First Time at Workday Rising? Here’s Your Backstage Pass from the Syssero Crew
Headed to Workday Rising for the first time? Or maybe just want to make the most of it this time around? You’re in luck. The Syssero team has walked the long halls of Moscone Center, balanced breakfast burritos with back-to-back sessions, and racked up enough steps to make a Fitbit weep. So we gathered our best Rising tips—equal parts practical, soulful, and a little silly—to help you rise and shine in San Francisco.
👟 Step One: Shoes Speak Louder Than Words
Mike Levin says it plain: “Comfortable sneakers are essential. Lots of walking—count on 20K steps a day minimum.”
This is not the time for new kicks or heels with ambition. Trust us, your feet (and your mood) will thank you.
🧠 Plan the Work(day), Work the Plan
Jenni Sisca has two power moves:
“Carve out time to walk the expo floor.” — It’s a goldmine of inspiration, free swag, and chance encounters.
“If you’re going with a team, sync up daily to share what you learned and how you’ll use it. Create a shared doc and schedule recurring check-ins post-Rising to stay accountable.” — Because otherwise, that burst of conference inspiration disappears faster than you can say “follow-up email.”
Bonus: Sessions fill fast. Favorite the ones you’re into ahead of time when the catalog drops. Export them to your calendar if you’re a planner—or a forgetter.
😮💨 Protect Your Battery, Precious
Kate Fonville reminds us: no matter your -vert (intro-, extro-, ambi-), you need a daily recharge.
Take a solo walk. Sneak in a nap. Skip the cocktail hour and hit the hotel pillow early. Self-care is not just spa days, it’s strategic survival.
📸 Don’t Document, Experience
Casey Beal learned the hard way: “You don’t need to take notes or photos of EVERY session. Workday makes the decks available later.”
Jot down your “aha” moments and move on. Be present. You’re not building a recap novel—you’re making memories.
🗣️ Say Hi, Even If It’s Weird
Beth Boykin says it best: “Being open and curious has led to some great connections.”
You’re surrounded by people who get Workday. Comment on a session, ask what someone’s excited about. You might walk away with more than new skills—you might make a new friend (or five).
Meghan Pogue adds: “Get in the Rising mindset before you even land. You’ll see people at the airport, the hotel, everywhere. Say hey!” That badge is a conversation starter, not just a lanyard accessory.
🧃 Snacks. Always.
Renee Doolittle is a fan of the snack hack: “Pack extra snacks. Lines can get long, and you’ll need fuel.”
Also:
Use your team to divide & conquer sessions.
Prioritize live-only sessions since you can watch the rest later.
Book brain dates and time with experts. Don’t waste a golden opportunity to talk shop with folks who’ve solved your exact problem.
🗺️ Map It Like a Local
Also from Renee: “Pay attention to the building names—North, South, West—on the schedule. They’re separate buildings, and walking between them adds up fast.”
This tip alone could save you a stress sweat sprint.
🎉 And Finally… Have FUN
From Joel Glidden: “Have fun.”
That’s it. That’s the tip.
TL;DR? Here’s Your Rising Essentials Checklist:
✅ Comfortable shoes (seriously)
✅ Favorited sessions in advance
✅ Snacks, snacks, and more snacks
✅ Time to recharge, solo or otherwise
✅ Notes only for the gold nuggets
✅ Daily team recaps + post-conference cadence
✅ Be bold—talk to strangers (they’re Workday people too)
✅ Don’t get lost—know your North from your West
✅ Enjoy the ride, even the awkward networking moments
From our Syssero fam to yours: You’ve got this. Whether it’s your first Rising or your tenth, you’re about to gain insight, energy, and maybe a few new LinkedIn connections.
See you on the expo floor! ✨
Meghan Pogue
Renee Doolittle
Mike Levin
Jenni Sisca
Beth Boykin
Joel Glidden
Casey Beal
Kate Fonville
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