Reflections
As early Friday morning sunlight sets on the OMNI hotel, the shadows are cast upon those leaving the MCC, OMNI hotel, and surrounding hotels. The wind is light, cool, and inviting. As I walk towards the OMNI from my hotel (The Hilton), I start to see glimpses of AU 2025 attendees also hurrying alongside me. Passing the front of the MCC, the construction crews are already tearing down signage and other indications of this amazing event that just finished this week of September. AU2025 just finished, and today’s blog is about reflecting on what matters most…
AU2025 came and went as fast and as slow as you’d expected. From the months of preparing datasets, classes, schedules, meetups, meetings, etc., to the last-minute details of presentation slides, Revit files, tech gear, etc., this year’s AU2025 was one to remember. Whether you came as a speaker, mentor, attendee, sponsor, or something else, everyone had their own agendas and what they wanted to get the most out of AU2025 this year. For me, my focus was mainly on building a stronger connection with my fellow Expert Elites. Yes, I was concerned about my hands-on labs that I taught. Still, I was more focused on the connections I made within the Meet Ups, Community Expo volunteering, EE Summit Day, and meeting new attendees and my fellow AU speakers, especially the ones I mentored.
Being a part of the Autodesk Community, connections help us to better understand each other, share knowledge, gain insight, and become better humans. While I was at AU2025 this year, I witnessed several acts of kindness, love, empathy, and connection-building. It made me realize how special and lucky we all are, and to never take what we have for granted.
To my fellow EEs, thank you for making the EE Summit fun, engaging, and thought-provoking. It was a great way to start the week, seeing everyone. Not being able to see you all in person often (except for AU) is tough for us. Being able to share brainpower, food, drink, laughs, and emotions helped to solidify my connection with you.
During the week of learning, running, scheduling adjustments, parties, classes, etc., I saw tons of people helping others find their way. Although the event was stressful at times, many of you stepped up to help each other, and it made me smile. Whether you had badge issues, couldn’t find your classroom, couldn’t find the restroom, or weren’t even sure which door to enter/exit for the EXPO, many hands helped those in need.
I want to take this moment to highlight some of the “best of the best” in action:
- To Howard…Thank you for running around and taking pictures of your fellow EEs while they taught their classes. Thank you for being at my side all day and keeping me healthy. I know you had your day fully booked and decided to stay with me instead. It meant the world to me!
- To Kristina, Rina, Argelia, and Shir…Thank you for helping me during my labs on Wednesday and Thursday. The lab could not have been successful without all your help!
- To Donnie…Thank you for keeping me on track with where to go and what to do at the onset of Sunday evening. My bearings go crazy sometimes in a new place. Especially, when you are all trying to find me.
- To Shelby…Thank you for your amazing commitment to the AC, the EEs, and to me. You keep me grounded, but push me to reach the skies
- To Shaun…Thank you for being a big brother to me (even across the pond) and helping me to better understand the work-life balance and what matters most.
- To Argelia…Thank you for allowing me to spend time just being me with you. Your energy is addictive and your spirit is heartwarming!
- To CADMama…Thank you for all your years of inspiration, guidance, and love to me and everyone
- To Chris Benner…Thank you, my brother, for always, always keeping me sane and allowing me to be a part of the Autodesk Community
- Finally, to all those whom I did not mention (EEs, Autodesk employees, friends, etc.) …Know that I appreciate every one of you and hold you all dear in my heart.
As the last day of AU2025 came upon us, I felt this bittersweetness in my heart. I was happy and sad at the same time. I am happy to have spent the week with all of you and to have made lifelong memories. Sad because it had to end…but, just for the week. As I walked from my last lunch gathering with Rina and Argelia back to my hotel, I found a book on the sidewalk that was befitting of the week: “The Power of Being Thankful” by Joyce Meyer. It was just in the middle of the sidewalk, so I picked it up. Perhaps someone dropped it from their luggage on their way home. Perhaps it was meant for me. Who knows, but I found it quite endearing. As you all return home and settle into your daily routines, please know that I truly, truly appreciate all of you. May your love shine as always and continue to help others. Thank you from my heart! And remember, I am always here if you need anything!
