Know Before You Go: Workday Rising 2025 Attendee Guide

Workday Rising is more than just another conference — it’s where the global Workday community gathers to share big ideas, see innovations firsthand, and connect with peers who are tackling the same challenges you are. Whether it’s your first Rising or your fifth, having a clear game plan can make the difference between feeling overwhelmed and walking away with real value. 

This year’s Rising promises even more: AI-powered experiences, industry-specific insights, and hands-on learning you won’t find anywhere else. Here’s your “Know Before You Go” guide to help you make the most of your time in San Francisco. 

Get Your Logistics Locked Down

Venue & Dates 
Workday Rising 2025 will be hosted at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, September 15–18. If you’ve never been, Moscone is a sprawling convention center in the heart of downtown — walking distance to hotels, restaurants, and BART transit. 

Travel & Hotels 
Book early if you haven’t already. Hotel blocks tied to Rising tend to sell out quickly, but San Francisco has plenty of nearby options from boutique hotels to larger chains. Staying within a few blocks of Moscone makes it easier to slip back for a quick recharge between sessions. 

Packing Tips 

• Layers are your best friend: San Francisco weather can swing from foggy mornings to sunny afternoons and chilly evenings. And if the Bay breeze catches you off guard, stop by the Okorio booth (D37) to snag a complimentary beanie—stylish warmth, limited supplies!

• Comfortable shoes: Expect 10,000+ steps per day between keynotes, expo halls, and networking events. 

• Portable charger: You’ll be on your phone constantly — snapping photos of slides, checking the app, or swapping LinkedIn contacts. 

Download the App & Build Your Agenda

The Workday Rising app is your conference command center. It’s where you’ll find the agenda, floor maps, and live updates. Use it before you even arrive: 

• Bookmark sessions: Rising offers hundreds of breakouts across Financials, HCM, Adaptive Planning, and industry tracks. Filter by role or topic to prioritize what matters most. 

• Set reminders: Some of the most popular sessions fill up fast. Mark your must-attend items early. 

• Add networking blocks: Don’t just plan around sessions — leave space to visit the expo floor, meet with Workday experts, or grab coffee with peers. 

Pro tip: Build a “must-see” list and a “nice-to-see” list. That way, if something runs long or fills up, you always have a backup. 

Key Highlights You Can’t Miss

Every Rising has its marquee moments. Here’s what’s worth circling on your calendar: 

• Opening Keynote: Always a crowd-pleaser. Expect updates on Workday’s product roadmap, vision for AI, and big customer stories. 

• GO for Growth Summit: A spotlight on SMBs and lean teams scaling with Workday. This year features an exclusive Fortune Future 50 reveal and a fireside chat with sports legend Larry Fitzgerald. 

• Customer Showcases: Real-world case studies from organizations who’ve transformed finance, HR, and planning with Workday. 

• Expo Hall Demos: Hands-on opportunities to see new features, partner apps, and emerging solutions. 

And don’t forget the after-hours events — receptions, networking dinners, and surprise entertainment that make Rising a true community experience. 

Plan for Networking, Not Just Note-Taking

One of the biggest values of Rising isn’t just the sessions — it’s the people. You’ll be surrounded by Workday customers, partners, and experts who understand the challenges you face. 

Ways to maximize connections: 

• Visit booths with intention: Instead of wandering, identify vendors or partners you want to meet. Bring your toughest questions. 

• Use LinkedIn QR codes: Skip the business cards shuffle — LinkedIn makes it easy to connect instantly. 

• Join community meetups: Look for smaller gatherings around industries (hospitality, retail, healthcare) or topics (AI, change management). These conversations can spark ideas you bring back to your team. 

Make Time for the Expo Floor

The expo is more than swag — it’s where you’ll see how Workday’s ecosystem comes together. 

What to do: 

• Catch live demos: Many partners run mini-sessions at their booths. These can give you practical takeaways in 15 minutes. 

• Explore innovation partners: Rising often highlights apps “Built on Workday.” If you’re hunting for ways to extend your Workday investment, this is gold. 

• Don’t skip the giveaways: From Bose headphones to branded gear, there are plenty of chances to score perks while you learn. 

Tips for First-Timers

If this is your first Rising, here are a few insider tricks: 

• Arrive early: Lines for badges, coffee, and keynotes get long. Give yourself cushion time. 

• Divide and conquer: If you’re attending with colleagues, split sessions and regroup at the end of the day to share notes. 

• Balance ambition with reality: It’s tempting to pack your schedule wall-to-wall, but the best insights often come from hallway chats and impromptu conversations. 

After the Conference: Keep the Momentum Going

Don’t let your Rising experience end on the flight home. Turn it into action: 

• Debrief with your team: Share key takeaways, slides, and ideas you gathered. 

• Follow up: Reach out to the contacts you made while the conversations are fresh. 

• Review recordings: Many sessions are available on-demand after Rising, so you can revisit anything you missed. 

Final Word: Go In with Curiosity 

Workday Rising is a unique mix of inspiration, education, and community. Go in with an open mind, ready to explore not just the latest features but also how peers across industries are innovating with Workday. 

And if you’re looking for a place to start — swing by booth D37. Our experts at Okorio will be there to share demos, insights, and a chance to win a Bose speaker or wireless headphones. We’d love to meet you and hear how you’re approaching your own Workday journey. 

Ready to make the most of Rising 2025? 

Pack your layers, charge your devices, and bring your curiosity. This is your moment to rise with the Workday community.