Networking Opportunities at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026

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Mark your calendars — 3DEXPERIENCE World returns to Houston, Texas, from February 1–4, 2026, at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Beyond the keynotes, product announcements, and deep-dive technical sessions, one of the event’s greatest strengths is the opportunity to connect with old friends, new colleagues, and fellow SOLIDWORKS users.

If you want to get the most out of your time in Houston, here’s your guide to maximizing your networking efforts at 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026.

Why Networking Matters (Especially in 2026)

In an era when remote work and hybrid collaboration are the norm, in-person connections are more valuable than ever. At 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026, you’ll find:

  • A global community of designers, engineers, makers, and innovators, all sharing a common language of CAD.
  • Opportunities to bounce ideas, share challenges, and learn new workflows directly from your peers.
  • Access to speakers, product developers, and Dassault Systèmes leaders — many of whom stay around the floor after sessions and welcome conversation.
  • Unstructured time built into the event for serendipitous conversations — in the hallways, at meals, or in the Playground.

Key Networking Touchpoints to Watch For

Here are some networking highlights you’ll want to bookmark when the full agenda is published in early November:

1. Meetup Sessions

Like previous years, 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 will offer a rich slate of Meetup sessions, pairing topic-focused discussion with networking.

What to expect:

  • Fireside chats with SOLIDWORKS leadership.
  • Industry-specific roundtables (e.g. Life Sciences, Robotics, Industrial Equipment).
  • Community-led sessions (e.g., Makers, First-Timers, Startups).
  • Speed-networking events and “Ask Me Anything” panels.

These sessions create structured chances to meet people who share your interests or challenges.

2. The Hive & The Playground

The Hive will once again serve as a social hub. This year, it will be located outside of the Playground, ensuring that conference goers can access this space at all times. You will find comfortable seating and an inviting atmosphere that fosters meaningful conversations in a quieter setting. The First Timers Meetup and The Core Podcast will also take place in The Hive. Drop in to meet a User Group Leader or a SOLIDWORKS Champion and look for the 3DEXPERIENCE World Ambassador shirts!

The Playground

This is the official gathering place for the event. The Playground will showcase the latest and greatest products and services, while providing a unique opportunity to network with SOLIDWORKS experts, partners, makers, and other like-minded users. Model Mania, The Shop Floor, The Maker Zone, and much more! Exhibitor booths often host demos, mini-talks, or drop-in Q&A opportunities. Use those as conversation starters to make the most of your time at 3DEXPERIENCE World.

3. Social Events & Evening Gatherings

Evening receptions, party nights, and partner events are staples of 3DEXPERIENCE World. These provide a more relaxed setting for mingling and building relationships beyond the formal sessions.

4. Certification & Learning Hubs

If you’re planning to take a SOLIDWORKS certification exam during the event, be sure to arrive early or stay afterward — many people arrive early or linger in the certification area, which naturally leads to more conversation.

Likewise, breakout rooms before and after training sessions can be rich networking zones. Someone’s always willing to chat about “what just blew their mind” from the session.

5. Student & Early Career Opportunities

For students and early-career attendees, 3DEXPERIENCE World is an opportunity to connect with mentors, hiring managers, or future collaborators. Many attendees working in various industries love helping and mentoring students. Be bold, introduce yourself, and ask questions.

 

Tips to Get the Most from Networking

  • Pre-plan your schedule, but stay flexible. Identify the meetups and sessions you absolutely want — but leave gaps for walking around the floor or bumping into people.
  • Bring business cards or digital contact info. Even in a digital age, a quick QR-code or card exchange helps. Tape your QR code to the back of your badge.
  • Show up early and linger. People often arrive before sessions start — a great chance to strike up a conversation.
  • Use the event app & community platform. Sign in to the 3DEXPERIENCE World app and use it ahead of time to see who’s attending and arrange meetups. Do the same on the SOLIDWORKS User Forums.
  • Join a SOLIDWORKS User Group. Visit SWUGN.org to join the group closest to you. This will put you way ahead of the networking curve long before you pack your bags for Houston. Be on the lookout for exclusive SWUGN events at 3DEXPERIENCE World.
  • Follow up after the event. Within a few days, send a quick “Great to meet you” — even a short message can strengthen a new relationship.

Final Thoughts

While the full 2026 agenda may evolve, sessions are being shortened to 45 minutes to make content more focused — less time in session means more time for hallway discussion and connections. 3DEXPERIENCE World is always a whirlwind of content, innovation, and conversation, but what often leaves a lasting impact is who you met and what new ideas you carried home.

If you’re attending 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026, come with curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to talk to strangers. You never know which conversation will spark your next big move.

 

Dan Wagner

Dan Wagner

Dan is manager of the SOLIDWORKS User Group Network (SWUGN). he has spent over 12 years in the reseller channel providing technical support to SOLIDWORKS users, teaching SOLIDWORKS classes, and delivering marketing & sales presentations to new and experienced SOLIDWORKS users. He is a Certified SOLIDWORKS Expert and is thrilled to continue serving the SOLIDWORKS community for many years to come.