Our Top Tips for Making the Most of Workday Rising 2026 Barcelona
Workday Rising 2026 is back and heading to Barcelona. From November 17-19, HR, finance and IT leaders from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa will come together for three days of AI innovation, hands-on learning and meaningful connections.
If it's your first Rising, the scale of the event can feel daunting. With hundreds of sessions, networking opportunities, product announcements and activities spread across the week, knowing where to start isn't always easy.
Whether you're hoping to expand your Workday knowledge, discover new innovations or make valuable connections, this guide will help you get the most from your first Workday Rising experience.
1. Plan your schedule Early
With hundreds of sessions across HR, Finance, Technology and AI, a little preparation goes a long way.
Start by reviewing the agenda and identifying the sessions most relevant to your role, business priorities and current challenges. Make the keynotes a priority as they'll provide insight into Workday's vision, major announcements and the trends that will shape conversations throughout the week.
Customer stories are also worth adding to your schedule early. These sessions often provide practical lessons, real-world experiences and proven approaches that you can apply in your own organisation. Popular sessions fill quickly, so don't wait until you arrive in Barcelona to start planning, check it out here.
2. Make Time for the Expo Hall
At the same time, avoid packing every minute of your day. It can be tempting to spend your time moving from one session to the next, but Rising Central is where many of the event's most valuable conversations happen.
We recommend exploring Rising Central early in the event. It will help you discover new technologies, solutions and conversations you may want to revisit throughout the week.
3. Book Time with Experts
Workday Rising offers plenty of opportunities to connect with experts and peers. Braindates are ideal for joining topic-specific discussions and sharing ideas with others facing similar challenges.
If you'd like to explore a particular area in more depth, book a 1-2-1 workshop or connect with specialists in Rising Central. These conversations can help you uncover opportunities, tackle key challenges and take away practical advice you can apply straight away.
4. Network, Network, Network,
Workday Rising is as much about connection as it is about content. From community meetups and networking events to conversations over coffee, there are endless opportunities to connect with people facing similar challenges and opportunities.
Whether you're looking to share ideas, benchmark approaches or simply expand your professional network, don't underestimate the value of these informal conversations.
Make sure you join the Welcome Reception on Monday November 16th at Fira Gran Via Nord. It's one of the easiest ways to meet other attendees and start building connections from day one.
5. Have Fun
Taking place on Thursday November 19th at Fira Gran Via Nord, the Customer Appreciation Party is the grand finale of the event, featuring tapas, live music, and plenty of surprises. This year’s theme is "Vibrant Vibes" themed celebration brings together customers, partners and the wider Workday community for an unforgettable evening. Don't miss the chance to relax after a busy few days, strengthen new connections and celebrate alongside your peers.
5. Find time to Recharge
A packed agenda of sessions, meetings and networking can be demanding, so don't forget to make time to recharge.
Take advantage of the wellness activities and quiet spaces available throughout the event. Even a short break between sessions can help you stay focused and make the most of your Rising experience.
6. Experience Barcelona
While Rising will keep you busy, don't forget that you're in one of Europe's most vibrant cities.
From the architecture of Gaudí and the iconic Sagrada Família to the restaurants, beaches and historic streets of the Gothic Quarter, Barcelona offers plenty to explore before or after conference hours.
7. Pack Smart
A few essentials can make your Rising experience much more comfortable:
- Comfortable shoes. You'll cover more ground than you think.
- Layers for moving between air-conditioned venues and the Nevada heat.
- Business cards or your LinkedIn QR code for networking.
- A notebook or note-taking app for capturing ideas and key takeaways.
- A portable charger to keep your devices powered throughout the day.
See you at Workday Rising 2026
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