Breakfast
So how do you feed +/-10,000 attendees? in a very big hall. From 6:30-8:00, I joined the others for what is a very basic hotel breakfast that is there to kick start your day.
GEN10224 - AutoCAD Jeopardy (my first class)
Learning objectives: Learn to capitalize on AutoCAD knowledge to help others learn in a whole new way, Extend the knowledge of AutoCAD software’s capabilities.
The actual experience - This was as much fun as I hoped it would be. Set up like the game show Jeopardy, a very long list of quick fire questions and answers were needed for a very comprehensive list of AutoCAD commands, features, variables and functions that the whole class participated in. And there were prizes for correct answers too.
What I got out of it - I actually learned two things that never occurred to me before: "nudge" command works with SNAP distances, plus a good example of when SPACESWITCH command might come in handy.
11906 - Autodesk University Opening General Session
Join Autodesk CEO Carl Bass and CTO Jeff Kowalski as we kick off Autodesk University 2015.
The actual experience - Wow! sensory overload.
What I got out of it - It was fun to attend.
11917 - AU Lunch and Volunteer Opportunity Tuesday
The actual experience - food stations located between exhibitors at the exhibit hall.
What I got out of it - lunch and staring at exhibits.
GEN9638 - Forensic Cadology: When Good DWG files Go Bad
Learning objectives: Learn how to diagnose the cause of a corrupt DWG file, repair a corrupt DWG file, how to find (use) the most current backup file and learn best practices to avoid file corruption
The actual experience - This was an excellent class that offered very detailed instructions and guidelines for file recover methods, ways to try and avoid file corruption, and so much more.
What I got out of it - The methods I already use are still valid, but I was exposed to a better systematic approach that I will use in teh future.
GEN11005-L - The Power of Fields and Attributes in AutoCAD
Learning objectives: Learn how to create attributes and redefine existing attributes, insert fields, insert field with text/mtext, or use with attributes, Learn to use fields for complex calculation using elements property combining with formulas, Learn how to extract attribute/fields from the design data and output as AutoCAD Table or export as Excel or database file.
The actual experience - With AutoCAD loaded on computers for all of us class attendees to use, the instructor's intent was to present a hands on experience in creating attributes, fields, and links to external Excel files and Tables inside AutoCAD. Sadly he was ill prepared, seemed challenged by his own material and overall did little to provide anything warranting an "intermediate-advanced" class.
What I got out of it - Not much. Can I get a refund?
GEN11607-L - Exploring the 2016 Dimension Tools (in AutoCAD)
Learning objectives: Discover core concepts for AutoCAD dimensioning, new dimension tools in AutoCAD 2016, use all options within the new dimension tools, and Learn how to identify the best ways to edit existing dimensions.
The actual experience - This happened to take place in the exact same room as the class I attended before, but with a much better experience. The instructor had three test DWG files ready on each computer, walk us through the new DIM command features in AutoCAD 2016, and was very engaging and was not afraid to answer difficult questions.
What I got out of it - While I did not discover any new features I did not know about, I did learn how to fix a glaring AutoCAD 2016 problem when using Annotative Dimensions and Baseline Dimensions. Now I can go back to drawing these again. What's that fix? I'll blog about it later this month.
12448 - AU Community Reception
Objectives: lasses end the party begins. Join everyone in the Exhibit Hall for the AU Community Reception as they close out day 1 of AU. Take in a bite, a sip, a boogie, and lots of networking with thousands of like-minded professionals from around the world. Chat with AU exhibitors and see the latest technologies at work in the world.
The actual experience - food, networking, hanging out with exhibitors, and overall just a great way to wind down after a long and busy day.
FitBit Count for the day: 14,249 steps (6.52 miles).
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