The 2024 Workday Rising U.S. conference in Las Vegas was bigger and better than ever! The convention center at Mandalay Bay is massive and Workday filled every corner of it, from the vibrant Expo and Connection Center to the numerous session and keynote rooms.
With 532 in-person sessions, 170 sponsors and exhibitors, and 18,000 attendees, the conference was packed with learning, networking, and innovation. Plus, tens of thousands more joined online for the digital experience.
From the moment the first attendees registered on Monday, the energy was electric. The queue for the Welcome Keynote stretched out long before the doors even opened.
There was a lot to love about the conference, but here are the eight things we loved most about Workday Rising in Las Vegas this year.
But before we get into the list, here's a quick peek at our booth if you missed it!
1. The Expo
The Expo was a hub of excitement, full of interactive and engaging experiences. From McLaren Racing’s simulator to a rockstar photo booth and a silent disco, there was something for everyone. At the heart of it all was "The Core," dazzling with its dynamic displays and interactive elements, making it a central gathering spot throughout the event.
2. Star-studded speaker lineup
This year’s speaker roster was one we had been looking forward to for weeks leading up to the event. Former First Lady Michelle Obama captivated the audience with an opening keynote focused on empowerment, leadership, and resilience. Executives from top brands like Zak Brown, CEO at McLaren Racing, and Merlix Reynolds, VP of accounting at RaceTrac, joined Workday CEO Carl Eschenbach and Executive Chair Aneel Bhusri on the main stage to discuss how they’re reshaping the future of work in the age of AI.
3. Connection Center
The Connection Center was a fantastic space for attendees to collaborate and share knowledge. The core elements of this area were the Braindate Lounge, Partner Meeting Center, and the Workday store.
The Braindate Lounge provided a relaxed environment to exchange insights beyond the typical session rooms, while the Partner Meeting Center allowed for focused discussions with industry peers. And let’s not forget the standout Workday swag at the store, bested only by the incredible conference bags attendees received at registration. Made from upcycled banners from last year’s conference in San Francisco, each bag was unique. Throughout the conference, attendees showed off their bags and even traded with one another to find the perfect pack.
4. Workday Illuminate announcement
Workday unveiled Workday Illuminate, the next-generation of Workday AI platform. Built on the world’s largest and cleanest HR and finance dataset, Workday Illuminate promises to accelerate manual tasks, assist every employee, and transform the entire business process. It brings together data and context to improve decision-making and employee experiences. Capabilities include generative AI to help with everything from content to contracts and a personal assistant to help employees prioritize work.
5. OSV Customer Appreciation Party at TAO
We welcomed over 3,000 attendees into TAO’s nightclub and dayclub to celebrate our customers on Tuesday night. With a DJs spinning sets inside and outside, dancers, pyrotechnics, and even an appearance from Elvis, the night was full of surprises. Our sponsoring partners enjoyed VIP treatment with their own cabanas, offering exclusive views of the action outside.
6. Workday Customer Appreciation Party
The Workday Customer Appreciation Party is always a highlight of Workday Rising. Allegiant Stadium was buzzing with energy as everyone came together to celebrate another year of incredible achievements. Gwen Stefani’s performance was the perfect way to close out a day full of inspiration and innovation.
7. Session: Going Beyond Getting It Right: Transforming Payroll and Total Rewards
We love our customers and are grateful for every opportunity to put them in the spotlight to share their stories. In this session, we were joined by three HR and payroll leaders: Jeannine Jacobson, director of global payroll at Niagara Bottling; Rachelle Dugan, director of payroll at Purple; and Jennifer Gibson, VP, global HR operations at Owens & Minor. They shared how they’ve been able to reduce compliance risk, increase efficiency, and remove stress from their processes by partnering with Workday and OneSource Virtual.
8. Session: Don’t Leave Money on the Table: Fund Your Next Workday Project with Accounts Payable
We teamed up with Kellie Kasper, assistant controller at Innisfree Hotels, to showcase how Workday Financial Management customers can unlock hidden cash by modernizing their accounts payable processes with OneSource Virtual. This session highlighted how businesses can uncover new opportunities without the need for additional technology complexity, cost, or risk. The very active Q&A at the end of the session was the cherry on top.
Workday Rising U.S. 2024 was an unforgettable experience, filled with innovation, inspiration, and plenty of fun. We can’t wait to see what’s in store next year in San Francisco!
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