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If you’re a CAD user who’s been to AU recently, you’ve probably heard about Sam Lucido. Sam is a CAD expert with over 25 years of experience and expertise in CAD standards, tools, and productivity. In addition to being an Autodesk Expert Elite member and 1 of AU’s top-rated speakers for several years running, he’s also an Autodesk Knowledge Network (AKN) power-contributor with 65 screencasts and 12 articles to his name. Sam has also published 10 articles in AUGIWorld Magazine, and is the creator of CADproTips.com where he dishes out CAD tips and tricks all year round.
The energy and charisma that make Sam a standout teacher, trainer, and knowledge-spreader also make him a lot of fun to be around. He’s a shining example of what the AU community is all about, and we’d be lying if we said he’s not among our favorite AU faces. (Not that we play favorites.)
We recently asked Sam a few questions about AU and our community. Here’s what he has to say.
When did you first attend AU?
I first attended AU in 1999 when I was working as a CAD operator for an environmental engineering firm. At the conference I learned how to use paper space and change the UCS in different views. I arrived back at the office the following week and completed a design project using paper space and layout views of a long ditch, rotating each viewport on all the sheets. The project manager at the time, who I still work with today (a different company back then), fully supports AU because of what I learned and brought back to the office.
What made you decide to speak at AU?
I felt I could make a difference in a positive way and be a mentor to people who sat in the back row like I did 15 years ago. (Yeah, that was me.) I have worked alone (remotely) for many years and always felt this need to show people what I have learned. I had some great ideas that I wanted to share with fellow peers and I thought, what a better place to do it than at Autodesk University? I love solving problems and seeing people’s reactions when you find a solution or share a cool new idea in AutoCAD. When I first sent in a proposal for AU in 2011, I had no speaking experience. I would get sick to my stomach when I had to do presentations at work—and those were only 10 minutes! This will be my fifth consecutive year speaking. I still get nervous, but always keep in mind that everyone is just like me and they are there just to learn something new.
How is speaking at AU different than your average workshop?
Speaking is a completely different ball game. I prepare and practice 6 months prior to the conference and it’s on my mind all the time. From the time the proposals are written, I gather information from as many sources as I can find. I learn the most from speaking because I research the subject matter extensively to help prepare. I continue my research on the topic selected and become the expert. At a workshop, I browse the material a few days prior and prep for the day. It’s nowhere near the amount of time spent on speaking at AU.
Can you tell us about a memorable AU moment?
I was getting ready to present my Mighty Macros class in 2013 and talking to the people in the front row. I moved to set up my timer and tripped over the cord and almost fell in front of everyone. People laughed and said, “Be careful.” I laughed as well and you know what? That was my best class ever; ratings were above 9.6 and I had no problems after that. For some reason it calmed me down, as I was a little nervous. That class went so smooth and it was a lot of fun. I still tell the story to people today.
Which do you think is more conducive to learning and professional development— teaching/training or community?
Depends on the person. I typically lean towards the community as you can engage with others that are actively working in the programs and encountering the same problems as you do. Teaching/training is good for those who want a specialized topic; not too in depth so the user can focus.
You contribute regularly to the Autodesk Knowledge Network. What’s your favorite aspect of that community?
I like the interaction with the team on the knowledge network, it’s a fun way to learn. I can post screencasts to the AKN site and get feedback from the people who are running those sites. I then tweet out those screencasts and get responses. This year I am collaborating with the Autodesk team on PRAXIS, which has been challenging but the end result is going to be great. I believe that people are going to love PRAXIS as it will take my class to the next level, giving people the ability to view all of the exercises back at the office on their computer, including all of my resources and videos. The AKN community is always looking for new ways to make things better and improve with technology and I like being a part of that ongoing change.
What would you tell first-time AU attendees not to miss?
The Closing Keynote and classes on the last day. We all get tired and sometimes want to skip those last classes. Autodesk always saves some of the best for last, so take your time. Get some water and a snack (come to my class, I’ll pass my favorite snack out) and get 1 of those last classes and the Closing Keynote—you will not be disappointed. Then go have fun at the party.*
Any other advice for newcomers on connecting with the wider AU community?
Don’t be shy. It’s ironic me saying that since my first 2 times at AU in 1999 and 2000 I sat in the back row in the corner for every event, went from class to class, and did not meet anyone or talk to anyone. Just tried to absorb all of the information, went back to my room and worked.
Then 10 years later, I came back as a speaker and I still was a little shy about everything but learned over the past 5 years that everyone is here for the same reason. We all have a lot in common and love to share and talk about it. Relax and introduce yourself to anyone, even if you are standing in the Exhibit Hall grabbing a bite to eat. I have never had anyone make me feel as if I could not talk and approach them.
For anyone on the fence about attending AU, why should they come?
The networking and knowledge you gain. The ability to see someone in your industry speak on a specific topic and expand upon that topic from a workflow perspective. When you get back to work, putting those tips to use is priceless. Also, networking with people and knowing how to find all of these resources for help and training. Both of these will help anyone continue to improve and grow as a person and a professional.
What does AU mean to you?
Learning, collaboration, and friendship. I have met some great people over the past 5 years who I consider friends. We may not see each other during the year but we collaborate online and always make time to connect at AU. I look forward to seeing them all again as well as meeting new friends. These same people have helped me learn and grow as a leader and professional in the industry. To speak and be a part of AU is a very rewarding experience.
*This year’s AU Party at the Promenade will be held Wednesday night, November 16, 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. We hope you’ll also join us for the Farewell Happy Hour, Thursday, November 17, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
