Autodesk University 2024: Analyzing the Numbers
Autodesk University 2024: Analyzing the Numbers
Autodesk University (AU) 2024, an annual conference which takes part in San Diego promises to be an event filled with insights, learning, and networking opportunities for professionals in the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction process) industry. The conference features keynote speeches from Autodesk executives, hands-on product demos, and hundreds of breakout sessions. Whether you’re an AutoCAD novice or an experienced Revit user, there’s something for everyone at Autodesk University. This year, we took a deep dive into the data to understand the distribution and trends of classes and speakers. By analyzing the Autodesk University front end and utilizing endpoints, we obtained all the necessary data without scraping the website. Here’s the Python code we used for data extraction:
import requests
import json
import pandas as pd
url = "<https://attend.autodesk.com/api/search>"
headers = {
'accept': '*/*',
'accept-language': 'en,es-419;q=0.9,es;q=0.8',
'content-type': 'application/x-www-form-urlencoded; charset=UTF-8',
'rfapiprofileid': '----'
}
items =[]
ranges = range(1, 700, 20)
for r in ranges:
payload = f"search=&type=session&catalogDisplay=list&from={r}"
response = requests.request("POST", url, headers=headers, data=payload)
data = json.loads(response.text)
items.extend(data['items'])
#store items to json
with open('data.json', 'w') as f:
json.dump(items, f)
#Load from list of dictionaries
df = pd.DataFrame(items)
df.to_csv('data.csv', index=False)
Distribution of Classes per Company
Autodesk University 2024 features a vast array of sessions led by speakers from different companies. Not surprisingly, Autodesk speakers dominate the lineup with 286 classes, accounting for almost 40% of the total. Other notable companies include Arcadis with 8 classes, Smmetr with 5, and GHD with 3. This distribution highlights Autodesk’s significant role in driving the event’s content.
To be precise, endpoints are the main element. These are URLs where APIs can be accessed. They correspond to server functions, e.g., “/users” could retrieve all users. Endpoints use HTTP methods like GET, POST, and DELETE for read, create, and delete operations.
A client sends a request to the URL to use an endpoint, sometimes with parameters. The server processes this and returns a response indicating success, failure, and potential data.
Distribution of Time by Type of Class
The variety of class types at AU 2024 is impressive. Case Studies lead with 179 sessions, followed closely by Industry Talks and Technical Instructions, each with 144 sessions. Hands-On Labs come next with 61.5 sessions, followed by Product Demos classes (55), Panels (45.75), and smaller events like Workshops, Meetups, Meals, Theater talks (15-minute sessions) and Receptions.
Type of Classes per Day
Over the three days of the conference, attendees can choose from a diverse range of sessions. On October 15th, there will be 200 classes, mostly technical instructions. October 16th features 220 classes, with a strong emphasis on Case Studies. The final day, October 17th, boasts nearly 300 classes, many of which are also Case Studies.
Type of Classes by Day and Hour
A detailed breakdown of the event schedule reveals several interesting patterns worth noting. For instance, there are no classes scheduled during the keynote speeches that take place at 10 am on both the first and second days, which allows attendees to devote their full attention to these important and significant sessions. The first day of the conference begins at 9 am, while the second day starts a bit earlier at 8 am, thereby providing participants with a little more opportunity for rest on the first day. Additionally, if you are considering enjoying some drinks the night before, it may be wise to think twice about doing so on the evening of the 15th to ensure that you are well-prepared for the following day.
Top 10 Products by Classes
When it comes to Autodesk products, Revit is the star with 579 classes. Following it are Autodesk Docs with 243, ACC with 217, and Build with 194 classes. These three products are closely related, suggesting a combined total that rivals Revit. Other notable products include Civil 3D (194), AutoCAD (162), APS (157), Inventor (154), Fusion (133), Forma (101), Dynamo (95), and Vault (91).
Skill Level Required
The classes offered at Autodesk University 2024 cater to a wide range of skill levels, ensuring that attendees from both beginners to experienced professionals can find valuable sessions that suit their needs. The category of classes that do not require any specific level leads the way with a total of 514 classes available. This is followed closely by those designed for Professional skill levels, which count up to 495 classes. After that, there are 253 classes aimed at Associate skill levels, and lastly, there are 99 classes that cater to Expert-level professionals.
Target Audience
The sessions offered at Autodesk University 2024 are specifically tailored to meet the diverse needs of the attendees. At the forefront are the sessions designed for BIM Managers, who have an impressive total of 632 sessions available to them. This is closely followed by Technology and Innovation Managers, who can choose from 420 sessions for their roles. Project Managers come next, with a solid offering of 349 sessions aimed at enhancing their skills and knowledge. Owner/Operators have 293 sessions available. Notably, Software Developers have access to 100 sessions, suggesting that there is still potential for further improvement in meeting the specific needs and interests of this particular audience.
Speakers with the Most Classes
Acknowledgment goes out to the outstanding speakers participating at Autodesk University 2024. Noteworthy among them are business leaders Adrian Finch, Anna Lazar, Austin Baker, Justin Taylor, Mike Thomas, representing Prairie Machine, and Sean Fruin from ag&e, each of whom will conduct three classes during the event. Additionally, it’s important to highlight that Mike Thomas and Sean Fruin are distinguished for being the top non-Autodesk employees among the group of industry leader speakers at this year’s conference.
Conclusion
Autodesk University 2024 is set to be an enriching experience with a diverse range of sessions and speakers. The detailed analysis of the data provides a clear picture of what attendees can expect, from the types of classes offered to the skill levels required. Whether you’re a BIM Manager, Technology/Innovation Manager, or even a Software Developer, there’s something valuable waiting for you at AU 2024.
Pablo Derendinger
https://www.e-verse.comI'm an Architect who decided to make his life easier by coding. Curious by nature, I approach challenges armed with lateral thinking and a few humble programming skills. Love to work with passioned people and push the boundaries of the industry. Bring me your problems/Impossible is possible, but it takes more time.
