Growing Our Staff Through Continuing Education

Two of the Cultural Values at Etica group are Empower and Talent. What do those mean?

Empower: Performing with the necessary tools, knowledge, ability and authority to achieve success.

Talent: Creating professional pathways for current and future generations to advance industry expertise.

One way we live these values is by ensuring staff attend industry conferences to advance their understanding of the work they do. Recently, Chris Mabus and Philippe Hain attended AutoDesk University. See below about their experience.

What did you enjoy most? 

Chris: There's an energy and excitement that builds as AU approaches each year. I particularly enjoy the opportunity to discover new workflows and get early previews of upcoming features that will shape how we work. Beyond the technical aspects, it's that combination of learning and community that makes the conference special.

Philippe: This was my first time at an AU conference. I really appreciated having so many industries represented in one place. It was informative to discuss the pros and cons of my own field while also learning about the perspectives of related industries that we collaborate with regularly.

What is one thing you have begun to implement based on what you learned? 

Chris: I've started integrating AI into my workflow, specifically using it to write LISP routines through Python code that I can implement directly into Civil 3D to streamline some of our processes.

Philippe: I attended a conference focused on workflow optimization and how Etica can adapt to an ever-evolving technological landscape. The sessions not only helped me identify ways to streamline our current processes but also gave me a better understanding of what other disciplines are seeking—and how we can incorporate those approaches effectively.

One key takeaway was the importance of choosing tools and technologies that support long-term growth rather than adopting solutions that may become obsolete within a year. The AU Conference helped narrow down several promising paths aimed at enhancing efficiency and supporting sustainable growth within Etica Group’s Architecture and Civil departments.

How did the conference compare to other conferences you have been to? 

Chris: AU is the only industry conference I've attended, so I don't have a direct comparison point. Based on what I've heard from colleagues who attend multiple conferences, AU stands out for its unique combination of technical depth, practical application and direct access to product development teams.

Philippe: This was the first conference I’ve attended, and after such a positive experience, I plan to attend more in the future.

Anything else you want to share? 

Chris: AI has obviously been the dominant theme over the past few years, but I think 2027 could be a transformational release. With AI integration, it’s going to change how we approach design and engineering projects.

Philippe: Like with anything in life, you have to seek out more than what’s simply given. After many of the presentations and speeches at the AU event, I spoke with several of the speakers afterward, and I have to say — they were all open, engaging and eager to share even more about their subjects. I really appreciated and enjoyed that.