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Surviving your first Xerocon: lessons from Brisbane 2025

Written ahead of Xerocon Brisbane, held on 3 and 4 September 2025, this first-timer guide covers whether you book sessions, what to pack, which side events are worth your time and how to work the expo floor. Most of it applies to any Xerocon.

The Firm newsroom

29 November 2025 · 6 min read

Part of our Xero coverage. More Xero news →

Update

Xerocon Brisbane took place on 3 and 4 September 2025 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, so the side events named below have run. Most of the advice applies to any Xerocon. As at September 2026 Xero has announced no city or dates for the next Australian edition; our Xerocon hub will carry them the day it does.

Heading to your first Xerocon? You’re not alone. Every year there are hundreds of first-timers who show up excited but also slightly terrified about how it all works. Do you need to book into sessions? What should you pack? Are you missing out if you don’t hit the afterparty? And which apps are actually worth your time? If you’re feeling a bit of FOMO and panic right now, take a breath, you’re going to be fine. Here’s a practical guide to help you survive (and enjoy) your first Xerocon.

Do you need to book sessions at Xerocon? Here’s the truth

The short answer: no. You don’t book into sessions. Everything runs on a first-come basis, and you just show up to the talks you want to attend. Here’s how to make life easier:
  • Download the Jomablue web app. This is where you can view the agenda.
  • Use the “My Agenda” feature. You can favourite sessions you’re interested in, which creates a personalised list. It won’t reserve a seat, but it helps you cut through the noise.
  • Arrive early. The bigger sessions (keynotes, big-name speakers) fill quickly. Plan to be in the room 10 to 15 minutes before they kick off.
Don’t stress if you miss something. Xerocon sessions are great, but the real gold often happens outside the rooms, in the conversations you’ll have with peers and app partners.

The ultimate survival kit: what to pack (and what to leave behind)

Two days at Xerocon is basically a marathon disguised as a conference. You’ll be on your feet, walking between sessions and the expo floor, and juggling coffees, conversations, and swag. Here’s what you actually need:
  • Comfy shoes, this is non-negotiable. Sneakers over heels.
  • Layers, the Brisbane weather can be warm, but the convention centre air-con is freezing.
  • A water bottle, staying hydrated keeps you going.
  • Chargers/power bank, you’ll rinse your phone battery between the app, photos, and LinkedIn posting.
  • Notebook (or iPad), sometimes it’s easier to scribble notes than type.
  • Something orange if you’re new, there’s an unofficial tradition where first-timers wear an orange wristband, ribbon, or anything noticeable. It’s a signal for veterans to look out for you and help you find your feet.
What not to bring: heavy bags, too much swag (you don’t need 20 tote bags), or anything you’ll regret lugging around all day.

Side events, parties, and networking: what’s worth your time

This is where newbies get the most confused. Xerocon isn’t just the main conference, there are events happening before, during, and after.
  • Pre-con events: Usually smaller networking or training sessions hosted by app partners. Great for easing into the week and meeting people before the chaos starts.
  • Mid-con events: These are dinners, drinks, or special sessions in the evenings after Day 1. Some are ticketed, some are free.
  • Afterparty: The big one on the final night. If you drink, you’ll love it. If you don’t, you can still go for the first hour to network before the dance floor gets wild.
Not a big drinker? That’s fine. Plenty of people head along for the vibe, grab a soda water, and connect with peers before slipping out early. You won’t be the only sober one in the room. Pro tip: keep an eye on side events listed on Xero’s website and in the Facebook groups, partners like Ignition, Dext, and others often run excellent off-site networking sessions.

The must-visit apps at Xerocon if you want to nail your tech stack

The expo floor is where you’ll build the future of your firm. It’s wall-to-wall with apps that plug into Xero, and while it’s easy to get distracted by free socks and stress balls, here’s how to prioritise:
  1. Practice management
    • Xero Practice Manager (XPM)
    • Karbon
    • FYI
    • Accountkit 
    • XBertThese tools run your workflows, clients, and jobs. If you’re not happy with what you’re using, this is where to start.
  2. Client engagement & proposals
    • Ignition
    • AccountKit
    • Rechargly
    • Pinch payments
  3. AI and automation
    • Vinyl AI - Meeting Assistant
    • Others experimenting with AI inside workflow and docs.
Tips for the expo floor:
  • Don’t waste time at every stand. Prioritise 4 to 5 apps you actually want to explore.
  • Book demos in advance where possible.
  • Use quieter times (like during big sessions) to have meaningful conversations with app partners.

Top tips from Xerocon veterans that will save your sanity

  • Get in early. The mornings are calmer, and you’ll snag better seats for keynotes.
  • Don’t try to see everything. Pick the sessions that align with your goals. It’s better to take away three clear actions than to half-listen to ten sessions.
  • Break up your day. Use coffee breaks and expo strolls as reset points.
  • Talk to people. Don’t just hang with your team. Introduce yourself to strangers, that’s where the best ideas and opportunities show up.
  • Find the orange wristbands. If you’re a newbie, you’ll get looked after. If you’re not, help someone who is.

The hidden magic of Xerocon: how to make the most of your first year

The real value of Xerocon isn’t just the big stages or celebrity keynotes. It’s the connections you build with peers, app partners, and potential collaborators. Here’s how to make it count:
  • Focus on relationships, not swag. Tote bags are nice, but conversations are better.
  • Follow up. Add people on LinkedIn the same day, send a quick note, and keep the conversation going post-event.
  • Balance is key. Don’t try to do the event, dinners, and afterparty all at once. Pace yourself.
  • Cut yourself some slack. You’ll miss sessions, feel overwhelmed, or get lost at some point. Everyone does.
By the end of Day 2, you’ll be exhausted but energised, and you’ll walk away with ideas, tools, and connections that will help you grow your firm.

Final word

If this is your first Xerocon, relax. You don’t need to book every session, you won’t miss out if you skip a party, and you don’t have to talk to every single exhibitor. Focus on making genuine connections, exploring apps that matter to your firm, and giving yourself the space to actually enjoy the event. Everyone was a newbie once. This year, it’s your turn, and you’ll be fine.

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