STAREAST 2025, one of the biggest software testing conferences of the year, is just around the corner! Known for bringing together industry leaders, innovative tools, and hands-on learning experiences, this year’s conference will take place at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida, as usual.
Beyond the fantastic conference experience, this prime location also offers plenty of great places within reach, from excellent dining to entertainment and must-visit attractions.
This article is your go-to guide for everything related to the event. Beyond just the conference details, we’ll cover where to eat, what to do after hours, and how to make the most of your time at STAREAST 2025!
Conference Essentials: What You Need to Know
Like previous years, STAREAST 2025 spans several days and provides a great opportunity to sharpen your skills, explore the latest trends, and of course, connect with fellow testers. At the core of the conference, there are keynote sessions and tutorials that bring industry experts to share their insights and provide attendees with learning opportunities. But beyond that, STAREAST has much more to offer:
Key Dates & Schedule Highlights
- Pre-Conference Training (April 27–29)
Multi-day training classes that deep dive into topics like AI testing, test automation, security, Agile methodologies, and more. - Tutorials (April 28–29)
Half-day and full-day sessions covering various subjects such as:- Ramping Up Modern Performance – A full-day tutorial with Leandro Melendez. Monday, April 28, 8:30am to 4:30pm
- Testing from the Inside: Unit Testing Edition – A half-day session with Tariq King. Monday, April 28, 8:30am to 12:00pm
- Modern Web Testing with Playwright – A half-day session with Andrew Knight. Tuesday, April 29, 8:30am to 12:00pm
- Crafting Metrics that Drive DevOps and QA Excellence – A half-day session with Lisette Zounon. Tuesday, April 29, 1:00pm to 4:30pm
- Main Conference (April 30–May 1)
Keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Must-see keynote sessions include:- Oops AI Did It Again: How to Get AI and Agents to Stop Being Weird and Actually Be Useful in Your Business – with Dona Sarkar. Wednesday, April 30, 8:30am to 9:45am.
- Revolutionizing Test Automation: The Impact of Generative AI on Quality Engineering – with Adam Auerbach. Wednesday, April 30, 4:15pm to 5:15pm
- “Redefining Quality: Empowering Autonomous Teams for SaaS Excellence” – with Ronit Bohrer Hillel. Thursday, May 1, 8:30am to 9:30am.
- Post-Conference (May 2)
- Testing & Quality Leadership Summit – A full-day event on leadership strategies in testing.
- Women Who Test – A dedicated event supporting women in testing.
For full details, check out the official schedule.
Preparing for the Conference
Packing Tips: What to Bring
While you won’t need to pack light on knowledge, you’ll want to make sure you have the right essentials for a seamless conference experience:
- Comfortable shoes – You’ll be on your feet a lot, moving between sessions and networking events.
- Notebook/laptop – Whether you prefer handwritten notes or digital documentation, you’ll want to jot down key insights.
- Chargers & power bank – Outlets can be scarce, so come prepared.
- Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Light jacket or sweater – Conference rooms can get chilly.
Getting from the Airport to the Conference
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is about 20 minutes from the Rosen Centre Hotel. Here are the best ways to get there:
- Taxi/Uber/Lyft – Expect fares around $30-$60 depending on traffic.
- Shared Rides – If you’re looking to cut costs, consider coordinating an Uber or Lyft with fellow attendees. Many participants share their arrival times in testing communities or LinkedIn groups, so keep an eye out for carpooling opportunities.
- Rental Cars – If you’re planning to explore Orlando beyond the conference, renting a car could be a good option.
Where to Eat Near the Rosen Centre
On-Site Dining at Rosen Centre Hotel:
- Everglades Restaurant – Enjoy high-quality steaks and fresh Florida seafood in an elegant setting.
- Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill – A great spot for tropical flavors like jerk chicken and plantain-crusted fish.
- Café Gauguin – Offers a buffet and à la carte options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Banshoo Sushi Bar – Fresh sushi and sashimi for a lighter meal option.
Nearby Dining Options:
- The Capital Grille – Famous for dry-aged steaks and an extensive wine list.
- Maggiano’s Little Italy – Classic Italian-American dishes served family-style.
- Red Lobster – Known for its fresh seafood dishes and signature cheddar bay biscuits.
- Olive Garden – A familiar favorite for pasta, soups, and salads.
- Café Tu Tu Tango – A vibrant, artsy spot with shareable small plates and live entertainment.
Things to Do in Orlando
As a city, Orlando has plenty to offer from theme parks to unique attractions. Here are the top notable attractions and activities:
Top Attractions & Activities
- Universal Orlando Resort – Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, thrilling roller coasters, and immersive attractions.
- Disney Springs – A lively shopping, dining, and entertainment district featuring world-class restaurants, live performances, and unique Disney experiences.
- ICON Park – Home to The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel, plus Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and dozens of dining spots.
- Golf Courses – Orlando is home to excellent golf courses, it’s time to test your swing!
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex – A must-visit for space lovers. Explore NASA’s past and future missions, see the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and catch a rocket launch if you’re lucky!
Evening Entertainment Near the Rosen Centre
After a full day of sessions, here’s where to unwind, grab a drink, or enjoy live music:
- Pointe Orlando – A great mix of restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
- ICEBAR Orlando – One of the most popular ice bars in the world, featuring a sub-zero lounge and craft cocktails.
- Howl at the Moon – A high-energy dueling piano bar with great music, drinks, and a lively crowd.
Final Tips & Takeaways
Plan Your Schedule in Advance
With so many sessions, tutorials, and networking opportunities, having a plan is key. Take time before the conference to go through the agenda and select the keynotes, workshops, and discussions that align best with your interests. Prioritizing your schedule ensures you get the most out of STAREAST without feeling overwhelmed.
In addition to conference activities, you should also plan your spare time activities and places you want to visit. This also includes restaurants, parks, or any other attractions that may require a reservation.
Engage in Hands-On Learning
Being active is an important part of attending a conference. Especially in conferences like STAREAST when there are plenty of classes that can provide big value to your skillset, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and take part in discussions to maximize understanding.
Network Strategically
Beyond the sessions, some of the best insights come from connecting with other attendees. Strike up conversations, join group discussions, and exchange business cards or LinkedIn contacts. You never know when a casual chat can lead to valuable professional relationships, job opportunities, or fresh perspectives on testing challenges.
Take Notes & Capture Key Takeaways
Between keynotes, panel discussions, and vendor showcases, you’ll be absorbing a ton of new information. Jot down key insights, must-try tools, and actionable takeaways that you can bring back to your team. After the conference, reviewing your notes will help solidify your learnings and turn them into real improvements in your work.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you navigate STAREAST 2025 and make the most of everything the conference has to offer. From insightful keynotes to hands-on workshops and networking opportunities, there’s plenty to explore and take away. And while you’re there, be sure to stop by the PractiTest booth! Meet our team, discover how PractiTest can help streamline your testing process, and chat with us about the latest trends shaping the QA industry. We look forward to seeing you at STAREAST!