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January 8, 2010

Autodesk University: Where We’ve Been, Where We’re Headed

Over the past 17 years, Autodesk University has evolved into a year-round learning destination offering a variety of events and programs, as well as online classes and networking. Our goal is to make Autodesk University a one-stop destination where the entire international Autodesk community can come to enhance their skills, build important professional connections, and stay on top of industry trends.

In 2009, the Autodesk University conference took place at the Mandalay Bay, but AU 2009 also expanded to meet the needs of not only those with limited budgets, but also others through the introduction of new programs that specifically were aimed at the Autodesk community outside of North America.

AU 2009 Conferences

This year, 5914 attendees participated in AU 2009 in Las Vegas. Two other conferences in November expanded the reach of AU into Asia:

  • AU Japan in Tokyo drew 473 attendees.
  • AU China in Beijing drew 1024 attendees.

AU Virtual

AU Virtual extended the benefits of AU 2009 to 19,066 attendees worldwide. Virtual attendees participated in classes from their desktops. These classes included live Q&A and “virtual hallway” conversations via an innovative Twitter feed.

AU Extension

More than 1,950 attendees in 36 countries participated in local mini-AU training events at Autodesk Authorized Training Centers around the world. These events combined AU Virtual classes with Q&A from local experts.

What's in the Works for 2010?

Our goals for next year are not finalized, but some of the ideas we're discussing include offering a mid-year AU Virtual in June, offering AU Virtual in more than one language, and bringing more of the virtual component on-site (e.g. creating content for the physical conference in other locations). We would like our exhibitors included in a virtual offering as well. This year we started promoting AU Virtual in October—a bit late. This year, we think as many as 100,000 registered attendees will participate in AU 2010 events—onsite and virtually.

Stay tuned here on the BLAUG and on our AU Twitter feed for more developments as they become available.

-- Joseph

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