To enhance your conference experience, participate in the activities planned throughout the week. They are open to all FAST '26 attendees. Check back here for the latest updates to the activities schedule.
FAST '26 Mentorship Program
The FAST '26 mentorship program is designed to give student attendees a chance to get to know more people at the conference, get career advice from a senior member of the community, and obtain more feedback on their research. If you are interested in participating in this activity, either as a mentor or mentee, see the FAST '26 Mentorship Program page for details.
FAST '26 Student Meetup
Monday, 5:00 pm–6:00 pm
Cypress Room
Join the FAST '26 organizers for an informal mixer the evening before the conference starts. No sign-up is necessary. Snacks and drinks will be available. All students, FAST '26 organizers, and mentorship participants are welcome to attend.
FAST '26 Work-in-Progress Reports (WiPs)
Tuesday, 4:10 pm–5:10 pm
Santa Clara Ballroom
Short, pithy, and fun, Work-in-Progress reports introduce interesting new or ongoing work. View the list of accepted Work-in-Progress Reports.
FAST '26 Poster Session and Reception
Tuesday, 5:30 pm–7:00 pm
Mezzanine East/West
Check out the cool new ideas and the latest preliminary research on display at the Poster Session and Reception. Take part in discussions with your colleagues over food and beverages. View the complete list of accepted posters.
Pure Storage Sponsor Event
Tuesday, 7:00 pm-8:00 pm
Alameda Room
Join Pure Storage for a sponsor event featuring an open discussion on a topic of interest to the FAST community. Light snacks and refreshments will be available.
FAST '26 Test of Time Award Presentation
Wednesday, 10:00 am–10:20 am
Santa Clara Ballroom
The USENIX Test of Time Awards recognize papers that have had a lasting impact on their fields. The presentation of the FAST '26 Test of Time Award will take place immediately following the keynote presentation.
FAST '26 Conference Luncheon
Wednesday, 12:30 pm–2:00 pm
Terra Courtyard
Futurewei Sponsor Event
Wednesday, 5:30 pm–6:30 pm
Cypress Room
Join Futurewei's sponsored event for a light snack and refreshments.
Google Student Luncheon
Thursday, 12:30 pm–2:00 pm
Cypress Room
Google is sponsoring a luncheon for PhD students attending FAST '26. Google researchers and recruiters will be present to network and answer your questions about research and roles for students and recent graduates at Google. Students who have registered to attend FAST '26 will receive information via email about how to sign up for this event. Attendance will be limited based on space, and the registration form will close when we reach capacity.
Birds-of-a-Feather Sessions (BoFs)
Registered attendees may schedule Birds-of-a-Feather sessions (BoFs) and reserve meeting rooms for them via the BoFs schedule grid posted outside the badge pickup area. Each room is available in one-hour increments.
Tuesday, February 24
- 7:00 pm–10:00 pm
Wednesday, February 25
- 5:30 pm–8:30 pm