Over 700 bookkeepers have already booked tickets for the Bookkeepers Summit on 17th and 18th November 2020. For the first time in its 10 year history, the Bookkeepers Summit is taking place completely online.
With virtual events now being the new norm, but yet so different from what we're used to, we're sharing our top ten tips for getting the most out of this year's virtual Bookkeepers Summit.
1. Get your devices ready - use Chrome as your desktop browser and download the mobile app
You don't need to install or download anything onto your computer to access the Bookkeepers Summit, but we recommend you access the event 'website app' using Chrome for your browser as this ensures you'll get the best quality video playback. If you experience any issues, you might even try using a Chrome 'Incognito Window'.
You can also take part in the Bookkeepers Summit on your smart phone using our dedicated 'mobile app' - it has all the features of the desktop version including text messaging and video meetings.
We'll email you the week before the Bookkeepers Summit with links to the web app and mobile app.
2. Have your notebook and drinks ready
Even though you'll have on-demand access to recordings of the sessions for three months afterwards, it’s important to have your notebook and pen near you to help boost cognition. If you don’t like taking down notes with a pen, use your favourite note-taking app or simply start a new Word document to jot down anything useful. You can also make notes directly within the Bookkeepers Summit event platform.
It’s also important to have a hydrating drink near you, as all that concentrating can lead to dehydration. And don't forget to #RaiseaCup with us and post your selfies on Wednesday 18th to celebrate the hard work of bookkeepers - it is Global Bookkeeping Week after all.
3. Talk to your fellow members
This year’s virtual Bookkeepers Summit will be just as interactive and social as last year’s – so make the most of it! Over 700 ICB students and members have already booked in. Talk to everyone and anyone on the platform. You can search in the list of attendees for people you already know, or search for new contacts with similar interests to you. Our event platform will recommend other bookkeepers for you to meet based on the profile you set up and you can see who's online at any time, or who's watching the same session as you.
You can connect by sending a text message within the platform like you might do on Whatsapp or Facebook, and you can also set up 15-minute video calls. Don't worry, if you're feeling shy you can switch off these functions so other attendees can't contact you. Feel free to connect with fellow attendees, exhibitors and speakers, safe in the knowledge that your contact details are never shared without your express permission.
For a more informal approach, take a seat at one of the 'tables' in our virtual networking lounge and join an impromptu Zoom-style video chat with up to 15 other bookkeepers. Each table will have a different theme such as 'New Practices', 'Xero lovers', 'Corporation Tax Students' and 'LGBTQ+ bookkeepers'.
4. Explore the virtual platform
We tested over 50 different virtual event platforms until we found our prince. We're confident that you will find the event experience intuitive and easy to navigate but, like most new forms of technology, it may take you a little while to get to grips with. We've ensured that each section of the platform has a little instructional video to help you get up and running as soon as possible, and there's an onboarding tutorial when you first log in. If you ever need any help, visit ICB's 'stand' in the virtual exhibition to chat to a member of our team.
5. Take a break
The Bookkeepers Summit will have over 20 hours of online content so it'll be very easy to get glued to the screen. There are also prizes to be won and a public leaderboard to reward your engagement with sessions, exhibitors and fellow attendees. However, you must take regular breaks from the screen! Most sessions are 30 minutes long so, as soon as you've finished watching one, we'd recommend taking your eyes off the computer screen. Effective breaks can be a short walk, making a drink, getting a snack, or even just looking out of the window.
6. Make sure your internet connection is secure and up to speed
This goes without saying, but we thought we would say it anyway because it’s extremely important! Check your internet connection an hour before you attend the Bookkeepers Summit, as this will allow you to fix any connection problems. Don't under estimate the power of moving closer to your router if you can. If you have problems with your internet, you can always use 4G/5G on your phone to access the website or use the mobile app.
7. Dress the part
This is by no means essential but dressing up may perhaps give you a sense of occasion and, therefore, you'll be more engaged with the event than you would be in your tracksuit bottoms. If you were one of the first 700 bookkeepers to book a ticket, look out for something wearable in your delegate pack arriving through your door in the week before the event!
ICB student and member tickets automatically include access to the Luca Awards streaming live on the virtual event platform at 9pm on Tuesday 17th November. Glamourous outfits and celebratory drinks are a must for the home watch-party!
8. Take part to win prizes
The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed how events have to take place. For now, at least, conferences have gone virtual. Whilst you can watch the recordings of the keynotes and technical sessions after the event, the buzz of the live Bookkeepers Summit and the thrill of chatting to other members is unique to the moment. Our event social feed, texting, video calls, virtual lounge and chat rooms are only available during Global Bookkeeping Week 16-20 November so please do book out your calendar as much as possible and plan to truly immerse yourself in the experience.
To encourage you to maximise the moment, we've gamified proceedings! You'll gain points every time you take part in the event and you'll ascend the public leaderboard. Our winner and runners up will win big prizes! So, comment on sessions and ask questions, send messages to your fellow attendees, set up meetings, join a table at the lounge, and post on the social feed to say hi and let people know what you think.
9. Log in 10 minutes before the event starts
This will allow you to do any last-minute preparations for the event or make any last-minute cups of tea!
10. Minimise distractions
Treat the virtual Bookkeepers Summit as you would a face-to-face Bookkeepers Summit as the same rules apply. We suggest clearing your diary for the entirety of the Bookkeepers Summit and ensuring that anyone who lives with you knows that you will be unavailable for the duration of the Bookkeepers Summit.
You dedicate so much time to helping others, now it's time to focus on you. We've curated targeted contact for bookkeepers to give you confidence, inspiration, knowledge and renewed purpose.
