Autodesk University 2025 Thrive Guide – Your Playbook for Nashville

AU 2025: Your Thrive Guide By Shaan Hurley

Welcome to my annual Autodesk University Thrive Guide, compiled and written to help you thrive, not just survive the Autodesk Design & Make event of the year. Whether it’s your first AU or your 30th, showing up prepared makes all the difference.

AU 2025 lands in Nashville this September, bringing together thousands of professionals across AEC, D&M, M&E, and beyond. With AI front and center and 500+ sessions on the schedule, there’s a lot to take in, but also a lot of opportunity.

This guide will help you cut through the noise, prioritize what matters, and make the most of your time in Music City.

Event Basics

• Dates: September 16–18 (Pre-events on the 15th)

• Location: Music City Center, Nashville, TN

• Time Zone: Central Time (CT)

• AU Website: conferences.autodesk.com

Quick Stats

• ~12,000 attendees

• 500+ sessions, labs, and keynotes

• 100+ sponsors and partners

• 3,000+ minutes of built-in networking

Logistics

• Venue: Music City Center (LEED Gold)

• Airport: Nashville International (BNA), 6 miles from venue

• Transit: Rideshare and walking both work

• Sessions: Link to AU Sessions Page

Must-See Sessions

Tuesday, Sept 16

• 9:00–10:30 AM – General Session
Autodesk CEO Andrew Anagnost and industry leaders explore how AI and the Design & Make platform are reshaping work across industries.

• 1:30–2:30 PM – Autodesk AI Keynote
Autodesk CTO Raji Arasu and SVP Mike Haley on what Autodesk AI can do today, and what’s next.

Wednesday, Sept 17
• 9:00–10:00 AM – Design & Manufacturing Keynote
With Jeff Kinder, Stephen Hooper, and Srinath Jonnalagadda.

• 11:00 AM–12:00 PM – AECO Industry Keynote
With Amy Bunszel, Nicolas Mangon, Alissa Briggs, and Racel Amour.

Other Highlights

• Innovators Stage (Daily): Short talks on AI, XR, sustainability, and more
• Platform Leadership Forum: Monday, Sept 15, 2–7 PM
• Expo Hall (Daily): Hands-on with tech across robotics, simulation, and collaboration

Stop by Booth 42-0

Visit my longtime friends at Global eTraining in the Expo Hall at Booth 420 (yes, that really is the number). They’ve been the most fun crew at AU for nearly 15 years and offer one of the best training platforms out there on the market. Stop by for a demo, or just a good laugh between sessions. Ive recently been added as one of their official ambassadors (title sounds super swanky),

Whether you’re attending AU or not, if you’re focused on tech adoption and digital transformation – click below to join the insider list and be the first to hear about Global eTraining AU events (parties), promotions, sneak peeks and more! Join The List

Social Events

Monday, Sept 15 – Welcome Social
4:30–6:30 PM CDT
Meet people, grab your badge, and settle in.

Tuesday, Sept 16 – New Era of Making Reception
5:30–6:30 PM CDT
Relax and reconnect after Day One.

Thursday, Sept 18 – AU Design & Make Celebration
7:00–10:00 PM CDT
Cap off the week with a live performance by Train well known for Drops of Jupiter, Meet Virginia, and Hey Soul Siste

Tips to Thrive

• Stay hydrated—convention air is no joke

• Wear comfortable shoes

• Pack some snacks to carry with you

• You will be talking to people, a lot. Bring some gum and/or breath mints to get rid of the coffee breath

• Bring a phone charger or battery pack

• Don’t overbook yourself—be selective

• Take real notes

• Connect on LinkedIn later—not just live

• Bring business cards or use a digital contact-sharing app

• Most importantly: bring your challenges for your team.
  Whether it’s a software bug, workflow gap, or a design challenge, AU is packed with the right people to help including product managers and product support. This is where tough questions get answered and big improvements can be found.

Local Tips

• Broadway for live music and lights
• Try the hot chicken and local BBQ
• Comfortable shoes are a must—Nashville is very walkable

When the Sessions End: Nashville After Dark (and Between)

There’s no such thing as “off-hours” in Nashville. Once the AU lanyards come off, the music turns up. Whether you’re into dive bars, bluegrass, or big-name headliners, there’s something here every night.

Where to Catch Live Music (Beyond Broadway)

• The Ryman Auditorium – The “Mother Church of Country Music.” Intimate, iconic, and a must if there’s a show while you’re in town.

• Bluebird Café – A Nashville rite of passage. Songwriters’ round style shows in a tiny space. Reserve early—it sells out fast.

• The Basement & The Basement East – Smaller venues with big talent. Think indie, rock, alt-country, and emerging acts.

• 3rd & Lindsley – Killer acoustics and a laid-back atmosphere. Great spot for live bands and singer-songwriters.

• The Listening Room Café – Close to downtown, with food, drinks, and acoustic sets from rising stars.
  

Broadway Honky-Tonks (Touristy but Fun)

If it’s your first time, or you just want to lean in, these bars deliver live music from morning to midnight, no cover required:

• Robert’s Western World – Classic country and rockabilly

• Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – Historic and always packed

• The Stage, Whiskey Bent, and Honky Tonk Central – Loud, fun, and unapologetically Nashville

Still More Worth Doing

If you’re skipping a session block or staying the weekend, here are some local favorites to explore:

Culture + Landmarks

• Country Music Hall of Fame – Next door to the venue. No excuses.

• National Museum of African American Music – Interactive and powerful. Right on Broadway.

• The Parthenon – A full-scale replica of the original, statue and all. In Centennial Park.

• Frist Art Museum – Rotating exhibitions in a beautifully restored Art Deco building.

Unique Experiences

• General Jackson Showboat – Live music and dinner on the water.

• Opry at the Ryman – Check the schedule and grab tickets if you’re in town early or late.

• Jack Daniel’s Distillery – About 90 minutes outside of town, but a legendary side trip if you’re sticking around.

Eat Like You Mean It: Hot Chicken + BBQ Tips from a Fellow Spice Addict

If you’re like me and love your chicken spicy—extra hot, maybe with a hit of hot honey—Nashville is heaven. Here’s where to go when you want something memorable (and messy) after a full day of sessions.

My Hot Chicken Picks

• Red’s 615 Kitchen – The real deal. You’ll find their food truck parked around town or at events. Don’t miss the hot honey.

• Slow Burn – Northeast of downtown, but worth the trip. Spicy, juicy, and unapologetically hot.

• Brave Idiot – One of Nashville’s best-kept secrets. Small menu, big flavor. Bring napkins—and maybe a friend who won’t judge your tears.

• Prince’s – The OG of Nashville hot chicken. Classic.

• Hattie B’s – A solid intro spot for first-timers. Go “Hot” or above if you want real spice.

• Pepperfire – Crispy, saucy, and no joke on the heat scale.

Hot Chicken Map from Eater – Bookmark this for your AU lunch breaks or post-session dinners. You’re welcome.

BBQ Worth Planning Around

• Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint – Pulled pork, ribs, brisket—it’s all good. Go to the downtown location with rooftop seating.

• Edley’s – A local favorite. Their brisket tacos are underrated.

• Peg Leg Porker – Dry-rubbed ribs and a great vibe. Try the Kool-Aid pickles. Seriously.

• HoneyFire BBQ – In Bellevue. Saucy, smoky, and a great fusion of traditional and modern.

Want More Nashville Food Intel?

Nashville’s food scene keeps growing—beyond chicken and ribs. New chefs, unexpected fusions, and hidden speakeasies are popping up all over.

Check out The Eater Nashville Edition for current food reviews, openings, and insider tips. Whether you’re into brunch, rooftop cocktails, dive bars, or new fine dining—it’s got the goods.

After AU

• Review what you learned

• Share key takeaways with your team

• Follow up with new connections while they still remember you

This will be my 32nd AU, counting international events and multi-location years. It’s also my first time attending as a non-Autodesk employee, which gives this year a different feel.

I’m planning something fun for a small group in Nashville—stay tuned.

And if you want a look back at how AU has evolved over the years, here’s my Autodesk University History.

See you in Nashville—let’s thrive.

-Shaan