FAQ

What is IDEAS: The Innovation + Design Series?

IDEAS can be described as:

• An exploration of the role of design in fostering innovation, thus making businesses more competitive.
• A discussion about design—as a systematic approach to problem-solving and innovation, encompassing form, function, and performance—and its impact on corporate and societal success.
• A "30,000 foot level" examination of trans-disciplinary challenges and opportunities about how design is contributing to addressing them
• A participatory experience; everyone at IDEAS will be expected to contribute to the workshop and group discussions. We will ask many of the participants to deliver short presentations or lead discussion on topics that provoke and inform dialogue. By the end of our program, a distillation of shared ideas to elemental findings which can serve to guide near-term actions, and affect long-term outcomes.
• A catalyst for an ongoing dialogue and community engagement about design and innovation.

How is the IDEAS Series different from Autodesk University?

The annual Autodesk University (AU) conference and exhibition is the world’s largest gathering of design professionals, Autodesk insiders, and strategic partners. Thousands of Autodesk customers from around the world will gather at AU in Las Vegas to network and take product training classes and workshops.

By contrast, IDEAS is not an event to showcase Autodesk products or technologies, nor is it a forum for "new product wish lists" or operational discussions with Autodesk product managers. At its' core, IDEAS is not about Autodesk products at all.

IDEAS is an invitation-only gathering for a select group of business executives and thought leaders to expressly explore design—as a systematic approach to problem-solving and innovation, encompassing form, function, and performance—and its impact on corporate and societal success.

How does one "prepare" for the group discussions at IDEAS?

Discussions at IDEAS will be highly interactive and driven by concerns specific to the collective group. To that end, begin planning your contribution by considering the following:

• What is your organization’s purpose, and what is your role in achieving the same?
• What role(s) do design and innovation play in your organization? In your job function?
• Where are your biggest challenges (as it relates to design and innovation)?
• What do you wish to get out of your participation with IDEAS?

When and where is the IDEAS Series?

2013 Workshop Date and Location:
May 21-23
Singularity University
NASA Ames Research Park
Building 20 S. Akron Rd.
MS 20-1
Moffett Field, CA 94035

May I attend more than one IDEAS workshop?

As space is limited, invited participants are encouraged to attend only one workshop annually.  

Will Autodesk pay for my hotel accommodations?

Yes. Event participants receive a complimentary two nights’ stay (not including incidentals).

Where will I stay during the IDEAS Series workshops?

IDEAS Workshop: May 21-23, 2013
Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
5101 Great America Parkway,
Santa Clara, California, USA 95054

Participants receive a complimentary two nights stay (not including incidentals) at the Hyatt, May 21 and 22.

May I bring a guest?

Yes. However, program sessions and social functions are for invited event participants only.

Will Autodesk pay for my airfare?

If air transportation is required, Autodesk will arrange and cover standard airfare to and from the San Francisco or Oakland International Airport. Please note: Any change fees assessed after the initial flight booking are the responsibility of the traveler.

Is Autodesk providing ground transportation?

Yes. Autodesk will provide transportation between San Francisco International Airport or Oakland International Airport and the event hotel.

Will I need a visa?

All event participants and their guests (if applicable) arriving in San Francisco from outside the United States must have a valid passport. Visitors from some countries may also need a visa.

If you need a visa, be sure to allow plenty of time for the visa application process. The wait time to get an embassy or consulate appointment can be several months. You may also be able to apply for a visa online at the U.S. Department of State website. Keep in mind that your embassy may require an official invitation letter before it will issue a visa.

Can I travel to the United States without a visa?

Citizens of certain countries may enter the United States without a visa, if they meet certain requirements. The Visa Waiver Program, for example, enables nationals of 36 participating countries to travel to the United States for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. Learn more about traveling to the United States without a visa.

How do I obtain an invitation letter for the event?

Your embassy may require an invitation letter before it will issue a visa. To obtain an invitation letter, contact IDEA Concierge between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific time (-8 GMT). Please have the following information available:

• Legal name (as it appears on your passport)
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Passport expiration date
• Passport issuing country
• Country of residence

Learn more about visa requirements at the U.S. Department of State website. You may also contact your local U.S. embassy or consulate.

What should I wear?

The attire for the event is business casual.

I have special needs. Whom can I talk with about these?

Please contact IDEAS Concierge between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific time (-8 GMT).

Whom do I contact with other questions?

Please contact IDEAS Concierge between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific time (-8 GMT).