Calling all Claris FileMaker developers! Get ready for Claris Engage 2025, the biggest FileMaker event of the year, happening in Austin, Texas! (Check out the official info here.)
Making the Most of Your Trip
Whether you’re a Claris Engage veteran or a first-timer, this guide has everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.
Finding Your Home Base
First things first, you’ll need a place to stay. While there’s no official conference hotel, the website recommends several great options in The Domain, a popular area in Austin. These hotels offer the convenience of shuttle buses to the conference center:
- Aloft Austin at the Domain
- Archer Hotel Austin at the Domain
- Element Austin at the Domain
- Home2 Suites Austin
- Lone Star Court Austin
- Renaissance Austin Hotel (This is a good option if you prefer not to rent a car.)
If you’re bringing your own wheels, here are a couple of other hotels to consider:
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin Northwest/Research Blvd
- Residence Inn by Marriott Austin
What to Pack
Leave the suit and tie at home! Engage is business casual, but pack layers as the Austin weather in February can be unpredictable.
Fueling Up
No need to worry about going hungry. Engage provides breakfast and lunch during the conference. The welcome reception on the first night also has food and drinks. For other meals, you can explore the many restaurants in The Domain or nearby areas.
Planning Your Days
The Engage schedule is available online (link to Claris Engage Sessions). Here’s a quick rundown of the event:
- Day 1 (Tuesday, March 25): Breakfast and keynote address at the Renaissance Austin Hotel, followed by sessions and the after-party at the Apple Conference Center.
- Day 2 (Wednesday, March 26): Sessions, expo hall, and closing reception at the Apple Conference Center.
- Day 3 (Thursday, March 27): Optional training day (additional fee) at the Apple Conference Center.
Pro Tips for Conference Success
- Sessions fill up fast, so register for the ones you want in advance. This ensures you get a spot in the larger rooms for the most popular talks.
- Don’t forget, the sessions are recorded! If you can’t be in two places at once, you can always catch up later.
- Engage is a great place to learn, but it’s not the only resource. You’ll also meet a ton of helpful people and get inspired by the possibilities of FileMaker. After the conference, use the provided resources and practice your new skills to become a FileMaker pro!
- Charge up! The days are long, and your laptop battery might not last. Bring a charger or use your phone’s low power mode to conserve battery.
- Come prepared with questions! Take notes about anything you’re unsure about in FileMaker and get expert advice from the people at Engage.
Fun After Hours
Make the most of your time in Austin! Here are some cool places to hang out with friends after the conference:
- TopGolf (entertainment complex with golfing and games) 2700 Esperanza Crossing Austin, TX
- K1 Indoor Game Carts 2500 Mc Hale Ct, Austin, TX 78758
- Dave and Buster’s (arcade and restaurant) 9333 Research Blvd Service Rd #A600, Austin, TX 78759
- Museum of Illusions Austin 11010 Domain Dr #100, Austin, TX
Key Takeaways
Claris Engage is all about learning, networking, and getting inspired. No matter your experience level, there’s always something new to discover. Don’t get overwhelmed by the information overload – meet new people, connect with colleagues, and have some fun!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. Have a fantastic time at Claris Engage 2025!
Tim Cimbura – CEO, CFO and Software Engineer
Tim is an expert in creating custom business solutions that make businesses more effective, productive, and profitable. He specializes in rapid application development with Claris FileMaker, Laravel, and WordPress. He also knows Apple macOS technology inside and out.