ET Group Invests in Professional Growth at AutoDesk University

Posted by ET Group on November 2, 2024

ET Group Invests in Professional Growth at AutoDesk University

At ET Group, we believe that investing in our employees is investing in the future of our organization. This fall, Eric Parker and Jason Chong, members of our AutoCAD team, had the incredible opportunity to attend Autodesk University (AU) 2024 in San Diego.

This globally renowned expo brought together industry professionals from architecture, engineering, construction, and technology to explore the latest innovations, share knowledge, and network. For Eric and Jason, the experience wasn’t just about learning new skills—it was a testament to ET Group’s commitment to professional development and fostering a supportive workplace culture.

Exploring Autodesk University: A Day in the Life

Each day started with a shuttle ride to the San Diego Convention Center, followed by breakfast and keynote presentations. These sessions set the tone for the day, with Autodesk’s CEO highlighting the company’s vision and innovations. Afterward, Eric and Jason split up to attend various classes and panels tailored to their interests and professional goals.

The conference wasn’t all work, though. Evenings brought opportunities to unwind and network in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, where three blocks were closed off for attendees to enjoy entertainment, including performances by Counting Crows, and connect with peers over food and drinks.

Investing in Professional Growth

At ET Group, we believe that investing in our employees is investing in the future of our organization. This fall, Eric Parker and Jason Chong, members of our AutoCAD team, had the incredible opportunity to attend Autodesk University (AU) 2024 in San Diego. The event brought together 12,000+ design and make experts, offering 650+ learning opportunities36+ hours of networking, and the support of 100+ sponsors.

For Eric and Jason, the experience wasn’t just about learning new skills—it was a testament to ET Group’s commitment to professional development and fostering a supportive workplace culture.

AI Innovations: Transforming the AutoCAD Process

A recurring theme at AU was the integration of AI in AutoCAD workflows. Eric and Jason were particularly impressed by features that streamline processes, such as importing technicians’ redline notes directly into AutoCAD, where AI automates their implementation.

Jason noted, “These tools will not only make our packages more accurate but also significantly faster to complete. Eliminating human error in cross-referencing and reducing turnaround time means happier clients and more efficient projects.”

Eric added, “This addresses one of our biggest challenges—the as-built phase. With AI, integrating feedback from various formats like PDFs or images becomes seamless, reducing manual labor and increasing precision.”

Professional Development Highlights

Among the many courses they attended, two stood out:

Networking: Building Industry Connections

One of the most valuable aspects of the expo was networking. Despite being surrounded by professionals from diverse industries, Eric and Jason connected with a fellow AV industry professional from AVI-SPL, a rare encounter in a field as niche as AV drafting.

Jason recounted a particularly rewarding interaction with a business owner specializing in Revit, who offered custom codes on his website. “We’re excited to explore these tools. They could significantly enhance our workflows,” he said.

The Bigger Picture: Feeling Trusted and Supported

For Eric and Jason, attending AU wasn’t just about the technical knowledge gained; it was also a reflection of ET Group’s trust in their abilities and ideas.

“Being part of the decision-making process, from proposing the idea to justifying the costs, showed how much ET values its employees,” Jason said. “It’s empowering to know that no idea is too big to pitch.”

Eric echoed this sentiment: “The experience strengthened my relationship with the company. Knowing that leadership believed in us enough to send us there—even if we didn’t gain much from it—was incredibly motivating.”

Team Building Beyond the Office

The trip also provided an opportunity for Eric and Jason to bond outside of work. One highlight? Surfing in California.

“It’s been a lifelong dream of mine,” Eric said. “We tried it on our first day, and it was an absolute blast. It was also a great way to connect on a personal level.”

Jason joked, “Eric definitely outshined me, thanks to his skateboarding background, but it was still an amazing experience. It reminded me how important these moments are for team building.”

Conclusion: Riding the Wave of Success

Autodesk University 2024 was more than just a conference—it was a platform for growth, innovation, and connection. For Eric and Jason, the experience reinforced ET Group’s dedication to professional development and creating an environment where employees feel trusted, supported, and empowered.

By investing in opportunities like AU, ET Group continues to equip our team with the tools they need to thrive, ensuring our clients receive not just better drawing packages but faster, more accurate, and feature-rich solutions.

As we embrace these learnings and new technologies, the future of our AutoCAD workflows—and our team—has never looked brighter.

Stay connected with us:

Follow ET Group on LinkedIn

Subscribe to ET Group’s YouTube Channel