1. Tag Along with a Friend

One of the easiest ways to break the ice and start making connections is to tag along with someone who is already involved in CSMFO. This is how I first got started. A colleague of mine, who had been attending for years, invited me to join him for some of the events. I attended CSMFO and vendor-sponsored gatherings, which were perfect opportunities to meet new people and put faces to names I had heard. If you have a colleague or friend who is active in CSMFO, ask them to introduce you to their network—it can be a game-changer!

But what if you don’t have that colleague or friend? Not to worry; there are plenty of ways to start building your network from scratch.

2. Start at the Local Level

CSMFO has local chapters, most of which hold quarterly meetings, and these smaller gatherings are far less intimidating than walking into a giant conference hall packed with thousands of attendees. In a local chapter, you can meet people in a more relaxed setting and develop meaningful relationships that will make you feel more comfortable when you do attend the larger, annual events.

Local chapters are a fantastic entry point into the organization, and they give you the chance to get involved at a pace that suits you. Plus, you’ll find that the connections you make locally will often have ripple effects when you attend larger conferences—suddenly, you’ll see familiar faces all around. In fact, you may have one last chance to engage with your local chapter before the annual conference kicks off. Many chapters host a winter meeting or, even better, a holiday luncheon. Be sure to check the calendar for details!

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Reach Out

One thing that surprised me was how approachable CSMFO leadership is. At one point, I had a question and decided to reach out to the CSMFO president-elect directly. I didn’t know if I’d receive a response, but instead, I was met with a warm and welcoming reply. This community is more inviting than I ever could have imagined, especially for someone who started off behind the computer scouring CSMFO knowledge base for answers.

Whether it’s reaching out to a fellow member, committee leader, or even someone on the executive board, don’t hesitate to send an email or start a conversation. Everyone is eager to help and share their experiences.

4. Attend After-Hours Events

The structured parts of the conference—sessions and panels—are undoubtedly valuable, but don’t underestimate the importance of the social events. After-hours gatherings are where people really relax and get to know one another on a personal level. These events offer a great way to meet others in a low-pressure setting, and since everyone is there to socialize, you’ll find that conversations flow easily. Vendor events are also excellent opportunities to build rapport with the service providers you work with or are interested in. Meeting people who use the same tools and services as you can lead to valuable discussions and new insights.

Conclusion: It’s More Than Just CPE Credits

Getting involved with CSMFO is about so much more than earning CPE credits. It’s about building relationships, developing professionally, and becoming part of a vibrant, welcoming community. If you haven’t taken full advantage of your membership yet, now is the time. Whether you start by attending a local chapter meeting or diving into a fun after-hours event at the annual conference, you’ll find that the connections you make are well worth the effort.

There’s only one week left to take advantage of early bird pricing for the 2025 CSMFO Annual Conference. Don’t wait – register today! 

Erika Gomez is the City of San Jacinto’s Finance Director. Prior to assuming her current role, she was the General Accounting Manager of San Bernardino County. She is a Certified Public Accountant and has an MBA from California State University, San Bernardino, where she also played for their women’s soccer team. In her spare time, Erika enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending sporting events, snowboarding, reading, and watching movies.