Networking at WFIC 2024
WFIC offers many unique opportunities for networking with the global financial information community. During the 3.5+ days of the conference delegates will have ample time to meet new industry contacts and deepen existing relationships in a variety of settings. As you make your travel plans, please be sure to review the details below. You may register for these events as you register to attend the conference, or you can revisit your registration to include these items at a later date. Please note that the tours have limited capacity.
Saturday, September 14
Best of Austin & The Hill Country Tour
9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Exact timing is tentative): –*Optional Event/Additional Fee of $275 USD Required
Enjoy a full day of networking with colleagues as you experience the culture and history of Texas!
The essential Central Texas detour! We start with a city overview, showing you all the major landmarks, and then leave the tourist areas for the “real” Austin where you’ll see hidden gems only a local would know about. Hear about the lifestyle, food, music, and history while zipping around the city’s best areas.
Then we’ll head for the hills, literally, as we wind through our beautiful Hill Country. Wildflowers and wineries dot the landscape, and you feel as if you’ve entered a different world. Finally, we’ll arrive at the most famous BBQ pit in Central Texas – The Salt Lick. You’ll experience why 2,000 people a day flock here to indulge on famous brisket and out of this world sides.
If you only have one day to “see it all” then this is the detour for you!
Minimum number of seats available and we expect to sell out quickly so reserve your spot early!
*Please note that a minimum number of registrants has to be reached in order to proceed with this activity. If minimum number is not achieved, FISD will cancel this activity and refund paying attendees accordingly.
UT Longhorns v UTSA Roadrunners – FULL
5:00 p.m. – : *Optional Event/Additional Fee of $60 USD Required
As a special treat, FISD is thrilled to announce a small batch of UT- Austin football tickets available for purchase at $60/pp (no transportation or food will be provided at the game).There is a limit of one ticket per delegate. To add an activity to your registration, please contact James Gerald.
Sunday, September 15
Real Austin City Tour – FULL
9:30 am – 12:30 pm (Tentative): – *Optional Event/Additional Fee of $125 USD Required
Join fellow conference attendees as you are guided through the fascinating sights of Austin!
Note: Certain portions of the tour require some walking. Lunch is NOT Included.
Discover the best of the city in just a few hours! This fast-paced “bucket list” tour gives visitors a great snapshot of Austin: get dizzy gazing upward at the Capitol’s dome, indulge in a decadent treat from a local Austin eatery, explore cool outdoor art, snap photos at city landmarks, and check out funky neighborhoods only a local would know about. This detour is jam-packed with facts, history, and trivia on everything from Whole Foods to the UT campus, and everyone from Michael Dell to Willie Nelson. By the time you’re done with this tour, you’ll be able to say you “get” Austin – the history, people, music, culture, food and what keeps it “weird.” If you’re looking for a snappy quick overview of the city, or just need to prove to the social media universe you were in Austin this is the detour for you!
The guests are transferred back to the hotel after the tour.
Minimum number of seats available and we expect to sell out quickly so reserve your spot early!
*Please note that a minimum number of registrants has to be reached in order to proceed with this activity. If minimum number is not achieved, FISD will cancel this activity and refund paying attendees accordingly.
Music History Tour
9:30 am – 12:30 pm (Tentative): – * Optional Event/Additional Fee of $175 USD Required
Join fellow conference attendees as you discover Austin’s musical heritage and what makes it the Live Music Capital of the World!
Note: Certain portions require some walking. Lunch is NOT Included.
Discover Austin’s musical heritage and what makes us the Live Music Capital of the World. Austin’s live music tradition is unrivaled just about anywhere on earth, and our Music History of Austin tour uncovers the history behind the hype. We’ll weave around town visiting key heritage neighborhoods and musical sites, starting at 6th Street, the epicenter of today’s nightlife scene, and then going back in time to where it all started in the 1800’s at Scholz Biergarten. We’ll trace our steps through via the historic Victory Grill, the Armadillo World Headquarters, Saxon Pub and the Moody Theater, home to ACL Live. Hear about Austin legends such as Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, Stevie Ray Vaughan and modern-day local celebrities such as Bob Schneider, Malford Milligan and Guy Forsyth!
Minimum number of seats available and we expect to sell out quickly so reserve your spot early!
*Please note that a minimum number of registrants has to be reached in order to proceed with this activity. If minimum number is not achieved, FISD will cancel this activity and refund paying attendees accordingly.
Sponsor and Customer-Only Cocktail Reception
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm:
This exclusive gathering between WFIC sponsors and consumer* delegates at the Hilton Austin will give sponsors extra exposure to customer firms.
*Consumers planning to take advantage of the consumer travel stipend program must attend this reception.
Welcome Reception Sponsored by LSEG Data & Analytics
6:00pm – 8:00 pm:
The “official” kickoff of WFIC! Meet your industry contacts and colleagues at the Hilton Austin. We recommend that all delegates arrive in time to attend the Welcome Reception. It’s the first opportunity to meet the entire WFIC community in one place.
FISD Rising Star Happy Hour, Sponsored by Bloomberg
8:00pm – 9:30 pm:
Rising Stars are invited to join FISD at the Austin Taco Project for drinks, games, networking and fun. Capacity is limited. To secure your spot, please email kellis@siia.net.
MONDAY, September 16
Networking Lunch
Meet and confer with colleagues in a relaxing atmosphere during the networking lunch.
Award Celebration & Off-Site Reception
Recognition of Rising Star Fellows, sponsored by ICE
The FISD Rising Stars program provides support and targeted activities to newer entrants to the financial information industry. WFIC 2024 marks the first time FISD has recognized our industry’s rising stars through the WFIC Fellow program. We will introduce the five fellowship winners as the inaugural group of WFIC Fellows.
The Financial Information Lifetime Achievement Award was established in order to recognize an individual who has contributed to the major developments and accomplishments of the financial information industry over the past 25 years. The award presentation will be held on-site at the conference hotel, the Hilton Austin.
Following the awards presentation, the party will move off-site to Bull & Bowl for a festive reception (sponsored by Bloomberg & ICE) to honor the awardee and our Rising Star Fellows. Bull & Bowl is known as the ultimate playground for grownups, so wear your comfy shoes and come ready to have fun!
Suggested dress code is casual.
TUESDAY, September 17
Networking Lunch
Meet and confer with colleagues in a relaxing atmosphere during the networking lunch.
Networking Reception Sponsored by Deutsche Boerse Group
Join colleagues for an evening of networking at the Hilton Austin! We’ll welcome the whole WFIC crew—stay tuned for surprises.
Suggested dress code is casual. Afterwards, head out for a night on the town in Austin!
WEDNESDAY, September 18
Farewell Networking Reception, sponsored by CME Group
12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Enjoy afternoon refreshments and post conference banter at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden – an Austin classic, and a wonderful place to eat, drink and hang out. Not too rowdy, not too laid back, just a good old fashioned good time!
