How to plan and book a successful trip to Workday Rising 2026

For four days in mid-October, Workday Rising 2026 will bring HR, finance, and IT leaders to Las Vegas for keynotes, product sessions, hands-on learning, and conversations with peers and Workday experts.[1] The choices you make before the conference, including where you stay and how you structure your agenda, will shape what you take home from Workday Rising. With a thoughtful plan, you can return with clearer priorities, stronger professional connections, and practical next steps.

What is Workday Rising and who is it for?

Workday Rising is Workday's flagship U.S. conference for human capital management (HCM), finance, and IT leaders exploring cloud ERP, analytics, and AI on the Workday platform.[1] The event runs Oct. 12–15 at The Venetian Resort and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.[1][2]

The conference typically attracts around 30,000 attendees, bringing together executives and practitioners from across the Workday ecosystem.[3] Expect to see CHROs and HRIS directors planning workforce and talent strategy, CFOs and controllers evaluating financial close and planning modules, CIOs and integration leads assessing platform extensibility, and partner teams supporting customer deployments. Workday Rising welcomes existing customers as well as invited prospects, sponsors, analysts, and accredited media.[3]

The Workday Rising 2026 Session Catalog is live, with hundreds of sessions available to browse before the conference.[18] You can finalize your agenda and reserve eligible sessions in September once the Session Scheduler opens.

If you're building the business case for attending, identify the outcomes you want to achieve before you arrive — whether that's evaluating new AI capabilities, comparing partner solutions, or meeting with peers to validate your roadmap.

What makes Workday Rising 2026 worth the trip

Workday Rising is where the company's product direction meets the practitioners who run it daily — not a replay of release notes you could read online. For HR and finance leaders, that means keynotes, roadmap sessions, and customer-led stories you can take back to your steering committee. For technical teams, it means Hands-On Labs and Express Labs where you test features in a guided tenant environment.[1][3][6]

Some of the highest-value experiences happen outside the breakout rooms:

• Workday Rising Expo: Explore partner booths, product demonstrations, and sponsor exhibits throughout the Venetian Expo Center.
• Keynotes and product strategy sessions: Hear Workday executives share product updates, customer stories, and the company's long-term vision for HCM, Financial Management, and AI.
• Braindates: Join peer-led conversations to exchange ideas and learn how other organizations are approaching similar challenges.
• Hands-On Labs and Express Labs: Test new features in guided and self-paced technical environments with support from Workday experts.
• Welcome Reception: Connect with other attendees over drinks and light refreshments on Monday evening.
• Customer Appreciation Party: Continue networking at Wednesday's evening event with food, drinks, and entertainment.
• Official hotel shuttles: Take advantage of complimentary transportation between participating conference hotels and the Venetian Expo Center.

The value of Workday Rising comes from what happens after the conference. A clear plan, stronger relationships with partners and peers, and answers to your biggest questions can all help move projects forward once you're back at work. Planning your travel, agenda, and meetings before you arrive makes it much easier to spend your time on those outcomes instead of conference logistics.

Where to stay for Workday Rising 2026

Your hotel can impact more than where you sleep. It also determines how long you'll spend getting to the Venetian Expo Center, whether you can take a break between sessions, and how easily you can stay for evening networking events without worrying about a long trip back to your room.

Workday negotiates discounted rates at 15 hotels near the Venetian Expo Center, and hotel reservations through the event portal close Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.[3]

Hotels by distance to The Venetian Resort

Compare these areas by walk time, atmosphere, and what you can typically expect to pay during Workday Rising week:

The Venetian campus minimizes morning friction for keynotes and Expo appointments. Central Strip hotels trade a short walk or shuttle ride for dining along Las Vegas Boulevard. Properties on the North Strip work when official blocks sell out, but confirm shuttle eligibility before you book a hotel farther away from the Expo Center campus.

Workday Rising hotel pricing

October falls within Las Vegas's lower federal lodging tier, but a flagship enterprise conference still drives demand around the Venetian Expo Center. Hotels within walking distance often sell out or raise rates as the event approaches, so it's worth comparing conference hotel blocks with current market prices before you book.

Navan analyzed anonymized hotel booking patterns near the Venetian Expo Center during October 2025 — the most recent October conference week in Navan booking data. Although Workday Rising is making its debut in Las Vegas for 2026, these figures provide a useful benchmark for conference-week pricing on the Strip.[16]

• Median hotel rate: During conference week, the median nightly rate near the venue was $329 — about 60% higher than a typical October week in the same area (median of $206).
• Stay length: Business travelers stayed an average of 2.8 nights.
• Check-in pattern: Monday was the most common arrival day, and Thursday the most common departure day.
• Late bookings: Roughly 36% of bookings were made within two weeks of check-in.

What stands out: According to Navan data, travelers who booked 1–2 months before check-in paid a median of $286 per night, while waiting until the final 1–2 weeks pushed the median to $360.[16] That's a difference of about $74 per night, making early booking a safer strategy.

Workday Rising flight trends

The main airport serving Workday Rising attendees is Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). Navan flight data from a comparable October 2025 Las Vegas conference week shows 3,691 business flights into the city, with nearly 10% arriving from international destinations.[16] The busiest origin cities were San Francisco, New York, London, Newark, and Boston.

Consider arriving a day early, to give yourself time to settle into your hotel, pick up your badge, and ease into the week. You'll start Monday focused on the conference instead of worrying about flight delays, luggage, or racing across the Strip.

Book your travel through Navan Edge

Plan your Workday Rising trip in a single conversation. Navan Edge can compare hotels near the Venetian Expo Center with central and north Strip alternatives. It searches based on the amenities you need, then it can book your flight, hotel, and restaurant reservations without sending you across multiple apps.

If your plans change, you can get help comparing nearby alternatives, adjusting your itinerary, or handling unexpected travel disruptions, all in the same thread, with human travel experts on-call to enter the same chat upon request.

Stack rewards on trips to Workday Rising

You can stack three reward layers in a single booking through Navan Edge, including hotel loyalty points (earned as if you booked direct), credit card multipliers, and 5% back in Amazon Gift Cards on eligible hotel bookings. The Loyalty Wallet keeps your program statuses and progress (including air miles) in one place for easy visibility. For a deeper look at the mechanics, see our guide on how to earn travel rewards on business trips.

Set a realistic budget for Las Vegas before you go

Your conference pass is only one part of the cost of attending Workday Rising. Budget for conference-week hotel rates, meals outside conference programming, airport transportation, client dinners, and other business travel expenses before you book.

GSA per diem for Las Vegas

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) sets federal per diem rates by city and season. At the time of publication, the following FY2026 rates apply to Las Vegas:

• $212 per day: Includes $126 per night for lodging and $86 per day for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE)
• M&IE breakdown: $21 for breakfast, $23 for lunch, $36 for dinner, and $6 for incidentals (deduct conference-provided meals from your meal claim as applicable)
• First and last travel days: M&IE is typically reimbursed at 75% of the daily rate ($64.50) when you're in transit

Updated FY2027 (October 2026–September 2027) rates will be published in mid-August 2026, so verify the current figures at gsa.gov before traveling.[7]

Conference-week hotel rates within walking distance of the Venetian Expo Center often exceed the federal lodging cap. Navan booking data from a comparable October 2025 Las Vegas conference week showed a median nightly rate of $329 near the venue — more than $200 above the FY2026 GSA lodging rate of $126.[16] Budget for that difference or consider staying farther along the Strip and using the official conference shuttles.

Other budget considerations

Before you travel, estimate your daily spending so there are fewer surprises when it's time to submit your expense report.

• Conference registration: Full Experience Passes start at $2,395; verify current pricing at rising.workday.com before registering.[8]
• Conference-provided meals: Registration includes the Welcome Reception, breakfast bites and lunch on Oct. 13–14, the Customer Appreciation Party, and brunch on Oct. 15. Adjust your meal reimbursement accordingly.[3]
• Airport transportation: Taxi fares to The Venetian are roughly $29 plus the airport pickup fee, while rideshares typically cost $15–$40 depending on demand and surge pricing.[9][10]
• Client dinners: Restaurants on the Strip commonly run $85–$200 per person for business dinners.
• After-hours networking: Partner receptions, team outings, and other unofficial events can add to your travel budget beyond the meals included with registration.

Plan your Workday Rising 2026 agenda

The Workday Rising 2026 Session Catalog is now available, giving attendees time to explore keynotes, breakouts, Hands-On Labs, and networking events before the conference begins.[1][17][18] Once the Session Scheduler opens in September, you'll be able to build your personal agenda and reserve eligible sessions.[1][3]

• Monday, Oct. 12: Welcome Reception, Welcome Keynote, and Workday Pro certifications
• Tuesday, Oct. 13: Innovation Keynote, Hands-On Labs, expert-led sessions, and peer networking
• Wednesday, Oct. 14: Customer stories, community breakouts, and the Customer Appreciation Party
• Thursday, Oct. 15: Expert meetups, networking, and closing sessions focused on applying what you've learned

Featured speakers include Workday CEO Aneel Bhusri, President of Product and Technology Gerrit Kazmaier, and Chief AI Officer Joel Hellermark.

Build flexibility into your schedule

Start by browsing the Session Catalog and identifying your highest-priority sessions.[18] When the Session Scheduler opens in September, finalize your agenda and reserve popular labs before they fill.

As you prepare for the conference:

• Sessions: Short-list must-attend sessions now, then reserve eligible labs and workshops once the Session Scheduler opens.
• Meetings: Reach out to customers, partners, or colleagues about two weeks before the conference to schedule short meetings while everyone is in one place.
• Logistics: Download the Workday Rising app, enable session alerts, set your out-of-office message, and save the Venetian Expo Center in your maps app.
• Networking: Decide how you'll exchange contact information and add a quick note after each conversation to make follow-up easier.

For more tips on getting prepared for your trip, read our business trip planning guide covering flights, hotels, and departure checklists.

What to pack and wear at Workday Rising

Workday Rising calls for business casual: collared shirts or polished blouses, slacks or chinos, comfortable closed-toe shoes, and a light layer for over-air-conditioned ballrooms. Presenters and client-dinner hosts often dress one notch sharper, and Expo-floor browsing is more relaxed.[3]

Las Vegas in October runs warm in the afternoon with highs around 85°F (29°C) and nights that can dip to 55°F (13°C).[3] You'll move between climate-controlled halls and outdoor Strip walks, so pack breathable daytime fabrics and a sweater or blazer for evening events.

Conference essentials

Everyone remembers their computer and charger, but don't forget to bring these must-pack items:

• Two pairs of comfortable shoes: Convention flooring and Strip distances punish single-shoe days.
• Portable charger: Session Scheduler, Braindate notes, and badge scans drain batteries by mid-afternoon.
• Snacks: Pack a few protein bars or other easy snacks for the gaps between sessions, long Expo visits, or client meetings that run through lunch.
• Reusable water bottle: Desert air dehydrates faster than you notice between sessions.
• Throat lozenges and hand sanitizer: Crowded keynotes and Expo aisles add up over four days.
• Light layer: Breakout rooms run cold even when the Strip is warm.
• Sunscreen: Outdoor walks between properties add up under strong afternoon sun.

Getting from the airport to the Workday Rising venue

Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is about 3–5 miles from The Venetian Resort, making it one of the easier airport-to-conference transfers you'll find in Las Vegas.[9] Decide how you'll get to your hotel before you land so you can head straight to check-in.

If your schedule allows, arrive on Oct. 11 to have time to check into your hotel, pick up your badge, and settle in before Monday's sessions and Welcome Reception. Navan Edge specialists can request an early check-in if needed.

For most business travelers, a taxi or rideshare is the quickest and easiest way to reach the Venetian, especially if you're traveling with luggage. The RTC Deuce is a reasonable option if you're staying near one of its stops and don't mind a longer trip.

Beyond sessions: Make time for the Expo and networking

Some of the most valuable conversations at Workday Rising happen outside the breakout rooms. Leave time to explore the Expo, attend product demonstrations, and connect with other attendees between sessions.

• Workday Rising Expo: Explore sponsor booths, product demonstrations, and innovation showcases throughout the Venetian Expo Center.[1][6]
• Braindates: Join peer-led discussions with other attendees to exchange ideas and compare experiences; reservations open with the Session Scheduler in September.[3]
• Hands-On Labs and Express Labs: Try new features in guided or drop-in technical sessions led by Workday experts.[3]
• Meetups and product demos: Take advantage of smaller sessions and informal conversations between keynotes and breakouts.[3]
• Session reservations: Some sessions require advance reservations, while others are first come, first served; check the Session Scheduler for details when it opens.[3]

Make networking part of your plan

A few thoughtful conversations can be more valuable than squeezing in one more breakout session.

• Before you travel: Make a short list of customers, partners, colleagues, or peers you'd like to meet, and reach out about two weeks before the conference to schedule time together.
• During the conference: After each conversation, jot down a quick note about what you discussed and any agreed-upon next steps. You'll thank yourself when it's time to follow up.
• At the end of each day: Spend a few minutes drafting follow-up emails while the conversations are still fresh, then send them within a day or two of returning home.

Finally, leave yourself some breathing room. A packed agenda looks productive on paper, but a short break between sessions often leaves you with more energy for the conversations and ideas you'll remember long after the conference ends.

What to eat at Workday Rising 2026

Workday provides meals throughout the conference — from the Welcome Reception and breakfast bites to conference lunches, the Customer Appreciation Party, and the closing brunch — so you're not paying for every meal on the Strip.[3]

Client dinners and team outings usually fill the remaining gaps. For sit-down meals outside the venue, try these options on the Strip:

• Client dinner: Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian handles executive dinners with private rooms and classic steakhouse service steps from the Expo halls.[12]
• Team meal: Fogo de Chão in the Grand Canal Shoppes works for group dining with Brazilian table service and private rooms for larger teams.[13]
• Private dining / executive lunch: Cañonita near the Venetian Expo Center offers private and semi-private rooms for groups of 10–250 with customizable menus.[14]
• One-on-one or small group: Sugarcane on Restaurant Row is great for intimate meetings, thanks to its dedicated private dining room near the convention center.[15]

If a six-person partner dinner is needed mid-week, Navan Edge can reserve Las Vegas restaurants in the same chat as your hotel and LAS flights.

Finish strong on departure day

Your time at Workday Rising isn't over until you're through LAS and back to your normal day-to-day work. Here's what to do before checkout:

• Pack the night before: Charge your gear, lay out your travel clothes, check the room for swag, chargers, and anything else you may have left behind.
• Confirm late checkout: Whether or not you remembered to request late checkout when checking in, check with the front desk or have Navan Edge coordinate on your behalf.
• Arrive early at the airport: After the conference you can expect long lines at LAS, so allow at least two hours for domestic flights and three hours for international.
• Submit expenses early: Upload receipts before your time at the symposium blurs together, and flag lodging above your per-diem cap when you file.
• Visit the airport lounge: Get quiet time to sort notes and receipts before boarding if your airline ticket includes lounge access.
• Calendar a debrief: Reserve an hour to message new contacts and summarize conference outcomes before regular work resumes.

Make your Workday Rising 2026 trip count

Workday Rising 2026 rewards attendees who arrive with a plan. Book the right hotel, set a realistic budget, prioritize the sessions that matter most, and leave room for the Expo and networking. Those choices make it easier to head home with stronger connections, clearer priorities, and ideas you can put into practice right away.

Heading to Workday Rising 2026? Book your flights to LAS, a hotel on the Strip, and partner dinners through one Navan Edge conversation.

Navan is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Workday Rising or their organizers, and this guide is not an official Workday publication. Workday and Workday Rising are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here for identification and descriptive purposes only. All schedules, pricing, venue details, and program information are subject to change; verify current details with the official organizers before you travel.

Navan publishes this guide as part of its Navan Edge content series. Navan Edge is a Navan product referenced throughout this post. Card benefits, fees, loyalty program thresholds, earning structures, reward values, and AI capabilities described in this article are subject to change and accurate as of the date of publication. Verify current terms with your card issuer, loyalty program operator, or the relevant program's website before making decisions. Amazon Gift Card rewards are subject to Navan Edge Terms and Conditions for eligible hotel bookings.

© Navan, Inc. All rights reserved. Navan and Navan's logo are trademarks of Navan, Inc.

Sources

• Workday Rising US, rising.workday.com, 2026
• Workday Rising US FAQ, rising.workday.com, 2026
• Workday Rising US FAQ — In Person, rising.workday.com, 2026
• BizBash, “Preview of Workday Rising 2024,” bizbash.com, 2024
• Computer Weekly, “What to expect from Workday Rising USA 2025,” computerweekly.com, 2025
• Workday Rising US Pricing, rising.workday.com, 2026
• GSA, “Per Diem Rates,” FY 2026
• Workday Rising US Pricing — Full Experience Pass, rising.workday.com, 2026
• Harry Reid International Airport, "Airport Information," harryreidairport.com, accessed 2026
• Las Vegas Taxi Fare, lasvegashowto.com, 2026
• Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, RTC routes, accessed 2026
• Delmonico Steakhouse, delmonicosteakhouse.com, accessed 2026
• Fogo de Chão, Group Dining Las Vegas Venetian, fogodechao.com, accessed 2026
• Cañonita, Group Dining, canonita.com, accessed 2026
• Sugarcane, Las Vegas Private Events, sugarcanerestaurants.com, accessed 2026
• Navan, anonymized analysis of hotel booking and flight data for business travelers near the Venetian Expo Center, October 2025 Strip conference-week proxy (internal data)
• Workday Rising US, Home Page — agenda and Session Catalog, rising.workday.com, 2026
• Workday Rising US | Session Catalog