Red Hot Sessions You’ve Got to Catch at 3DEXPERIENCE World
Happy new year! I’m excited to share some of my colleague’s sessions you don’t want to miss at 3DEXPERIENCE World this year. As you know it’s taking place soon in Houston, Texas February 1-4th.
Hot topics this year include artificial intelligence (AI), Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), Configure Price Quote (CPQ), collaboration and much more!
For those of you who don’t know me my name is Mariana St. Germain, and I joined Dassault Systèmes in 2019. I am responsible for the go-to-market planning for the SOLIDWORKS brand team. As part of this, I help launch new products and releases, working closely with my friends in the SOLIDWORKS portfolio management team. With a computer science and software product marketing background, I am fascinated by the beautiful, creative, and precise world of mechanical and electrical engineering, industrial design, and all disciplines needed to bring new products to life. I am based in Boston and when not at work, I love to hang out with my family and friends, practice yoga and meditation, hike, and travel.
In addition to the main stage events, I encourage you to check out the following sessions:
Salih Alani, Senior Product Portfolio Manager
Sal joined Dassault Systèmes in 2013 and focuses on SOLIDWORKS Design solutions, the 3DEXPEREINCE platform, and go-to market strategies.
He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Technology in Iraq, where he’s from, and a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University in Boston.
He is currently based in Waltham, MA, and lives in Stoughton with his wife and three children, who all happen to be born in January.
When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, swimming and working out. He’s also fluent in Arabic, and his friends say he’s a pool shark. You’ve likely seen him on the main stage or tearing it up on the dance floor at the social events at World.
Catch up with Sal in the following sessions:
SOLIDWORKS Admin Tips and Tricks for the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform
Monday, Feb 2 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM CST
Discover the keys to building the perfect platform setup in this session, which will cover everything from managing standard content, materials, and design libraries to structuring collaborative spaces, bookmarks, and team permissions. Learn how to align SOLIDWORKS with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s best practices for compatibility, revisions, and versioning.
This session will also explore critical admin workflows, including adding members to the tenant, assigning roles, defining content-naming rules, mapping custom attributes between SOLIDWORKS and the platform, and setting up toolboxes, materials, and file locations. Whether you’re an admin ensuring structure or a designer focused on productivity, you’ll walk away with the knowledge to streamline work, reduce errors, and unlock your team’s full potential.
A Day with a SOLIDWORKS Designer: One Platform, Limitless Collaboration – co-hosting with Priyanka Kanherkar
Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM CST
This hands-on session will cover how a SOLIDWORKS engineer can use the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to make collaboration effortless. You’ll learn how to collaborate, iterate, and publish in a single connected workflow. The session will demonstrate how engineers, non-CAD designers, and partners can all work together in a single, secure space. Specifically, participants will learn how to:
– Organize and share designs instantly with bookmarks.
– Access and load 3D content from a browser or desktop.
– Share and markup designs in real time across teams and partners.
– Collaborate directly inside of SOLIDWORKS and hand off drawings with digital stamping.
Priyanka Kanherkar, Product Portfolio Manager
Priyanka joined Dassault Systèmes in January of 2022 and is a portfolio manager focused on SOLIDWORKS Design solutions, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and the Governance portfolio. The first time she used SOLIDWORKS, she said, “she was blown away by how natural it felt to turn imagination into something you could see and build, and most importantly, the ease of use.”
She has a master’s degree in aerospace engineering and 8+ years of professional experience working in the design and data management domain.
Priyanka is originally from Mumbai, India, and is currently based in Boston. When she is not working, she enjoys cooking, hiking, and camping with her husband. She is also a trained Indian classical dancer. They recently welcomed their first son to the family, joining their adventures.
You can catch her in the following sessions:
Expand Your Horizons: What’s New and What’s Next for SOLIDWORKS Design
Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 9:30 AM – 10:15 AM CST
Discover how SOLIDWORKS designers can unlock the full value of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, working offline without interruptions, eliminating upgrade headaches, and collaborating seamlessly across teams and partners. This session highlights a full year of enhancements designed to boost productivity, improve performance, and streamline collaboration, while giving you the flexibility to keep using the CAD tools you know. Walk away with practical insights to design smarter, faster, and more collaboratively.
A Day with a SOLIDWORKS Designer: One Platform, Limitless Collaboration – co-hosting with Salih Alani
Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM CST
(see description above)
A New Approach to Design—Manage Large Assemblies Without Fear – co-hosting with Lillian Wang
This session will cover how working with large, complex assemblies can be easy with the new Selective Loading functionality in SOLIDWORKS Design solutions on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Learn tips and tricks to build reusable 3DEXPERIENCE Filters. Use these filters to load only what you need, edit at full speed, and collaborate without clashes. Accelerate reviews and drawings, while handing off cleanly to procurement and manufacturing with full traceability.
Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM CST
Mega Meetup: Women Transforming STEM – The Sky is NOT the Limit– co-hosting with Lillian Wang
Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM CST
Women are transforming the landscape of design, engineering, and PLM—but the journey isn’t always easy. Dive into the real challenges women face in STEM and tech-heavy industries, while highlighting strategies for leadership, mentorship, and upskilling. Join an inspiring conversation that encourages sharing experiences, celebrating successes, and empowering the next generation of innovators.
Lillian Wang Product Portfolio Manager
Lillian joined Dassault Systèmes in July 2024 and is a product manager who focuses on SOLIDWORKS Design solutions, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, CPQ solutions, and more. She has a Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering from Rutgers University and 7+ years of various industry experience in nuclear power systems and aftermarket automotive.
Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, skiing, and crafting. She has almost a decade of experience using SOLIDWORKS. Her presentations include the following:
CPQ: Quote Faster to Win More Business– co-presenting with Craig Therrien
Tuesday, Feb. 3rd from 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM CST
Close deals faster and build customized products right the first time. This session introduces a new Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) solution for assemble-to-order products on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. Learn how to define product options and rules, create guided sales experiences, and manage quotes, using your existing CAD models. See how approved product configurations flow to engineering – so teams can deliver one-off configurable products with less rework and shorter cycle times.
A New Approach to Design—Manage Large Assemblies Without Fear, co-presenting with Priyanka
Tuesday, Feb 3rd from 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM CST
(see description above).
Mega Meetup: Women Transforming STEM – The Sky is NOT the Limit– Co-hosting with Priyanka
Tuesday, Feb. 3 from 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM CST
(see description above)
Let’s Build the CPQ Experience!– co-presenting with Craig Therrien
Wednesday, Feb. 4th from 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM CST
(See description below)
Craig Therrien, Product Portfolio Manager
Craig has been with the company 20+ years. He joined in 2005 and is a senior product manager who works with SOLIDWORKS Design solutions, the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, and SOLIDWORKS xDesign, a fully browser-based solution.
Craig is from the Boston area and currently lives in Boxford. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and has held many positions, including designer, consultant, CAD product manager, and CAD company founder.
When he’s not working, you can find him building and riding motorcycles, and spending summers on Ossipee Lake in New Hampshire, where he enjoys boating and waterskiing with his friends, family, and his dog Jack.
You can catch Craig in the following presentations:
Combining Sub-D Surfacing and Parametric Modeling
Monday, Feb. 2nd from 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM CST
Craig will show you how you can get the best of both worlds using high-end subdivision surfacing tools combined with parametric design tools in SOLIDWORKS xDesign. This session will provide an overview and a demonstration of how to create highly stylized, ergonomically shaped designs quickly. In addition, it will cover recommended techniques for combining subdivision modeling with traditional parametric modeling.
CPQ: Quote Faster to Win More Business– co-hosting with Lillian Wang (mentioned above)
Tuesday, Feb. 3rd from 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM CST
Let’s Build the CPQ Experience! – co-hosting with Lillian Wang
Wednesday, Feb. 4th from 11:15 AM – 12:45 PM CST
Roll up your sleeves and build a working Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) experience on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform. You’ll create the options and rules, then turn a master assembly into a guided sales experience in this hands-on session. See how your existing SOLIDWORKS models can power fast quotes for the sales team, while engineering gets cleaner handoffs for one-off, configurable products. Come ready to click, preview, and say “wow, that was fast.”
Sanjeev Jacob, Product Portfolio Manager
Sanjeev joined Dassault Systèmes in August of 2023 and is a product manager who focuses on robotics, AI and electrical solutions. He has a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University and has been in the industry for almost a decade, and is passionate about robotics, manufacturing, and sustainable design. He has worked across a range of industries, including robotics and heavy industrial manufacturing, delivering innovative solutions that bridge the gap between mechanical systems and smart technologies.
He works closely with 3D Mechatronics Creator, a browser-based solution that combines mechanical, electronics, and software system design in one solution, in addition to CircuitWorks and Electrical Schematic Designer. He will lead the following presentation at 3DEXPERIENCE World:
Iterative Design Process for ECAD-MCAD Collaboration
Tuesday, Feb. 3rd from 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM CST
Break traditional ECAD-MCAD team silos and design mechatronics products faster. The conventional wall between electrical and mechanical design is a known source of rework and a major roadblock to innovation. This session will explore two powerful solutions that directly address this critical issue: 3D Mechatronics Creator and ECAD-MCAD co-design platforms. He will focus on how both products deliver the capabilities needed for true concurrent design. You will discover the distinct workflows and features of both systems, providing a clear understanding of how these cutting-edge solutions can foster seamless collaboration and accelerate your design cycle.
Kishore Pagidi, Product Portfolio Manager
Kishore joined Dassault Systèmes in 2023 and is a product portfolio manager who focuses on AI-assisted workflows and generative capabilities for SOLIDWORKS Design solutions. He is passionate about AI that respects engineering intent, builds trust, and helps engineers move from concept to validated design faster without taking control away from the user.
With a background in robotics and mechanical systems, he works at the intersection of physics-based design, automation, and generative AI to help engineers reduce repetitive work and focus on higher-value design decisions.
Outside of work, Kishore enjoys playing tennis and hiking. He also spends time “vibe coding,” meaning he rapidly prototypes small tools and product ideas end-to-end, usually in a weekend sprint, to explore a concept, test UX flows, and learn what feels intuitive before it becomes a formal product effort.
At 3DEXPERIENCE World, Kishore is looking forward to connecting directly with engineers and learning how AI is being used in real production environments.
He keeps a close watch on both macro- and micro-level trends in AI and CAD, using those insights to shape long-term product strategy and near-term execution. You can catch him in the following sessions:
Designing in the Age of AI: From Ideation to Final Design – co-hosted with Milos Zupanski
Monday, Feb 2nd from 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM CST
This presentation will showcase how SOLIDWORKS, powered by AI, is transforming the design process from the ground up. See how AI helps designers in real time by automating repetitive modeling tasks, predicting design intent, suggesting needed assembly structures, and closing the gap between design and manufacturing, helping you make smarter choices faster. Whether you’re an engineer, designer, or CAD manager, this session will show how SOLIDWORKS AI keeps you focused on creativity and innovation, not repetition. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience how design gets smarter with AI.
SOLIDWORKS Virtual AI Companion in Action: AURA – co-hosted by Milos Zupanski
Monday, Feb. 2nd from 4:15 PM – 5:00 PM CST
You will never design alone again! Meet AURA, the new AI virtual companion in SOLIDWORKS (on the platform) that reveals knowledge and know-how by discovering, teaching, and working for you. From clarifying industry best practices to revealing company-specific guidelines, AURA will answer your design questions throughout the product development process, making you a better designer. Concerned about security? AURA discloses only information an end user actually has access to, ensuring that your projects stay secret. Come and see how AURA will help you stay informed, know more, and do more.
Kurt Lundstedt, Roles Portfolio Director
This year will mark 26 years since Kurt joined Dassault Systèmes in 2000, and this will be his 25th time attending the annual user event. (Go Kurt!)
He has a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a minor in industrial design from the University of Illinois. Kurt got interested in design while taking drafting in high school. He started studying architecture, then switched to industrial design, and after being intrigued by how products work, he studied engineering. He started his career designing plastic and metal components for the appliance industry where he got his first exposure to using CAD in the late 1980s.
Kurt is from Chicago, Illinois, where he currently resides. When he is not working, he enjoys walking his dog, working on home improvement projects, and exercising.
He specializes in product data management (PDM) solutions and will lead the following sessions:
What’s New in SOLIDWORKS Manage 2026
Monday, Feb. 2 from 5:15 PM – 6:00 PM CST
This session will cover the new features in SOLIDWORKS Manage 2026. This will be an open discussion so participants can ask questions and suggest features they would like to see in future releases.
Customer Journey to the 3DEXPERIENCE Platform: Real Stories
Tuesday, Feb. 3rd from, 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM CST
Many customers are looking to take advantage of the expanded capabilities of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform by transitioning their data from SOLIDWORKS PDM or file systems. This session shares customer experiences, their motivations, and the benefits they’ve realized after the move.
Change Management Masterclass: Design Review Through Issues and Change Action – co-hosted by Victor Florindo
Wednesday, Feb. 4th from 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM CST
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform, with its PLM capabilities, enables SOLIDWORKS users to implement and adopt processes to perform lifecycle management of their products, and one of the most important processes is change management. In this session, we will practice, step-by-step, the first level of implementation of change management processes through issue reports and change actions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to sport your red and connect with this knowledgeable group of professionals. These are just a few of the sessions led by the SOLIDWORKS portfolio management team. Stay tuned for our next blog on product sessions on our browser-based roles you won’t want to miss.
There’s still time to register! Check out the event page to learn more at www.3dexperienceworld.com.
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