Workday Rising, the annual conference that brings Workday customers and partners together, isn’t your typical industry event. It’s more like a celebration, and it seems to get bigger every year, with last year’s attendance setting a record at approximately 15,000 people. We’re sure it will be no different this year as Workday Rising hits Las Vegas September 16-19.
For first-time attendees, the sheer scale of activities and opportunities can be overwhelming. With thousands of participants, numerous sessions, and a bustling expo floor, it's easy to feel lost without proper preparation. That's why we've created this comprehensive guide to help you navigate Workday Rising and maximize your experience.
Whether you're looking to deepen your understanding of Workday products, network with industry peers, or gain insights into the future of work, this guide will equip you with tips and strategies to rise to the occasion.
Know your goals and plan your schedule
One of the most important aspects of preparing for Workday Rising is knowing your goals and creating a plan. Understanding your goals will help you prioritize your time and focus on relevant activities.
Workday Rising offers a variety of learning opportunities, including:
- Keynotes
- Breakout sessions
- Hands-on labs
- Demos and presentations
- Braindates
Once you’ve identified your objectives, it’s time to plan your conference schedule. The session catalog is available on the Workday Rising website and, once you’re registered, you can sign up for the ones you’re most interested in. Sessions are available in live and streaming formats and can be sorted or viewed according to industry, application, functional role, and more. You also have the choice of following suggested tracks or themes. This year, they include:
- Building and Growing Talent
- Proven Paths to Success
- Services and Support
Because sessions will fill up fast, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them early and sign up for the ones that catch your eye as soon as possible. As you sign up, make sure you strive for balance. Conferences like Workday Rising are a marathon, not a sprint. Leave plenty of downtime for travel, networking, and breaks. You will also have access to the recorded sessions to watch on demand after the conference ends, so don’t sweat it if you can’t attend all of your favorites live!
Braindates, which are like smaller, informal sessions, allow for a more hands-on, one-on-one experience, helping you gain answers to very specific Workday-related questions. You can join Braindates you’re interested in or request a conversation on a topic you’d like to learn more about. You can view and sign up for Braindates from your Workday Rising portal after registering for the conference.
Leverage the Workday Rising mobile app
The Workday Rising mobile app is essential for maximizing your conference experience. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices and offers a variety of features to enhance your planning and navigation. You can access your itinerary and interactive maps to make navigating the conference easier. You can also search for other attendees, send messages, and join discussion groups on specific topics. The app will also update you on schedule changes, important announcements, and impromptu events.
Download the app and create your profile well before the conference. This will help you hit the ground running when Workday Rising starts.
Networking and building connections
Networking is a crucial aspect of Workday Rising. It offers opportunities to build relationships that can lead to valuable insights, collaboration, and professional growth.
One of the most obvious places for networking is the expo floor. But that doesn’t mean it’s the only — or even the best — place for it. Sometimes, the best opportunities come away from the hubbub of the expo floor while you’re waiting for a session to start or getting your afternoon caffeine fix.
But don’t forget about all the social events, receptions, and parties. There are also industry-specific or interest-based meetups, and you can easily message people on the Workday Rising app or by connecting with the people you meet on LinkedIn.
However you do it, remember that effective networking is about building genuine connections, not just collecting business cards. Show genuine interest in others, be a good listener, and look for ways to provide value to your new connections.
Get the most from your learning opportunities with active engagement
Whether you’re attending a keynote or session or just wandering the expo hall, make sure that you’re actively engaged.
For sessions, this can mean arriving early, taking notes, and participating in Q&A sessions. If a session offers hands-on components, fully engage to get practical experience.
For the expo, don’t try to see it all at once. Review a list of exhibitors and prioritize the ones that are most relevant to your interests and goals. You can use breaks between sessions to explore parts of the hall you haven’t seen yet. If vendors are handing out collateral, collect information judiciously. Focus on quality over quantity to avoid being overwhelmed with materials.
Give yourself plenty of time to book your trip, and don’t forget your comfy shoes
We’ve already talked about the importance of creating your schedule as early as possible, but the same goes for your travel arrangements. Because Workday Rising brings in thousands of people, flights and hotel rooms will fill quickly. Book your travel and accommodation well in advance. Consider staying at one of the official conference hotels so you’re close to the action and can participate in additional networking opportunities. Research transportation options to and from the conference venue.
When it comes to packing for your trip, don’t underestimate how important it is to be comfortable during Workday Rising. While you want to be professional, you must consider your comfort. Comfortable shoes are a must since you'll be on your feet for long hours each day. Pack business casual attire suitable for both daytime sessions and evening networking events.
Other things to pack:
- Bring plenty of business cards for networking
- Pack a notebook or digital device for taking notes during sessions
- Don't forget chargers and power banks for your devices
By doing all these things, you can be confident that you’re ready for Workday Rising when it arrives.
Come and see us in Las Vegas
Workday Rising is a great chance to learn about Workday solutions and industry trends and make professional connections. But if you’re not prepared, it can be an overwhelming experience. By leveraging these tips, you can get more out of your experience.
While you’re on the expo floor, we hope you’ll take a moment to drop by the OneSource Virtual booth and get to know our team. As a leader in the Workday ecosystem, we’re committed to helping you get the most out of your Workday experience, whether during your day-to-day work or your trip to Workday Rising.
If you have any questions or need further support, don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to seeing you at the conference and rising together toward new heights of success!
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