The Fun Stuff

Your attendance at VSLive! 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!


Access to the Microsoft Company Store

You bring the money, we get you special access!*

All Visual Studio Live! event attendees will have the opportunity to visit the Microsoft Company Store during their time at the conference and have access to employee-only discount pricing. Popular home-use software titles such as Windows and Office are available at 80% off. XBOX and Surface accessories, such as keyboards, mice, controllers, X-Box headsets, are offered at significant savings of 50% off. At the Redmond campus location, you will also find exclusive Microsoft Surface-branded PC hardware such as laptops and tablets, at employee pricing of 15% off.

VSLive! event attendees will qualify for a VIP 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 $200 (Limit applies to software only.) VIP pass can be used once, either at the Redmond Company Store, or online at https://store.ecompanystore.com/microsoft/Shop/.**Restrictions apply.

**Attendees will be given a voucher/form that allows them access to the employee only discount area to spend up to $200 of their own money on Microsoft software. No limit on hardware or accessories. 80% off software, 50% off accessories, 15% off hardware. No discount on clothing or apparel.
**Passes for Government agencies are NOT authorized. This includes but is not limited to: Military officers, Government agencies or employees, Publicly Funded School employees, Teachers, Police officers, Firefighters or any other Government officials are not eligible for the discount pass due to Microsoft policy.
**Redmond Company Store is a cashless store.

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 VSLive! 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 at Microsoft HQ? Kick back with the people who love sharing their knowledge and experience to help you get where you want to be professionally.

Mix & Mingle @ VSLive!

Monday, August 4th

This is your opportunity to meet fellow attendees and start friendships that can last for the week or even longer. Join us to mix and mingle with other conference attendees and speakers for a casual no-host mixer. Enjoy light appetizers provided by VSLive! while you get to know your fellow attendees and take in the local Bellevue nightlife. Everyone is responsible for their own beverages.

Welcome Reception - Sponsored by Microsoft

Tuesday, August 5th

Join us to kick off the conference at the Welcome Reception sponsored by Microsoft. Enjoy drinks and appetizers while you relax, unwind, and network with fellow attendees, speakers, and exhibitors after a long day of learning.

Table Topic Lunch

Wednesday, August 6th

Join other attendees at lunch to share ideas, talk about the issues of the day, and maybe solve a few. While you enjoy lunch, you can find and connect with other like-minded people at tables designated for certain languages, technologies, and interests.

We will also have designated speaker tables - noted with the speakers’ name. Join your favorite speaker for a lunchtime discussion or to follow up on any questions from a session.

VSLive!'s Out on the Town in Seattle

Wednesday, August 6th

Drop off and pick up at Pier 57, 1301 Alaskan Way – Miner’s Landing (Home of the Great Wheel)

Experience all that Seattle has to offer by visiting the Central Waterfront! Join us on Wednesday night as a bus will take you from our host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Bellevue, to the heart of Downtown (drop off at Pier 57, 1301 Alaskan Way). Take this opportunity to explore Seattle’s vibrant nightlife, including its restaurants, breweries, Pioneer Square, and the city's best seafood, souvenirs, and sweeping views! The bus will depart the Hyatt Regency Bellevue at 5:45pm and will depart Downtown to return to Bellevue at 10:00pm.