Autodesk University 2025: The Digital Sessions We’re Excited About

The team here at CAD Masters has carefully reviewed the extensive Autodesk University 2025 digital session catalog to identify the presentations that will deliver the most value to professional engineers and design professionals. This year’s lineup showcases a remarkable convergence of artificial intelligence integration, workflow automation, and real-world problem-solving that reflects the rapidly evolving landscape of engineering design technology.

After thorough evaluation, we’ve selected eight digital sessions that represent the cutting edge of Autodesk software capabilities, each addressing critical challenges faced by today’s engineering professionals. These sessions span the full spectrum of AEC workflows—from individual productivity enhancements to enterprise-wide digital transformation strategies.

You can register for Autodesk University 2025 here. The full convention takes place September 16-18 in Nashville, TN. The digital pass is completely free.

AI-Powered Productivity: The New Standard for Design Excellence

AutoCAD Tips, Tricks, and the Most Stage-Ready Drafting Techniques

Presenter: Donnie “The CAD Geek” Gladfelter (Autodesk Expert Elite Member)
Session: 4537-D | Tuesday, Sep 16, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM CDT

Donnie Gladfelter’s award-winning session promises to elevate drafting workflows with AutoCAD 2026’s latest features, including AI-driven productivity tools. This session stands out for its focus on practical implementation of Smart Blocks and Connected Support Files—technologies that synchronize drawings with unprecedented efficiency. For engineering professionals managing complex sheet sets under tight deadlines, Gladfelter’s approach to leveraging built-in AI tools to eliminate manual drafting tasks represents a significant competitive advantage.

The session’s emphasis on “unexpected ways” to use time-tested AutoCAD commands particularly appeals to experienced users who need to maximize their existing skill investments while adopting cutting-edge features.

Shipshape 2.0: Smarter Standards and Leaner Layers with AI in AutoCAD

Presenter: Shaun “CADjedi” Bryant (Autodesk Expert Elite and Certified Instructor)
Session: 2341-D | Tuesday, Sep 16, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM CDT

Building on the success of his previous AU presentation, Shaun Bryant tackles one of the most persistent challenges in engineering practice: maintaining drawing standards and file cleanliness. This advanced session demonstrates how AI-powered automation can transform traditional housekeeping tasks from time-consuming manual processes into streamlined, intelligent workflows.

Bryant’s focus on optimizing files for cloud collaboration and mobile viewing addresses the modern reality of distributed engineering teams. The session’s coverage of third-party DWG layer auditing is particularly valuable for firms working with multiple consultants and varying CAD standards.

Civil Engineering Innovation: Automation Meets Precision

Automate, Balance, Iterate: Mastering Grading Optimization in Civil 3D

Session: 3793-D | Tuesday, Sep 16, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM CDT

This hands-on session provides a practical evaluation of Civil 3D’s Grading Optimization tool from the perspective of daily users engaged in active site design projects. What sets this presentation apart is its honest assessment of both strengths and limitations—a refreshing approach that helps professionals make informed decisions about tool adoption.

The session’s focus on accelerating conceptual grading and achieving earthwork balance addresses fundamental challenges in civil engineering project economics. For firms seeking to reduce design iteration time while maintaining precision, this session offers proven strategies for workflow integration.

Ramp It Up: Civil 3D Tactics for Accessible Design

Session: 2562-D | Tuesday, Sep 16, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM CDT

Accessibility compliance has evolved from a regulatory requirement to a fundamental design principle, and this session addresses the technical implementation challenges head-on. The presenter’s approach to using feature lines and grading objects for ADA-compliant design provides engineering professionals with the specific Civil 3D skills needed to create construction-ready accessible infrastructure.

The session’s emphasis on early integration of accessibility considerations into the grading design process aligns with industry best practices for avoiding costly redesigns and ensuring regulatory compliance from project inception.

Dynamo-Driven Automation: Simplifying Hydraulic Modeling with InfoWorks ICM, InfoWorks WS Pro, and InfoAsset Manager

Session: 2768-D | Tuesday, Sep 16, 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM CDT

This product demonstration session showcases the powerful integration between Dynamo and InfoWorks ICM/InfoWorks WS Pro platforms, eliminating the traditional barrier of ruby coding for hydraulic modeling automation. The preconfigured drag-and-drop nodes represent a significant advancement in accessibility for complex hydraulic analysis.

For water resources engineers and municipal infrastructure professionals, this session demonstrates how visual programming can dramatically reduce project timelines while maintaining the precision required for critical infrastructure design.

Structural and Architectural BIM: Advanced Problem-Solving

Revit Support Clinic—Steel Structures and Connections: Troubleshooting and Learned Lessons

Session: 1248-D | Wednesday, Sep 17, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM CDT

Based on real-world technical support cases, this session addresses the specific challenges of steel structure modeling and coordination in Revit. The presenter’s focus on SQL issues, steel profile management, and connection libraries reflects the technical depth required for successful structural BIM implementation.

For structural engineers and BIM managers dealing with complex steel projects, this session provides practical solutions for common roadblocks and establishes best practices for multidisciplinary coordination.

A BIM Strategy for an Architectural Firm: By a BIM Manager Who’s Also an Architect

Presenter: Ishimoto Architects and Engineers
Session: Wednesday, Sep 17, 4:00 PM – 4:30 PM CDT

This unique perspective from a nearly century-old architectural firm demonstrates how traditional design practices can successfully integrate with modern BIM methodologies. The presentation’s focus on creating simulation environments and optimizing overall designs using Revit addresses the holistic approach required for effective BIM implementation.

The session’s coverage of Japan’s accelerating BIM-based building permit requirements provides valuable insights into global regulatory trends, while the web-based platform approach using Notion offers practical solutions for mid-sized firms without dedicated BIM teams.

Enterprise Integration: Cloud Collaboration and Asset Management

Unlocking the Value of Autodesk Construction Cloud, Autodesk Tandem, and GIS for Infrastructure

Session: 1999-D | Tuesday, Sep 16, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM CDT

This comprehensive session addresses the integration of project management, collaboration, and data visualization tools specifically for infrastructure projects. The integration with Power BI and Esri environments creates actionable insights that bridge the gap between design and operations.

For infrastructure professionals managing long-term assets, the session’s coverage of moving from Construction Cloud to Tandem for asset management, including linear assets and sensor integration, represents the future of intelligent infrastructure management.

CAD Masters provides comprehensive Autodesk software training for professional engineers and design teams. Our expert instructors combine deep technical knowledge with real-world industry experience to deliver training that transforms software capabilities into competitive advantages.