Frequently Asked Questions

• General
• Travel/Transportation
• Networking
• Registration
• Technical

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! Chicago?
Visual Studio Live! Chicago takes place May 5-8, 2014.

Where is Visual Studio Live! Chicago?
Visual Studio Live! Chicago will be held at the Hilton Chicago. For more information about the conference location, please visit the Visual Studio Live! Chicago 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 lunch are provided on all days that you attend sessions or workshop 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! Chicago, please contact Navid Davani at 949.265.1512 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 Chicago area. Thank you for your understanding.

Travel/Transportation

Airport Transportation
Choose from 2 area major airports to get the rate that works for you:

Chicago-O'Hare International Airport
Follow signs for I-190 east. Take I-190 to I-90 east. I-90 will merge with I-94. Take 1-90/94 Approx. 18 miles to Jackson St. Exit Jackson St. Drive 1/4 mile on Jackson St., turn right on Michigan Ave. Hotel is 5 blocks down.
Distance from Hotel: 18 miles

Chicago Midway Airport
I-55 north to Chicago North on Lakeshore Drive. Left on Balbo two blocks to hotel on left. Distance from Hotel: 12 miles

Parking at the Hilton Chicago
Self-parking: $45.00 ($45 12-24 hours)
Valet parking: $57.00 ($57 6-24 hours)

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 April 2, 2014 to qualify for a refund. A cancellation-processing fee of $250 will be charged for each cancellation request. No refunds will be given after April 2, 2014.

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! 4-Day Conference + Hotel Package and need to cancel your conference registration, Visual Studio Live! will also cancel your hotel reservation at the Hilton Chicago. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline of April 2, 2014, 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, April 25, 2014. 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 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 1.541.346.3537 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.

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?
Visual Studio Live! attendees will have access to a wireless network available throughout the main conference area.

Where do I get the notes for each conference session?
All conference attendees will receive access to Visual Studio Live! Chicago session proceedings in advance of the event. Conference registrants will also receive a proceedings CD-ROM on-site.