I still remember walking into #Bookkeepcon16 with my knees shaking, thinking maybe I should just turn around and go home. What if no one talks to me? What if I don’t know enough? I have only been in business 6 months. I only knew one person — the secretary of the NZBAI (now known as ICNZB) — and she was busy working with the committee at the time. 

But I pulled up my big-girl pants and walked in, hoping no one could see how nervous I was. I stood off to the side, watching people greet each other — some clearly already knew each other well. But I also noticed there were others like me, standing alone, not knowing anyone. 

And then, it happened — I made eye contact with a lady across the room. We smiled. Just like that, my fears began to fade. We started chatting, ate lunch together, sat through sessions side by side… and to this day, we’re still friends today. Rebecca told me when writing this how nervous she was when she arrived at conference and felt the same way!  

Now, 8 #Bookkeepcons later, I still get really nervous before attending. But I go — because I love it. I love the learning, the inspiration, and the community. And now, I always look out for the people standing off to the side, the ones who just need a friendly “hi” and a chat. 

Bookkeepcon offers so much more than professional development — it’s the friendships I’ve made across New Zealand and those annual catch-ups (and a wine or two!) that are truly priceless. If I hadn’t taken that first step in 2016, I wouldn’t be the bookkeeper — or the person — I am today. 

Photo from #Bookkeepcon16 Jessica Millar and Rebecca Burgess