Workday Rising is packed with hundreds of sessions — but which ones will actually make the biggest difference for your organization?
We’ve asked our in-house experts to cut through the noise and share their must-attend picks. Think of this as your personal cheat sheet to the sessions that will give you the most insight, inspiration, and immediate takeaways.
Master Financials with Arriel Upshaw
Principal Consultant, Financials Transformation
With a track record of transforming finance operations for global enterprises, Arriel knows which sessions will leave you with strategies you can put into play the moment you’re back in the office.
- What's New: Optimize the Value of Your Workday Implementation
Session Code: 25-ITLP1298
Why attend: Learn how to align Workday’s newest capabilities with your business priorities to unlock greater ROI. - Salesforce's Global Finance Transformation: Powering Growth with Workday
Session Code: 25-FNLP1273
Why attend: See how Salesforce scaled globally while maintaining control and compliance — and how you can
apply their playbook to your own growth strategy. - Improving Employee Experience Through Optimized Automation, Custom Objects, and Ongoing Innovation
Session Code: 25-INTS1163
Why attend: Explore how automation and smart customization can reduce manual work, streamline processes, and boost employee engagement.
Level Up Planning with Matt Harvison
Principal Practice Lead, Adaptive Planning
Matt has helped organizations rethink how they budget, forecast, and plan for growth. As the host of Planning Pulse, he brings a unique perspective from speaking with industry leaders and innovators about the future of planning. His picks focus on sessions that connect planning with every part of the business, from finance to HR to AI-driven insights.
- Workday Adaptive Planning: Strategy and Vision
Session Code: 25-PSVPL1429
Why attend: Understand where Adaptive Planning is headed and how it will shape your organization’s planning strategy for years to come. - Total Workforce Management: Strategy and Vision
Session Code: 25-PSVHR1506
Why attend: Learn how to connect workforce and financial planning for a unified, data-driven approach to decision-making. - Getting Started with Workday Illuminate to Drive the Next Evolution of AI-Driven Planning
Session Code: 25-PLLP1433
Why attend: Discover how AI can uncover insights, improve forecasting accuracy, and empower faster, smarter planning decisions.
Lead HCM Success with Kevin Simms
Senior HCM Consultant
Kevin has spent his career helping organizations maximize the value of their Workday HCM investments. His session picks are all about making people operations more efficient, insightful, and future-ready.
- Workday Human Capital Management Core, People Operations, and Total Rewards: Strategy and Vision
Session Code: 25-PSVHR1505
Why attend: Get the strategic roadmap for Workday HCM, including how People Operations and Total Rewards will evolve to meet the demands of a modern workforce. - Maximize Core Workday Human Capital Management Efficiency: Actionable Tips and Hidden Gems
Session Code: 25-HRP1467
Why attend: Uncover lesser-known features and practical optimizations that can save time, reduce errors, and improve the employee experience. - Introducing Conversational Reporting: Faster Insights, Better Decisions
Session Code: 25-ITP1336
Why attend: Experience the next generation of reporting in Workday — with conversational tools that make it easier than ever to get answers and take action.
Make the Most of Rising
Whether your focus is on streamlining finance or connecting enterprise-wide planning, these sessions will give you the clarity, tools, and strategies to turn ideas into impact.
🟣Get to know Dr. Workday in person — our expert-led assessment that diagnoses and prescribes fixes for your Workday challenges.
🟣 Catch a live demo of our latest Workday solutions.
🟣 Walk away with a clear action plan to get more from your Workday investment.
Pro tip: Don’t just attend — engage. Ask questions, connect with speakers, and bring your most pressing challenges to the table. That’s where the magic happens.
🎙 Can’t wait until Rising? Catch Matt on Planning Pulse, where he and his guests dive into real-world strategies for Adaptive Planning success.
📚 Explore more from Okorio: Browse our resources for demos, blogs, and expert insights to help you get the most from your Workday investment.
Let’s Talk Workday — Live at Rising
Want to go deeper into any of these topics? Our experts will be on-site at Moscone Center SF, Booth D37 (located in the South Expo Hall) on September 15-18, ready to discuss your unique challenges and share insights tailored to your organization.
💡 Want to explore the full lineup? You can browse the Workday Rising Sessions Catalog here.
