Workday Inc. has confirmed that its annual Rising 2026 conference will occur from October 12 through October 15 in Las Vegas. The event is designed to gather customers, partners, and technology innovators to examine the application of artificial intelligence within human resources and financial operations.
The conference will feature more than 400 sessions, including product demonstrations, customer showcases, and hands-on labs. Organizers expect attendance from over 30,000 individuals across in-person and digital platforms. The programming aims to demonstrate how AI agents can assist with hiring, workforce planning, financial operations, and IT support.
Keynote speakers will include Workday Co-founder and Chair Aneel Bhusri, President of Product and Technology Gerrit Kazmaier, and Chief AI Officer Joel Hellermark. They will present alongside customers and partners to discuss the integration of AI agents into trusted business processes. The company states that these agents are intended to inform decision-making and deliver results within enterprise environments.
Gerrit Kazmaier emphasized the distinction between general artificial intelligence and applied enterprise AI. He noted that successful deployment requires agents to be grounded in deep context and trusted business processes. Kazmaier stated that the goal is to liberate employees to focus on meaningful impact within their organizations.
The annual Customer Appreciation Party will feature a performance by singer Kelly Clarkson. The event serves to recognize collaboration and feedback from customers and partners throughout the year. Attendees have expressed interest in the company’s roadmap for managing workforce and business operations.
Barb Muellerleile, senior director of finance and payroll at Panera, described the roadmap as transformative for scaling operations. Gary Schick, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Jabil, noted that the conference provides insight into how AI agents can improve hiring and employee development processes.
