AU is all about helping you get better at what you do. But that doesn’t mean you’re the only one who benefits. The things you learn, the experiences you have, and the people you meet can make a difference for your whole company. Sending you to AU is an investment that can pay off for your team in the form of sharable knowledge, new skills, and valuable contacts all year long.
How should you make the case to your company to get them to pick up the tab? Try these on for size:
Influence projects and initiatives for your firm—There are 700+ sessions at AU every year. Whether you work in AEC, design and manufacturing, or media & entertainment, there are almost certainly AU classes that can have a direct impact on projects that are coming down the line—or help attract new projects. It could be a way to automate a process or improve collaboration. It might be a new approach that can help you stand out from the competition. It might be adoption of new technology that can put your own customers ahead of the curve. Whatever you choose to pursue, the tips and tricks you learn, the workflows you acquire, the trends you understand, and the ideas you absorb can help your company work and compete more effectively.
Bring the knowledge back (and save on training)—On-going learning is a part of life for anyone who works in architecture, design, manufacturing, and media. And after you take an AU class, you’re the expert. Bring the knowledge from AU back to the office and lead trainings for your team. Share the handouts and resources that come with each class. You can be the Johnny Appleseed of knowledge and skills for your team. Your company may even reduce its spending on training.
Get your hands on new technology—AU is about much more than classroom learning—it’s also an incredible place to get your hands on the tools and technologies that will change your industry in the coming years. Whether that means strapping on virtual reality goggles to explore the possibilities of immersive design, learning what’s becoming possible in fabrication and construction with intelligent robots, or trying your own hand at using AI to provide design solutions, there’s really no other place like AU.
Learn the product road maps—Knowing what’s ahead for the Autodesk tools your teams use every day can give you a big advantage. It means you can start planning new processes now. AU is the place to find out what’s over the horizon from the developer teams that make the tools you use. You can even give your input on what’s missing and what’s needed next. They’re there to listen as well as teach.
Network with peers—You don’t only learn from the speakers at AU. You also learn from the other attendees. And AU gives you numerous opportunities to do that every day—from large events to small micro-networking meet-ups. Networking at AU is your chance to share the challenges you’re facing and see how others solve similar challenges. And these professional relationships don’t end when the conference wraps up, either; many attendees stay in contact with people they met at AU throughout the year, whether that’s to ask a simple process question or to keep the conversation going about the trends impacting your field.
Talk 1-on-1 with experts to get your specific questions answered—At social events and our new Office Hours with industry experts, you’ll have a chance to talk 1-on-1 with subject matter experts and get their unique perspective on your challenges. Even 5 minutes with the right person can make all the difference.
See the big picture—In the day-to-day effort to complete projects, please clients, and drive profits, it can be easy to lose sight of how things are changing and where they’re headed. AU is the place to step back for a second and see that big picture. How will your industry change in 3 years? 5 years? 15? And how will you (and your firm) fit in? AU is the place to take in groundbreaking workflows and case studies, forward-looking keynotes, and galleries showcasing pioneering work, so you can lead your company into the future.
Is AU a financial commitment for your company? Sure, but it’s also an investment that can yield substantial rewards. Use our cost calculator to find out exactly what the entire week would cost, including airfare and hotel. Then make your pitch for AU as an investment in you—and your company.
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