AU is such a huge event that first-time attendees can get overwhelmed. Thankfully, the Freshman Orientation, which was such a success in its previous 2 years, returned to help newbies get the most from the conference. More than 76% of those who attended this session were first-timers.
Thank you, mentors!
A hearty thank you to those who signed up to be mentors at each of the tables. They played an important role in making attendees feel welcome by answering questions and getting all of them started on networking with other attendees.
Lynn Allen, Autodesk evangelist, and Chris Bradshaw, Autodesk CMO, went over some of the key activities at AU, including the AU Keynote address which takes place this morning at 10:30, (watch it LIVE!) the inspiring Innovation Forums, the lounges, free Autodesk Certification Exams, and the Exhibit Hall.
They also highlighted this year’s Closing Session, a new addition to AU which precedes our annual Customer Appreciation Party, and gave important advice, such as getting enough sleep, picking up lip balm to prevent chapped lips in the incredibly dry air here, and most importantly, getting to class on time to ensure their seat doesn’t go to those who queue up at the door in the hopes of getting in.
In-between the various activities, the popular T-shirt “gun” sent blue Autodesk T-shirts flying into the audience. Attendees scrambled to catch them, tipping over chairs and laughing with delight. I am certain that some of our attendees have experience playing baseball. Some of the catches were phenomenal.
Last, but certainly not least, a few lucky attendees found free AU 2014 passes under their seats.
–sandy