Skip to main content

From the PHP Tek Blog

News, travel tips, and stories from the PHP Tek community.

Adler Planetarium: Stargazing on the Chicago Lakefront | PHP Tek 2027
Latest Eric Johnson

Adler Planetarium: Stargazing on the Chicago Lakefront | PHP Tek 2027

Not Your Normal Trip to Chicago is a series of fun things to do in Chicago with your family and friends while you're here for PHP Tek 2027 (April 27–29, 2027). Whether you're extending your stay, brin...

Read more
Eataly Chicago
Eric Johnson

Eataly Chicago

Conference days are long. Between the keynotes, the workshops, and the "quick" hallway chats that turn into forty-five minutes of debating dependency injection, you'll work up an appetite. Good news:...

Read more
Chicago River Architecture Cruise
Eric Johnson

Chicago River Architecture Cruise

If you only had time to do one thing in downtown Chicago that isn't a pizza, we'd point you to the water. The Chicago River runs right through the heart of the city, and the best way to appreciate the...

Read more
Skydeck Chicago
Eric Johnson

Skydeck Chicago

You're coming to Chicago for three days of talks, workshops, and hallway conversations at PHP Tek 2027, April 27–29 at the Sheraton O'Hare in Rosemont. Great. Now let's talk about what you do when the...

Read more
Take Me Out to the Ballpark
Eric Johnson

Take Me Out to the Ballpark

Spring in Chicago is such a wonderful time of year. We always hope for great weather while our attendees join us for PHP Tek. If you find yourself in Chicago a little early or late, then why not take...

Read more
Getting From The Airport To The Hotel
John Congdon

Getting From The Airport To The Hotel

Welcome to PHP Tek! We're excited to have you attend. If you're flying in, getting to the hotel is very easy. There are two methods, you have free will to choose.:-) Take the shuttle. Just follow the...

Read more
Exploring Chicago
Eric Johnson

Exploring Chicago

Now that we've talked about how to get around in Chicago let's talk about the things you can do while there for Tek. PHPTek Blog Post Images 550 x 300 (1).png 381.04 KB Exploring the City Explore Rive...

Read more
Getting Around Chicago
Eric Johnson

Getting Around Chicago

We’re excited you’ll be joining us at the Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare, the perfect spot just steps from the airport. Whether you packed lightly and are ready for a brisk walk, or you’ve brought you...

Read more
Now I Get It
Bek Johnson

Now I Get It

Attending a conference can be a transformative experience, whether you're looking to advance your career, expand your knowledge, or connect with others in your field. Conferences bring together profes...

Read more
Adding to the Herd
Eric Johnson

Adding to the Herd

This is actually a repost from PHP Architect website. How it started I am not aware of anyone who doesn’t know that PHP’s mascot is an elePHPant, created by Vincent Pontier back in 1998. Most “serious...

Read more
Things to Do While You're in Chicago
Cori Lint

Things to Do While You're in Chicago

Make the Most of Your php[tek] Experience! One of the best parts of attending a conference in an amazing city is exploring the city itself. Don’t forget—while you’re soaking in all the technical knowl...

Read more
A PHP Conference For Professionals
John Congdon

A PHP Conference For Professionals

php[tek] is a conference meant for working professionals to continue their education and stay on top of today's best practices. We encourage our attendees to make Monday and Friday travel days, come o...

Read more
Increased Comfort During Presentations
John Congdon

Increased Comfort During Presentations

In 2023 (our first year back since Covid), we had the ballroom and two small rooms. Some of the complaints we received from attendees was the cramped space, especially for a couple of the more popular...

Read more
We have a Blog!
Eric Johnson

We have a Blog!

Why do we have a blog? To make a blog post about the fact we have a blog? 🤷‍♂️ It will be nice to have a place to share new things we do on the site. Also, I added a blog to the new PHPTek Conference...

Read more
You Are Not Just A Laravel Developer
John Congdon

You Are Not Just A Laravel Developer

As a Laravel developer, you might identify strongly with the framework you use. You’ve mastered its quirks, harnessed its power, and perhaps even built a thriving career around it. But it's important...

Read more
Reconnect at php[tek] 2025
Eric Johnson

Reconnect at php[tek] 2025

Excitement is building for php[tek] 2025! From May 20-22, join us in Chicago for our 17th annual gathering of PHP enthusiasts, web developers, and tech leaders. There's nothing like the energy and cam...

Read more
Let's PHP'ing Go
Eric Johnson

Let's PHP'ing Go

We are thrilled to announce that contracts have been signed, and the planning for php[tek] 2025 has officially begun! Our hearts are brimming with excitement as we prepare to bring you the 17th annual...

Read more