Visual Studio Live! Redmond Events & Activities

Your attendance at Visual Studio Live! Redmond is about learning from your peers as well as the experts; make the most of your time with us and add these events and activities to your itinerary!

Activities:
Access to the Microsoft Company Store
You bring the money, we get you special access!*
Monday, August 18 & Thursday, August 21

All Visual Studio Live! Redmond event attendees will have the opportunity to visit the Microsoft Company Store during their time at the conference and have access to the employee-only discount area. The company store's discount area is typically only open for Microsoft employees to purchase select Microsoft products at discounted prices, so you won't want to miss out on this great opportunity!

Popular home-use software titles such as Windows 8.1, Office 2013, Office for Mac, and Streets and Trips are available. XBOX 360 accessories and a selection of XBOX games are offered at significant savings. At the Redmond campus location, you will find one of the largest selections of Microsoft-branded PC hardware in any retail store. PC Hardware offered includes Keyboards and desktop sets, Mice, Webcams and more.

Visual Studio Live! Redmond event attendees will qualify for a pass that allows them access to the special discounts normally reserved only for Microsoft employees. Due to the amazing deals, each attendee is allowed to spend up to a maximum of $120. **Restrictions apply.

**Attendees will be given a voucher/form that allows them access to the employee only discount area to spend up to $120 of their own money on select Microsoft products.
**All attendees must have a valid driver's license that matches the name on the voucher.
**If using a credit card for payment, the name on the card must match the name on your voucher and identification.
**If you are employed by a government agency or a school or university, you are not eligible for the discount pass due to Microsoft policy.

Visit the Microsoft Visitor Center
The Microsoft Visitor Center is open to all employees and visitors to the Microsoft campus. Come share in the excitement of their discoveries, explore some of the latest products, and meet some of the people whose ideas and creativity make Microsoft a world leader in computer and software industry.

Meet the Pros
Let's face it -- our talented team of speakers is the main reason you head to Visual Studio Live! events. They share your interest in the latest technologies while refusing to abandon challenging applications out there already. So why not get to know them in a different light during the breaks and networking opportunities we have planned for you in Redmond? Kick back with the people who love sharing their knowledge and experience to help you get where you want to be professionally.

Events:
Dine-A-Round Dinner
Monday, August 18

Join other conference attendees and speakers for a casual, no-host dinner and make a few new friends while enjoying the fun and delicious restaurants in the Bellevue area. This is your opportunity to meet fellow attendees and start friendships that can last for the week or even longer. Groups can break into smaller groups based on where everyone wants to dine and head off to dinner. Everyone is responsible for their own dinner.

Lunch with the Blue Badges
Monday, August 18 & Thursday, August 21

On Monday and Thursday, Visual Studio Live! attendees will have the opportunity to have lunch with the Blue Badges at The Mixer, the Microsoft employee lunch area with over 10 different restaurant options to choose from. These two extended lunch periods are also the perfect time to visit the Microsoft Visitor Center and the Microsoft Company Store. Shuttle service to and from the Commons, as well as a pre-loaded Microsoft "e-card" will be provided as part of your Visual Studio Live! registration.

Microsoft Ask the Experts & Exhibitor Reception
Tuesday, August 19

Visual Studio Live! Redmond's Exhibitor Reception will be combined with a two-hour Microsoft Ask the Experts session, where you'll get a chance to talk with Microsoft product team members and speakers. Enjoy drinks and snacks while you explore the Visual Studio Live! exhibits, network with fellow attendees and get answers to your questions for the experts and the exhibitors.

Birds of a Feather Lunch
Wednesday, August 20

Plumb the knowledge and experience of your colleagues, conference speakers and exhibitors by participating in one of the BoF Tables discussions. These tables are designated with a sign and seating is on a first-come basis. There will be a wide variety of topics including:

Birds of a Feather Table Topics:

  • ASP.NET (Web Forms, MVC)
  • WPF / Silverlight
  • Visual Studio
  • Languages (VB, C#, JavaScript)
  • ALM
  • SharePoint and Office
  • LINQ, Entity Framework, ADO.NET
  • Services (WCF, Web API, OData)
  • .NET
  • Windows Azure
  • Mobile Development
  • LightSwitch
  • HTML5/IE 10/Typescript
  • Windows 8.1/WinRT apps

Rock and ROLL with us! - Lucky Strike Evening Party
Wednesday, August 20

Rock your code on campus by day, roll your way to fun Wednesday night! Head to Lucky Strike in Bellevue (located next to the conference hotel) for a rousing good time. Network with your fellow attendees and speakers, bowl a few frames, shoot a little pool or channel your inner teenager at the arcade. Plus, enjoy food, drinks and a great atmosphere!