Dykema’s Brian Colao on Building an Industry-Defining Conference

Brian Colao On Building an Industry-Defining Conference

What happens when the world goes to sleep? A legacy dental support organization (DSO) conference gets built. Tune into the latest episode of The Dental Economist Show with host CRO Mike Huffaker of Planet DDS 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 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

In this episode, host Mike Huffaker sits down with the Dykema man himself, Brian Colao, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build an industry-defining conference. Here are some highlights from the show:

Making the most of the Dykema conference  

Colao 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.

Colao 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.

Quality control in conference programming 

Colao 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.

Colao 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.

A tech solutions showcase like no other  

Colao 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.

Supporting Dykema first timers 

Colao 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.

The Dental Economist Show

Don’t miss insightful conversations with industry experts on the latest trends and top strategies to grow your DSO or dental business. Tune in to The Dental Economist Show each week as we meet at the intersection of profit and purpose.

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