FileMaker DevCon 2018 Day 0: Going Strong at 23

Everyone has annual events they look forward to.

For those in the midwest, the annual Duck Tape Festival on Father’s Day weekend might be a highlight they cannot wait for.

For others, the Grumpy Old Men Festival in Wabasha, MN is a happening not to be missed.

But, for the close knit and ever-growing group of FileMaker developers and users, the annual FileMaker Developer Conference (DevCon) is the event they circle in anticipation on their calendars. Attendees converge to network, to learn, to see old friends (perhaps on the lazy river at the adjacent Paradise Springs water park) and to celebrate the FileMaker platform.

So, on behalf of FileMaker, Inc. — Welcome to Dallas and DevCon 2018!!!

Why Blog?

Check back every day starting Sunday night / Monday morning for a recap of the previous day’s festivities as well as a preview of the day to come — including tips and suggestions to get the most of your time here in Dallas.

Steve Who?

For those who do not know me, my name is Steve Romig. This is my 14th DevCon and my 11th consecutive one. I have been involved in many different aspects of DevCon over the years — from being part of the Developer Relations team that (at one time) was responsible for the setup and smooth operations of DevCon, to participating in the opening keynote one year and conducting a session another year, to helping out in Tech Support Central the last several years. In all, I have experienced all things DevCon, from different perspectives, and hope to pass on my insights to you all.

It takes a (small) village

Planning for this year’s conference began before last year’s conference even started. From managing vendors to planning menus to on-site visits, there are are countless details that go into planing DevCon. While the conference itself starts, for most, on Monday the 6th, the physical setup began on Wednesday the 1st when a small group of FileMaker, Inc. employees arrived at the Gaylord Texan Resort to start preparing for what will be our best conference ever.

Allow me to give you a brief, behind the scenes tour of some of the goings on leading up to the conference.

As much as we hoped for some magical, overnight help from the Smurfs at the resort, the conference bags did not prepare themselves. We setup an assembly line and put together the 1300+ conference bags that are waiting for you at registration. Wonder what 1300+ prepared conference bags might look like — wonder no more.

Same holds true for all your conference badges. Badges needed to be verified, alphabetized and categorized based on whether you are participating in training or just conference sessions. Be sure you check into the proper line when you get to registration to streamline your check-in process. We will have signs and people to assist you every step of the way.

TIP:You will be handed three (3) “tokens” when you arrive at registration that can be used anytimeregistration is open to redeem:

1. A license key for use with FileMaker Pro 17 Advanced, your two drink tickets, and a DevCon luggage tag.
2. Your conference bag
3. Your conference shirt — redeemable beginning on Tuesday after the special session so hold onto it until then!!!

And remember, the lanyard for your conference badge doubles as a cable to assist in charging your compatible mobile device(s).

And finally, preparations continue in the Longhorn F ballroom to get the Product Showcase ready for you to visit with 15+ exhibitors as well as FileMaker staff. Longhorn F is also where you will enjoy all scheduled conference meals.

GOT AN iphone / ipad — then you need devcon2go

Remember to download DevCon2Go(and FileMaker Go 17) for all the latest information about DevCon. It is a super useful tool for a number of reasons — including being able to mark the sessions and events you do not want to miss using the “Schedule” tab.

Any while not specifically designed for your computer, DevCon2Go can also be installed on macOS and Windows machines running FileMaker Pro 17 Advanced. This is useful for those who might want to open it up and look “under the hood” using a Full Access username and password.

Sunday Night is DevCon Speaker Appreciation Night

DevCon would not be the success it is without the hard work of our speakers and presenters. We acknowledge their sweat and tears as much as we can — including having a special dinner just for them Sunday night.

Do you have aspirations to become a DevCon speaker? We are always looking for new speakers and invite anyone to submit a speaker proposal and be part of DevCon 2019 and beyond. Typically, we begin the speaker selection process toward the end of the calendar year so you have plenty of time to come up with that amazing session idea.

Be a “Brainy” Smurf during your stay at the Gaylord Texan Resort

After being here a few days, the FileMaker, Inc. “setup team” came up with our own tips for navigating the hotel and conference rooms.

One of our favorite tips is a “shortcut” to the Tate Ballroom (where the Opening Keynote and other “big” sessions are taking place.) This shortcut does involve getting some fresh air and walking out the main lobby doors and heading to your left along the sidewalk. 70 steps later (I counted) you will see signs to the Tate Ballroom and doors on your left. Once inside, hop on the escalator and you’ll be there!

Speaking of signs, the hotel signage is outstanding and will get you anywhere you need to go. Remember to follow the “Conference Center” (and FileMaker) signs to make it to the area of the hotel where the sessions and the Product Showcase are located.

And finally, if you have some downtime and are looking to leave the resort, transportation is available (for a small fee) to take you to Grapevine where you can shop and eat in a charming “old” town setting. Simply follow the signs for the “Trolley” located near the Cocoa Bean Express Cafe off the main lobby.

Monday’s DevCon Highlights

There is a lot going on during the first official day of the conference that you will not want to miss.

• For those who signed up for it, Monday is training dayin the various Texas ballrooms from 8:30AM to 4:30PM. Sessions for beginners, intermediate, and advanced users are offered throughout the day. Check DevCon2Go or the DevCon websitefor scheduling information. If you are interested in some training sessions but have not signed up, swing by the registration desk for more information.
• If this is your first year at DevCon or you have not been to DevCon in awhile, you will want to check in on the New Attendee Meetupin Texas A from 5PM to 6PM. Here you can get tips on how to navigate DevCon and plan a schedule tailored just for you and your FileMaker development needs.
• Historically, one of the high points of DevCon is the Opening Keynote. The FileMaker team will give you an exclusive sneak peek at what lies ahead in the Tate Ballroom beginning at 6:30PM.
• Immediately after the Opening Keynote (remember to use the shortcut) is the Welcome Reception in the Longhorn F Exhibit Hall from 8:00PM to 9:30PM. It is here where you can connect and network with the DevCon community and meet exhibitors, FileMaker staff, and other developers from around the world while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks.

Stay tuned…we are just getting started!