Conference season can be overwhelming for CPA firm owners and accounting professionals. Large industry events often lead to information overload and superficial networking. But what if there was a better way to learn, connect, and grow professionally?
In a recent episode of the “Who’s Really the Boss” podcast, hosts Rachel and Marcus Dillon tackle this challenge head-on. As CPA firm owners and industry consultants, they’ve pioneered an innovative solution: the “Get Together” event model.
The “Get Together” Approach
The Dillons’ “Get Together” events are intentionally small and focused, with only about 50 to 70 people. This intimate setting fosters a collaborative atmosphere that combats the anonymity often experienced at larger events.
Key features of the Get Together include:
- Round table setup. This encourages interactive discussions and peer-to-peer learning.
- Advanced study sessions. These allow for deeper exploration of topics in smaller groups.
- Practical, actionable content. The focus is on real-world application rather than theoretical knowledge.
Rachel explains, “We named it Get Together because it really was a gathering of friends of accounting industry peers who have the same goals and a desire to make their firms a better place to work.” This approach directly addresses the common frustrations with traditional conferences: information overload, superficial networking, and lack of actionable takeaways.
Target Audience and Exclusivity
The Get Together events are designed for firm owners and leaders from businesses with revenue between $500,000 to $5 million and team sizes of 3 to 30. This specificity allows for discussions and content directly relevant to all attendees.
Rachel emphasizes, “What that means is there’s a limited number of seats, and we want to make sure that we are able to be transparent, and we want to make sure that people who appreciate that are in the room.” This careful curation ensures everyone present is there for the right reasons: to learn, share, and grow.
Focus on Strategy, Structure, and Systems
The events cover three main pillars: strategy, structure, and systems (including software). Marcus explains, “Strategy could be as simple as mission, vision, and values, which a lot of people just write off as fluff in their business. But if they don’t have a clear mission, vision, or value statement, it’s so hard to help them steer the ship.”
Regarding structure, the Dillons discuss their “team of three” model, where each client has a dedicated Client Service Manager (CSM), Controller, and CFO. During the structure discussions, attendees dig into roles and responsibilities, workloads, and compensation strategies.
They focus on tools for systems and software that create efficiencies and improve client and team member experiences.
Marcus notes, “We have some very important people that we are connected to in the software and systems world, and that’s who we partner with. So our events are not full of people trying to sell you stuff. If they’re just there to sell you something, they don’t need to be in the room.”
Maximizing Learning and Networking
To get the most out of any professional event, the Dillons suggest several strategies:
- Set clear goals and intentions before attending
- Check the agenda in advance and select relevant sessions
- Actively network and share challenges/successes with other attendees
- Take time to reflect and process information during and after the event
- Prioritize next steps and actionable items post-event
Rachel stresses the importance of actionable outcomes: “If there are no actionable steps out of a conference, I don’t know that I can say it was a success. That next step might just be ‘call this person’ or ‘reach out to this company.’ But if there’s literally not a next step, I don’t know that it was worth the time and monetary investment.”
Maximize Your ROI on Professional Development
The Get Together model is a welcomed alternative to conference fatigue and information overload. By focusing on a specific audience, emphasizing practical outcomes, and providing strategies for effective participation, these events deliver tangible value to every attendee.
As you consider your next accounting conference or professional development opportunity, ask yourself: Are you seeking a flood of information or actionable insights? Are you looking for a room full of strangers or a community of like-minded professionals?
Less can be more in a world of constant noise and information overload. The Get Together model shows that reimagining how we learn, connect, and grow as accounting professionals can lead to more meaningful and impactful experiences. Learn more in the most recent episode of the “Who’s Really the Boss” podcast.
Rachel and Marcus Dillon, CPA, own a Texas-based, remote client accounting and advisory services firm, Dillon Business Advisors, with a team of 15 professionals. Their latest organization, Collective by DBA, supports and guides accounting firm owners and leaders with firm resources, education, and operational strategy through community, groups, and one-on-one advisory.