A beginners guide to attending Xerocon Nashville
Xerocon is a unique conference that is a right of passage for accountants, bookkeepers, and those in the software world. Keep reading to get all our pre, during and post tips for attending Xerocon Nashville 2024.
Like going to prom, taking your driver's test, or your first time at a bar, attending your first Xerocon will bring a mix of nerves and excitement!
In this guide, we want to help calm any nerves and prepare you for two days that will change how you see accounting for the rest of your life.
If you haven’t attended a Xerocon before, that might sound over the top, but we warn you - Xerocon is unlike any other conference and due this it has a cult-like following. So let's get you ready for what you can expect for this year's Xerocon Nashville.
If you're yet to get a ticket, you can do so here: Xerocon Nashville Tickets.
Before Xerocon
This year, Xerocon will take place in the heart of Nashville on August 14-15, bringing together over 2,000 industry professionals. Attendees from around the world will converge on America's country music capital, not only for the conference but also to explore its famous tourist attractions. So grab your boots and cowboy hat, as Xerocon Nashville promises to be an unforgettable experience!
But before you even think about stepping on the plane, we want to share a bunch of ways you can increase your networking prospects before the conference.
Social media networking
Your best place to start is on social media. On both LinkedIn and Instagram, people post to their networks that they'll be attending Xerocon this year under the official hashtag.
For both Xerocon 2024 London and Nashville this year, the hashtag is simply:
#Xerocon
You will be able to find other accountants and Xero users under this tag and engage on their posts. It's a very friendly community, so don't be shy; lots of posts are actually asking who will be attending. This is your chance to jump into the comments and let them know you'll be there too.
Another thing you'll find under the hashtag is app partners that have booked booths to showcase their software. A great part about Xerocon is being able to explore apps you may not have heard of before that connect with Xero. For example, you might have clients in construction and find a great job management platform that connects with Xero that you could advise them on.
Booths will also be offer deals for those attending, giveaways, or have fun games you can partake in. It's worth looking at some of the posts from companies that are attending and noting down any booths you want to stop by. On the day, you might have limited time, so having a list of booths you want to attend can help you confidently navigate the "app alley."
Represent your company/practice
As well as being a great way to learn the latest benchmarks and trends in accounting, Xerocon can be a huge marketing opportunity for you to take advantage of. Think about how you will rep your practice or business. You could wear branded t-shirts, hats, or use branded bags, badges, pens, or lanyards.
Note: For all those coming from the southern hemisphere, remember it won't be winter in Nashville, so it's best to leave your wooly jackets and beanies at home! The weather for Nashville is due to be anywhere between 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C) in August.
If you're looking for a quick, easy, and cost-effective way to get your business branded accessories, I've used Vistaprint in a pinch with good results (we have no affiliation with Vistaprint).
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There are also other fun ways you can stand out. Xerocon is a fun atmosphere, so feel free to let your freak flag fly and wear that sparkly jacket, a bright "Xero blue" suit, or rainbow headband. All these things will work as conversation starters and help you network on the day.
Review the agenda
Know what to expect on the day by looking at the agenda. You may even want to bookmark it on your phone so you can check in when you need during the day. Here's a link to the official agenda: Xerocon Agenda.
Set up meetings
If you know other people attending Xerocon that you want to catch up with or have made a professional connection online that you want to meet in person, plan this in advance!
We all say, "we have to catch up at Xerocon," but once you get there, everyone puts their phones away and focuses on the fun of the conference. If you are seriously hoping to meet with someone around Xerocon, you will want to organise it in advance.
A good time for meet-ups is during the breaks, which on day 1 is:
Morning break: 10:30 - 11:15
Lunch: 1:00 - 2:30 pm.
And on day 2 is:
Morning break: 10:45 - 11:30
Lunch: 1:15 - 2:45 pm.
Another option is to meet at the afterparty - but don't expect to get much business done!
Want to remember all the things you need to do before Xerocon? Click to download our comprehensive Xerocon checklist below!
Planning your trip to Nashville
Nashville - what an exciting location for a conference! Many of you will already be living and attending in Nashville, but many of you will be coming from further away. Our team will be flying a full 24 hours to attend from New Zealand!
No doubt that for those of you who are traveling, your time in Nashville will be a big highlight of this year's conference. So in this section we want to share some travel tips with a focus on options around Xerocon.
Book those flights!
First things first, you'll need to book your flights. Keep in mind the 2 days of Xerocon are super fun and rewarding, but can also leave you pretty exhausted by the end of it - especially for the introverted amongst us.
Don't get me wrong - it's a good kind of tired, but you'll want to be on peak form when you arrive on day 1 so you can get the most out of your Xerocon experience. Due to this, we recommend flying in a day early, not at 10 pm the night before.
If you're booking your own flights, here are two booking sites:
If you are wanting to look at multiple options across different carriers, Skyscanner will help you find the right flights for you and then redirect you to their website to make the booking.
If you're wanting to get the best deal, Kiwi.com is a great website to check out. This site offers flights worldwide, and uses a "self-tranfer hack" to get the best deals in the market. We’ve found flight paths on here that no other website has pulled up.
(Again, we have no affiliation with these products; they have just worked for us in the past).
Where to stay at Xerocon Nashville
Xerocon Nashville is being held in the Music City Center, in city center and near the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum (which is a must-see)! Due to the venue being so central there are a number of great hotel options in the area.
Conference Address: Music City Center, 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203, United States.
Packing list
If you're anything like me, bring a checked bag, as you'll be picking up free swag left, right, and center from the booths and maybe even a Nashville t-shirt or two for family/friends back home.
Here are some key things you'll want to bring to Xerocon:
Business cards - bring more than you think you'll need. They are small, light and you don't want to be caught without one. One fun idea is to create business cards with QR codes for people to book meetings with you. Here's a great free Q-Code maker.
Notepad and extra pens - you may want to take notes during keynotes, and having a pen on you will be helpful for filling out customs slips on the plane.
Travel visa - on that note, don't forget to apply for your travel visa if you're coming from overseas, and remember, if you are flying via the US, you will need a US Transit Visa even if you're just passing through.
Chargers and power bank - the days are long at Xerocon, especially with the afterparty, bring a way to charge your device on the go.
Comfortable shoes - expect to be walking a fair amount during the conference and dancing at the afterparty.
Water bottle - stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle. There will be water stations for refills.
Tote bags - it's a good idea to have a tote bag to hold all the swag and flyers you'll pick up along the way. We will be giving out tote bags, so make sure to visit the Projectworks booth to snag one.
Summer clothing - it will be summer in Nashville, pack lightweight and breathable clothing and a hat.
Sunscreen - there are a number of parks in the area, keep your skin safe while you dip out for some fresh air.
Afterparty outfit - each year the Xerocon party has a theme you can dress to. In London this year it was Glam Rock! Once we know the theme you can buy accessories to party in!
Need a copy of this packing list? You'll find your copy in our comprehensive Xerocon checklist below!
What to expect at Xerocon - Day 1
Woo hoo! The day is finally here! Doors open at 8:00, and you have till 9:00 to sign in and get your lanyard. You will be let in after this, but if you want to see the opening performance, you'll want to be in the venue by 9. Have your tickets on your phone or printed for a smooth sign in process.
Xero always puts on a great conference, so there will be plenty to do and see around the venue. Remember to take photos and post them on social media to connect with others at the conference and make the most of the marketing opportunity.
After the welcome and opening showcase, at 11:10 - 11:25, there will be a quick presentation at the main stage about getting the most out of Xerocon.
From there, the conference will be in full swing with the first cloud accounting leader speaker. Before you know it, it will be lunchtime, where you can grab a bite to eat at the venue and explore the apps with booths. It's normal for people to walk the booths and ask the exhibitors about their products. The people there are keen to talk to accountants and bookkeepers like yourself, so don't be shy; say hi!
As the day goes on, multiple talks and breakout sessions occur at the same time, so refer to your agenda to pick which ones you want to attend. You can view the agenda here.
The day ends at 5:15.
Prepare for Xerocon - Day 2
If you survive day 1, you'll have the opportunity to enter the conference at 8:00 and get a well-needed coffee that Xero will be serving to attendees on the expo floor.
Day two runs very similarly to the first day and wraps up at 4:20 - 4:30 with a reflection.
Before the day ends, refer back to your list and make sure you've visited all the booths you'd hoped to over the 2 days.
The wrap party starts at 6:30, at Luke’s 32 Bridge. If you are nearby you'll have time to go change into your afterparty costume.
Xero says that at the afterparty there will be "live music and entertainment that will have you on the dance floor well into the evening!"
In the past, there have been "stilt walkers, fire breathers, trapeze artists, bands, DJs, festival make-up stands and an array of free-flowing drinks on offer" - Accounting Web.
So prepare for a fun night.
After Xerocon
Once the dust has settled, you'll want to do a few things to ensure you follow up on all the great people you met and intriguing apps you saw at the conference.
Here are some key actions you should take post-Xerocon Nashville:
Review your notes - take time to go over the notes you've taken during sessions and key points from speakers.
Check your emails - you will likely receive a number of emails from app partners who scanned your badge. Take your time to look through these emails, as they often include links to webinars where you can learn more about the software or juicy exclusive deals for you or your clients!
Reflect on insights - think about the new ideas and perspectives you gained from the conference and brainstorm how you can apply them your work.
Organise your contacts - connect with the people you met at the conference on LinkedIn.
Follow up emails - send personalised emails to people you want to continue conversations with or collaborate with in the future.
Follow-up meetings - schedule meetings or calls with contacts made at the conference to further connections or collaborations.
Share learnings - discuss key takeaways from the conference with your team members to share knowledge.
Write a recap blog post - consider writing a blog post summarising your experience and the main things you learned from the conference. Share it on social media and ask others to share their experience too.
Read the flyers you picked up - sort through your stack of flyers and visit the apps websites to learn more about what they offer.
Schedule calls with app partners - book demos with app partners to learn more about their products and what they can provide for your clients.
Make the absolute most of your trip to Xerocon Nashville with our downloadable checklist. Don't forget what to do pre, during, and post Xerocon with this simple asset.
We’ll see you there!
Our team loves attending Xerocon, we always meet great accountants, bookkeepers and software partners who end up joining our partner program.
This year, we are super excited to attend Nashville. So, if you are attending, make sure you come over to say hi to our team and grab some Projectworks swag!
Thank you for reading our full guide, and we can't wait to meet you there. ✌️
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