Skip to content

With less than a week to go until the Rome FileMaker Week—and perhaps even less by the time you read this—my mind is already filling with memories of past events. One of the most vivid and cherished traditions that comes to mind is our happy hours.

These moments have become more than just casual gatherings; they’ve been the heart of our experience, where professional adventures blend seamlessly with laughter, stories, and connections that last far beyond the event itself.

The first one

I still remember the first time we gathered for a Rome FileMaker Week happy hour, back on October 3th, 2022.

The event wasn’t quite what it is today—just a wild idea that sparked from my love for FileMaker and connecting people.

The first Rome FileMaker Week was a whirlwind, planned in just four months. I was driven by this vision to elevate Italy’s place in the global FileMaker community. Despite my efforts, many international figures didn’t share that enthusiasm. They politely declined or ignored invitations, unsure if we could really pull it off. But I never doubted. I pushed forward, believing that we could create something remarkable—and we did. The event became more than just a conference; it became a symbol of our passion and perseverance.

That evening, a small group of FileMaker developers, landed in Rome before others from around the world responded to my call and we met outside the hotel where the conference was planned few days later.

We met around a table filled with prosciutto, cheese platters, and melanzane alla parmigiana, with SPRITZ in hand—whether Aperol or Campari, it didn’t matter. What mattered was the connection we made that night, one that marked the beginning of something truly special.

Over time, it’s not the food or the drinks that stayed with me (although they were delicious), but the people. Those faces around the table—HOnza, the genius always ahead of the game; Ondra, the selfie king; Christian, who never tired of exploring Rome’s streets; Patrick, with his quiet creativity; and Alexis, who has since become one of my closest friends.

These are the people who helped shape what the Rome FileMaker Week is today.

The FileMaker Guru Spritz

From a small gathering of 10, we quickly grew—15, then 30, and soon the tradition blossomed. In the span of just three years, I’ve lost track of how many spritzes we’ve shared before the conference. These happy hours have become the soul of our event, where people from all over the world come together to relax, unwind, and truly get to know one another.

For us Italians, food is more than just a meal—it’s a moment of connection, a bridge between friendship, laughter, and love. Could there ever be a Rome FileMaker Week without great food and drinks? Absolutely not. Some of the most important bonds were forged over these happy hours, not just professionally, but personally. Many ideas were born over those spritzes and platters, collaborations that have enriched the entire FileMaker community.

One of my favorite memories?

The custom FileMakerGuru Blue Spritz created just for us from the BiblioBar, enjoyed under the shadow of Castel Sant’Angelo on October 5th, 2022. It was one of those perfect Roman evenings, where the air was crisp, and the company even better.

The next year, we moved our gathering to Ostiense, a lively neighborhood filled with street art and buzzing student life. But no matter the location, these moments of pause became something deeper—reminders of why we’re here.

Come back to the present

This year, we’re stepping into the charming and elegant Rione Monti. It’s a place where you feel Rome’s heartbeat, a neighborhood filled with small, refined bars and restaurants that seem to welcome you with open arms. It feels like the perfect setting for our next round of happy hours, where conversations flow as easily as the spritzes, and where the spirit of adventure thrives.

And the best part?

You can join the happy hours even if you’re not attending the conference or the tours.

Simply find our Rome FileMaker Week/FMGuru reservation at Spritzeria Monti (on October 7th and 8th from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM) and join us. We’ll be there, ready to raise a glass to new friendships and future collaborations.

Afterward, feel free to explore Monti’s hidden gems for dinner, with small groups of participants venturing off into the night to discover the best of Roman cuisine.

Two Last Spritz: The Grand Finale of Our Roman Happy Hours

These moments are the essence of the Rome FileMaker Week. They are more than just an excuse to have a drink—they are the heart of our adventure, the place where connections are made, stories are shared, and friendships bloom.

And thinking that this will be the last Rome FileMaker Week brings a lump to my throat. With the Jubilee coming to Rome in 2025, organizing an event like ours amidst the millions of tourists would be impossible. It’s bittersweet, knowing that this year marks our final chapter in this incredible city. But that only makes it more important to savor each moment—to raise one more glass, share one more laugh, and celebrate this journey together.

If you haven’t yet confirmed your attendance at the happy hours, make sure to let us know here so we can save you a seat! 🍹

Back To Top
0