Between the Lines

Autodesk University 2013 in 216 Days - Call for Class Proposals

It is that time of the year and 216 days from today Autodesk University 2013 will be starting. The countdown has begun to the best and biggest Autodesk related event.

If you want to be considered as a speaker, and for your hard work and expertise get much of your costs to attend Autodesk University covered then now is the time to submit your class proposals. Speakers and Lab assistants can receive honorarium ($$$) and an AU pass and in addition to getting to shine in the spotlight and showcase your expertise in front of your peers.

What the AU Team is looking for:

• Creative ways to integrate and use Autodesk software
• Processes that improve company workflows and efficiency
• Ideas about where their industry is headed

If you have what it takes, submit your class proposals now. I am still working on my class proposals for AU 2013.

Submit AU2013 Class Proposals Here

Hope to see you at Autodesk University 2013 in 216 days!
-Shaan

Related articles

Call for proposals: Autodesk University 2013

AU 2013 Call for Proposals

APPHACK Winner PhotoGeoDWG

Autodesk held a APPHACK competition at Autodesk University to get Autodesk Developer Network members to write an app and demo it live at AU.

One of the winner’s apps just went live on the Autodesk Exchange. PhotoGeoDWG took second place in the competition and is a really creative app allowing you to add camera markers to the raster images in your drawing. No more asking yourself or others “where is this location” when in a drawing file or in the field.

PhotoGeoDWG

by CAD Management Resources
Compatible with:
AutoCAD 2012
AutoCAD 2013
AutoCAD Civil 3D 2013

“Have you ever taken a bunch of existing conditions photos and after returning to the office wonder where and even why you took the picture? PhotoGeoDWG will help you manage those existing conditions photos by geolocating them in Google Maps and inserting camera markers into your CAD file. Build albums, automatically import camera markers hyperlinked with the location of the photo image file. Right click a photo name and zoom to the x-y location in your drawing. Click on the photo name and see it displayed conveniently in the palette, or insert the photo directly into the CAD file to better communicate to your field crew.”

Congratulations to CAD Management Resources! Stay tuned for more winning entries and their apps.

Cheers,
Shaan

3D Printing - The Future is Coming to a Print Shop Store Near You

Many people including myself have been predicting some mainstream print center would adopt 3D printing and bring it locally to millions of consumers. Quite frankly I thought it would be FedEx Kinkos first, but it looks like Staples beat them in announcing their intensions for 3D printing.

Staples Fires Warning Flare To 3D Printing Market - Seeking Alpha tinyurl.com/d7hzdz7

I have been talking about this for the past two years including at Autodesk University as it really is a no brainer when you consider the 3D printing and possibilities for consumers without a 3D printer in their home and need a part immediately.

It made perfect sense to me after I had to reverse engineer a plastic part for my clothes dryer and even discussed this on NPR last Spring “New Projects Help 3-D Printing Materialize on NPR.” I thought for small non-critical components it would be nice to have manufacturers provide a STL source file for free or a small charge and save warehouse space, transportation costs, energy, and satisfy customers with an immediate solution instead of waiting for a shipment. I know the lawyers would certainly want a customer agreement that the part produced from the STL was not under their control or liability, and that would be perfectly fine.

If the manufacturers don't embrace this and get in front and lead, people will surely resort to doing it themselves then posting source files online for others on a site like thingiverse.com. If they force the consumer to do it themselves, they will lose all control and the opportunity to be innovative in part supply and personalization of their products as well as make some very happy customers.

Imagine you need a small replacement part for your vacuum or want a custom accessory for your vacuum like a spoiler for your fast Roomba vacuum, a new custom mount for your GoPro camera, or perhaps a personalized smartphone case. Now imagine you simply go to the manufacture and select an option to 3D print the part and have the option to go pick up the 3D part from a local place like Staples 1.8 miles away in x hours for x$ that very same day.

That would, and Will be awesome someday.

-Shaan

Thank you Schuyler “Sledgehammer” St.Leger

Some may have attended or seen the fun Cage Match on “3D Printing is a Toy” with 12 year old prodigy Schuyler St.Leger last week. I even wore the Nacho Libre mask and cape in an unsuccessful attempt to intimidate Schuyler. This was really a no win debate for my position that 3D printing is a toy.
First: he is a cute and well spoken 12 year old kid that is passionate about 3D printing rating on enthusiasm meter of a scale 1-10 he pegs it at 99, and he really is smarter than most 30 year olds with a degree.
Second: 3D Printing is here to stay and will only get better and used in many more ways to benefit everyone.
My only point to be made during the entertaining fun event was that while I do fully believe in 3D printing, currently for most it is just printing small plastic toys with some limited exceptions.

Cage Match Video at Autodesk University 2012 Shaan :Electric Boogaloo” Hurley "3D Printers are Toys?" and Schuyler “Sledgehammer” St.Leger http://bit.ly/TBR2qC 

He hit me with not only great debate points but LED bombs and a hammer names the “Hurley Hammer” and then called me Aardvark as that animal has two “a”s in it’s name like me.

Here are two photos from the match taken by Mike Burke shared in the AU2012 Flickr Photo Pool
http://www.flickr.com/groups/au2012/pool/

 

He received a really cool steampunk styled trophy.

 

 

 

 

Check out Schuyler’s keynote presentation at Autodesk University: "Why I'm a Designer & a Maker"  http://bit.ly/schuylerAU2012

Personally I don’t see in the near future anyone printing critical components for bridges, nuclear equipment, or submarines that I used to design several years ago. It will take some great advancements in the future to be able to reliably, scale, and economically replace current materials and manufacturing methods, but I think we will get there someday. We are currently in the infancy and exciting research stages in my opinion especially for consumer 3D printing, but the technology is rapidly evolving. I have to laugh at articles like the one on thedailymash where they poke fun of where we are now with 3D printing with a bit too much sarcasm perhaps to troll readers. I have seen other online blogs where they call 3D printing a fad, but in time they will be proven wrong.

I share the optimism of Schuyler on 3D printing, and their significance in the future of manufacturing and science. I commend him on all that he does to promote 3D printing and Makers. He is one amazing and smart kid. It will be amazing to see what he does in the future as he may be that one person that comes up with the way to make 3D printing as common in manufacturing as a CNC milling or casting process.

 

Thank You Schuyler!!!

The Future is So Bright I Got to Wear 3D Printed Shades!

-Shaan

Autodesk University 2012 is Over – See you at AU 2013

It was a great Autodesk University ending in what can only be described as an “EPIC” party that will go down as possibly the best I have attended in all 15 years of attending AU. I want to sincerely thank the Autodesk University Team for pulling off this excellent 20th year AU in grand style ending with the grand finale of all AU parties. The party’s food and drinks including Jell-O shots were excellent and the entertainment awesome with several large rooms each with different types of music and activities. I did finally get found by my crazy Australian & New Zealand friends who dragged me out until the wee hours of the morning. Don’t believe any of the stories you hear such as me Irish clogging.

  

 

My only future AU hopes are that it is not at Mandalay Bay again. I have heard though a little bird we might be looking at AU 2013 at the Hard Rock (may not be correct and instead be at the Venetian) which would be AWESOME and is where the AU 2012 epic party was held. I also heard a few attendees and non-attendees asking for a non Las Vegas AU option again in the future perhaps held in a place like San Diego, San Francisco California or Austin Texas so that some that had employers not willing to send employees to Las Vegas. Also it would be nice to get less competition for valuable and scarce time between classes and the Innovation Forums. Perhaps an optional day with Innovation Forums as they are amazing, but hard to attend with classes at the same time.

See the AU 2012 Photos and post some yourself for free:http://www.flickr.com/groups/au2012/. If you have photos of me especially the cage match or my classes  please feel free to email me or upload them free to Flickr at. A few of the people that post the best photos will receive a Snagit and Camtasia license courtesy of Techsmith.

 

I enjoyed seeing everyone and wish everyone safe travels and can’t wait to see you all again.

Cheers,
Shaan

Autodesk University 2012 – Thursday Highlights

Thursday was the final day of Autodesk University 2012 and filled with a busy day of great classes and then the BIG party held at the Hard Rock Hotel.

I was speaker in two classes:

AC2231 - Capture Objects in 3D and Replicate Them Like the Star Trek® Crew Does

BO2042 - Autodesk, the Social Web, and You along with the main speaker Dan Zucker of Autodesk

A sincere “Thank You” for all who attended these classes.

The rest of the day I visited the industry lounges and the Creative Studio then had meetings, a gym visit, and then preparing for the big party.

 

Cheers,
Shaan

Autodesk University 2012 – Wednesday Highlights

I hoped to get this posting done by midnight so I could get some other work done and then some sleep, but that didn’t happen.

Tomorrow is another big day and the final day of Autodesk University with a final big  “Rock of Ages” party celebrating 20 years of Autodesk University and 30 years of Autodesk and is being held at the Hard Rock Hotel. I have two classes then a couple meetings then I will call it a wrap and start to relax and start thinking about AU 2013 unless the Mayans were right.

“Experience fabulous cuisine and hear the music you love from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Wander from room to room enjoying themed entertainment, including the Bella Quartet, dueling pianos, go-go dancers at Studio 54, karaoke, and the Rat Pack at the Luck Be a Lady Room. Get your palm read and handwriting analyzed, and stretch your creative muscles with help from a real graffiti artist on our very own Graffiti Wall. You keep the art. Whether you’re comfortable wandering around at parties or prefer small group gatherings, you’ll find lots of chances to interact and connect with your peers too. Don’t miss the fun!”

The Autodesk University Cage Match where there were 3 matches including me against 12 year old genius Maker Schuyler St. Leger happened this evening. It was a blast, and everyone had a lot of fun. Schuyler made a “Hurley Hammer” just for me, hit me with LED bombs, and then hit me in the gut saying I had two A’s in my name and the second must stand for “Aardvark.” I blame the name attack on Martyn Day for setting that one up before the match. During my match after a hard hit I was administered “medicine” which was poured down my throat and all over me and then I squashed my eye glasses. I want to thank everyone that attended, the fighters, and the ring team that made this event happen Jonathan Knowles, Tom Wujec, Maurice Conti, Heather MacKenzie and many others that made the event happen.

 
 

Earlier in the day there was a lunch event to thank a group of people that are the top participators in the Autodesk communities and social media. A new program named Expert Elite was launched and Autodesk CEO Carl Bass was the special guest that came and had lunch with us. After lunch, Carl thanked each person and presented them with a certificate. There was a great deal of thanking the Expert Elites and the great things they do for the community and talking about the future of the community support by Bill Johnston Director, Strategic Content ＆ Community, Moonhie Chin Senior Vice President of Global Customer Support and Operations, and Creighton Hoke Vice President, Global Business Services.

 

 

The annual AUGI Meeting and Beer Bust was held tonight, but for the first time in years I missed it as I was preparing and setting things up for the Cage Match. Sorry David.

Hope to see you tomorrow and if you are leaving have safe travels.

Shaan

Autodesk University 2012 – Tuesday Highlights

Learning, Connecting, and Exploring!

The official day 1 of Autodesk University 2012 general sessions started today. I started my day up in the rafters of the Mandalay Bay arena high above the audience like a cloud with arms, legs, and a camera taking photos during the main stage keynote. It kicked off with Autodesk CTO Jeff Kowalski talking about the Beyond Form: The Whole Design Process. Jeff talked about the history of design and challenges faced due to decisions made during design.

 

Dezso Molnar spoke about his Gyrocycle which was also with him at the stage. Attendees can see the Gyrocycle in the Exhibit Hall.

 

Christine Furstoss, Technical Director of Manufacturing & Materials Technologies at GE spoke about the Third Industrial Revolution.

Jeff introduced Schuyler St. Leger who at the tender age of 12 years old, is an extreme Maker an pint sized powerhouse of energy. Following Schuyler’s energetic and passionate presentation where you forgot at times this was a 12 year old kid, Autodesk CEO Carl Bass joined Schuyler for a neon lab jacket smack down. Carl and Schuyler each one upped the other until Schuyler revealed he had hooked up and programmed an accelerometer to his jacket and when he danced the lights changed.

 

Carl spoke about “What If” and that was captured in detail by Scott Sheppard on his blog.

#AU2012 General Session: Carl Bass Answers 16 Questions

 

Lynn Allen Autodesk Technical Evangelist spoke about this being the 20th year of Autodesk University as well as tips for AU and upcoming events.

 

Check out the AU Virtual recordings of some of todays events including the Keynote Address.
http://au.autodesk.com/?nd=au_player

Check out the AU Blog for more great coverage:
AU 2012 Keynote Address: Amazing Technology Right Here, Right Now 

After the keynote I ran into Abhijit Oak of Autodesk and he showed me his latest project announced just today Autodesk Formit. Formit is now available for the iPad in the App store. See the announcement of Formit below. It is really quite amazing to see it in action with the performance and the features it has in it’s first release.
http://autodeskformit.com

I got the coveted mini shovel from Dana Probert today when she was showing Autodesk Infrastructure Modeler in the Autodesk 360 Lounge.

I'm totally digging it!

I saw many attendees at THEbar, not a drinking bar but one where Autodesk employees were helping answer technical questions.

The Creative Studio was rocking with many projects you can make or technologies to try. You can follow your nose to the Creative Studio by the smell of laser burned cardboard. Schuyler’s AU Keynote smack down winning neon lab coat will be featured as an instructable on how to make one on Instructables.com. I could use some neon bling tomorrow night at the Cage Match event, sadly my cape has no lights.

 

Scott Sheppard and I had a session on Cool Technology in the Autodesk Labs.

The Exhibit Hall opened tonight with the annual sea of attendees lined up outside the door waiting for the doors to swing open. There was so much to see that most will need to make several trips to see all the partners, technology, exhibits, or just to get the freebies or win contests.

 

I got some real-time CFD performed on me riding a bike using Project Falcon technology.

  

I needed to get more air streamed like Dezso.

Some of the days Press Announcements:

• The Cloud Takes Center-stage at Autodesk University 2012
• Autodesk Ushers In New Era of Cloud Based Design
• Autodesk Previews Next Generation of Infrastructure Design & Construction at Autodesk University
• New Autodesk FormIt App Accelerates Conceptual Design and Form Creation for Building Design Professionals
  

Tomorrow, 
Wednesday at Autodesk University 2012 

• Another great day of classes and Innovation Forums
• The Exhibit Hall
• The annual AUGI Beer Bust
• Cage Matches! 9:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. No PowerPoint slides—just gutsy fighters in a ring. There will be several entertaining brain flexing cage match style debates on various topics with drinks, snacks and audience participation/rowdiness is encouraged. I get to go face to face (figuratively - as he is a kid and still growing) with 12 year old Maker Schuyler St. Leger. How do you battle a 12 year old, and not lose… He has already taken down Autodesk CEO Carl Bass in a neon lighted lab coat smack down in front of 8000 people in the Keynote address.
  Breaking Autodesk University 2012 News – I am Fighting a 12 Year Old…
  He may be:
        cute
        short 
        fuzzy
        harmless 
        smarter than most 40 year olds
  But be warned, he taunted and beat on me at lunch perhaps in an attempt to intimidate and psych me out. I need some serious advice on how best to debate the 12 year old and not look like the experienced old mechanical designer beating on a defenseless cute kid or just resorting to an atomic wedgy (ok no wedgies I promise.) I do need some people at the Cage Match on my side rooting me on.  

Follow me on Twitter for more up to the minute updates in bite size photos and pieces @ShaanHurley. I will be giving away a few goodies from my friends at Techsmith and Mindjet the next two days.

It’s time to call it a night or morning and get some sleep. Sleep is something that is a rare element at AU.

Hope to see both the gym and you tomorrow!
Shaan

Breaking Autodesk University 2012 News – I am Fighting a 12 Year Old…

Yes you read the headline correctly. On Wednesday night here at Autodesk University at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas we are holding cage match style debates as we have at the IDEAS and TED where they were a hit <pun intended>. We have a referee Tom Wujec, Maurice Conti a medic to administer bandages or a shot of vodka, and a ring. I just found out at lunch I will be in a match with the 12 year old Maker extraordinaire Schuyler St, Leger. He is like a pint sized PhD who can make about anything and has been a hit on YouTube with a video on why he loves his 3D printer. http://bit.ly/RhcmCH

Schuyler presented during the main stage keynote at Autodesk University and is now an AU celebrity.

The crowd gets to vote for the winner of the rounds and being matched up with Schuyler means I am pretty much a dead man walking against a cute smart kid.

Schuyler was already taunting and punching me at lunch, taunting me on Twitter where I am @ShaanHurley and he is @DocProfSky, and we posed for a photo.

 

If you are attending Autodesk University 2012 you need to attend this event, and it won’t hurt my feelings if you root for Schuyler. There will also be other matches including Martyn Day. The entertainment is turned up to 11, so it will be absolutely a blast.

Cheers,
Shaan

Monday AU 2012 Highlights

Quick notes after an exhausting day. I landed today in Vegas to attend and present at the annual Autodesk University. I immediately had to drop my bags in the room at the THEhotel (silliest name for a hotel), then get running to events. I ran into many old friends, and even more friends that did not recognize me having dropped 50 pounds of myself this year. Some of the reactions were priceless.

The Exhibit Hall is being setup and was full of forklifts and busy people building the booths and exhibits. The exhibit hall opens 7:00pm Tuesday evening. I was told this is the largest number of exhibitors in AU history.

 

This year a new mentor program was started to help those attending Autodesk University for the first time around a table with a Autodesk University veteran. I had a table for Manufacturing attendees I will call my mentees, since I was a mentor. We discussed who they were, what they did, favorite movie, and then I provided some insight on how to make the most of their AU experience and not only survive, but thrive. I also was made aware some people are not clear on who the CEO of Autodesk is, or more than likely they were just being funny with their voting.

 

After the Freshman Orientation it was off for a elevator ride to the top of THEhotel at the Mixx Lounge for the AU Speakers Social, then down the elevator across the hotel and up the elevator to the top of the Mandalay Bay Hotel to the Foundation Room and location of the Blogger and Press Reception. It was great seeing so many Autodesk executives along with the press and bloggers. I even got to chat with my opponent for the cage match this week, legendary member of the CAD industry press Martyn Day. It will be interesting to see what topic we get assigned to debate, and how well we can follow the rules.

The Foundation Room has one of the best views in all of Vegas.

 

Tomorrow begins the main Autodesk University with 8500 attendees crowding the escalators and halls bright and early in the morning with one of the most important events, and one my team and our executives have been working diligently on. You must not miss the main stage keynote with great presentations, topics, and many fun surprises.

8:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Keynote Address Events in the Center Arena, Concourse Level

For those not able to attend in person AU Virtual 2012 starts tomorrow with live streaming of the main stage Keynote Live from Tues, Nov 27, 8:00am PST.
http://au.autodesk.com/auv

Share your AU experience. You can post your photos to the AU 2012 Photo Group Pool http://www.flickr.com/groups/au2012/pool/ for everyone to see and Flickr is free.

Cheers,
Shaan

Autodesk University 2012 Starting

Over the past few days, thousands of Autodesk product and technology users have invaded Las Vegas Nevada to attend Autodesk University 2012. The general event starts tomorrow but today is the leadership forums, ADN developer sessions, and this evening is the Freshman Orientation and some social receptions including the annual Press and Blogger social managed by our favorite spin doctors in PR. Think of thins as Day 0 of 3, and tomorrow is day 1.
Get the Show Guide

If you are attending AU and have a mobile device, make sure to get the AU Mobile App! The app allows you to see your schedule and AU main events, the hotel and events maps, network with others, post photos and check-ins as well as share video using Socialcam.

You can as has been a annual tradition share your photos online using the free Flickr. You can post and share your photos to the AU 2012 Photo Group http://www.flickr.com/groups/au2012/pool/ for everyone to see. I will be posting my photos to the AU2012 group and my Flickr Photostream.

For those not able to attend in person AU Virtual 2012 starts tomorrow with live streaming of the main stage Keynote Live from Tues, Nov 27, 8:00am pst.
http://au.autodesk.com/auv I will be high above in the rafters of the arena if all goes well taking photos of you from high above so wear a hat if you don’t want a bad hair day captured, mole that is shaped like a squid, or that bald spot showing.

Autodesk University attendees take it easy, pace yourself, and hydrate, or come Thursday it will look like 8500 zombie apocalypse cast members of The Walking Dead.

First person to spot me on Mandalay Bay property tomorrow & YELL "Snagit Rocks" loud (bonus points for Tweeting it with a photo) gets a license of Snagit courtesy of Techsmith and Betsy Weber.

You can always stalk me and find the latest AU happenings on my Twitter account @ShaanHurley and

Live photos from Instagram http://instagram.com/shaanhurley and my Flickr Photostream

Live brief videos from Socialcam http://socialcam.com/u/QipxdK6Q.

See you today at AU and look for the highlights of the day later this evening after I finish attending a few social events one which has the most awesome view of the Las Vegas Strip from high above.

Cheers,
Shaan

So Ready for Autodesk University 2012

Get ready for the live play by play and photos of the week at Autodesk University 2012.

Yes that is me all ready for my cage match at AU!

Cheer,
Shaan

Autodesk University 2012 Events - Freshman Orientation, Forum Updates, Cage Match and Me, AU Virtual, and More

Great Info from a recent AU 2012 email blast.

Get Oriented at the AU Freshman Orientation

With so much going on at any moment, it is easy for first-time attendees to feel overwhelmed. To get the most out of AU, sign up for the AU Freshman Orientation scheduled for Monday, November 26, 5:00 p.m–6:00 p.m.

Join Chris Bradshaw, Autodesk chief marketing officer and senior vice president for Reputation, Consumer and Education; Lynn Allen, Cadalyst columnist and Autodesk technical evangelist; and other AU veterans as they provide tips for optimizing your experience and point out highlights and not-to-be-missed AU events and gatherings. AU veterans are welcome to attend to learn what is new and different at AU 2012.

Sign Up for the Innovation Forums

Get informed, inspired, and energized about where design is going at this year’s Innovation Forums. We’ve got a great lineup of design visionaries whom you don’t want to miss. Here’s a sample:

The Collective Wisdom of Design Across Boundaries on Wednesday, November 28, 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m., features Phillip G. Bernstein FAIA, RIBA, LEED AP, vice president, Industry Strategy and Relations, Autodesk; Dr. Myshkin Ingawale, co-founder, Biosense Technologies; Dr. Alasdair MacDonald, director of Strategic Innovation, Balfour Beatty; Liz Ogbu, environments designer; and Professor Marla Schweppe, Rochester Institute of Technology.

A Better World: How Smart Design Is Improving Our Planet and Our Understanding of It on Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m., features Cameron Sinclair , executive director, Architecture for Humanity; Ethan Kay, managing director, Emerging Markets, Biolite; Günter Waibel, director, Digitization Program Office, Smithsonian Institution; and Eve Blossom, founder, Lulan.

Sign up for one...sign up for all 6!

Take Advantage of Free Autodesk Certification Exams

While you’re at AU, take advantage of the certification preparation lab and classes, plus free certification exams, on the following products: AutoCAD 2013, AutoCAD Civil 3D 2013, Autodesk Inventor 2013, Autodesk Revit® Architecture 2013, Autodesk 3ds Max 2013, and Autodesk Maya 2013.

Join Lynn Allen at the Platinum Sponsor Technology Showcase

Join AU’s own Lynn Allen on Wednesday, November 28, 5:45 p.m.–7:00 p.m., for a candid conversation with technologists from Dell, HP, Intel, and Lenovo. Learn how new and emerging technologies are affecting and enhancing the way we work with Autodesk design and creation suites and more.

See Total Non-Stop Action at the Cage Match
I will apparently be one of the cage match fighters. This should be interesting…

It takes cerebral strength and nerves of steel to defend your ideas against a worthy opponent. Attend the Autodesk IDEAS Cage Match and spur on leading designers, engineers, and thinkers as they square off on pressing issues of the day on Wednesday, November 28, 9:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. No PowerPoint slides—just gutsy fighters in a ring. Space is limited so get there early for a ringside seat.

Visit the Exhibit Hall: Manufacturers Campus, Community Pavilion, Gallery at AU

Along with more than 140 exhibitors, this year’s Exhibit Hall introduces the Manufacturers Campus, a place to get the skills and connections that manufacturers like you need to be a leader in your industry. The Exhibit Hall also features the popular Gallery at AU, the International Community Pavilion—a great place to meet up with peers from all over the world—and AU’s legendary AUGI Beer Bust.

Stop by the AU Lounges

This year’s lounges have something for everyone, so set aside some time to meet up with colleagues at:

The Creative Studio & Education Lounge: Learn how to make awesome stuff in the Creative Studio. The studio will have a variety of hands-on workshops and inspiring presentations. In the Education Lounge, we will have fun, easy-to-use products that you can try out with students or at home with the kids.

On Wednesday at 5:30, join us for the AU Student and Industry Mixer. You’ll meet the engineers, architects, and designers of tomorrow, see their portfolios, and possibly find your next great hire. RSVP now.
THEbar: Throughout the week, THEbar will host a selection of Answer Bars where you can get friendly expert advice and technical support on Autodesk products and solutions, as well as Autodesk design and creation suites.

Autodesk 360 Lounge: Get your hands on the Autodesk® 360 cloud-based platform, products, and services and see for yourself how the power of the cloud will help you dramatically improve the way you work. Explore real-world scenarios and see live demonstrations of how Autodesk 360 enables you to extend your workflows from the desktop to the cloud, improve team collaboration, and work effectively anywhere through a browser or the mobile app.

Free AU 2012 Offer: Take GeT Interactive, Online, On-Demand Autodesk Training for a Test Drive

Take a free test drive of GeT Interactive Autodesk training. Learn Autodesk skills faster, retain knowledge longer, and apply your technical skills to real-world projects better with GeT Interactive Complete Guides. Take this opportunity now to brush up on your skills or learn new ones, and be prepared to pass the certification exams and attend high-level hands-on sessions at AU.

The GeT Interactive library enables you to personalize your learning experience—complete guided courses, support for multiple learning styles for increased retention, a flexible reference tool, an update for new software versions, and preparation for certification exams. Managers can demonstrate ROI with pre- and post-assessments and detailed reporting. Instructors can “Flip The Classroom with GeT Curriculum,” the perfect blended learning resource.

Tell Your Peers about AU Virtual 2012, November 27–29

Your peers can experience the excitement of AU as they watch live streaming sessions from the AU Las Vegas conference, including the Keynote Address and all of the Innovation Forums.

They too can enhance their skills right from the office with AU Virtual classes. Free to AU members, this online event delivers on-demand technical classes on the newest releases of Autodesk products and the latest trends and challenges facing the design industry—right to your desktop.

View the AU Virtual class catalog starting November 15—then join us for AU Virtual November 27–29.

See you SOON!

-Shaan

Final Countdown and Preparation for Autodesk University 2012

This week is the last week before Autodesk University. Thousands are heading for Las Vegas in the next few days and we will be ready for them with great speakers, classes, technology, Innovation forums, vendors, AUGI Annual meeting, entertainment and more.

In this final week before AU, I am head down for my sessions and events by trying to avoid email to prevent distraction. In addition to the last week push and cramming, it is a short week in the U.S. with the Thanksgiving holiday.

I will begin my annual AU live blogging & Twitter updates next Sunday complete with photos as attendees begin to arrive and some of the behind the scenes as Autodesk University is being setup. Then as AU starts there will be daily updates, highlights, and photos as I attempt to go without sleep and cover as much of the event as humanly possible.

If this is your first AU, definitely make sure to attend the AU Freshman Orientation Monday, November 26, 5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m and also learn about those of us that are AU Mentors to help you make the most of the AU experience. This is my 15th year of Autodesk University events, and the number 22 I have attended and presented at if my AU counting is right as there were multiple AUs in some years and some overseas.

Each AU event is unique and I can’t wait to experience AU 2012, and then directly afterwards get some well needed rest and recovery.

Hope to see you at AU!

Cheers,
Shaan

Autodesk University Survival Buffet

Autodesk University 2012 is only two weeks away!

After attending every Las Vegas based Autodesk University, I have compiled a long list of tips for not only surviving but making the most of Autodesk University which will be held this year at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas November 27-29, 2012

Autodesk University is the premier Autodesk customer event held yearly where several thousand creative design and visualization experts descend on Las Vegas. They arrive wide eyed, craving knowledge from the best in the industry, and many seeking refuge from the seemingly endless Thanksgiving holiday turkey leftovers. They leave tired and full of valuable knowledge to make them more productive back at work.

Think of this post as a Las Vegas style food buffet of Autodesk University tips.

Event & Networking

1. AU Dress Code: Dress business casual and comfortable. Remember this is a professional event where your peers and people you want to network with are at. This is not the place to wear shorts and that “I am a Chick Magnet” tee shirt.
2. Business Cards: Bring plenty of business cards to hand out to the people you may meet and want to follow up with.
3. Exchange info fast! Consider using the mobile app Bump to exchange contact info with others.
4. Attend at least one or more of the Innovation Forums to see some of the most thought providing presentations and entertaining debate style cage matches. You won’t regret it, as so many were blown away last year. Think of it as a mini TED conference or Autodesk IDEAS conference.
5. Stop in the Creative Studio and Education Lab make something fun as well as see all sort of creations and products and tools.
6. Brain: Be ready for some of the best training and discussions anywhere. Also be ready for brain overload. Hopefully you do not get symptoms of PowerPoint Overload Syndrome PPOS.
7. Where am I?  You should know how to get around the confusing maze of the Mandalay Bay. Casinos are designed to confuse and get you lost among the gaming floor. The events and classes being hosted in both the Mandalay Bay and its adjoining The Hotel can be equally disorienting to even the best of navigators, be prepared.
   Maps: Property map - Mandalay Bay
8. Hashtag: When posting photos, blog posts or updates on social media like Twitter or photo sites like Flickr please use the hashtag #AU2012. This way people can follow the event around social media, the web and at places like on Twitter from the web at https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AU2012&src=typd.
9. The famous Welcome to Las Vegas Sign is a very short walk from the Mandalay Bay but  please watch for traffic as it is dangerous to cross to the median where the sign is located.
10. Shutterbugs: Make sure to have a camera handy to capture the fun of AU and Vegas but also be aware there are some places you are not allowed to take photos such as the casino floor and some special AU events. A smaller camera or the phone camera is easier to carry around than 20 pounds of DSLR camera gear. Share your photos online using the free Flickr. You can post your photos to the AU 2012 Photo Group Pool http://www.flickr.com/groups/au2012/pool/ for everyone to see. I will be posting my photos to the AU2012 group and my Flickr Photostream.
11. Feedback: Make sure to complete the surveys at the end of the event to provide feedback to the speakers. You usually get a goodie like a cool tee shirt in return for completing the quick and painless survey.
12. Meetups: A great place for meeting others after hours in the Mandalay Bay is the Orchid Lounge. Its also a great place to see people you know relax and loosen up, sometimes loosen up a bit too much.
13. Share: Take back the knowledge you gained at AU to your office and coworkers.

Comfort & Health

1. Hydrate: Drink lots of water. You will lose water faster than a fly in a microwave. Soda, coffee, and beer do not hydrate you.
2. Caffeinate: If you stay out late make sure to grab a coffee to be alert for the days sessions. There are several coffee shops in the Mandalay Bay even a Starbucks on the way to the main conference center but the line can get long.
3. Don’t get Lizard Lips: Your lips by the second day will look like something off of a lizard, so keep them lubed up to fend off the dry desert air.
4. Dragon Breath? You do not want to walk around and talk to your peers with breath that smells like a mixture of coffee, garlic, and road kill. Take some mints, gum.
5. Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes as the walking distances between rooms and the event can add up and you will feel it at the end of the day. I guesstimate I walk about 2-4 miles a day at AU.
6. NomNom: Have some spare snacks for when you get hungry, perhaps granola bar or something to tie you over as your brain is running full power during AU sessions.
7. Bad Air: Due to the dry air and constant smoke in the casinos, make sure to bring some eye drops and perhaps a nasal spray.
8. Sleep: I am not sure if it is all the stimulation of the sights and sounds or if there is different oxygen levels but it is pretty hard to get to sleep at night.

Technology

1. Wireless Security: Make sure if using the public wireless connection to have a firewall enabled to prevent someone from messing with your machine or gathering data.
2. Antivirus: Make sure if you use a public wireless connection at AU this year to make sure you have updated antivirus enabled. Using any public Wi-Fi connection can be risky and can easily allow infection of your machine if not protected. You can even use a free antivirus program like AVG or Microsoft Security Essentials.
3. Static Electricity! Be careful and touch a door nob before touching your laptop. A few people including me fried their laptops due to all the static electricity built up on the carpets and the dry air. There is nothing worse than your entire laptop frying the day before your class session you are teaching and having to stay up all night to re-write and redo some content that was edited during AU. I have heard having a dryer sheet or coins in your pocket will help minimize static electricity risks.
4. Watch Your Valuables: Keep an eye on your laptop and valuables. Like any place with thousands of geeks and cool electronics in one location, the crooks will be around in sheep's clothing and every year I hear of someone getting something like a laptop swiped even from leaving it in a class room.
5. Keep Notes: Use an app like Evernote on your mobile or tablet to jot down notes during a session or those follow up questions for the speaker.
6. Get Handouts: Download the course handouts and materials before AU and keep them on a mobile or tablet device for easy reference.
7. Where Should I Be? Keep your schedule on a Mobile or tablet device for easy reference. .
8. Can you hear me now? You may not always be able to get a cell phone signal or Internet. Be prepared and don't panic. Take a deep breath and enjoy the lack of it. When you want to get back on the grid and Internet tubes, simply move to another area where there is coverage. Texts may be delayed at times due to the large amount of people texting so do not expect your friend to get your text immediately. Your “help I am being eaten by zombies” text may go undelivered for critical minutes.
9. Gadget cables, cords and power supplies. You may run out of juice while at AU so carry some of the most needed power cords and chargers with you.
10. Portable storage: Bring a USB key to exchange files quickly.
11. QR Codes: Have a QR Code <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code> reader on your smartphone. There will be many QR codes at AU <http://au.autodesk.com/>. I will be using them in my presentations so people can capture an URL fast with a smartphone instead of needing to write it down.

Vegas Baby!

1. Cold in Hot Vegas: Do not be fooled by the palm trees along the streets and casinos, this desert oasis is only warm-hot 75% of the year. In winter it can be downright cold, and has even snowed. Bring a jacket and do not expect to dress in beach clothes if walking outside.
2. Beware of a Lost Night: For superman it is kryptonite, for me it is the Rum Jungle at the Mandalay Bay and Studio 54 at the MGM. Be careful as even a simple walk into a club can be a challenge to get out.
3. Lay of the Land:
   Google Map of Las Vegas http://g.co/maps/bauc8
   Strip and Downtown
   JPG | PDF
4. After Hours Dress Code: Make sure that if you plan on attending some events or venturing out to the clubs that you do not wear tennis shoes or a tee-shirt. Most clubs and finer restaurants enforce a dress code and normally do not permit sneakers or tee-shirt wearing guests.
5. Vegas is the exception, not the rule: For those visiting the United States for the first time - it is important to understand Las Vegas is not a representation of the rest of the country.
6. Sin City:You do not have to drink, gamble or smoke in Las Vegas to have a good time after AU hours.
7. Slap Slap: Ignore those card slapping people on the Las Vegas strip or as the Kung Fu Drafter calls them “porn crickets.”

Last tips for both those attending and those not able to attend.
Sign up for AU Virtual 2012 as the key notes speeches and some classes will be broadcast and it is free all you have to be is a registered member of the AU website.

Make sure to follow me on this blog and Twitter for the latest AU info and photos before, during, and after the event. I will also be live sharing of photos and Socialcam video from behind the scenes and as in past years from the rafter high above the main stage presentation.

My past AU photo galleries to get you excited:
Autodesk University Past Event Photos

I am looking forward to seeing at Autodesk University in only 2 weeks (14 days.)

Cheers,
Shaan

Calling All Autodesk Developer Network Members For APPHACK @ AU

Autodesk is looking for developers to develop an App and win some prizes. Time is growing short with Autodesk University 2012 in only 18 days away.

Grand Prize US$5000

2nd Prize US$2000

3rd Prize US$1000

4th Prize Ten finalists will receive a recently-released tablet computer valued at approximately US$500.

The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, Nov 14 at midnight (Pacific time) There is still time.

The theme for the event is Connecting AutoCAD to the Cloud

• This is the link to the registration site: http://bit.ly/RNkirV
• Contestants may submit an app they've already written or come up with something new.
• You cannot submit something that's been available for sale in the last 5 years.
• You have to be physically present in Las Vegas on Mon, Nov 26, 2012 to perform a live demo of their work but do not need to be registered for Autodesk University
• You must be an ADN member to compete

LAST CALL for Blogger Reception Signups for AU 2012

We don’t want anyone feeling left out or not considered for this special annual gathering of bloggers, press, and Autodesk executives, PR, and more at Autodesk University. Last year at tis event I personally witnessed one Autodesk Vice President (name withheld for job security) shoot another Vice President (Buzz) in the backside with a marshmallow gun at this event, how will we top that unplanned sniper attack. This event is a great place to meet other bloggers, press, and deskers before AU starts.

Please spread the word so we don’t miss anyone as it is hard to reach out to everyone.

I figure if you don’t read my blog, follow me on Twitter, Google+ or Facebook in the past few weeks perhaps you are either not on the web, lost on Mount Everest, too caught up in politics, or just too busy to think about such things and don’t care. So please sign up for consideration or don’t chase me down at AU with some long story about how the dog ate your computer and Internet connection, unless you have photos of this then that’s another story and might get you in.

Follow this link to sign up to be considered and please do it by Monday November 12th.
http://bit.ly/RLjVhx

All Bloggers that find me at this reception or at AU 2012 will get their Blogger Ribbons. I will also arrange a place you can pick them up like at a special booth.

Remember for all things AU follow this Between the Lines blog and my Twitter account @ShaanHurley. I have all access even to the rafters of the arena during main stage presentation high above the crowd, inside and behind the scenes photos and info. I also take photos of people at Autodesk University and post them to a AU2012 Flickr shared photo gallery and will also be shooting live Socialcam video feed.

I will be giving things away and having some fun. I even had a Mindjet MindManager now known  as Mindjet new release donated to give away so you can use it to plan projects, articles, life events, and even your Autodesk University 22013 classes should the world survive the December 21, 2012 Mayan prophecy.

Can’t wait to make more friends at Autodesk University! You arrive as strangers, and leave as friends as well as tired of PowerPoint…

Cheers,
Shaan

Hard Rock'n AU

Don't miss the Autodesk University 2012 Rock of Ages Party at the the Hard Rock Hotel.

http://au.autodesk.com/?nd=au_party

AU Customer Appreciation Party

Thursday, November 29, 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

It’s a “Rock of Ages” Party! Join us for our most exciting customer appreciation event ever. We're planning an exceptional evening for all our customers to celebrate 20 years of Autodesk University and Autodesk’s 30th birthday at the Hard Rock Hotel .
Experience fabulous cuisine and hear the music you love from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Wander from room to room enjoying themed entertainment, including the Bella Quartet, dueling pianos, gogo dancers at Studio 54, karaoke, and the Rat Pack at the Luck Be a Lady Room.

Get your palm read, handwriting analyzed, and stretch your creative muscles with help from a real graffiti artist on our very own Graffiti Wall. You keep the art.

Whether you’re comfortable wandering around at parties or prefer small group gatherings, you’ll find lots of chances to interact and connect with your peers too. Don’t miss the fun!

ROCK ON!

Only 24 Days Until AU 2012

Yes, the clock is accelerating faster as we grow nearer to Autodesk University. This year there will be the largest number of exhibitors in the exhibitor hall, largest class selections at over 1000 classes, and currently on tack to exceed 8000 attendees.

For those unable to attend AU, make sure you have signed up for the free AU Online account at http://bit.ly/Tybrw4 as all members (over 230,000 now) will get free access to the virtual class sessions and live streamed keynotes.

Note to speakers: you only have 10 more days to finish and upload your class materials. <ducking>

I had one more stressful thing at AU added besides my classes, panel discussions, and Blogger & Press Reception. I just sold my house this week and it closes on none other than November 27th, while I am in Vegas for AU. I will have to sneak away to go sign legal papers at some local affiliate of my realtor there. In the meantime I have to finish my class handouts, and look for a place to move to before Thanksgiving. <sigh>

I am looking forward to the year 2013 and kicking 2012 to the curb in grand style.

Cheers & See You in 24 days!
Shaan

Autodesk University 2012 Blogger & Press Reception Survey

The event will be Monday November 26th from 7-10pm. We have limited availability for this special event where many of the Autodesk executives will be as well as your fellow press and bloggers.

We will review all survey submissions and then send out the formal invitations in the next few weeks and before AU. Unfortunately due to space we will not be able to accommodate any guests of those who receive a formal invite.

This is not a event for marketing or sales, but one focusing on you and getting ready for AU starting the following day and know the big picture and make new contacts. Mingle and meet others in a casual setting with an amazing view. Meet that one Autodesk product manager or executive you want to speak with before AU 2012 starts, maybe line up an exclusive interview.

Blogger Reception Invite Survey
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BHLPQ8B

Autodesk employee bloggers, please complete the survey.

Press will be invited separately by Autodesk PR.

 

Cheers,
Shaan

AU 2012 Countdown 39 days

More Cowbell!
Autodesk University will be in only 39 days. I hope you have all your plans set by now if you plan on attending and certainly if you plan on being a speaker you better be working hard on your presentation and handouts.

I hope to see you at AU this year!
Shaan

Autodesk University Blogger and Press Reception

Many of the Autodesk topic related bloggers and industry press look forward each year to the Blogger and Press Reception the night prior to Autodesk University kicking off.

It is a great way to meet fellow bloggers and press as well as meet and speak with several key Autodesk employees in a relaxed social setting. It started small a few years ago and then grew to a large and popular gathering. It will be the Monday night before AU kicking off.

Stay tuned to this blog for more details soon on how to be considered to attend this event as we have limited space and so many people that want to attend each year.

 

Cheers!
Shaan

52 Days Until Autodesk University 2012

The days remaining are counting down fast until Autodesk University 2012. The time remaining for an early registration discount of $500 is going even faster with only 10 days remaining to the October 15th deadline.

Join the thousands seeking more knowledge of Autodesk products from some of the best in the industry in a fun networking environment that runs 24 hours a day if you don’t sleep. Nowhere else in the world will you find this large and diverse of Autodesk product experts, the latest technology, and solutions in one place, so please come join us to Learn, Connect, and Explore at Autodesk University 2012 in Las Vegas.

Cheers,
Shaan

Autodesk University 2012 Countdown and AU History

With only 59 days until Autodesk University 2012 in Las Vegas, I thought I would provide some unofficial Autodesk University history for remembering and perhaps for those that participate in those super geeky CAD trivia games. And also promote a couple classes for those still registering and taking advantage of the $500 discount before October 15th.

Here are the past Autodesk University locations including the international event locations:

• 1993 San Francisco California – Marin County near Autodesk HQ. First Autodesk University
• 1994 Atlanta, Georgia
• 1995 San Francisco California Moscone Center
• 1996 Chicago Illinois
• 1997 Los Angeles California
• 1998 Philadelphia Pennsylvania
• 1999 there were 4 AUs
  • Boston Massachusetts
  • Dallas Texas
  • Chicago Illinois
  • San Francisco California
• 2000 Las Vegas Nevada MGM Grand
• 2001 Las Vegas Nevada MGM Grand
• 2002 Las Vegas Nevada MGM Grand
• 2003 Las Vegas Nevada MGM Grand
• 2004 Las Vegas Nevada MGM Grand
• 2005 Orlando Florida  - Walt Disney World
• 2006 Las Vegas Nevada Venetian
• 2007 Las Vegas Nevada Venetian
• 2008 Las Vegas Nevada Venetian
  • Shanghai China
  • Tokyo Japan
• 2009
  • Las Vegas Nevada Mandalay Bay
  • Shanghai China
  • Yokohama Japan
• 2010
  • Las Vegas Nevada Mandalay Bay
  • Shanghai China
  • Tokyo Japan
• 2011
  • Las Vegas Nevada Venetian
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Japan
• 2012 The current years events including more International Autodesk University events than ever!
  • Las Vegas Nevada Mandalay Bay
  • Brazil
  • China
  • Germany
  • Japan
  • Russia

So how many Autodesk Universities have I attended, if counting this year at Las Vegas?
19 or in binary for the super geeks 10011₂

COUNTDOWN CLOCK WIDGETS

Read this blog and follow me on Twitter @ShaanHurley for all things Autodesk University 2012.

Cheers,
Shaan

Autodesk University in 67 Days

Autodesk University 2012 is in The Mandalay Bay Hotel, Casino, and Convention Center in Las Vegas this year November 27- 29th. You can still save $500 if you register by October 15th. 
Register Now

We are working on the annual Press and Blogger Social Party the night of the 26th just prior to the start of AU. We hope to get it funded and all planned soon with the help of our awesome PR Team.

Have a great weekend everyone

-Shaan