If you thought BIM was going to eclipse CAD in the AEC world, think again. Even with the growing adoption of Revit, CAD is still being used on a lot of projects. So CAD folks and BIM folks need to learn to get along – capitalizing on BIM tools while making sure any AutoCAD 2D-based work is completed correctly.

Of course, that’s easier said than done. Ensuring your CAD files are compatible with Revit can be challenging. So where do you start?

There are less than six months to go until Autodesk University (AU) lights up Las Vegas November 15-17, 2016 for its annual convergence of CAD professionals looking to learn, connect and explore the best in digital design.

But what do we know about the event so far? Here’s what:

Written by Shaun Bryant

It’s 1988. I have received my joining instructions for my first AutoCAD Basic course, and off I go to sit in a classroom with 21-inch CRT monitors, a projector, a screen (if I am lucky), and a flipchart/whiteboard (with pens!), plus the all-knowledgeable AutoCAD instructor. In my case, my instructor was a lovely guy named Andy Corden, who later in my career became my applications engineer when I worked in CAD sales. Small world, huh?

We all know BIM isn't just for the techy folks. Other stakeholders, like engineers, architects, project managers and facilities managers need to understand BIM concepts too. But these casual users are often under-served by BIM training. After all, these aren't always the people who attend Autodesk University and other technology training events which tend to focus on the people who actually use BIM software like Revit.

Whether you made it to AU 2014 in Las Vegas or not, you won't want to miss the over 200 sessions that are now all available online!

Check out the opening keynote for a look at the trends and forces shaping the future of digital design, then browse through the sessions by topic, featured product or industry.

Check out AU Online today.

Last week, Autodesk chose Autodesk University 2014 to showcase new services for the building and infrastructure industries that will expand the benefits of BIM-based collaboration for Revit and InfraWorks 360 through the entire project lifecycle – from planning and design to construction and management.

Autodesk University starts tomorrow, but if you aren't able to make it to Vegas. Don't worry, you can view a live video stream of key sessions for free.

From December 2-4, several key classes and events will be available online, in real-time, including the keynote session, forums, and closing sessions.

Looking to refine your Autodesk software skills but can’t make it to Autodesk University this year? The good news is there are plenty of options for doing so, right from your desktop or mobile device.

Autodesk University Online

Can’t get budgetary approval to attend Autodesk University this year? Share your BIM stories and go for free!

That’s right; Autodesk wants to hear how your agency or organization is pioneering the use of building information modeling. Enter the #DestinationBIM contest for your chance to be one of the four lucky winners who’ll get a free pass to AU in Las Vegas from December 2-4, 2014.

Autodesk University (AU) 2014 is fast approaching and between now and October 19^th you can get a discount of $500 off conference passes. Sneak peek below!

If your training budget permits, this year’s passes are currently $1,675 each. With 650 classes for designers and engineers, plus special events, networking receptions, and more, this is a not-to-be-missed offer.

Don’t delay! The cost of a pass increases to $2,175 on October 20.