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! Las Vegas?
Visual Studio Live! Las Vegas takes place March 26-30, 2012.
Where is Visual Studio Live! Las Vegas?
Visual Studio Live! Las Vegas will be held at The Mirage Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV. For more information about the conference location, please visit the Visual Studio Live! Las Vegas 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 Pastries 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)?
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! Las Vegas, please contact Brent Sutton at 415.518.19621 or [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 Las Vegas area. Thank you for your understanding.
Where can I find things to do in Las Vegas?
Visit the Official Las Vegas Tourism site for information on places to visit and things to do in Las Vegas.
Travel/Transportation
The Mirage Resort & Casino is just over 4 miles from McCarran International Airport.
Taxi or Town Car
One way fare from McCarran Airport averages to The Mirage Resort & Casino is ~$25.00.
How can I get from the airport to The Mirage Resort & Casino?
Several companies offer shuttle service to and from McCarran International Airport. The cost is approximately $7 per person one-way. Signs directing you to the shuttle area are posted on the transportation level at the airport outside baggage claim. Return shuttles run from The Mirage to the airport from 4:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m.
Advance reservations are necessary for all return shuttles before or after the above hours, and our Concierge will be happy to make these arrangements for you.
Is parking available at the conference hotel?
Yes. In addition to complimentary valet service, The Mirage offers plenty of secure free parking in their self-park garage at the north entrance of the hotel. They also offer limited oversize parking nearby for large vehicles and recreational vehicles on a first-come first-serve basis.
Directions to The Mirage Resort & Casino:
The Mirage, 3400 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109
702.791.7111
From McCarran International Airport
Exit the airport on Swenson. Turn left at Tropicana Avenue. Go about 1½ miles until you reach Las Vegas Blvd. Turn right on Las Vegas Blvd. and go about a mile. The Mirage is on the left side of the Strip (Las Vegas Blvd.). You should anticipate 15-30 minutes travel time, depending on traffic.
From the freeway
Follow the signs to I-215 West. Proceed on I-215 West for approximately two miles to I-15 North. You'll travel approximately four miles on I-15 North, then exit at Spring Mountain Road East. There are two lanes for Spring Mountain; be sure to stay in the left lane to go east. As you come up the overpass, stay to the right as you will make an immediate right-hand turn into our property. Simply follow the signs to the Mirage North Valet entrance. You may have Valet park your vehicle (complimentary valet service), or you may park in our self-park garage.
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 1.541.346.3537.
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 or by calling the registration office at 1.541.346.3537. Receipts are processed weekly.
How may I make changes to my registration?
You may request changes to your registration by writing or by calling 1.541.346.3537 or by faxing your request to 1.541.346.3545.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
All requests for cancellation must be sent in writing to the registration office. Requests must be received by the cancellation deadline of February 29, 2012 to qualify for a refund. A cancellation-processing fee of $250 will be charged for each cancellation request. No refunds will be given after February 29, 2012.
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! Complete Conference & Hotel Package and need to cancel your conference registration, Visual Studio Live! will also cancel your hotel reservation at The Mirage Resort & Casino. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline of February 29, 2012, 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, March 26, 2012. Requests must be made in writing and may be emailed to [email protected], faxed to 1.541.346.3545, 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 or educator discounts?
We offer full-time college students and faculty from accredited universities a discount off of the full priced conference registration fees. To qualify for this discount, please contact the registration office at 1.541.346.3537 and be prepared to provide a copy of your student or faculty identification card.
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?
Attendees will have access to a wireless network available throughout the main conference area provided by Code Project, the official WiFi sponsor of Visual Studio Live!
Where do I get the notes for each conference session?
All conference attendees will receive access to Visual Studio Live! Las Vegas session proceedings in advance of the event. Conference registrants will also receive a proceedings CD-ROM on-site.
A full Visual Studio Live! Las Vegas proceedings book is available for purchase at the time of registration for $40, and contains all of the session slides contained in the conference CD with plenty of extra space for taking notes.