Austin, Texas.
Come early.
Stay late.
Connect 2026 takes place in one of the most alive cities in the country. Here’s everything you need to know about getting here, where to stay, and what to do while you’re in Austin.
Why Austin?
Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World – and Connect 2026’s theme didn’t land there by accident. The city’s energy, its culture of going further and playing louder, is exactly the backdrop this event deserves. From the food trucks to the live venues to the Texas heat at golden hour, Austin is a conference destination that does not let you forget where you are.
Things to do
If you have time before or after the conference:
6th Street: Live music any night of the week. Just show up and pick a door.
South Congress Avenue: The stretch for food, culture, and people-watching. Half a day disappears here easily.
Lady Bird Lake: A morning run with a skyline view. Rent a kayak if you have the time.
Congress Avenue Bridge: Just outside the hotel. Every evening from March through October, 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats emerge at sunset – the largest urban bat colony in North America. Nothing like anything you’ll see at a conference. Don’t miss it.
Stubb’s Bar-B-Q: Where we close Connect 2026. A live music institution for decades. Arrive knowing that.
Where to stay
The official Connect 2026 hotel is the Hyatt Regency Austin – located right on the Lady Bird Lake waterfront, minutes from the venue and a short walk from the Congress Avenue Bridge.
A discounted room block is available for Connect 2026 attendees at $289/night (plus taxes and fees). Book early – the block fills up, and once it’s gone, you’re on your own.
Getting here
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) is approximately 20 minutes from the Hyatt Regency Austin.
Rideshare
& Taxi
Uber and Lyft are both widely available from AUS. Pickup is on Level 1 of the terminal. Expect a 20-minute ride to the hotel under normal traffic conditions.
Parking
The Hyatt Regency Austin offers on-site valet and self-parking. Rates and availability vary – contact the hotel directly or visit their website to reserve in advance. Street parking in downtown Austin is limited, especially during peak evenings.