Visual Studio Live! Chicago takes place August 15-18, 2011.
Visual Studio Live! Chicago will be held at the Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago, IL. For more information about the conference location, please visit the Visual Studio Live! Chicago Venue Page.
Airport Transportation
The Westin Michigan Avenue does not provide airport transportation, but there are several options:
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Travel Distance: Approximately 28.97 km/18.0 miles
Taxi service from ORD to the Westin Michigan Avenue will be approximately $50 each way.
Shuttle Services:
Train: from O'Hare International Airport, take the CTA Blue Line to the Jackson Boulevard exit. From this point, transfer to the CTA Red Line and continue towards Howard and exit Chicago Avenue. From Chicago Avenue, walk 3 blocks east to Michigan Avenue, turn left and walk 3 blocks to Delaware. The hotel entrance is on Delaware.
Midway Airport (MDW)
Travel Distance: Approximately 25.75 km/16.0 miles
Taxi service from MDW to the Westin Michigan Avenue will be approximately $20 each way.
Shuttle Services:
Train: from Midway Airport, take the CTA Orange Line direction towards Loop to the Roosevelt Road exit. From this point, transfer to the CTA Red Line and continue towards Howard and exit Chicago Avenue. From Chicago Avenue, walk 3 blocks east to Michigan Avenue, turn left and walk 3 blocks to Delaware. The hotel entrance is on Delaware.
Parking*:
Valet parking is available at the Westin Michigan Avenue. Overnight parking for guests is $55 per day with in and out privileges. Attendees that are not staying at the hotel will be charged an hourly rate. The rate for 4-12 hours is $29.
* please note that prices are subject to change per hotel discretion
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:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/vslive - #vslive
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com – Search “vslive”
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com - JOIN “vslive” GROUP
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.
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 to [email protected] 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 to [email protected], or by calling (541) 346-3537, or 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 July 13, 2011 to qualify for a refund. A cancellation-processing fee of $250 will be charged for each cancellation request. No refunds will be given after July 13, 2011.
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 Westin Michigan Avenue. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline of July 13, 2011, 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.
The Code Project is the official Visual Studio Live! 2011 Wi-Fi Sponsor.
Will printers be available for attendee use?
Yes, a printer will be available as a part of the Internet Café.
Where do I get the notes for each conference session?
All conference attendees will access to our on-line website which will have a copy of all presentations and associated code.
A full Visual Studio Live! Chicago proceedings book is available for purchase at the time of registration for $40, and contains all of the session slides with plenty of extra space for taking notes.