Day One of Autodesk University: From Sunrise 5Ks to Shattered Legs

Ah, Autodesk University. The place where tech geeks, engineers, designers, and creatives from all corners of the globe unite under one roof to sharpen their skills, network like pros, and occasionally… run 5Ks at ungodly hours. Yes, it’s the yearly pilgrimage to the holy land of design software, where the coffee is strong, the ideas stronger, and the steps on your fitness tracker skyrocket. Let me take you on a little journey through my first day at Autodesk University in sunny San Diego—where I did everything short of building a robot to carry me home at the end of it all.

The Early Birds and the Wise Ones

A Dawn Start (For Some…)

Now, here’s the thing. I love a good run. I do. But 5K before the sun’s even had a chance to make an appearance? Well, I’ll leave that to my more ambitious colleagues. A few brave souls among our group signed up for the Autodesk 5K run at dawn. Yes, dawn. Some people really enjoy suffering, it seems.

As for me? I opted for the more civilised route, arriving at the San Diego Convention Centre at a much more reasonable hour—07:00hrs—for breakfast. A glorious spread was laid out for us, and I must say, there’s something quite lovely about starting your day with a proper meal while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After all, they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and I planned on making it last… well, until lunch.

Exploring the San Diego Convention Centre

Wandering the Expo

After my morning feast, I decided to take a little wander around the Convention Centre. Now, if you’ve never been, let me tell you—the San Diego Convention Centre is an absolute behemoth of a place. It’s so massive, you could probably get lost for days (or at least I could, and I nearly did).

There were hundreds of booths, all showing off the latest in Autodesk’s software, partner products, and some of the most innovative tools and gadgets in the design world. It felt a bit like being in a futuristic bazaar. VR headsets here, 3D printers there, robots casually whirring away in corners—it was overwhelming in the best possible way. I could’ve spent hours just wandering around, but duty called. Autodesk’s CEO was about to deliver his keynote speech, and that’s not something you want to miss.

The Big Kickoff: Andrew Anagnost’s Keynote

Words from the Top

By mid-morning, it was time to settle down for the grand opening keynote from Autodesk’s CEO, Andrew Anagnost. Let me tell you, the man knows how to work a room—or, in this case, a massive auditorium filled with tech enthusiasts. There’s something undeniably thrilling about hearing from the top dog himself, outlining the future of design, innovation, and how Autodesk plans to shape the world (no big deal, right?).

From sustainability initiatives to leveraging AI for creative workflows, the speech was packed with insights. It was both inspirational and a little bit daunting, especially when you realise that half the room is probably already implementing these next-gen technologies in their work. But hey, no pressure.

Lunchtime: Expo Hall Round Two

The Wonders of Expo Hall

Once the keynote wrapped up, it was time to head back to the Expo Hall—this time, with lunch. If you’ve ever been to a tech conference, you’ll know that lunch is often a tricky affair. Between trying to juggle plates, cups, and pamphlets, you can quickly find yourself in an awkward dance of balance and coordination. But, the food was good, and that’s all that matters. I managed to snag a table and refuel before the next round of the day kicked off.

It was also a prime opportunity to mingle with fellow attendees. One of the best things about Autodesk University is that you’re surrounded by people who are just as passionate about design and technology as you are. There’s no shortage of fascinating conversations to be had, and networking is as easy as complimenting someone on their CAD software expertise (seriously, it works).

The Afternoon Classes: Enlightenment Awaits

Picking the Classes (and Trying Not to Get Overwhelmed)

After lunch, it was time to get down to business. The afternoon was packed with classes—three one-hour sessions, to be precise. Now, in the world of Autodesk University, you can choose to dive deep into topics you’re familiar with or be bold and venture into the unknown. Guess which path I took? Yep, I threw myself into some subjects I knew little about. Bold move? Maybe. Foolhardy? Possibly.

My first class was an introduction to generative design. I’d heard the buzz about this concept but hadn’t quite wrapped my head around it until now. The session was eye-opening—learning how machines can help us design in ways we hadn’t even considered was both awe-inspiring and, frankly, a bit mind-boggling. My brain was working overtime just trying to keep up.

Next up, I attended a session on cloud collaboration tools. This one hit close to home as more and more of my work has been migrating to the cloud. I got to see just how powerful Autodesk’s cloud-based solutions are for design and project management—making teamwork smoother, faster, and a lot less headache-inducing.

The final class of the day was all about Incorporating GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data into architectural design allows for a more informed and context-sensitive approach. By using spatial data on topography, climate, land use, and infrastructure, architects can optimise site selection, building orientation, and resource management. This enhances sustainability by adapting designs to environmental factors and reducing energy consumption. Additionally, GIS data supports better integration of the built environment with its surroundings, helping architects create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally harmonious with the landscape and community.

Evening Soiree: Drinks, Canapés, and Networking

A Private Function with Autodesk

After all those classes, you’d think the day would be done, right? Wrong. Autodesk University is nothing if not an endurance event. From 18:30 to 20:30, we were treated to a private Autodesk function at the Marriot Marquis Hotel. Picture this: drinks, canapés, and the pool terrace full of creative minds all buzzing with the excitement of the day. The conversations flowed as freely as the wine and beer, and it was a brilliant opportunity to chat with some of the industry’s leading lights. If you’re into design, this is the place to be.

The Final Stretch: Catching Up and Collapsing

Bay Tour and Seal Spotting

By the time the function wrapped up, I was ready to crawl back to my hotel room. But there was one last bit of excitement waiting for me. Michele, had spent the day on a boat tour of the bay, seal-spotting like a true San Diegan. We met up back at the hotel to swap stories. While I had been busy learning about the future of design, Michele had been enjoying the wonders of nature. Not a bad way to spend the day.

Step Count Madness

The Legs Are Shattered

I checked my step count before finally collapsing into bed—24,000 steps. Yes, you read that right. I had walked the equivalent of a marathon (or at least it felt like it). My legs were absolutely shattered. And the best part? It all starts again tomorrow with day two of Autodesk University. I might need a robot to carry me by the end of this.