Dayv three at Autodesk University 2024: Technology, Meetings, and a Cheeky Encounter
Ah, Autodesk University 2024! Another jam-packed day of early starts, tech-packed meetings, and a night to remember. I’d say the highlight was scaring Michele half to death, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This post will take you through a whirlwind of events, conversations, salmon lunches, and plenty of good vibes, all while keeping that cheeky charm alive. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Early Birds and Breakfast Shenanigans
07:30 a.m. – The dreaded alarm goes off. After hitting snooze a couple of times (don’t judge me), it was time to face the day. Autodesk University waits for no one, and breakfast was the first order of business. So, after dragging myself out of bed, I made my way down for the morning meal. On the menu? Your standard hotel fare, but hey, it did the trick.
There’s something about an early breakfast that simultaneously energises and annoys you. While I would’ve preferred to stay under the covers, I had meetings to prep for and ideas brewing that couldn’t wait. But first, a quick explore was on the cards.
Exploring the Expo Centre: A Tech Lover’s Playground
By 08:30 a.m., I found myself in the Autodesk University expo centre. This place is basically a techie’s dream. Think of the best gadgets, software innovations, and futuristic designs all in one place. It was a bit like being a kid in a candy shop, except the candy was all things digital and cutting-edge.
I made a few mental notes of things to circle back to later – you know, once I had a spare minute. Spoiler alert: that spare minute never came. But hey, intentions count, right?
The First Meeting of the Day: Tech Talk with the Autodesk Team
09:30 a.m. rolled around, and it was time to get down to business. My first meeting was with the technology information team at Autodesk, and they were ready to talk shop. We dove into some heavy discussions about future tech developments, and I threw in a few ideas of my own. What’s the point of a meeting if you’re not going to spice it up with some fresh perspectives, right?
The Autodesk team, as always, was sharp. We discussed some pretty futuristic stuff, and it gave me that geeky thrill that only comes from talking about innovations that could change the industry.
Workshop XR with Arcadis: Virtual Reality Gets Serious
After a quick breather (or as quick as it gets between meetings), I rushed over to my next session. By 10:30 a.m., I was deep into a workshop with the XR team. Now, this was no ordinary workshop. We’re talking immersive, interactive, and very futuristic. The team from Arcadis was present, and the discussion took some deep dives into how extended reality (XR) could shape the future of the industry.
This session went on until 12:00 p.m., and I must admit, my brain was buzzing with new ideas and concepts. The possibilities of XR seemed endless, and I could already see its potential to revolutionise not just the way we design but how we interact with those designs in real-time.
Lunchtime Delight: Salmon at Autodesk University
Finally, it was time for lunch, and I headed back to the Autodesk University dining area. Now, let me tell you, the lunch game here is strong. On the menu? Salmon. A solid choice, if I do say so myself. There’s something about a good salmon dish that can really elevate the day – and given the mental workout from the morning sessions, I needed it.
A Cheeky Run-In with Michele: The Day’s Most Memorable Moment
Okay, now for the fun bit. After lunch, I stepped out of the Marriott, and guess who I spotted? Michele. She was out exploring, looking as stunning as ever. Naturally, I did what any cheeky person would do – I chased her down the street.
Now, I might’ve been a bit overenthusiastic, because when I finally caught up, I scared her half to death! Her reaction was priceless, but I have to admit, I felt a bit bad for giving her such a fright. But let’s be real: I absolutely adore this girl, and even after the mini heart attack, she was still smiling. So, all’s well that ends well, right?
Afternoon Grind: Calls, Presentations, and More
After that brief (but memorable) detour, it was back to business. The afternoon was stacked with calls, and the last one of the day was a presentation from my colleague Dennis. Dennis always brings his A-game, and today was no exception. His presentation was engaging, informative, and hit all the right notes. It was the perfect way to round off the working portion of the day.
Time for the Autodesk University After Party
Now, onto the part of the day we’d all been waiting for – the Autodesk University after party. And what a party it was! They closed off the whole Gas Lamp district, turning it into one massive celebration. Picture this: streets lined with food stalls, plenty of beer flowing, and everyone in great spirits after a long day of networking and learning.
But the cherry on top? The Counting Crows. Yes, Autodesk brought in The Counting Crows for a mini gig, and it was absolutely fantastic. Nothing like live music to cap off the day, especially when it’s paired with great food and even better company.
Wrapping Up the Day: Back at the Hotel with Michele
And just like that, the day was coming to a close. Back at the hotel, I reflected on the whirlwind of events while preparing for the next 12 days I’d be spending with Michele. The long days ahead were going to be busy, but the thought of having her by my side made it all the more exciting.
Autodesk University 2024 delivered on all fronts: the tech, the conversations, and the connections. But the unexpected moments – like chasing down Michele – were what made it truly memorable. If this was only the beginning, I couldn’t wait to see what the next days would bring.
