First time at AU? Here's your guide to making the most of AU 2026
If this is your first AU, welcome. You could be looking for a better workflow or trying to solve a challenge that has been sitting on your desk for months. Or maybe you're simply curious about what's next. Whatever brings you to AU 2026, we have something for you!
Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your first AU experience.
Your AU pre-game starts here
There's a lot to see, do, and experience at AU. Before the conference begins, take a few minutes to think about what success looks like for you. Are you hoping to learn from experts, get hands-on with the latest technologies, or connect with others in the Design & Make community?
With a few goals in mind, you can build a schedule that balances learning, networking, and exploration. The best AU experiences often come from a mix of planned sessions and unexpected conversations, so leave yourself room for both.
Start with a Meetup
Meetups are a great way to introduce yourself to the Design & Make community and connect through curated networking focused on specific roles, groups, or shared interests. A great place to kick things off is the AU Newbies Meetup, designed for first time attendees! Or if you’d like to connect with some of Autodesk’s subject matter experts, join the Expert Elite Meetup.
Customize your agenda and leave room for surprises
The session catalog is your roadmap for AU. Use it to explore sessions by industry, topic, product, and skill level, then build an agenda aligned with your goals.
Start with your must-attend sessions, then round out your schedule with topics that spark your curiosity or address challenges you're trying to solve. A balanced agenda that combines technical learning, industry insights, and time to connect with peers can help you get the most value, but keep in mind, your AU schedule is just your starting point, not your full experience!
You could spend every hour in sessions and still leave with a list of things you wish you'd seen. You could map every minute of your week, only to change your plans after stopping at a demo that's drawn a crowd or striking up a conversation over coffee. That’s AU.
What to bring to AU
You don't need to pack much. Just don't forget the important things:
Comfortable shoes. Check. You'll cover more ground than you expect, and your feet will thank you.
A portable charger. Check. Your phone will be working almost as hard as you are. Bring a reusable water bottle, too. We'll have refill stations throughout the venue, so topping up is easy.
An extra jacket. Check. Venues can get colder at times, so an extra layer might just be your best accessory. Future you will be grateful for this tip!
Download the Mobile App (coming September). Check. Your mobile app will be a valuable tool onsite, providing real-time updates, opportunities to connect with other attendees, and navigating the conference.
The AU Expo is where innovation comes to life
While sessions can open the door to something new, the Expo invites you to step inside.
Start in the Community Zone, catch a session on the Innovators Stage, and journey through the One Autodesk Experience to meet Autodesk experts, experience live demos, and explore the latest AI innovations and technologies shaping the future of Design and Make.
Then, go beyond the booths on your must-see list. Watch designers go head-to-head in the Fusion Daily Design Challenge. Step into The Factory Experience to follow a product from concept to production, see Autodesk Keypad 3.0 in action, and even build one to take home. Need a break? Recharge in the Take a Pawz Lounge or one of the many themed lounges before heading back out to explore.
With more than 100 sponsors and exhibitors, the Expo is about more than technology. It's where ideas are shared, questions are answered, and conversations turn into connections.
The Expo rewards curiosity. Some of the most memorable discoveries at AU happen when you follow your hunch and try something new. Attend a team trivia contest at the AU Clubhouse. Participate in a BrainDate. Compare notes over coffee in the AU Exchange, or simply say hello to the person standing next to you.
By the end of the week, you'll leave with more than new skills and insights. You'll be part of a global community of people who share a passion for designing and making a better world.
Stay for the finale
This is one piece of advice we can give without hesitation.
Don't book the first flight home for Thursday.
Yes, you'll spend your days learning, exploring, and meeting people, but don't forget to leave room for a little fun too. We have plenty of surprises planned throughout the week, including a Design and Make Celebration you won't want to miss.
Trust us, you'll want to be there when we wrap up the week together.
See you in Las Vegas
If you haven't registered yet, now's the perfect time. Early Bird pricing is only available through August 3, so lock in your pass before prices go up.
