By Suzanne Spear, Director of Event Marketing, Sage North America @Suzspear

My departure for Nashville is just 2 short days away, and my time leading up to Sage Summit has been spent with early mornings and late nights answering emails, wrapping up loose ends and problem solving last-minute emergencies that come up.  But in the end, all of this so-called craziness leads to an amazing event, bringing together long-time friends and colleagues, and the opportunity to meet new friends.

Speaking of opportunity, this year’s Sage Summit offers many of these opportunities to connect with your peers in fun and engaging ways.  From social media, to Sage City and the Grand Ole Opry, to lunch seating organized by product and not to mention the connections you make just sitting next to someone in a session.  Sharing best-practices and swapping stories is what makes Sage Summit such a valuable event to attend.

But beyond these opportunities lies more ways to connect than perhaps you had ever thought of. Wayne Schulz, a Sage partner and active blogger, once said the best way to meet people is in the hallways during session breaks at the coffee stand.  He’s right.  Brad Hartz, a Sage customer, said he met several peers just by striking up a conversation in the elevator.  These small interactions can actually lead to bigger things, and create new friendships.

This year, we have over 1,100 first-time attendees.  ELEVEN HUNDRED.  For these first-timers navigating Sage Summit, and the Gaylord Opryland, can be overwhelming.  Making connections when there are thousands in attendance may seem an impossible feat.

If you’re one of these first time attendees, I encourage you to use the tools we’ve put in place to help guide you, and allow you to get the most out of Sage Summit.  When you check-in at registration we will arm you with a conference guide.  Take the time to look through it, and carry it with you.  If you haven’t already done so, download the Mobile App.  And be sure to use the signage we create to help find your way. And most importantly, don’t be shy and ask!  We have several Information Desks located throughout the event staffed by knowledgeable Sage employees happy to help you.

Recommended: Sage Customer?  Don’t forget to RSVP for the Riverboat party before it’s too late!

For our long-time Sage Summit attendees, you are a valuable resource to our first-time attendees.  If you see someone wearing a “First-Timer” badge, take a moment, introduce yourself and offer them your knowledge.  It’s the little things you already know from past experience that these first-timers hunger for, like CPE credits, the best lunch line, and where to sit for the keynote.  Share and you may be surprised at the connection you make!

So as you begin to pack for Sage Summit, remember there are so many opportunities to meet new faces and re-connect with the buddies you’ve known for ages.  I know I’m excited to meet our first-timers, but I also look forward to seeing the friends I’ve met over the past eleven years.  If you see me in hallway, stop me, and introduce yourself.  See you in Nashville!