Five Tips for AU 2022 Proposal Success

We're excited to welcome the Autodesk University community back together in person for AU 2022. It’s all starting September 27 in a new location—New Orleans, Louisiana. 

We hope you'll join us, and maybe even lead your own class. Speaking at AU is a great way to build your reputation and connect with your colleagues and peers—all while sharing knowledge and inspiration. This year’s Call for Proposals is now open, and submissions are pouring in. You have until April 15 to submit, but the earlier you get your proposal in, the more opportunity you have to collect votes from the community. (Note that voting is only one of many factors we consider in class selection.)

You need to submit a standout proposal to become a speaker at AU. Here are five tips to help you do just that:

1. Connect your class to the big trends

We’ve identified three important trends that reach across industries, as detailed in the Proposal Requirements Guide. You’ll want to make sure your class connects to one or more of these trends:

• Digital transformation—Digital technologies continue to evolve, making more possible. How you are moving forward? What’s the next step on your digital journey, and how can others follow in your path?
• Platform—We want to know how you’re building your ecosystem and using it to break down data silos and connect both partners and teams. How are you improving outcomes using common data environments, from Forge and Autodesk Construction Cloud to cloud-based production pipelines?
• Sustainability—We can’t continue to build and manufacture things in the same unsustainable ways, that’s clear. So how are you doing it better? How are you working to reduce negative impact and increase positive impact for individuals, communities, and the planet?
   

2. Focus on the ‘why’ as much as the ‘how’

We’ve always loved tips and tricks classes at AU. Faster, smarter ways to work? We’re in. But we also want to zoom out and explore the why—now, more than ever. Tell us about your strategy, your reason to change, the insight that drove it, and the results so far. Advance the conversation on the topics that are changing your industry, building on the existing foundation of knowledge.

3. Select the best class format

Our class formats have changed for AU 2022. We still have industry talks, product demonstrations, and panel discussions, but this year we also have case studies, technical instruction, and roundtables. Be sure you check the specs on each type of class in the Proposal Requirements Guide and select the one that’s right for your content.

4. Pay attention to the details

It takes time and work to craft your best proposal. To get started and see what we're looking for, check out a few strong examples. Some items to remember:

• The title matters. Your audience should know the content you’ll cover from the title alone. Make it clear and as concise as possible. No jokes or puns required.
• The description also needs to be clear, concise, and organized. Explain the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.
• The learning objectives should convey what skills or knowledge your attendees will gain from attending your class. Make it measurable. Use verbs to begin each objective, such as create, define, implement, validate, and build. Avoid beginning with ambiguous verbs such as learn, understand, and appreciate.
• The language you use throughout should be search-engine friendly, so those who are looking for it can find it.
   

5. Emphasize your unique contribution

What makes your class different from all the rest? What unique insight or experience or approach will everyone want to know about and benefit from? Don’t hold back any secrets. Tell us the specifics about your vision, your process, your learning, your hurdles and wins—and the significance for the future of your industry.

Have another tip on how to craft a solid proposal? Share with the community using the hashtag #AU2022.

We can’t wait to see you in New Orleans.