BSCAI is hosting its first ever virtual conferece, Contracting Success+! We sat down with Eric Luke, CBSE, CPA, the programming chair for Contracting Success+ about what to expect from the conference, sessions you can't miss and why this year will be better than ever.

BSCAI: What will be the format of Contracting Success+?
Eric Luke, CBSE, CPA: The BSCAI convention committee has designed a fun, efficient, virtual format featuring the latest and best virtual meeting technology! The format offers the same amount of content and education as in years past, but broken up into four 3.5-hour sessions spread out over two weeks. There will be two breakout sessions per week in the afternoon. Our planned session dates are the afternoons of October 14th, 15th, 21st and 22nd. It is going to awesome! In addition to the BSCAI sessions, our conference fee will allow access to all attendees to attend, if they so desire, the November ISSA Tradeshow in Las Vegas.

BSCAI: Will the conference feature any new elements in its virtual format? 
EL: We are thrilled to be able to provide three keynote speakers this year, instead of our traditional two! And they are top notch! In addition, the virtual format will have smaller virtual breakout rooms allowing members to meet with peers for easy, efficient, intimate sessions to share, learn from and help each other improve their companies.

BSCAI: What will remain the same from previous years?
CL: Our members will notice that this year’s conference includes the features that have been so important to them in the past. The conference will include fun, insightful, inspirational keynote speakers, peer-to-peer breakouts on essential topics for today, networking roundtables and the same six track programming focuses that our members want and need to succeed in this vibrant industry. These tracks are as follows:

1. Administrative and Finance
2. Marketing and Sales
3. Employee Recruitment and Training
4. Leadership and Strategic Management
5. Operations
6. Customer Service and Retention

BSCAI: Can you discuss some of the programming that will run during Contracting Success+?
EL: Here are three programs I am looking forward to:

1. Troy Hopkins, Area Development Manager of Office Pride Commercial Cleaning: From Gatekeeper to Decision Maker
2. Claudia St. John, President of Affinity HR Group: From Hiring to Inspiring – How to Build a Kick-Butt Team
3. Danielle Vidal-Johnson, Director of Marketing of 4M Building Solutions: Social Media: Recruiting Team Members/Brand and Company to Customers

BSCAI: What can attendees expect from the conference?
EL: Attendees can expect same educational opportunities that they have enjoyed in the past. No less! But at a reduced cost and increased convenience. Last year the cost per attendee averaged $695. This year, the early bird cost per registrant is only $199! And more exciting, BSCAI is offering 5 to 25% discounts for bundled packages. You can save up to 25 percent if you purchase a bundle of registrations for you and your team, with bundled pricing equated to $175 per registrant for members and $215 per registrant for non-members.

BSCAI: What would you say to potential attendees who are on the fence about registering for the virtual conference?
EL: This year, attendees can enjoy the usual conference perks with a gigantic reduction in costs. No airfare. No hotel. No restaurant costs. And they can be at home each night with their friends and families. In addition, this year we are offering attendees all the recordings of all the sessions for them to watch later at no cost! In the past, this has always been an upcharge! This way, attendees can check back for a refresh of the educational content any time they choose without paying an additional cost.

BSCAI: Will Contracting Success+ touch on new industry norms and expectations as the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic?
EL: The conference will absolutely have a focus on up-to-date hints and pointers on how our member companies should continue to respond and adapt to COVID-19. For example, we plan on addressing in breakout sessions how successful companies have adapted their work force, hiring and delivering of services to best meet the needs of customers in these trying times. Attendees can learn from M&A experts about the impact of the pandemic on valuations, and trends on buying and selling.

BSCAI: In your estimation, how important is the type of education available at Contracting Success+ during times of uncertainty and turmoil, like the pandemic? 
EL: Throughout history, in times of uncertainty and turmoil, the best leaders have striven to uplift their teams, and offer a sense and feeling of hope that they personally and as an organization will prevail. Education is forward-looking! This conference is the best the industry has to offer to educate our members. 

Market turmoil can put a company and its leaders in the best position to grow and succeed….we act upward! The more chaos and uncertainty in the marketplace, the better opportunities for the creative, believing and aggressive business leaders to improve market share, and outpace their competitors. Attending these types of educational opportunities, and sharing and learning from peers and competitors, will help our members outpace the competition.

Malcolm X made an inspired comment years ago when he said, “There is no better tool to growth than adversity. Every loss, every defeat, contains its own seed, its own lesson, on how to improve your personal performance.”

I hope this conference will have record attendance. In this crazy, changing world, it is time to invest, learn and lead.

Register now for Contracting Success+