Expert Insights for Mastering Scaling New Heights 2025

This piece serves as a semi-annual revision and update of my initial article from QuickBooks Connect 2023.

One of my favorite books from childhood was “
Hail, Hail, Camp Timberwood
In this story, a girl attends her very first summer camp. Standing alone, she feels—and likely appears—uncomfortable amidst returning campers enthusiastically embracing one another with joyous reunions. Suddenly, someone rushes over and envelops her in a warm embrace, expressing their delight at seeing her once more. For an instant utterly bewildered, the girl then whispers back, “No worries—we’re not really acquainted. I felt excluded so decided to jump right into it.” They quickly bond and proceed to approach other isolated-looking individuals, sharing the same playful idea. Soon enough, laughter fills the air as everybody joins in, exchanging hugs everywhere across the grounds.

I must admit that this scenario seems rather unlikely.
exactly
Like that at the forthcoming Scaling New Heights conference in Orlando, I wouldn’t be too astonished if it happened. Many attendees will reunite for the first time since last year (see out
my video log focusing on earlier incredible insights
as well as an
article for Insightful Accountant
During the event, expect around 400 newcomers based on Joe Woodard’s recent webinar titled “Maximizing Your SNH Experience.” These attendees may feel anxious and unfamiliar with their surroundings. Seek out others who appear shy or isolated and approach them—let them know it seems like they might not know anyone here too, then suggest having lunch together, visiting a vendor booth, or grabbing a drink. You’ll likely discover that maintaining contact with several of these individuals over time can enrich your professional network.
Remember, progressive accountants and bookkeepers present at SNH—the type often returning yearly—are enthusiastic about meeting new faces like yours. They aim to enhance your overall experience positively. Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who appears confident; inform them gently that this is your first visit and ask for guidance. Chances are high that they will offer valuable advice, mentorship, or even connect you with another attendee looking for company throughout the conference.

For today’s blog post, I’m stepping into the role of your conference companion to provide you with my Expert Insights for Attending Scaling New Heights 2025.

Advice 1 — Plan Ahead

Join a prep session webinar or podcast for personalized tips. On Wednesday, June 18th, Insightful Accountant will concentrate on providing individualized advice.
QB Talks
regarding Preparing for SNL, featuring special guests
Kim Noh
and
Heather Day Satterley
(SNH Director of Education).
And Joe Woodard will personally host an event titled “Maximizing Your Experience” at Scaling New Heights 2025 on Wednesday, June 4th, from 3-4 PM Eastern Time, and you can
register here
.
Prepare in advance, create a timetable, yet feel at ease deviating from it; this approach prevents wasting time deciding what to do spontaneously, without overlooking spontaneous chances that come up.
Create a roster of vendors you wish to connect with; they tend to be quite occupied during the times the Exhibit Hall is openly accessible. It could be beneficial to schedule an appointment with them for periods when the hall has fewer attendees. Prepare a list of queries you want addressed beforehand. Be selective… it’s unfeasible to see everybody. Choose several sectors of interest, identify the vendors operating within these domains, and concentrate your efforts on meeting with them.
Join social media groups where other attendees will be present, such as a Facebook community like
The Woodard Group of the Americas
(explore their highly engaged community chats)
QB Community Live
On platforms like LinkedIn, or others, you can consistently utilize #SNH25 to discover which acquaintances might be attending. It’s beneficial to engage and start making plans in advance.
Reach out to your sales representatives and vendors for the tools you enjoy most — whether you’re currently utilizing them or planning to integrate them this year — to find out if they are organizing any customer dinners, happy hours, or gatherings. Similarly, check with any professional organizations you may be thinking about joining, such as Bookkeeping Buds, Realize, Roundtable, or even my group.
‘Ask a CPA’ community
.

Advice 2 — INSTALL AND UTILIZE THE MOBILE APPLICATION

The
training timetable on the Woodard website
manages to effectively provide a visualization for concurrent sessions. Additionally, it offers an overview of the speaker, track, and subjects all in one glance, unlike the application. Nonetheless,

You can register for a session exclusively through the mobile app or website.

web app

— not through the primary website’s workout plan

, which is informational-only.
If the app is still installed on your device from the previous year, it
will no longer work
, as they have switched to a Woodard Events-customized version of the widely-used Cvent application.
You can obtain the latest app from
Google Play
or the
Apple App Store
Simply look up “Woodard Events.”
The conference application is likewise accessible as
A web edition known as the Attendee Hub
And yes, the web application and mobile application synchronize with each other automatically!
Whether using the mobile app or the web app, you can effortlessly transfer each session to your personal online calendar.
The latest updates to both versions of the app feature enhanced filters for dates, times, categories, and speakers; additionally, the exhibitors in the hall are now organized by category!
Registering in advance for the classes that catch your eye can really benefit the community (like my two presentations — “The Tax-Ready Bookkeeper: A Year-End Review Checklist,” scheduled for 2:10 PM on Wednesday, June 25th; followed by “Best Practices for Preparing 1099 Forms” right after, at 4:10 PM). This helps them decide which rooms should host each session. Greater attendance for a specific subject means they’ll allocate a larger space, making things smoother for everybody involved.
You cannot simultaneously “like” or “favorite” other sessions within the same timeframe, unlike what some applications allow. You have the option to merely “register,” but this registration must be limited to just one session per timeslot. Nonetheless, you are free to export an unlimited number of sessions from both the application and its web counterpart directly into your calendar. This feature might serve as a useful alternative if you wish to attend multiple sessions and keep track of each one.
If the app indicates that registration is closed because the session is full, it does not mean you should avoid trying to join. Often, lines develop even when events appear sold out, and organizers frequently allow more attendees than initially planned into these sessions—especially if you arrive early and secure a spot at the head of the queue. Extra space typically becomes available, so being denied entry is uncommon.
When you click on a particular session, it reveals the detailed description along with the intended learning outcomes and information about the speakers. Should you choose to click on one of these speakers instead, their biography appears alongside details regarding every workshop they’re conducting during the event, plus an external link directing you to their personal site. It’s an excellent method for investigating which educators’ talks might interest you most.
And for
a spreadsheet version
that makes planning a bit easier, we have Casey Galanti to thank for posting theirs in the Realize community.

Tip Three — PACK WISELY AND COMFORTABLY

Wear comfy footwear – this is the biggest Marriott globally! You might find yourself walking quite a distance, potentially up to a mile, from your room to the convention center. (Also,…
industry leader dance-off competition
, just sayin’.)
Bring along an additional foldable duffel bag for souvenirs if collecting them appeals to you—but keep in mind… it’s perfectly fine to decline as well. It’s simple to succumb to the excitement over complimentary items, yet ask yourself whether you truly require another stress ball. Nonetheless, certain giveaways might prove irresistible, so ensure you’ve got enough space to transport your finds back home.
The break-out sessions are usually freezing cold! Make sure to bring along a shawl, poncho, or sweater.
Still, it’s Orlando in June with a pool too, along with an
full waterpark
Featuring a lazy river and water slides, this place offers a main pool which comes free with theScaling New Heights room fee. However, access to the full water park requires an additional payment. Don’t forget to bring your swimwear!
Pack a reusable water bottle (or repurpose a plastic one) along with a coffee or tea cup; you’ll find refilling stations available as well as potable tap water in your hotel room.
Pack extra batteries and chargers—as the sessions might take place underground where signal can be weak, causing your phone to drain faster. Additionally, you will likely rely heavily on the conference app as well as your association’s Slack or Circle platforms, not to mention frequent texting throughout the event.
Hotel conferences can be expensive! If you plan on having snacks or an extra bottle or box of wine beyond regular meal times and events, consider purchasing these items from a local convenience store instead. Remember that the Marriott serves only Pepsi products, so make sure to grab some Coca-Cola if that’s what you prefer. The nearest 7-Eleven is about a mile away, so either stop there right after arriving from the airport to avoid multiple trips or gather with others to share the cost of a larger ride-share like a 6-passenger Lyft XL. (Also, take this opportunity to pick up some Epsom salt for relaxing foot baths.)
Placing an order for groceries or having food delivered from a restaurant is usually much more cost-effective compared to dining at the hotel restaurants. I’ve heard positive feedback about this approach.
Vacation Grocery Delivery
in Orlando.
When it comes to the hotel restaurants, they tend to fill up their reservation lists rapidly. Should you be certain about dining out on a specific evening, make your booking at the earliest opportunity.
The coffee machines in the rooms use single-use pods. Although there’s a Starbucks and a store nearby, queues can be lengthy at times. It might be wise to pack your own travel kettle or coffee maker.
this is ours
, and it’s a real lifesaver
.
(I would love to share an affiliate link since I endorse this product to everybody.) It’s perfect for heating up water to make instant oatmeal or ramen when you get a late-night craving!
Carry small bills for tipping bartenders at the various happy hours, socials, parties and receptions. They work hard and many attendees don’t think to bring cash.
Pack earplugs for noisy nights and rowdy gatherings.
Many folks are participating in “Tutu Tuesday” where everyone wears a tutu — in fact,
Alicia Katz-Pollock
of Royalwise and
the Unofficial QuickBooks Podcast
is distributing 100 blue tutus as freebies at the Expo Hall! (Make sure to arrive early.)
Others are donning their finest Star Trek: The Next Generation outfits in celebration of the “Make It So” theme.
Everything considered: avoid overpacking. Since we’re staying for just four days, you can reuse some outfits. You wouldn’t want to spend your last evening frantically repacking all your clothes. Chances are, you’ll require fewer items than you imagine.
Typically, there is a designated area where you can keep your baggage on the final day, following check-out (instead of handing it over to the hotel concierge). In either case, everything will work out fine.
Attire guideline: EXPRESS YOURSELF. The crowd varies from individuals in sweatwear and denim to those rocking business attire such as suits or gowns. Some enthusiasts enjoy adorning themselves in themed outfits and accessories like crowns (or tutus, or surprise element: cowsuit) at every opportunity. Choose whatever outfit resonates with your personal style.

Tip Four — TRAVEL CONSIDERATIONS

Mears Transportation provides shuttle service from Orlando International Airport to the hotel for $16 per person, one-way.
Reserve in advance here
Considering that a taxi ride costs around $55, the shuttle typically turns out to be the more convenient option, particularly when you have baggage.
The price for accommodations within the Scaling New Heights room block covers daily transportation via a scheduled shuttle to all four Disney parks as well as Disney Springs.
Allocate plenty of extra travel time when navigating Orlando, regardless of whether you’re walking or driving. Despite being situated “right outside the entrance to Disney World,” both the area and individual properties within it are extremely large, frequently requiring up to 30 minutes just to reach different points.
After you’ve connected with several people at the conference, think about organizing a shared taxi ride back to the airport upon your departure, provided that the shuttle schedule isn’t convenient for you and you aren’t burdened with excessive baggage.
Arrive early for check-in to avoid the SNH registration queues. Typically, early check-ins are available on Saturdays between 12 PM and 6 PM, as well as Sundays beginning at 8 AM. Proceed to the Registration Desk close to the Cypress Ballroom when you arrive. Don’t forget to have your identification ready.

Tip Five — NETWORKING

Represent your community… For instance, a few years back at Intuit Connect, the
Bookkeeping Buds
Everyone sported tiaras during one of the sessions when a member was giving a presentation. I consistently carry my beloved Bookkeeping Buds bag and opt to use it rather than the official conference bag (not only does it serve as a great conversation starter, but it’s also simpler to locate if you misplace it somewhere). I purchased bespoke badge ribbons along with customized stickers for us.
‘Ask a CPA’
team members who plan to attend. A lot of people enjoy sporting t-shirts featuring their preferred applications – Kim Noh even boasts her very own shirt adorned with the logos of her technology toolkit!
Maintain connectivity through Slack, Circle, social media, and texts during the conference. Group members frequently reserve a section of seats for the main stage talks, or they might alert you if a specific session is outstanding or falls short.
Bring business cards – digital, paper, or a paper one with a QR code (or QR code stickers). I started using
HiHello
A few years back, I printed a QR code and attached it to my phone case. This allows people to easily scan it, plus it serves as a handy method for others to locate me should I misplace my phone. Nowadays, most sellers simply scan your badge to obtain your details. However, occasionally, they host raffles where participants can toss their business cards into a traditional bowl. For such occasions, I keep another batch of business cards featuring an email address that gets directed to a separate folder.
Craft your elevator speech—who you are, what you’re involved with, why you’ve come, and what sets you apart. What key points should linger in my mind after our encounter?
SNH is essentially occupying the whole hotel — so regardless of whom you encounter, greet them and initiate a chat… There’s a 95% chance they’re part of our group.

Advice Number Six — LOOK AFTER YOURSELF

Get plenty of rest during the days before the conference since the sessions begin early, the events run late into the night, and the hotel bar is perpetually buzzing with activity.
Place your badge on the inner side of the doorknob upon returning to your room, ensuring you see it as you leave. It’s crucial to have it since they enforce checking for badges strictly before allowing entry to anyone.
When you’re having groceries brought over or visiting places like a 7-Eleven or Walgreens, think about grabbing some Epsom salt for a relaxing foot bath.
If you stayed up late, feel free to miss the morning session, or catch some sleep during a mainstage event or in-between sessions. Be kind to yourself.
However, be cautious regarding how late you remain awake and how much alcohol you consume. Missing out on important moments or feeling unwell due to excessive drinking should be avoided. A neat “bracelet technique” I picked up long ago can help; place as many bracelets on your left wrist as the number of drinks you intend to have. Shift one bracelet to your right wrist after each sip. When all the bracelets from your left wrist are gone, consider yourself done for the night. Additionally, use the same glass every time you grab an alcoholic drink—topping it up with water in between—and ensure you’ve finished the water before refilling your glass. Lastly, remember to dine well beforehand so that food helps absorb some of the beverages.
Think about getting there one day ahead of time or staying an extra day after your schedule to explore the attractions or take advantage of the hotel facilities. In my experience, each location has its own unique offerings, even places like Orlando.

Hint Number 7 — POSITION YOURSELF FOR VICTORY

A “New Attendee Orientation” is scheduled for Sunday, June 22 at 9 AM (probably taking place in the Crystal Ballroom). Veteran attendees will be seated at each table to assist newcomers (there are 400 newbies this time around) and address their queries. Following that, there’s a “Practice Advancement Breakfast,” likely happening in the Palms Ballroom Sabal Room. You’ll need to confirm your attendance via the app; however, participation comes with no cost and features a complimentary hot breakfast.
Seats near the front are consistently available, even when a meeting appears crowded. Feel free to walk right up there even if it’s a few minutes after it has started. Nobody will notice you, and nobody really cares.
In that case, don’t hesitate to skip a class if it doesn’t meet your expectations. You might find more value in other workshops, or perhaps this could be a chance to interact with vendors or connect with peers.
Here are three distinctive types of discussions you may wish to consider. The first type includes vendor breakfasts—these are supported events where you can savor a complimentary hot breakfast from the conference while participating. They are

not

Sales presentations, and they’re quite upfront about these being sponsored segments. One specific one I’d suggest is
Valerie Heckman
‘s
Unleashing the Potential of the Ta-Da List: A Session with OnPay
Her speech from last year was genuinely motivating. Additionally: The Woodard Theater will host brief 15-20 minute presentations within the Expo Hall covering particular subjects; these segments allow presenters to enthusiastically impart their knowledge, similar to my session on Tuesday morning.
How to Shield Your Clients from Common Misconceptions About Reasonable Compensation
And lastly: Themed Walking Tours of the Expo Hall; these hour-long tours were created by the editors at CPA Practice Advisor.
Gail Perry
Years ago, and now Woodard has revived them! These are exclusively accessible only to PLUS Pass holders and Woodard members.
Hope Brown
I’ll be heading up one regarding tax technology on Monday at 2:50 PM.
Jot down plenty of notes—whether it’s in a physical notebook, an e-ink device, a tablet, or a laptop… whatever suits you best. (Actually, being someone who prefers writing with pen and paper, I intend to try out some of my acquaintances’ Remarkable tablets and Supernote devices as part of my exploration objectives at the upcoming conference.)
In that notebook, dedicate one page for notes that pertain to

client-specific problems

that you’ll address once you return home; and one more for

non-client-specific items

You should limit the second list to just 2-3 items—trying to incorporate every exciting new concept can be overwhelming. These ideas will stick with you until after the upcoming conference, where perhaps they’ll inspire a fresh batch of objectives.
Woodard has organized a special fundraising and volunteer gathering on Saturday exclusively for those who arrive early. The featured activity is the Build-a-Bike event benefiting underprivileged youths, scheduled from 3-PM to 5-PM.
Various “get-together” events are scheduled throughout the conference and can be found in the app. Should any of these catch your interest for meeting new people, now’s your chance! These gatherings will take place in the designated “Plan Guru” meetup area.
Forwardly
— proud supporter of the
“She Counts” podcast
hosted by
Questian Telka
and I have put together an
SNH Primer
Here’s a revised version of your text:
We’re excited to share our list of must-see events and sessions. We have an extra special treat as we will be organizing a meet-and-greet at their booth on Tuesday, June 24th at 3 PM. Please stop by to collect your Forwardly and She Counts merchandise.
Jennifer Dymond
And I’ll be running Cow-a-BINGO at the event.
Keeper
Stop by on Monday at 11 AM dressed in cow costumes. Yes, you heard right! Join us for an enjoyable time and a chance to win prizes.
A majority of the mainstage and breakout sessions will be captured on video, however, these recordings will only be accessible to Woodard members and those who hold a PLUS pass (with access available for up to six months; this privilege may be extended to fellow members within the same organization so they too can benefit from them). Additionally, should you decide to join, they’ll credit the amount paid for attending the conference towards your membership fee! Should you wish to learn more, feel free to get in touch.
Shirley Koss
, Woodard Community Manager.
Feeling anxious is normal, yet you’re capable of doing this! Introverts and even extroverts often find themselves hesitant when encountering unfamiliar faces. Push past those feelings of awkwardness or dread knowing that nearly everybody present started off solo too. Everyone has experienced arriving somewhere not acquainted with others before; we gather here primarily to connect with one another and hone our skills.
We share numerous similarities… choose an empty seat during mealtime and initiate conversation. Inquire about their reasons for attending and which aspects excite them the most. Discover details like where they hail from and what areas interest them professionally. Share your aspirations and seek guidance. Discuss technological frameworks used within projects and exchange insights regarding challenges faced concerning decisions made along with interactions with service providers and suppliers alike. Our discussions won’t lack substance due to the vast knowledge pool within our sector. Moreover, odds are high these individuals hold similar passions toward work as yours since only dedicated professionals would partake in such gatherings initially.

If you found this useful, your following actions should be to:
go register
For Joe Woodard’s “Maximizing Your SNH Experience” Q&A session on Wednesday, June 4th from 3-4 PM Eastern time; you can download the mobile application or
go to the web app
and sign up for your sessions (particularly
my three
!”); download a few good podcasts for the flight; and begin packing.”

I’ll see you shortly at Scaling New Heights!