Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I attend?
- Accelerate your FME skill development through technical sessions, hands-on workshops and pre-conference FME training classes
- Receive expert technical help through personal consultations with “FME Doctors” who can diagnose your spatial data interoperability challenges and suggest remedies
- Network with other industry professionals through birds of a feather lunch sessions and a special evening social event
- Establish your organization as a leader by showcasing your spatial ETL projects
- Gain valuable insights into new developments in the industry and FME
Who should attend?
The FME International User Conference offers an interactive and intimate gathering for a wide range of professionals, including:
- GIS/CAD Analysts and Technicians
- GIS/Spatial Data Managers
- Business or Technical Managers at GIS Vendors
- GIS Media and Analysts
- FME Users across all industries and skill levels (novice, intermediate and advanced)
- Safe Software Reseller Partners
Our program is designed to address a broad range of spatial ETL, facilitate the sharing of best practices and provide opportunities for the the diverse group of attendees to engage in discussion.
What is included in my conference registration?
- All scheduled sessions and workshops on the two conference days
- Continental breakfast and lunch
- Mid-morning and afternoon snacks
- Thursday Evening Social Event
What is the cost to attend?
The rate for the two-day conference is $750. Pre-conference training and Advanced Workshops are an extra cost. For more information on pricing and conference options, please visit the Events Pricing page.
What method of payment do you accept?
- Credit card (Visa and Mastercard)
- Cheque
- Bank wire
Where can I find the user conference agenda?
Our updated conference agenda (PDF) is currently available. This will give you an idea of what workshops are available and the times for the keynote, plenary and technical sessions.
Where can I find the conference workshop and technical session descriptions?
The abstracts for the technical sessions are available here. For the workshop descriptions, have a look at our page on Conference Workshops.
Will there be training offered at the User Conference?
Yes. We are offering two pre-conference training sessions, one for FME Desktop and one for FME Server. Both of these courses take place on June 8th and 9th. For another opportunity to learn, join us on Wednesday, June 10th, for the FME Advanced Training Workshops. Choose up to four sessions from the wide variety of topics available. For more details and pricing, visit Pre-Conference Training & Workshops.
Who is speaking at the User Conference?
Our keynote speaker for 2009 is James Fee, a widely recognized leader in the field of geospatial and web-based mapping technologies.
Safe Software’s co-founders, Don Murray and Dale Lutz, will be back this year to host the plenary sessions.
For more information on the Keynote and Plenary sessions visit our Speakers page.
Will there be any entertainment/social events?
Yes, included in your registration is an unforgettable evening of fun, food and networking at the Roundhouse Lodge, located 6,069ft/1,850m above sea level at the top of spectacular Whistler Blackcomb Mountain. This exciting social event offers a spectacular opportunity to experience the true beauty that has turned Whistler into a world-renowned vacation destination. This event takes place the evening of Thursday, June 11th.
Can my spouse/guest attend the social event?
Yes, you are welcome to purchase one additional ticket for your spouse or a guest when you register for the conference. The cost is $100.
What is the weather like in Whistler at that time of year?
During June the average high in Whistler is 21°C (70°F) and the average low is 9°C (48°F). Whistler is located in the Coast Mountain range of British Columbia and dramatic changes in weather are possible no matter what the season. Dressing in layers is always a good idea. However, if the weather changes and you don't have the right clothes, you can always visit one of the many shops and stores in Whistler Village.
Whom do I contact at Safe Software if I have additional questions?
Please contact Ashley Moore, our User Conference Coordinator. Her email is fmeuc@safe.com or you can call 604-501-9985 ext. 232.

