Landing in San Diego, I was both nervous and excited to teach my first class at Autodesk University. The exhibit hall was a CAD enthusiast’s dream, and the sessions were enlightening. The AU staff made my speaking debut unforgettable. Join me as I share my journey of learning, networking, and growing at AU 2024.
I leaped excitedly from my seat as soon as my flight touched down at San Diego International Airport. I was finally here, ready to learn, network, and share what I've gathered over the years. Walking through the airport, I thought, “I’m prepared and ready for my first AU class.” Then it hit me: “Oh no—I’m teaching my first AU class!” I quickly found a seat, took a few deep breaths, and reminded myself, “Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.” With that, I hopped in an Uber and headed to my room, feeling both nervous and excited for the journey ahead.
There’s something about walking through the doors at AU to grab your badge—it’s a blend of excitement and exhaustion. The excitement comes from knowing you’ll be in rooms with people who push you to grow. To expand your knowledge, you need to surround yourself with people who think differently. The atmosphere at Autodesk University is like a CAD geek’s Disney World.
"The atmosphere at Autodesk University is like a CAD geek’s Disney World."
Exhibit Hall
The exhibit hall is like a maze, with its sheer size and endless displays making it both thrilling and overwhelming. It’s packed with powerful tools, software, and resources, but the Star Wars exhibit—yes, an actual Star Wars exhibit—truly stopped me in my tracks! Discovering the latest Autodesk tools, third-party software, innovative training solutions, and new networking opportunities made every moment feel like an adventure in a galaxy far, far away.
Sessions
The speakers were, as always, highly knowledgeable, and I left inspired with new tools to explore with my team. The conference center setup was ideal for sessions; with spacious corridors, plenty of tables, and reliable WiFi, I even managed to get some work done and catch up on emails between classes.
Community Zone
The Community Zone was the place to be, packed with activities that connected users and allowed us to interact with Autodesk staff. I spent most of my free time in the Community Zone, working on my laptop or networking with other attendees.
Meetups and Post-Class Gatherings
You're not alone! There were meetups for almost everything, offering a chance to connect, share, and even vent a little. These meetups felt like my yearly CAD therapy. Last year, most post-class gatherings were held in a separate room near the hallway entrance. This year, though, we were encouraged to meet up in the Community Zone, and it seemed everyone gathered at tables just outside the classrooms.
Legos
Oh, yes—LEGOS! Two tables filled with minifigure parts, so you could build your own little friend to hang on your badge.
Puppies
Had a stressful day sitting in classes, networking, or feeling the sting of a colleague beating your high score on Ms. PAC-MAN? There’s one sure way to turn things around—PUPPIES!
Speaking
This was an unforgettable experience. The Autodesk University staff went above and beyond to help speakers deliver quality training to attendees. Sharing knowledge with the community was incredibly rewarding, and I hope to continue being part of the speaker community in the future.
The conference wrapped up with an amazing AU party featuring a set from The Counting Crows in the heart of the Gaslamp District! When I finally got back to my desk, I had new tools, more knowledge, new friends, and a sense of accomplishment from sharing what I’ve learned over the years. I hope to see you next year in Nashville for AU2025!
