Episode Description:

In this episode of The MediaBooks Podcast, Kristen Corey shares her fresh, behind-the-scenes take on Scaling New Heights 2025—recorded right from her hotel room after breaking down her booth. She dives into what worked, what surprised her, and why conferences aren’t just about leads—they’re about partnerships, networking, and building real relationships. If you’re an accountant or sponsor considering attending a conference, you’ll find actionable tips, firsthand lessons, and a candid look at what makes Scaling New Heights unique.

Key Takeaways:

1. Partnerships often lead to more clients than direct leads—don’t underestimate networking with other vendors.

2. Arrive a day early to settle in, explore the venue, and avoid feeling rushed before setup.

3. Scaling New Heights is highly organized, with set vendor hours that help attendees focus on either sessions or networking without FOMO.

4. Face-to-face conversations with decision-makers are invaluable, especially if you want to build strategic partnerships.

5. Plan your swag carefully—many sponsors overestimate quantities (Kristen learned this the hard way with leftover gum!).

Timestamps:

00:00 – 00:30 | Partnerships Over Leads – Why great collaborations often lead to better opportunities than direct conference leads.

00:30 – 01:06 | Welcome to the Media Books Podcast – Kristen introduces the episode and sets the stage for her conference review.

01:06 – 02:36 | First Impressions & Prep Work – What it was like preparing as a sponsor, from webinars to checklists.

02:36 – 04:20 | Arriving at the Conference – Lessons learned about when to arrive and why showing up early matters.

04:20 – 06:23 | Venue & Location Highlights – Marriott World Orlando Resort perks, Disney Springs dining, and why the location is great for families.

06:23 – 07:48 | Conference Organization – Structured vendor hours, session schedules, and attendee flow.

07:48 – 10:22 | Networking & Partnerships – The value of connecting with vendors, unexpected elevator conversations, and why in-person chats beat emails.

10:22 – 11:05 | Non-Linear Path to Clients – Why partnerships can be a hidden pipeline for new business.

11:05 – 12:19 | Overall Conference Experience – The fast-paced week, inspiring sessions, and vendor interactions.

12:19 – 14:11 | Community & Networking Opportunities – Lanyard badges, first-time attendee pins, and building meaningful relationships.

14:11 – 15:06 | Final Thoughts & Future Content – Kristen shares her plans for more conference tips and invites questions.

15:23 – 16:00 | Media Books Services – Quick breakdown of Media Books’ web design, audit, and advisory services.

Relevant Links:

Work with MediaBooks: https://www.mediabooksagency.com/

Follow Kristen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-corey/---