General Conference Information
What is Visual Studio Live?
As the development world's trusted educational provider of developer-focused content since 1993, Visual Studio Live! (VSLive!) provides attendees with cutting-edge techniques needed to solve development challenges with shipping or soon to be shipping technologies compatible with the .NET Framework and Visual Studio. No other conference, no corporate trainers, no one else compares to the Visual Studio Live! standard of editorial excellence and commitment by speakers, such as Microsoft Development Team members and renowned industry experts, to provide real-world, practical information.
Who is Visual Studio Live! for?
Those involved or interested in using the Microsoft application development platform. For example, people in technical roles e.g. architects, developers, designers, and technical managers.
When is Visual Studio Live! San Francisco?
Visual Studio Live! San Francisco takes place June 15-18, 2015.
Where is Visual Studio Live! San Francisco?
Visual Studio Live! San Francisco will be held at the Fairmont San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. For more information about the conference location, please visit the Visual Studio Live! San Francisco Venue Page.
Who can attend?
The conference is open to the public.
What meals are included with registration?
For all paid Visual Studio Live! attendees, morning coffee and lunch are provided on all days that you attend sessions or workshops at the conference.
Will I be able to request special meals (i.e. kosher, vegetarian, gluten free)?
Yes, you will be prompted for special meal requirements during the registration process.
How can I request assistance with special needs (i.e. hearing impaired)?
You will be prompted to tell us about your special needs during registration. We will make every effort to accommodate your request.
Where can I find information about Sponsorship Opportunities?
If you are interested in sponsoring Visual Studio Live! San Francisco, please contact:
Chris Kourtoglou
Regional Sales Manager
(650) 787-9515
[email protected]
or
Caroline Stover
Account Executive
(323) 605-4398
[email protected]
Can I bring my spouse or companion to the conference?
Due to the business focused atmosphere of the conference, we respectfully request that, as a conference attendee, you do not bring your spouse or any companion to the conference sessions. Your hotel concierge would be happy to provide information on local attractions and related visitor materials about the San Francisco area. Thank you for your understanding.
Where can I find things to do in San Francisco?
Visit the www.visitsfbayarea.com for information on places to visit and things to do in San Francisco and the bay area.
Travel
Airport Transportation
Area hotels do not provide airport transportation to and from San Francisco International Airport (SFO), but there are several options:
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Public Transportation Directions from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Metro rail towards Pittsburg/Bay Point ($8.25 one-way ticket)
- Go 10 stops (29 minutes) to Powell Station
- Exit Powell Station
- Walk to Powell & Market Street
- Board Powell-Mason Cable Car ($6.00 one-way)
- Exit Powell & California St.
OR
- Walk 8 blocks North on Powell Street to California Street
- Hotel is on corner of California and Mason Street
Super Shuttle
Book online. One way Shared Ride Van Service is ~$17.00.
Taxi
One way fare averages $55.00-$60.00.
Parking at the Fairmont San Francisco
The Fairmont San Francisco Hotel Garage is located on the corner of Powell and California Streets.
- Valet parking for guests is $56.00 USD ($65.00 including tax) per night including unlimited access. Rates subject to change.
- Parking for visitors is $5.00 USD for every 20 minutes with a 24-hour maximum of $56.00 USD.
Parking fees are subject to a 14% city tax.
Additional Parking Options
The following list of parking garages near the Fairmont San Francisco is provided for general informational purposes only. Visual Studio Live! does not endorse, guarantee, warrant, or recommend any products or services listed below.
- Grace Cathedral Garage - 1051 Taylor St, San Francisco, CA 94108 - $ 30.00* / 24 hours
- Nob Hill Masonic Center Garage - 1101 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 - $ 30.00* / 24 hours
- Crocker Garage - 1045 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 - $ 40.00* / 24 hours
*Pricing subject to local taxes and fees subject to change.
Networking
Will there be opportunities for small group discussions?
We have scheduled an evening event and other networking opportunities allowing you to learn and share in smaller group settings. We also encourage attendees to network during meals and breaks.
How can I network with peers who have similar interests?
Be a part of pre-conference networking with paid attendees by checking the "Attendee Networking" box when you register. Prior to the conference you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to other attendees and arrange to meet for lunch, dinner or during other break times to meet and network. You can also connect with other Visual Studio Live! attendees at:
Registration
Do you accept Purchase Orders?
If you would like to use a Purchase Order you may do so when registering online. If you have any questions about using a purchase order please contact our registration department at [email protected] or 972.304.5380. All payment must be received on or before Monday, May 13, 2015 or the registration will be canceled.
Where may I obtain your federal tax ID information for my accounting department?
Please contact the registration office and they will fax or mail a completed W9 form to you. Visual Studio Live!'s Federal Tax I.D. Number is 20-4583700.
Where can I request a receipt?
You will receive an official receipt on your badge when you check in at the conference. However, if you need a receipt before arriving onsite, you may request one by writing to [email protected], or by calling the registration office at 972.304.5380. Receipts are processed weekly.
How may I make changes to my registration?
You may request changes to your registration by writing to [email protected], or by calling 972.304.5380.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
All requests for cancellation must be sent in writing to [email protected] in the registration office. Requests must be received by the cancellation deadline of May 13, 2015 to qualify for a refund. A cancellation-processing fee of $250 will be charged for each cancellation request. No refunds will be given after May 13, 2015.
If I cancel my conference registration will my hotel room cancelled as well?
No, these are handled separately. Please contact your hotel directly to cancel your room reservation.
If you have purchased the Visual Studio Live! 4-Day or 3-Day Conference + Hotel Package and need to cancel your conference registration, Visual Studio Live! will also cancel your hotel reservation at the official conference hotel. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline of May 13, 2015, certain hotel cancellation fees may apply.
May I send someone in my place if I cannot attend?
Yes, you may transfer your registration to another person at any time prior to the start of the conference, June 15, 2015. Requests must be made in writing and may be emailed to [email protected], or bring the request with you onsite.
Will I receive confirmation of my registration?
Yes, if you include your email address during the registration process, you will receive an email acknowledgement of your registration being received in the conference database.
Do you offer any student discounts?
Yes, if you include your email address during the registration process, you will receive an email acknowledgement of your registration being received in the conference database.
Technical
Will there be computers with Internet access at the conference?
Yes, the Internet Café and Power Station is available onsite for all attendees.
Will printers be available for attendee use?
Yes, a printer will be available as a part of the Internet Café.
Will I have access to WiFi at the conference?
Visual Studio Live! attendees will have access to a wireless network available throughout the main conference area.
Where do I get the notes for each conference session?
All conference attendees will receive access to Visual Studio Live! San Francisco session proceedings in advance of the event. Conference registrants will also receive a proceedings CD-ROM on-site.