Every year, thousands of professionals gather at Workday Rising to connect, learn, and shape the future of enterprise technology. Whether you’re a seasoned Workday customer or exploring the platform for the first time, attending Workday Rising can be a game-changing experience—if you plan it right.
To help you make the most of this high-impact event, we’ve put together a few key strategies that will maximize your time, elevate your networking opportunities, and ensure you walk away with real value.
1. Attend with Intention: Set Clear Goals
Before you book your flight, take a moment to define why you’re going. Are you looking to solve a specific challenge with your current Workday configuration? Are you evaluating whether Workday is the right platform for your organization? Hoping to meet implementation partners or learn best practices from peers?
Your goals will shape everything—from the sessions you attend to the people you seek out. Write them down, share them with your team, and refer back to them during the event to keep yourself on track.
Pro tip: Align your goals with broader company priorities. For example, if your CFO is exploring ways to improve forecasting accuracy, target sessions and vendors that speak directly to that need.
2. Do Your Homework: Research in Advance
The Workday ecosystem is vast, and the Rising conference showcases a wide array of Workday products, partners, and solutions. A little pre-conference research goes a long way.
Review the session catalog and exhibitor list before you arrive. Identify the Workday features, partner booths, or breakout topics that align with your business needs. This lets you prioritize your time and avoid missing out on what matters most.
Look up key Workday announcements from the past year as well—Rising often builds on the latest product innovations.
3. Download the App and Plot Your Path
Workday Rising has a dedicated mobile app that becomes your command center for the event. As soon as it’s available, download it and start building your personalized agenda.
The app lets you:
- Reserve seats for popular sessions
- Locate booths in the expo hall
- Track event times and locations
- Receive real-time updates or changes
Don’t wait until the day-of to plan your schedule. Sessions fill up quickly, and the venue is often large—plotting your path in advance saves time and stress.
4. Watch Your Inbox: Ancillary Events Are Networking Gold
Many Workday partners, including consultants, software vendors, and service providers, host off-site events, happy hours, or private dinners around Workday Rising. These events are often invite-only and promoted via email in the weeks leading up to the conference.
Keep a close eye on your inbox (and check your spam folder!)—these events can offer valuable opportunities for more intimate networking, direct access to experts, and even sneak peeks at upcoming innovations.
They’re also a great way to continue conversations you started during the day, in a more relaxed setting.
Final Thoughts: Be Present, Be Curious
While it’s tempting to treat Rising like a checklist of sessions and booths, don’t forget to stay open to spontaneous conversations and unexpected discoveries. Some of the best insights come from serendipitous meetings or hallway chats.
Workday Rising is more than just a conference—it’s a community gathering of innovators, problem-solvers, and forward-thinkers. With the right planning, you’ll leave not only inspired but equipped with practical strategies, new contacts, and a clearer vision for your organization’s future with Workday.
Ready to Rise?
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, a little preparation goes a long way. Set your goals, do your research, and use every tool available—including the Workday Rising app and those unexpected invites in your inbox—to make this your most productive conference yet.
We’ll see you there!
