to chat with, or perhaps interview for a recorded podcast.
Source: Official Intuit 'Intuit Connect' media content.
After lunch I have my IES personal demonstration over at the Intuit exhibit area. Then I'm off to a one-on-one media briefing with Laurent Sellier, Intuit's Senior V.P. of Global Business Solutions Group Mid-Market. If they don't believe in long titles, I don't know what. Laurent should provide 'the big picture' as to where Intuit is headed in transitioning from Small Business to Mid-market.
Not long after my briefing with Laurent, I'm off to the official Intuit Kickoff, the first main stage in which Intuit's CEO, Sasan Goodarzi will welcome those attending. Along with Mr. Goodarzi will be Greg Johnson, the Executive Vice President of Global Business Solutions who I expect to tell us about Intuit's global plans for expanding their ecosystem.
I expect there to be a somewhat different feel to this year's kickoff because its been obvious from various polling questions at several webinars lately, there are a lot of ProAdvisor who have attended in the past that are staying home this year. At the same time, it appears that with the emphasis on larger accounting firms, especially those using QuickBooks Ledger, and the mid-market uptick, there are likely to be a lot of new faces of accountants and advisors that are associated with these two new areas of Intuit focus.
Priya Parker, the author of "The Art of Gathering" is scheduled to share her insights on creating meaningful connections. Seems like an all appropriate topic since the name of this event is Intuit "Connect."
Shortly after that, is Intuit's welcome reception, the first of many other vendor hosted receptions for the evening.
Don't worry, I promise to keep you appraised of what I found out from all of today's events i attended.