Hello San Francisco! The Kainos Guide to Workday Rising 2025
Workday Rising 2025 is back, bigger than ever, and heading to San Francisco. From September 15–18, thousands of HR, finance, and IT leaders will gather at the Moscone Center for four days of AI innovation, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections.
Whether it’s your first time attending or you’re a Rising veteran, this guide will help you plan your week like a pro. Get insider tips on navigating the packed agenda, find the sessions you can’t afford to miss, and discover Kainos-led workshops, demos, and celebrations — so you return home with new ideas and valuable contacts.
What’s new at Workday Rising 2025?
This year, Workday Rising puts AI front and centre. Expect deep dives into intelligent automation, customer stories that show real-world impact, and hands-on labs across HR, finance, and operations. Whether you’re exploring predictive analytics or next-gen compliance, you’ll find fresh inspiration on how to use Workday to drive business transformation.
Where to find Kainos at Workday Rising
Kainos is proud to return as a Platinum Sponsor at Workday Rising 2025. Here’s how to connect with us in San Francisco:
1-2-1 workshops: Book a free, personalised 30-minute session at Workday Rising to explore how to automate manual tasks, cut costs, strengthen compliance and control and more, all tailored to your Workday goals.
Product Demos: See Built on Workday solutions in action. Discover how automation can simplify your Workday operations and boost agility.
Customer sessions: Discover how leaders like Genesys, Wells Fargo, WPP, and Sabre use Workday automation, AI, and automated testing to cut risk, boost efficiency, and transform operations.
Braindates: Join focused peer-to-peer discussions or small group sessions on the Workday topics that matter most to you.
Agenda Highlights and keynote speakers
With hundreds of sessions to choose from, Workday Rising 2025 is a goldmine of insights, strategy, and practical takeaways for HR, finance, and IT leaders. From breakthrough AI use cases to real-world customer success stories, it’s the ultimate place to discover how to drive more value from your Workday investment. Tip: Register early. Popular sessions fill up quickly!
Can’t-miss keynotes at Workday Rising San Francisco:
Carl Eschenbach, CEO, Workday — Welcome to Workday Rising: Embracing the Future Together
Kick off an inspiring week as Workday CEO Carl Eschenbach shares his vision for the future of work, the evolving Workday ecosystem, and what’s ahead for the global community.
Brené Brown — Leading with Humanity in an AI-Driven World
Don’t miss this powerful conversation with Dr. Brené Brown, renowned researcher and New York Times best-selling author. Brené brings fresh perspective on vulnerability, courage, and what it means to lead with authenticity as AI transforms how we work.
Aneel Bhusri, Co-Founder & Executive Chair, Workday —Transforming Work with Agentic AI
Join Workday Chair Aneel Bhusri, and President of Product and Technology Gerrit Kazmaier, and other Workday leaders as they explore how the Workday AI platform is empowering organisations to transform HR and finance, boost productivity, and navigate change with confidence. Discover how agentic AI is set to reshape the future of work.
Make the most of your trip to Workday Rising in San Francisco
Build your network
Workday Rising is all about connection. From user groups and industry meetups to interactive lounges, every corner of the Moscone Center offers opportunities to meet peers and share ideas. Whether you’re chatting over breakfast or striking up a conversation in line, these informal moments often spark the best insights. Don’t miss the Welcome Reception on Monday, September 15 — it’s the perfect way to kick off your week.
Work Hard, Play Hard
Customer Appreciation Party: Bay Nights, Birthday Lights
Celebrate Workday’s 20th anniversary in style on Wednesday, September 17 with iconic rock band Duran Duran at the iconic San Francisco Giants Stadium for a night of live music, incredible food, and dancing under the city lights.
Balance your week
Because high performance requires recovery, Workday Rising also puts a spotlight on wellness.
Tuesday, September 16: Start your day with a sunrise 5K fun run and walk, or wind down with peaceful sunset sound baths.
Wednesday, September 17: Stretch it out at sunrise yoga before heading into another packed day of sessions.
What to pack for Workday Rising
San Francisco weather can change by the hour, so pack smart. Bring comfortable shoes (you’ll be on your feet a lot), layered clothing to handle chilly mornings and warm afternoons, business cards or your LinkedIn QR code, plenty of curiosity and energy — and yes, a party outfit (you’ll definitely use it).
Explore San Francisco
Located in the heart of SOMA, the Moscone Center is surrounded by museums, buzzing restaurants, and local culture. Pro tip: many museums offer free admission days — check their websites and plan ahead. On Day 1, take time to roam the Expo Hall, explore new Workday innovations, and soak up everything Workday Rising 2025 has to offer.
See you at Workday Rising 2025
Whether you’re here to learn, discover the latest in AI and automation, or build relationships that drive your business forward, we can’t wait to welcome you to San Francisco.
Explore the Kainos Workday Rising Resource Hub — your destination for exclusive insights, schedules, and everything we’re bringing to Workday Rising.