If you're one of the thousands of HR and finance professionals attending Workday Rising EMEA at the CCIB convention center in Barcelona for the first time this year, you likely want to ensure you maximize the experience.
As a leading global payroll provider and employer of record solutions, Neeyamo wants to share some guidance to help first-timers get the most value from the event based on our years of experience attending.
Tip 1: Prioritize Your Session Schedule
With more than 200 sessions vying for your attention, you are definitely going to be spoilt for choice. Aside from the keynote sessions, from Hands-On Labs to Industry Insights, Leader Forums to Theatre Sessions, Workday Rising EMEA has plenty to offer. So you must prioritize must-attend sessions at the Expo Theaters for your role that aligns with your interests and needs.
Look for What's new in Workday sessions by Workday product teams to learn about new features that might benefit your organization. Whether you want to hear practical examples of how businesses adapt to the future of work or about Workday's commitment to relentless innovation with AI and machine learning at the core, the keynotes are a treasure trove of information.
Of course, this is aside from the partner collaboration theaters (PCTs), customer reference corners (CRCs), and the inaugural Women in Finance and IT Networking Luncheon at Workday Rising EMEA.
The most important tip: Don't overschedule! Leave time between sessions to process, make connections, and allow flexibility.
You may also like: Transforming Global Payroll with Neeyamo's Workday Partnership
Tip 2: Tap into Networking Opportunities
The easiest way to stay on top of everything happening at Workday Rising EMEA 2023 is to download the mobile app (available on Android and iOS), receive updates, connect with partners, and network with other attendees.
The Welcome Reception on November 14, 2023, provides a lively atmosphere for attendees to meet and mingle over drinks and appetizers. This is the perfect way to start conversations with fellow payroll professionals and get to know the Workday experts casually outside the sessions.
Maybe you might want to connect with fellow F1 enthusiasts as you watch over the McLaren Racing F1 show car or bond over your shared love for Borussia Dortmund. Perhaps you want to get involved and sail against other attendees in mini dinghy simulators and win a prize.
The breakfasts and lunches throughout the multi-day event also offer prime networking time. Attendees can continue discussions from sessions over meals or seek out new connections by the Sustainability Garden or the Meetup Cafe. Round tables encourage meeting people you have yet to interact with. And the buffet lines are great for quick chats to follow up with someone you exchanged business cards with earlier.
Then, there is, of course, Braindate, an online networking and discussion platform exclusively available to Workday Rising EMEA attendees. It facilitates 1:1 and group video networking so attendees can connect and discuss topics of interest. It builds relationships and enhances the conference experience by enabling meaningful interactions.
In the Community Lounge area, look for user groups and industry discussion circles to join. These are fantastic forums to connect with peers in your field. Share best practices, lessons learned, and innovative ideas with others focused on the same payroll topics and challenges.
Finally, wrap up your day at the fun evening social events. From trivia to karaoke, these activities provide a lively atmosphere to unwind and further your professional relationships in a relaxed, social environment. The dance floor is the perfect place to bond with fellow attendees!
With a packed schedule of sessions and speakers, it's important to take advantage of the networking experiences from the welcome reception to the customer appreciation party. Your connections at events like breakfast or the evening social could lead to valuable collaborations beyond the conference.
Tip 3: Visit the Customer Showcase Area
The bustling exhibit hall is your chance to get hands-on with the latest Workday innovations. Booths are staffed with knowledgeable representatives ready to give you personalized demos. If you want to hear about the benefits of streamlining payroll, remember to check out Booth #116, where Neeyamo’s team of experts can brainstorm tailored integrations and discuss how to optimize payroll workflows for your organization.
Take advantage of the insightful customer showcases. These moderated sessions give you an inside look at how leading organizations leverage Workday for payroll needs across various industries. Hear first-hand stories of obstacles they overcame and successes achieved. Take notes on use cases relevant to your business to inform your payroll strategy.
With cutting-edge demos and real-world customer perspectives, the exhibit hall is an impactful place to glean global payroll best practices. Capture inspiration that you can implement immediately back at your job. Seeking vendor input and advice can provide new ideas to streamline processes or expand payroll capabilities. The exhibits offer ways to maximize Workday for your organization's needs and goals.
With preparation and a strategy tailored to your goals, Workday Rising EMEA can be a precious experience for a first-timer. We hope these tips help you make the most of it!
Remember to find our squad at Booth#116 to discover how you can simplify your global payroll.
