Claris FileMaker 2025 Roundtable

New FileMaker Versions Are Here
Not just a major version update, but also two minor updates to the Claris FileMaker platform have been released since we last had an open discussion. There's many new features to discuss. We're probably not going to have time to delve deeply into most of them, but that's ok. There's already tons of deep dives into individual features already up on fmtraining.tv, YouTube and elsewhere.

We're not going to pile on with more recorded online content. We're going to focus on helping YOU.

Instead of making more YouTube content about FileMaker 2025, we're asking you to bring your questions, your insights, your concerns and most importantly, yourself to Marina City on September 5th. We're going to have an open discussion of new features, new bugs, and how the product shapes up against the rapidly evolving needs of our clients.

This is a free, in-person only meeting and won't be recorded.

So, do you have a question that you don't want recorded for your boss to hear? Ask us instead. Got an idea you need to red team but don't want your competition to catch wind of it? We can help. Just want to know what's new and don't want to watch YouTube? Come hang out.

Schedule:
9:30 AM - room opens early for social time
10 AM - discussion
11 AM - break
11:15 AM - discussion

HOW TO GET TO THE MEETING ROOM ON THE 20TH FLOOR OF THE EAST TOWER OF MARINA CITY (300 North State Street):

Getting yourself to a meeting downtown can be a fun and pleasant experience if you plan ahead!

METRA
If you are coming from the suburbs, taking the Metra train is recommended. Marina City is a 25-30 minute walk or a $10-12 cab ride from Ogilvie and Union stations. If you’re walking, cross the river and walk north on Wacker until it curves to the right (east). If the weather is nice, take the stairs down to the riverwalk to maximize your experience. Then, continue to follow the river to the east until you see two iconic buildings that look like giant corn cobs. The meeting is on the 20th floor of the East Tower, the building on the right.

DRIVING
If you would prefer to drive, discounted valet parking is available at $20 for 12 hours (Sully has passes). Use 300 N State St. as your destination in your preferred mapping app. Once there, pull into the large ramp upward toward the Hotel Chicago and House of Blues on the west side of State Street. Follow the yellow lines that curve left toward valet parking. Use any lane to pull up as far as you can toward the glass domed valet stand. Then, turn off your car and wait for an attendant.

CTA (the L)
The closest L stop is Clark and Lake. Find the river (north of the L stop), walk to it and look for the corn cobs.

Getting Inside The Building:
To enter the building, you must first go to the concourse. This can be confusing, as the concourse is below street level. There are three entrances to the concourse level.

• On State Street, at 300 N State, below street level.
• On Dearborn Street, at 323 N Dearborn, below street level.
• In the glass dome that houses the valet stand.

Once on the concourse level, look for the EAST tower security office. Tell the lobby guard you are here for a CAFDA meeting on the 20th floor. Be prepared to show a photo ID and sign into a guest book. Then, use any of the five elevators to go to the 20th floor.

STATE STREET EMERGENCY BRIDGE REPAIR
Additionally, please note that the State Street Bridge has been closed for emergency repairs since April. Both cars and pedestrians will not be allowed on the bridge until mid November. If you’re walking East along the river from the train station, use the Dearborn bridge and concourse entrance instead of State Street. Don’t just wait until you hit State Street and hope to cross there! There is no vehicle or pedestrian access to the State Street Bridge. Sorry! Pick another bridge (please don't try to swim).

Access to Marina City’s valet parking is indeed still open, albeit only by traveling through the intersection of State and Kinzie. Your destination address remains the same. Just be careful that your mapping app doesn’t try to route you over the closed bridge.