With the conference fast approaching, we wanted to share some insider tips for the weekend. This mini-guide shares some of the best Waterloo has to offer. From breakfasts to late-nights, there's something for everyone.

Getting here and parking

Leave early! The city's central corridor is under construction due to Waterloo Region's new light rail system. In many places, primary roads are entirely closed. Be sure to check the latest updates and allow extra time for getting to Fluxible venues.

For details about parking, download this handy 2-page PDF of Fluxible at a glance. It includes maps, parking instructions, and a summary of the schedule. Our Locations page includes other tips worth checking out as well — such as information on airports, for those of you flying in for Fluxible.

Venues

You're in for a treat, as the Fluxible program takes place at some great venues.

Hub-BannerFluxible Workshops: Communitech Hub

Both morning and afternoon workshops on Friday take place at the Communitech Hub in Kitchener’s innovation district. This beautiful space in the newly-renovated Lang Tannery building is the physical heart of the region’s buzzing tech scene, making it an ideal place for diving deep into design and UX.

cigi-frontFluxible Conference: The CIGI Auditorium

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) strives to be the world’s leading think tank on international governance. Its campus is a hub of study and research, based in an architecturally award-winning building that will be our home for Fluxible Conference 2016.

shopify-plusFluxible Conference (Party venue): Shopify Plus

Our Saturday night party takes place in a renovated, yellow-brick barrel warehouse located in the heart of Uptown Waterloo. Once part of the original Seagram Distillery, it’s now home to Shopify Plus. Bonus: this award-winning venue is a hop and a skip from the CIGI auditorium and Delta Hotel.

Breakfast options

Fluxible has you covered for delicious lunches, snacks, and Saturday night dinner. Breakfast is your call, though, so we’re sharing some of our local favourites.

  • Cora: Sometimes weary conference goers need something to steady themselves in the morning and remind them of home. Cora's breakfast is well known, always satisfying, plated pretty, and opens ultra early (6 am).

  • Cafe 1842: Located inside the local landmark Huether Hotel, Cafe 1842 is as tasty as it is pretty to look at. If you’re partial to a fuller breakfast menu with the kind of honest conference-fuel you expect (like waffles and bacon) this is your spot. Oh BTW, they brew great beer in the same building. Opens at 7 am daily.

  • Angies: If a description like “retro-awesome” doesn’t get you to visit Angies, then maybe “Famous for Homemade Jam & Buttermilk Pancakes” will provide the motivation you crave. Breakfast at Angies will make you feel like a forever local. Opens at 7 am daily.

  • Settlement: If you require a shot of strong, high-quality caffeine to start your day, then make tracks for Settlement. They roast micro lots of ethically-sourced coffee beans that will do the job perfectly. Try some selections from their Toast Bar and you should be in good shape until Fluxible starts rolling out food at the morning break. Settlement opens at 7 am Mon-Fri and 8 am Sat-Sun.

After-party socializing

We’re not judgey about where your post Fluxible partying happens, but we recommend Abe Erb on Friday or Saturday night. It’s located just blocks from CIGI and the Delta hotel, so you can easily continue the fun after the Fluxible party ends at 9:00 on Saturday.

Where do the locals go? Here are some of Uptown Waterloo’s best watering holes:

  • Abe Erb: A brewery, beer-store and restaurant all in one spot. If you aren’t already committed to the concept, would knowing the beer is fresh, amazing and cleverly named tip the scale? Try the Quiet Rye-It Belgian IPA or the Men In Night Stout to defeat thirst in a very local way.

  • Huether Hotel: Beer made on the premises of a hotel with a checkered past. What’s not to like? A multi-floor labyrinth of house-made beer and great food in a historic building. Also, lots of pool tables for the conference sharks.

  • Beertown Public House: A magical place. Always busy and frequented by thirsty locals. Huge menu of close to home and wildly foreign beers and snacks alike.

  • Starlight: You can dance if you want to. If you want company, though, Starlight Social Club is where you will want to be. Mixed age crowd enjoying eclectic music on a cozy dance floor. Well stocked bar. Fresh Fade Fridays get you Old School Hip Hop and Party Jams. Saturday, it’s Global Warming with EDM, Reggae, Retro and lots more.

  • White Rabbit: White Rabbit describes itself as a “spirit house”. Boasting over 300 types of spirits and the largest back bar in the city, they aren’t kidding. Hand-crafted cocktails, punch bowls, tasting paddles and more are just some of the exotic ways you can get a post conference buzz in this cool spot. They even have a respectable craft beer and wine list for those so inclined and an amazing late night menu. Entertainment ranges from live DJ’s to rock mixes both with the ubiquitous sound of ever shaking ice in the background.

  • Jane Bond: Great music, ironically awesome drinks and amazing digs. If that wasn’t enough, the place also has a comfortingly-good vegetarian menu. Fluxible will kick your creativity into overdrive during the day; you can keep the party going here.

Free time fun

Even though Uptown Waterloo is under construction right now, there is still lots to do. Your downtime won’t feel low if you check out:

Now that you have all this info, we hope you have a great stay. If we’ve missed something or you have any questions, send us a note via our contact page. See you at Fluxible!