Venue & travel
Your FAST26: Austin experience starts long before you walk through the doors. We know many of you will be traveling to join us, and we’re here to help every step of the way. Below you’ll find essential details, planning resources, and local guides to make your trip smooth and stress-free.
Austin Marriott Downtown
304 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Room block reminder
Downtown fills quickly. Book early if you want to stay onsite.
Discounted rate: $259
Rate guaranteed until April 28 or sold out
Map / directions
Best arrival: rideshare drop-off. Driving? See parking info below.
Pro tip:
Austin, Texas is in the Central Standard Time Zone.
AVOID downtown traffic during high traffic windows.
Mornings | 7:00 am – 9: 00 am CST (FAST | MAINSTAGE™ begins at 8:00 am CST)
Evenings | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm CST
Getting here
Skim this section in 30 seconds. The goal is clarity—not paragraphs.
Airport (AUS)
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport is the primary airport. Typical ride to the hotel is 15–25 minutes depending on traffic.
Rideshare pickup tip:
Follow “Rideshare” signs. Your app will route you to the exact pickup point.
💡 Surge pricing tip:
If prices spike, wait 10–15 minutes, or walk to a less congested pickup zone. Prices tend to normalize fast.
Getting around
Downtown is walkable. If you’re staying at the Marriott, you can do this trip without a car.
- Walkable: Lake trail, Rainey, Congress
- Quick rideshare: South Congress, East Austin
- Night surge: pair up + split rides
💡 Late-night move:
Rideshares surge MUCH HIGHER after midnight. If you’re out late, leave 15–20 minutes earlier than you think, or share the ride and split the cost.
Weather & packing
Austin can be HOT. Conference rooms can be cold. Pack for both.
- Light jacket (when AC is too much)
- Comfortable shoes
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses
Hydration tip:
Hydrate the day before travel. Air travel + Austin heat + conference pace sneaks up fast.
💡 Rain note:
Pop-up storms happen in Austin. A compact umbrella, or rain pancho is definitely a “just in case” item that's worth bringing.
Parking
Two choices. Pay for convenience (valet), or optimize cost (nearby garage).
At the hotel
Valet is usually the simplest onsite option. Rates can vary - confirm rates before arrival
Check the hotel website, or call them at: (512) 457-1111)
- Valet: check current on the hotel website
- EV charging: typically via valet (availability varies)
Daily commuter tip:
If you’re driving in each day, a nearby garage + short walk is often the best value.
Nearby garages (cost saver)
Reserve ahead for better pricing, especially during downtown events.
How to do it well
Search near the hotel address and pick a garage within a short walk.
Important info:
Some parking garages restrict overnight parking. Make sure to read the parking garage rules to avoid towing.
Accessibility
We want FAST26 to work for everyone. If you need accommodations, tell us early and we’ll handle it.
We're here to help!
- Reserved seating / mobility access
- Dietary needs
- Quiet space / private nursing space
- ASL / CART (advanced notice required)
Timing note:
Reach out at least 2 weeks before the event when possible so we can coordinate smoothly.
A team dedicated to your experience
Use one consistent contact so nothing gets lost.
We’re honored to support you at FAST26: Austin. Our team is available before, during, and after the event to assist with any needs. If you require accommodations, please reach out as early as possible so we can plan ahead and serve you well.