Live from QuickBooks Connect Toronto 2019 Day 3

Well, Murph, it was a bittersweet day today (12/11/2019). QuickBooks Connect Toronto 2019 came to a close.

Day Three was much quieter; there was no Main Stage event and the exhibit floor had closed the previous night. You know what it’s like, Murph: people are already checked out of their hotel rooms and are storing their suitcases while they attend the last day’s sessions.

Speaking of sessions, the ones I attended on this last day were all about strategy.

I spent three hours this morning attending Kellie Parks’ “Cloud Accounting Technology Efficiency & Productivity Workshop,” which stunned me. I thought I knew a lot about efficiency and productivity, but Kellie is the master. Until this morning, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know” but I do now. I will be reviewing the downloaded slides from the presentation because there were some fantastic resources.

I was torn regarding which three-hour afternoon session to attend. I really wanted to stay with Kellie and attend her “Workflow & Client Communication Workshop,” but today was my one-and-only chance to attend Misty Megia’s “Theatre Skills for the Business World.” And so, after deliberating over my last lunch, I spent the afternoon with Misty.

Below, you can see Matthew Fulton and Christian Madarasz reading from a script. We learned about script scoring and different methods of communicating that supplement the words we say.

We had so much fun trying out non-verbal communications, that a number of us felt guilty earning three CPD/CPE credits while doing it!

After the afternoon sessions wound down, there were hugs and handshakes as people drifted off in their respective directions on their way home. I’ll admit, it was a little sad seeing the staff break down the QuickBooks Connect signs and stack chairs.

I went out for one last dinner with Lynda Artesani, Will English, Laurie O’Neil, and Matthew Fulton.

We all agreed that it was a top-notch conference. I’m hoping this means they’ll consider coming back to the Great White North next year, when QuickBooks Connect Toronto 2020 takes place from December 7th to 9th.

In the meantime, Murph, I’d like to give you (and everyone reading this) a taste of this year’s QuickBooks Connect Toronto, so check out https://can.quickbooksconnect.com/agenda/ and click on the + sign next to each breakout session. That will expand the details; you’ll be able to click on the blue “See PowerPoint presentation” link to download the presentation slides. I don’t know how long the slides will be up on the site, so don’t wait too long to explore the presentations while you have the chance.

That’s it; the word is out. This is a conference not to be missed, and my friends south of the border are starting to clue in. Maybe we’ll be seeing more of our American colleagues next year? I certainly hope so.

It’s just after midnight and I’m ready to hit the hay, because tomorrow it’s back to post-conference reality. Sigh.

A Word From The Editor

I want to personally, and on behalf of all our readers, as well as Insightful Accountant give my good friend Esther Friedberg Karp a great big 'THANK YOU' for taking the time to report on her trip, her adventure, her conference and most of all her connections at this year's QuickBooks Connect Canada-Toronto.  Esther, you are one in a zillion!

Murph