Here in the U.S., we take flushing toilets for granted, but around the world 2.5 billion people lack access to improved sanitation. In fact, more people have cell phones than have toilets. This is especially true in the developing world. And in urbanizing communities, if you don’t have a toilet, the options are fairly grim: use communal pit latrines, drop one in the open, or use a “flying toilet” (which means pooping in a bag and literally tossing it into the bushes). And think about the logistics (and fear) involved when using any of these options in the dead of night—especially for women, ch... READ MORE >

The time has come: notifications about classes selected for AU Las Vegas 2017 have been sent. If you submitted a proposal, you should have received an email telling you whether or not you’ve been invited to present. Congratulations to our selected speakers. We want to say thank you to everyone who submitted proposals this year. AU is about you. It’s built on your knowledge, your ideas, your passion, your curiosity. We couldn’t do what we do without your constant drive to become better at what you do. We know it takes valuable time and attention to create a class proposal and we appreciate the... READ MORE >

That’s a wrap on community voting on class proposals for AU 2017 in Las Vegas! Many thanks to everyone who clicked all those thumbs up. It was our first year trying out community voting on class proposals and, with more than 40,000 votes cast, it was great to hear from so many of you. Your votes let us know what classes and topics you’d most like to see at AU Las Vegas in November. As we move forward, please keep in mind that community voting is just one factor in the selection process, so just because a class received a lot of votes doesn’t mean it will necessarily be selected. AU is compet... READ MORE >

In 2008, we experienced an economic freefall that had not been seen since the Great Depression. Like many industries, architecture was hit pretty hard. Upon graduating with my master’s degree in architecture in 2008 I found myself in a good situation; I had lined up a job before the true impacts of the Great Recession ever gripped the firm’s management. They had a contracted backlog that spanned 2 years and money flowed freely, so I could attend Autodesk University. AU 2008 was my first introduction to a professional conference experience. I got out of my comfortable desk and became a rooki... READ MORE >

Pencils down, everyone - the AU Las Vegas Call for Proposals (CFP) is now officially closed. We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who put in the blood, sweat, and tears it takes to craft and submit a class proposal. We couldn’t do what we do without you - you are AU. CFP may be closed, but the fun is just beginning. Community voting is now open—we need you to weigh in on the learning that will help you get the most out of AU Las Vegas this year. We received nearly 2,200 submissions proposals and the competition is fierce. So take a moment to tell us which classes matter most to yo... READ MORE >