SolidWorks Legion

Jeff Ray, CEO of DS SolidWorks Corp kicked off SolidWorks World 2010 with news that Dassault Systemes is becoming more important in SolidWorks. He then introduced Bernard Charles, CEO of Dassault Systemes, who talked about the menu of products they offer. He declared, “Catia is virtual products”. This plays into the goal of bringing lifelike experience to everyone. He also stated that “3D is going to be a part of our lives”, including the areas of research, consumers, engineering and education.

After showing off a cool electric hot rod designed in-house at SolidWorks in collaboration with Factory Five Racing, they announced the launch of a new website where such future projects can be suggested and worked upon: http://letsgodesign.tv, which may be worked into a new TV show soon.

We saw an update of Terrafugia and the first successful flight of their new flying transition car. It was also announced that Microwind attracted the attention of Branson’s company and that Microwind expanded their use of Dassault Systemes products to include Catia.

Walt Disney Imagineering uses SolidWorks for every ride, including the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Hollywood Tower Hotel, Monters, Inc ride in Tokyo, and the new Mark 7 Monorail here in Anaheim.

Jeff Ray talked about SolidWorks Corp’s stand to not layoff any employees during last year’s downturn. In fact, they actually increased their investment into R&D, reinforcing comments that he made back in August 2009.

Fifty-one weeks ago, SolidWorks World 2009 concluded with the announcement that SolidWorks World 2010 would be in Anaheim, CA (aka Disneyland Land). Since then, time has flown by so quickly, it seems like the 2009 convention in Florida was only a couple months ago. But, there are lessons learned since last year.

As a SolidWorks Blogger who is invited to SolidWorks World as press, I should not expect the luxury of attending very many breakout sessions. I will still try to attend as many as I can, though I am double and triple booked for many time slots. On the other hand, I do get see behind the scenes. The press room is an interesting place. Also, I get to freely interact with other users, vendors, VARs and SolidWorks employees.

People recognize me. I would like to apologize in advance to those that I do not recognize at first. I am not good at remembering faces; and notoriously bad at remembering names.

The only winkle so far is that I forgot my business cards! (I am also notoriously bad at remembering to bring my business cards.) Thankfully, my wife will be sending them to me tomorrow. Hopefully, I’ll receive them before the end of the conference.

I’m looking forward to a lot of things this year at SolidWorks World 2010. Seeing James Cameron; presenting as part of the Stump the Chumps II panel (and giving out tons of swag at that breakout session…thanks to both SolidWorks Corp and Hawk Ridge Systems); seeing new game-changing inventions (at the Partner Pavilion and highlighted in the General Sessions); meeting (and reconnecting) with friends; and learning something new. I try to cover has much of this as I can in the coming days.