If there is one key lesson from our ConventionSuite clients, it is this. They have reached something close to the holy grail of business systems. They no longer struggle with duplicate data. Everything exists in one place. Everyone works from the same information.
But technology never stands still. Even when a system is working well, businesses still need to improve, adapt, and prepare for the future. This is where NetSuite Next and artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Claude come in.
What is NetSuite Next
NetSuite Next is the latest AI enhanced evolution of the Oracle NetSuite platform. It brings AI directly into your everyday operations, making it a natural extension of how your business already works.
In simple terms, it helps companies run their entire business in one system. This includes CRM, financial management and accounting, sales, inventory management, eCommerce, event management, and analytics and reporting.
The biggest benefit is what is called a single source of truth. This means everyone in the company sees the same accurate and up to date information. There are no conflicting spreadsheets. There is no guessing. There is just one shared system.
Where ConventionSuite Fits In
ConventionSuite is built specifically for the event industry. It connects with NetSuite to help venues, exhibit companies, and event service providers manage their operations in one place.
A simple way to think about it is this. NetSuite is the core business system. ConventionSuite is the layer built on top of it for the event industry. Together they create one connected system where data flows across all departments.
What is Claude
Claude is an AI assistant that can connect directly to NetSuite.
Instead of clicking through menus or building reports manually, users can simply ask questions in everyday language. Claude then uses secure connections to:
- Read business data in NetSuite
- Analyze information
- Help create or update records
- Automate routine tasks
This works through a secure connection framework that allows AI and business systems to communicate safely.
What Claude Can Do
Here are some simple examples of how it is used.
Financial questions
- What was our profit last month?
- How are we performing this quarter?
Finding information
- Find invoice number 12345.
- Show all customers in Arizona.
Managing records
- Create a new sales order.
- Update inventory levels for this item.
Automating work
- Sending emails
- Triggering approvals
- Flagging important changes in data
Advanced analysis
- Instead of writing database queries, you can simply ask:
- Show all events with high labor costs this year
Why ERP and AI Together Matter
AI is powerful, but it needs structure to be useful. Business systems like ERP provide that structure. For example, if a booth uses a certain carpet color, the system can suggest matching chairs from inventory. That only works if the data is organized correctly.
Behind the scenes, everything is connected:
- Inventory affects billing
- Billing affects accounting
- Accounting affects reporting
This is why automation has to respect how business systems actually work.
The Bigger Challenge
AI can explore many possibilities at once. That can be helpful, but it also creates complexity.
Different materials can change costs
- Labor choices can impact budgets
- Event types can affect resource needs
AI can help identify patterns, but only if the underlying business data is clean and well structured. Without that, you do not make better decisions. You just get more noise.
Looking Ahead
The real opportunity is combining ERP systems, industry-specific tools, and AI assistants. Together they create a more connected and intelligent way to run operations. The goal is not just automation. The goal is better planning, clearer visibility, and fewer surprises.
Final Thought
This is not about replacing systems or people. It is about connecting everything so businesses can see one clear version of the truth and make better decisions from it.
That is what “Next” is really about.
Rick Kostopoulos is an ERP expert with over 28 years in the industry. He is the founder, President, and CEO of NewGen Business Solutions, and the creator of ConventionSuite, the only NetSuite-powered ERP built for the events, venue, and tradeshows industry. Email sales@newgennow.com for more information. conventionsuite.com
This story originally appeared in the Q3 2026 issue of Exhibit City News, with the original magazine layout available here.
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