Words to Describe the AU 2014 Keynote Presentation

For some internal materials for employees, Event Manager, Danielle Aslaner, asked for a description of this year's #AU2014 keynote presentation. Since Director of Strategic Innovation, Maurice Conti, Innovation Strategist, Bill O'Connor, and Senior Principal Research Scientist, Erin Bradner, were busy putting the finishing touches on the script, I thought I would take a shot at responding to Danielle's query. Here is what I wrote:

• Join CEO Carl Bass and CTO Jeff Kowalski as they present how the design of the as-built world and nature are on a collision course. We will design like nature — relying on taxonomies from previous projects, leveraging generative design, and creating living designs that adapt to their environments. Witness how some combine nature and technology for the future of making things. See how solutions like A360 expand beyond the mouse/keyboard to scanners/cameras as we employ 3d printing/robots in both the manufacturing and AEC industries. Feel proud as architect, author, educator, and philanthropist Emily Piloton demonstrates the value that comes from making Autodesk solutions free to education.

It was a fine first draft, but Bill O'Connor was able to make it better:

• Join Autodesk CEO Carl Bass and CTO Jeff Kowalski as they present the trends and forces shaping the future of making things. Carl will talk about new ways to communicate and even collaborate with our computers, which are blurring the lines between the digital and physical worlds. Jeff will explore how we’re bringing life to design through robust design taxonomies, generative design, and our emerging power to create things that can sense, respond, and collaborate. Also appearing will be architect, author, educator, and philanthropist Emily Piloton who will explore the value of making design tools freely available to students and schools.

This just shows the difference between an Autodesk Labs Program Manager (computer nerd with a computer science degree) and someone who writes speeches for a living (technology, writing, and theater background).

Perhaps Bill should take over my blog?

Words are alive in the lab.