Workday Rising Daily: Welcoming Our Customers Back to Workday Rising

We’re excited to welcome customers, partners, and others in our community back to Workday Rising, our marquee customer event. Learn what we announced on the eve of the conference, including our plan to donate $1 million to organizations that reskill people for in-demand jobs in a low-carbon economy.

Workday Rising Daily: Day 1

 

Three years. Three long years since we’ve been able to have our signature customer event in person. And now that Workday Rising is back—and better than ever—the joy and energy is palpable. An estimated 9,000 attendees have joined us at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, and thousands more are joining through the Workday Rising Digital Experience.

On Monday, we hosted the Executive Symposium for many of our customers’ executive leaders, including CEOs, CFOs, CHROs, and CIOs. And while so much has changed in the world since the last time our community gathered for Workday Rising, Workday Co-CEO Chano Fernandez reminded executive attendees of what hasn’t changed. “If there’s one thing that remains as it was in 2019, it’s that digital acceleration is still at the top of your agenda—and our agenda.”

Then Platon, the award-winning photographer and founder of The People's Portfolio, came on stage to take the audience on a journey through his photojournalism over the years, featuring global political leaders and celebrities–Adele, David Beckham, George Clooney, Serena Williams, and more. 

“We’ve got a common bond—humanity.”

Platon Award-Winning Photographer and Founder The People's Portfolio

Slender and eloquent with a lyrical British accent, Platon told witty, insightful, and sometimes moving stories about each photo shoot and conversations he had with his subjects. Woven throughout his presentation was the reminder that despite our differences as individuals, we’re connected by our shared experiences. “We’ve got a common bond—humanity.”

Welcome Keynote and News Announcements

The energy intensified on Monday evening with our Welcome Keynote for in-person attendees, where we talked about what change means to all of us. During the keynote, our Chief Marketing Officer Christine Cefalo announced that Workday is investing $1 million in organizations that reskill people for in-demand jobs in a low-carbon economy. The keynote was followed by an uplifting 45-minute musical performance by Jon Batiste.

Christine Cefalo, chief marketing officer at Workday, greets attendees during the Welcome Keynote at Workday Rising.

Finally, let’s take a look at our news announcements from Monday:

There is so much more to come, including Tuesday morning’s Innovation Keynote! To learn more, be sure to watch our Workday Rising Daily broadcast video and check back for more recaps this week on the Workday Blog.

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