General Conference Information
What is Visual Studio Live!?
As the development world's trusted educational provider of developer-focused content for the past 19 years, Visual Studio Live! 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.
What is Live! 360?
For more information about Live! 360, please visit the What is Live! 360 page.
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! Orlando?
Visual Studio Live! Orlando takes place December 10-14, 2012.
Where is Visual Studio Live! Orlando?
Visual Studio Live! Orlando will be held at the Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, Florida. For more information about the conference location, please visit the Visual Studio Live! Orlando Travel Page.
What's covered in the conference fee?
Your Visual Studio Live! Orlando conference registration (5-Day, 3-Day or Workshop Pass) grants you access to all sessions, meals, exhibits, events and activities on the days your package covers. In addition, you will have access to all sessions and keynotes at the three co-located Live! 360 events: SQL Server Live!, Cloud & Virtualization Live!, and SharePoint Live!
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 they 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! Orlando, please contact Jay Perrotta at 207.751.3564 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 Universal Orlando and the surrounding areas. Thank you for your understanding.
Where can I find things to do in the Orlando area?
Visit www.orlandoinfo.com for information on places to visit and things to do in the Orlando area. You can also visit www.universalorlando.com for more information on the Universal Orlando theme parks and area.
Travel/Transportation
Airport Transportation
The Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando does not provide airport transportation, but there are several options:
Mears Transportation
800.759.5219
Mears provides convenient and affordable transportation between the Orlando International Airport and the Royal Pacific Resort. One way fares start at $18. This is a shuttle service that will have other stops along the way.
Mears can also assist with sedan reservations or advance taxi reservations.
Taxi
One way fares from Orlando International Airport (MCO) average $45-$50
Directions to the Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando:
Located in Universal Studios Florida, the Royal Pacific Resort is only 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport.
From Turnpike (North and South):
- Take Exit 259 (I-4 interchange) onto I-4 West (Tampa)
- Take Exit 74B (Universal Studios) and get in the right lane
- At traffic light, turn right onto Hollywood Way.
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort entrance is second entrance on the right
From Downtown Orlando (I-4 West):
- Take I-4 West to Exit 74B (Universal Studios) and get in the right lane
- At traffic light, turn right onto Hollywood Way
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort entrance is second on the right
From Tampa (I-4 East):
- Take I-4 East towards downtown Orlando.
- Take Exit 75A (Universal Studios) and get in the left lane
- At traffic light, turn left on Universal Blvd.
- Turn left at next traffic light (Hollywood Way)
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort entrance is 1/3 mile on your left
From Orlando International Airport:
- Take the North exit out the airport onto Beachline Expressway (SR528) West (International Drive, Convention Center)
- Continue on Beachline and take I-4 East
- Take Exit 75A (Universal Studios) and get in the left lane
- At the end of the exit ramp, turn left onto Universal Blvd.
- At the second traffic light, turn left (Hollywood Way)
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort entrance is 1/3 mile on your left
*SR528 is a toll road.
From I-95 South:
- Take I-95 South to Exit 260B (I-4 West towards Orlando)
- Take I-4 West to Exit 74B (Universal Studios) and get in the right lane
- At the traffic light, turn right onto Hollywood Way
- Loews Royal Pacific resort entrance is second on the right
From I-95 North:
- Take I-95 North to Exit 205 (SR528 - Beachline Expressway) heading West
- Continue on Beachline and take I-4 East
- Take Exit 75A (Universal Studios) and get in the left lane
- Turn left on Universal Blvd.
- Turn left at second traffic light (Hollywood Way)
- Loews Royal Pacific Resort entrance is 1/3 mile on your left
*SR528 is a toll road.
Parking
Hotel Self or valet parking:
Self parking is $6* per day
Valet parking is $22* per day
* Rates subject to change without prior notice.
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 and network for lunch, dinner or during other break times. 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 541.346.3537. All payment must be received on or before Monday, November 26 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! 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 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 541.346.3537or by faxing your request to 541.346.3537.
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 November 7, 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 November 7, 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 Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline of November 7, 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. Requests must be made in writing and may be emailed or faxed to 541.346.3545 or bring the request with you onsite.
Will I receive confirmation of my registration?
Yes, if you include your email address 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 the registration office at 541.346.3537 and be prepared to provide a copy of your student 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. Wi-Fi is also available on the conference floor sponsored by The Code Project.
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.
Where do I get the notes for each conference session?
All Visual Studio Live! attendees will receive the Live! 360 Conference Proceedings CD. The Live! 360 Proceedings CD includes session slides from each of the four co-located events.
A full Visual Studio Live! Orlando proceedings book is available for purchase at the time of registration for $50, and contains all of the session slides contained in the conference CD with plenty of extra space for taking notes.