Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

 

General Conference Information

What is Visual Studio Live?

As the development world's trusted educational provider of developer-focused technical content since 1993, Visual Studio Live! (VSLive!™) celebrates over 30 years of providing attendees with cutting-edge techniques needed to solve development challenges with shipping or soon to be shipping technologies compatible with the Microsoft Platform. 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?

Visual Studio Live! is for those involved or interested in expanding their knowledge and skills on Microsoft's developer tools and platforms including Software Architects, Systems Analysts, Developers, Designers, and anyone in the development industry looking to build their expertise.

When is Visual Studio Live! Chicago?

Visual Studio Live! Chicago takes place April 29 - May 3, 2024.

Where is Visual Studio Live! Chicago?

Visual Studio Live! Chicago will be held at the Swissôtel Chicago, IL. For more information about the conference location, please visit the Visual Studio Live! Chicago 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/pastries and lunch are provided on all days that you attend sessions, workshops, hands-on labs 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. All special meal requests must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the conference start date.

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 and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.

Where can I find information about Sponsorship Opportunities?

If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at Visual Studio Live! Chicago, please contact Brent Sutton, 415.518.1962, [email protected].

Can I bring a guest or companion to conference sessions and meals?

Only paid attendees are allowed in conference sessions and meals. Thank you for your understanding.

Where can I find things to do in Chicago?

Visit the Official Chicago Tourism site for information on places to visit and things to do in Chicago.

 

Travel/Transportation

Airports

Choose from 2 major airports to get the rate that works for you:

O'Hare International Airport (ORD) – located 18 miles from the Swissôtel Chicago

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) – located 12.1 miles from the Swissôtel Chicago

Is Parking available at the Swissôtel Chicago?

Self-park at Swissotel, without In/Out Privileges, inclusive of tax

  • 24-hour self parking $60/day

Valet at Swissotel, with In/Out Privileges, inclusive of tax

  • 24-hour valet parking $78/day

Other parking options in the area are: Coast garage, 303 E Wacker garage, Aqua, Shoreham – these are all an easy walk to the hotel Or try Spot Hero too!

 

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?

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 949.296.9840. All payment must be received on or before March 29, 2024 or the registration will be canceled.

Where may I obtain your federal tax ID information for my accounting department?

Please contact our Conference Registrar at [email protected] and they will email 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 received a link to your receipt in your confirmation email. You may access your registration at any time with the email address you registered with and your reference number, found in your confirmation email. Click here to log back into your registration.

How may I make changes to my registration?

You may request changes to your registration by writing [email protected] or by calling 949.296.9840.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

All requests for cancellation must be sent in writing to the registration office at [email protected]. Requests must be received by the cancellation deadline of March 29, 2024 to qualify for a refund. A cancellation-processing fee of $250 will be charged for each cancellation request. No refunds will be given after March 29, 2024.

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 added the Hotel Package to your Visual Studio Live! Conference Package when you registered and need to cancel your conference registration, Visual Studio Live! will also cancel your hotel reservation at the Swissôtel Chicago. If you cancel after the hotel cancellation deadline of April 8, 2024, 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, April 29, 2024. Requests must be made in writing and may be emailed to [email protected], by calling 949.296.9840, 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?

We offer full-time college students from accredited universities a discount off of the full priced conference registration fees. To qualify for this discount, please contact our Conference Registrar at [email protected] or by calling 949.296.9840 and be prepared to provide a copy of your student identification card.

Do you offer government / non-profit discounts?

We offer Employees of a national, federal, state, or local government entity or a nonprofit with 501(c) status discounts on all packages. To qualify for this discount, please contact the registration office at [email protected] or 949.296.9840.