Workday Rising 2024 in Las Vegas was an exciting week filled with groundbreaking insights, technology advancements, and engaging networking opportunities. With over 18,000 in-person attendees and 30,000 virtual participants from across the globe, the event underscored the importance of innovation in today’s rapidly changing business environment. This year’s theme, "Forever Forward," encouraged businesses to leverage AI, automation, and collaboration to stay ahead of the curve.

GQR had 12 team members in attendance, representing our Workday team from both the US and Europe, as well as our Life Sciences and Clinical Healthcare divisions, to engage with professionals across those industry verticals.

Key Insights from Workday Rising 2024

The Age of AI
Workday's CEO, Carl Eschenbach, emphasized how the workforce is shifting toward a future where technology handles more of the routine work, enabling people to focus on strategic, high-level decision-making. Workday’s new suite of AI-driven features, Workday Illuminate, was introduced to accelerate routine tasks, assist with complex decisions, and transform business operations. AI is now embedded across Workday’s platform, from HR to finance, empowering companies to work smarter, not harder. GQR is excited to explore how our Nebula product can further support these advancements.

Navigating Economic Challenges
With economic uncertainty on the horizon, businesses are turning to AI and automation to optimize resources, streamline operations, and enhance talent acquisition strategies. Companies that adapt quickly are better positioned to retain talent, improve operational efficiency, and meet the growing demand for digital transformation.

Innovation Through Collaboration
Collaboration was at the heart of Workday Rising, emphasizing how integrated solutions can help businesses overcome current challenges. Workday’s latest innovations, including improved financial tools and enhanced interoperability between platforms, highlight the need for seamless collaboration between systems to drive efficiency and innovation.

Building the Future of Work
Looking beyond immediate needs, businesses are encouraged to invest in AI-driven solutions that will future-proof their operations. Workday’s vision focuses on creating a more inclusive and efficient workplace, underpinned by ethical AI and a commitment to diversity. These technologies are expected to reshape talent acquisition, retention, and daily operations, creating a more resilient and innovative workforce.

GQR’s Presence at Workday Rising 2024

GQR played a prominent role at Workday Rising 2024, hosting several key events that left a lasting impression:

• Monday: GQR, in partnership with Nebula, hosted over 200 clients at the Las Vegas Sphere, providing an immersive experience that set the stage for meaningful discussions and connections.

• Tuesday: Chris Hurley and the GQR Workday team served as keynote sponsors at the Workday Emerging Markets event at Allegiant Stadium, where they shared insights on the future of emerging customers (organizations with fewer than 500 employees) within the Workday platform. Chris introduced the keynote speaker from the stage alongside Aaron Ellis, providing an overview of GQR’s commitment to supporting emerging customers. Later, GQR co-hosted an exclusive event at the House of Blues with Avaap, one of GQR’s valued ecosystem partners.

• Wednesday: The week concluded with the Workday Customer Appreciation event, where attendees were treated to a spectacular performance by Gwen Stefani, celebrating the partnerships and innovations driving the future of enterprise technology.

Throughout the week, GQR engaged with hundreds of customers, partners, and Workday representatives to discuss ways to grow and upskill the Workday ecosystem. We explored bringing new customers from our other verticals, such as clinical healthcare, while focusing on training and upskilling professionals to advance their careers. Stay tuned for exciting announcements about Nebula!

The GQR Unicorn Hunt

A fun highlight of the week was GQR’s Unicorn Hunt, an interactive campaign that engaged attendees throughout the event. A stuffed GQR unicorn was hidden around the conference, encouraging participants to find it, snap a photo, and tag #GQRUnicorn on social media for a chance to win a free ticket to Workday Rising 2025. This campaign brought a sense of adventure to the conference and allowed GQR to connect with industry peers in a fun, lighthearted way.

Looking Ahead

Workday Rising 2024 solidified GQR’s commitment to helping businesses harness the power of AI, automation, and digital transformation. The insights gained from the event will guide our approach to staffing solutions, technology partnerships, and client engagement moving forward. As the future of work continues to evolve, GQR is poised to lead the charge, delivering innovative solutions that enable businesses to thrive in an increasingly complex landscape.

GQR’s Workday team is excited to continue building on the momentum generated at Workday Rising and looks forward to seeing everyone in Amsterdam for Workday EMEA this December!