Brian Colao On What It Takes To Build an Industry-Defining Conference

What happens when the world goes to sleep? A legacy DSO conference gets built. Tune into the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show with host, Mike Huffaker, as he welcomes Brian Colao, Director of Dykema's DSO Industry Group, and DSO big shot, to explore the upcoming Dykema Definitive DSO Conference. Together they unpack the ins and outs of the iconic conference - from maximizing networking opportunities and navigating a record-breaking 2,400+ attendance to insider tips on must-see sessions. Brian shares exclusive insights about the event's legendary production value, star-studded lineup including John McEnroe, and how the conference has evolved to become dental's premier networking and educational experience. On the surface, this is a conversation about a mammoth DSO conference. But at its core, it’s a conversation that will leave you excited about the opportunities in the dental industry.

What happens when the world goes to sleep? A legacy DSO conference gets built. Tune into the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show with host Mike Huffaker, as he welcomes Brian Colao, Director of Dykema's DSO Industry Group, and DSO big shot, to explore the upcoming Dykema Definitive DSO Conference.

What You’ll Learn:

How to maximize networking opportunities at Dykema, from strategic breakfast meetings to late-night conversations at the fire pits

All about the conference's unique approach to delivering fresh, relevant content for the DSO industry

The essential first-timer's guide to navigating Dykema, including networking best practices

How to leverage the comprehensive vendor showcase to explore everything from AI solutions to practice management systems

How to balance business meetings with educational sessions to maximize your conference ROI

Why staying for the full conference duration, including Friday's sessions with John McEnroe, is crucial for complete value

Tune in for an all-you-need-to-know guide to dental’s most iconic DSO conference.

Episode Highlights:

03:10-10:30 Making the Most of the Dykema Conference

Brian emphasizes that Dykema's unprecedented 2,400-person attendance creates unique networking opportunities that require strategic engagement throughout the entire event. He explains that even seemingly optional events, like early breakfast sessions, frequently result in unexpected yet valuable business connections, offering ways in which attendees can maximize value. Brian recommends attending every scheduled event, including the Women in DSO gathering, opening reception, and dinner reception. For dental industry professionals looking to expand their network, this "always present" approach ensures they don't miss crucial connection opportunities.

10:35-17:05 Quality Control in Conference Programming

Brian reveals his passionate commitment to maintaining high standards for both vendors and content at Dykema. The conference faces the challenge of balancing commercial interests with genuine educational value, requiring careful curation of presentations and exhibitors. Brian personally oversees stage content, rejecting purely promotional presentations even from major sponsors, while ensuring vendors receive genuine value through direct access to decision-makers. He implements strict quality control by screening potential participants and maintaining a selective approach to sponsorship opportunities. This commitment to quality has resulted in unprecedented attendance numbers and consistently positive feedback from both DSO representatives and vendors.

28:50-31:00 A Technology Solutions Showcase Like No Other

Brian highlights how Dykema serves as a one-stop educational platform for exploring every major dental technology solution, from AI to practice management systems. Many dental organizations struggle with evaluating and selecting technology solutions in isolation, often missing opportunities for integration and optimization. The conference addresses this by bringing together verified, value-adding vendors across every major technology category, allowing attendees to efficiently compare solutions. Attendees can transform from having zero knowledge about a particular technology to understanding all available options in just three days, enabling dental organizations to make informed technology decisions while saving months of independent research time.

31:25-34:20 Supporting the First-Timers

Brian shares how the conference has developed specific support systems for first-time attendees, addressing the common challenge of feeling overwhelmed at large industry events. Through initiatives like Sarah Ruberg's pre-event webinars and DVIN's orientation sessions, new attendees receive guidance on maximizing their conference experience. These support systems provide structured introductions to the event format, helping newcomers navigate the extensive networking and learning opportunities. First-time attendees gain confidence through these preparatory sessions, enabling them to take full advantage of the conference from day one. This structured support system has become a crucial element in ensuring positive experiences for the growing number of new attendees.

Discover what sets Dykema apart in the dental space—insights, connections, and real value. If you enjoy the episode, follow and share!