Wow. Doesn’t it feel like the first SOLIDWORKS World was waaaaay back in 1998? It was. And here we are again, 21 years later – a magically odd number for a magically odd year. And it promises to be better than ever. Why? 1) It’s in Dallas 2) It’s in TEXAS and 3) It’s SOLIDWORKS, y’all.
SOLIDWORKS World 2019 Top Ten
Get yo’ bad CAD
CAD Monkey Dinner
What kicks off SWW? The Saturday night CAD Monkey Dinner, of course. Since 2012, this
SOLIDWORKS World Overview & Agenda
There are four days of sessions and activities at SOLIDWORKS World. You can get a quick overview of times and locations here.
Free Certification Exams
On Sunday, from 10-2 and 3-7, you have the opportunity to take a certification exam for free (included with each full conference pass). NEW for 2019 is a voucher to take the exam within one year. Plus, there’s the SWW secret CSWE event.
Special Event – Gilley’s Dallas
The SWW Offsite event is always a must-go, geek out
General Session Live Stream
If you can’t go to SWW or you’re passed out in a Dallas back-alley, you can stream the General Sessions with SOLIDWORKS World Livestream.
Get Ribboned
You might have a ribbon or ten on your badge, but make note of these fun subgroups not officially endorsed by SolidWorks, but totally legit. It’s easy to join up too.
Bacon Brotherhood
CoffeeClique
BEER ME
(new for 2019)
Beard Brigade
Lightside / Darkside
#Hashtagit
If you want to stay in the loop on the socials, follow the hashtags. The official SWW hashtag is #SWW19. Use it wisely or don’t.
Things To Do in Dallas?
There are loads of things to do in the Dallas-Fort Worth area (The Metroplex is larger than Connecticut and Rhode Island COMBINED.) Here are a few references and some my own recommendations. Enjoy.
Dallas Bucket List #1 | Dallas Bucket List #2 – Amee Meghani from GoEngineer put together two great posts for both SWW16 and SWW19 in DFW.
Less Common Things – Matt Lorono at SOLIDWORKS put together a list too.
And my picks…
Dallas World Aquarium – If you like sea life with a zoo vibe.
Hypnotic Donuts – Out at White Rock Lake, but worth the 10 to 15-minute drive.
The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden – While you’re out getting a donut stop by the garden.
White Rock Lake – And might as well stop by for a stroll in this large city park with 10 miles of hike and bike trails.
Dallas Holocaust Museum – A grim reminder and must visit.
Historic Grapevine – a 30-minute drive north for a quaint downtown visit and excellent food. Main Street Bistro is a must.
North Shore Trail – A beautiful hike/bike trail up near Grapevine and Grapevine Lake.
Forth Worth Stockyards – You want Texas? Here’s Texas for ya. Pretty close anyway.
Stockyard Stables – Want to go horseback riding? You don’t have to go too far to Forth Worth and ride the Trinity River.
Forth Worth Water Garden – And if you go to Forth Worth, you’ll definitely want to stop downtown for a walk and visit the water garden.
Breweries? Yes.
Revolver, Rahr & Son, Martin House, DBC, Community, Wild Acre, Four Corners,
Other Links
Here are just a few other links and resources to have on hand at the conference this year.
SWW Registration (Open to Feb 8)
SWW Survival Guide (Must read)
Feb 2019 DFW Weather (50s/30s)
Going to SOLIDWORKS World? I would love to meet you. Follow @solidsmack on Twitter for SWW19 coverage and you can get a hold of me @joshmings or over on LinkedIn.
