Heading to Barcelona for Workday Rising EMEA 2026? Read this before you go...
Workday Rising EMEA 2026 is almost here! From 17th to 19th November, the Workday community will be heading to Barcelona for three days of product announcements, expert insights, hands-on learning and networking.
If you've attended Rising before, you'll know there's a lot to fit in. If it's your first time, you might be wondering where to start. With so many sessions, activities and people to meet, how do you make sure you're getting the most out of your time?
We've put together 10 things we wish we'd known before our first Workday Rising, along with a handy pre-Rising checklist to help you prepare.
Don’t forget to download our handy pocket guide to Rising before you go – save the pdf on your phone!
10 Things We Wish We'd Known Before Our First Workday Rising
1. Don't try to do everything
One look at the Workday Rising agenda and you'll probably find yourself wanting to attend everything. Keynotes, breakout sessions, hands-on labs, product demonstrations... there's plenty to choose from.
Unfortunately, you can't be in two places at once!
Before filling your agenda, think about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to optimise your Workday environment, implement additional modules or learn about new functionality? Prioritise the sessions that align with your objectives, rather than trying to squeeze everything in.
2. Book your must-attend sessions early
There's nothing more frustrating than finding the perfect session for a challenge you're facing, only to discover it's fully booked.
Popular sessions and labs can fill up quickly, so browse the official Workday Rising Session Catalogue on the attendee portal, and secure your places as soon as booking opens.
It's also worth exploring additional activities, including Braindates, expert sessions and Workday Pro Exams. Some have eligibility requirements or need separate booking, so check what's included in your pass.
3. Leave some room for the unexpected
Some of the most valuable conversations at Workday Rising are the ones you haven't planned.
You might meet another Workday customer who's recently completed a similar deployment to the one you're preparing for, or somebody who's already solved a problem your team is struggling with.
Leave some time to explore, catch up with your network and have those spontaneous conversations. You never know where they might lead.
4. Other Workday customers are one of your best sources of advice
Of course, you'll want to hear about Workday's latest innovations and product roadmap. However, don't underestimate how much you can learn from other customers.
The chances are, somebody else has already faced the same challenges you're dealing with, whether that's user adoption, reporting, integrations or implementing new modules.
Customer Reference Conversations and Braindates are great opportunities to learn from their experiences. Don't be afraid to ask what didn't go to plan, either. Those lessons can be just as valuable as the success stories.
5. Come prepared with specific questions
If you ask somebody how to get more out of Workday, you'll probably get a fairly general answer.
However, if you explain exactly where your HR or Finance processes are falling short, you're much more likely to have a useful conversation.
Before Rising, speak to your colleagues and identify the biggest Workday challenges you're facing.
Our tip: Write down your three biggest challenges before you leave. By the end of Rising, aim to have at least one useful insight or potential next step for each of them.
6. Don't overlook Rising Central
With so many keynotes and breakout sessions to attend, it's easy to spend most of your time moving between conference rooms.
However, Rising Central is where you'll find Workday partners, product demonstrations, networking opportunities and plenty of activities throughout the event.
Whether you're preparing for a deployment, looking to optimise your existing environment, or exploring solutions to a particular challenge, make sure you spend some time there.
And, of course, come and visit Focus Cloud Group at Booth 319 in Hall 7!
7. Comfortable shoes are more important than you think
This might sound like a strange piece of advice for a technology conference, but trust us on this one.
Fira Gran Via is a big venue, and you'll spend a surprising amount of time on your feet between sessions, Rising Central and networking events.
Those brand-new shoes you've been saving for Rising? Perhaps break them in before you go.
If you're arriving on Monday 16 November, it's also worth collecting your badge and familiarising yourself with the venue before the main programme begins.
8. Bring a power bank
Your phone is going to be working overtime at Rising.
You'll need it to check your agenda, find your way around, connect with people on LinkedIn, take notes and arrange meetings.
The last thing you want is to run out of battery halfway through the day and have to sit at a charging station, so bring a fully charged power bank.
We'd also recommend setting up your LinkedIn QR code before you arrive. It'll make connecting with new people much quicker and easier.
9. Take notes while everything is still fresh
You've just attended a brilliant session about a new Workday capability that could make a real difference to your organisation.
Then you attend another five sessions, meet a dozen people and spend the evening networking. How much of that first session are you going to remember?
Take a few minutes after each important session to note what you've learned, why it's relevant and what you could do with that information.
Our tip: Not every exciting announcement needs to become a priority on your roadmap. Focus on what could genuinely benefit your organisation.
10. The follow-up is just as important as the event itself
You've attended the sessions, met some brilliant people and come home with plenty of ideas. Now what?
It's easy to get swept straight back into your usual workload and forget about everything you wanted to do after Rising.
Set aside some time to review your notes, reconnect with the people you've met and share the most relevant insights with your colleagues.
Choose three key takeaways that could make a meaningful difference to your organisation, and think about what needs to happen next.
A week of inspiration is great, but a plan to put those ideas into practice is even better.
Your Pre-Workday Rising EMEA 2026 Checklist
Now you know what to expect, it's time to get organised. Here's a quick checklist to make sure you're ready for Barcelona:
▢ Build your agenda: Browse the Session Catalogue and book your must-attend sessions.
▢ Book the extras: Check availability for labs, expert sessions, Braindates and Workday Pro Exams, if these are included in your pass.
▢ Set three goals: Decide what you want to learn, solve or take back to your organisation.
▢ Prepare your questions: Think about your Workday roadmap, current challenges and underused functionality.
▢ Arrange meetings: Reach out to customers, partners and experts before their diaries fill up.
▢ Check your pass: Make sure you know what's included and whether activities require separate registration.
▢ Pack the essentials: Comfortable shoes, a power bank, reusable water bottle and an extra layer.
▢ Get your LinkedIn QR code ready: Make it easy to connect with the people you meet.
For more practical tips, venue information and a day-by-day overview of the event, download our free Pocket Guide to Workday Rising EMEA 2026. Save it to your phone or take a copy with you, so you've got everything you need right in your pocket.
Come and Meet Focus Cloud Group at Workday Rising EMEA 2026!
We're delighted to be sponsoring Workday Rising EMEA 2026, and we're looking forward to seeing the Workday community in Barcelona!
As an official Workday Deployment, AMS, Staffing and Sales Partner, we'll be on hand to talk all things Workday, from deployments and optimisation, to ongoing support and specialist talent.
Bring us your biggest Workday challenge! Whether you've got a specific question, want to discuss an upcoming project or simply fancy dropping in for a chat, we'd love to see you.
We'll also have some fun activities, competitions and freebies waiting for you!
Find us at Booth 319, Rising Central, Hall 7, and visit our Workday Rising EMEA 2026 Hub to find out what we've got planned.
See you in Barcelona!
Workday Rising EMEA 2026 FAQs
When is Workday Rising EMEA 2026?
Workday Rising EMEA 2026 takes place from 17 to 19 November 2026, with registration and some additional activities beginning on Monday 16 November.
Where is Workday Rising EMEA 2026?
The event is being held at Fira Gran Via Nord in Barcelona, Spain.
What can you expect at Workday Rising EMEA 2026?
The event features keynotes, breakout sessions, hands-on labs, Product Strategy and Vision sessions, Customer Reference Conversations, Braindates and networking opportunities in Rising Central. Check the official event programme for the latest session details.
How should I prepare for Workday Rising EMEA?
Set three clear goals, book your priority sessions early, prepare questions about your Workday challenges and arrange meetings in advance. Leave time for networking, too!
