Autodesk University 2015

Welcome to Las Vegas and Autodesk University 2015! I always have a big smile on my face when I see that image at the airport. It means I am here, finally, in my element with friends and peers from all over the world. Highlights this year included Storm Troopers, the HIVE, the Exhibit Hall and over 10,000 CAD professionals from all over the world. We all descended upon Las Vegas in December 2015 to Learn Connect and Explore what Autodesk University has to offer.

This is my look back at Autodesk University 2015. A memorable time of learning, connecting, and exploring from people all over the world in Las Vegas Nevada. This was my fourth year as a speaker at the conference and I was honored to be selected to present again. I decided to submit Sheet Sets again, Yes, it happened – No Sheet! My class, No Sheet you can do that with the SSM in AutoCAD was set to open the show at 8 am on day 1. I had an opportunity to arrive early and get things setup for class and also put up a table in the back to display articles I wrote for AUGIWorld magazine, a No Sheet Crossword Puzzle, and some extra handouts. I still like my paper copies.

I was excited to present with the first group and it went well. Actually, there was one mistake in the presentation that I quickly noticed while viewing the recording but a simple error that we can all make when we work on multiple files (make sure you have the correct file open!). I like presenting live because when the unexpected happens you need to know how to react and teaching people how to react to problems during the drafting and design process will help improve their skill set. It was a great class and I had an attendance of over 175 people who were very attentive and responsive to the data presented at the class. My first link will take you to the pdf file for the class and a quick Screencast on the handout.

No Sheet! You can do that with the SSM in AutoCAD

Last year, I taught a lab at Autodesk University 2014 on sheet sets and it went well but I quickly realized that the sheet set manager presents a large amount of information. We as speakers want to capture the highlights of the tool and due to time this is our challenge. That being said, I decided to backup my handout in 2015 with Screencasts using the knowledge network as my too. With a little help from my friends at the Autodesk Community I started posting screencasts as I was preparing my materials. I updated my profile on the network and they were ready to go prior to the presentation at Autodesk University.

The handout links to ten separate Screencasts as shown below. Click the main link to be taken to my Autodesk Screencast Page, the separate links are all related to my class at Autodesk University 2015.

I also had the opportunity to be a lab assistant for Rick Ellis http://cadapult-software.com/ with his class CI10904-L: A Practical Guide to GIS in AutoCAD Civil 3D. This class was designed on how to bring ArcGIS information into Civil 3D. Rick did a fantastic job and won best lab of the year! That was no surprise to me since the data was clearly presented and the class kept up with the workflow. Quite an honor for me to be a lab assistant and watch one of the best.

CI10904-L: A Practical Guide to GIS in AutoCAD Civil 3D

Check out this small video of Rick explaining the software to the class prior to getting into our first exercise. In the first exercise we imported parcels and streets from shape files (.shp) and manipulated the layers and also took a look at the attribute data that was pulled in along with the shape files.

What I love to do as well is work with the fundamentals of AutoCAD and how to customize the software. I was a lab assistant for Lee Ambrosius – http://www.hyperpics.com/ for his AutoCAD Boot Camps. Lee has been an inspiration to me when it comes to customizing and programming in AutoCAD. With his classes, books, and handouts you can learn a lot to help maximize your productivity with the software. Click on the following links to get additional information about Lee’s boot camps at Autodesk University 2015.

IT10474-L: AutoCAD Customization Boot Camp—Basic (No Experience Required

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IT10485-L: AutoCAD Customization Boot Camp—Beyond the Basics

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I took a quick video of Lee explaining AutoLisp functions within AutoCAD. If you are looking for customization or shortcuts on how you can customize and learn more about this topic check out Lee’s classes. Unfortunately Autodesk does not record labs but his handout will take you step by step through exercises making you more productive in AutoCAD. Download the handout at the link above the class image.

Look for me to take Sheets Sets to a new level next year as there has been some interest in a repeat and who knows? Maybe we can do it in the lab again…..I believe we can do Part 1 and Part 2. A big part of my job is standards and look for more information posted on that topic as well as a class next year at Autodesk University 2016. I hope to see you all at Autodesk University 2016 in Las Vegas and this year it’s before Thanksgiving!

I had to post my promotional video again. This is what happens when you are thinking about it too much and working all the time. You come up with ideas that really have nothing to do with class but they sure are fun. I actually came up with this one while driving home one day from working at the office. I hope you enjoyed my video set to music and it pumped you up for Sheet Sets at #AU2015!

I wish each and all of you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!