Frequently Asked Questions

General Conference Information

What is Visual Studio Live?

Visual Studio Live! (VSLive!™) is one of the industry's longest-running and most respected conferences for developers building on the Microsoft platform. Since 1993, VSLive! has delivered independent, expert-led technical education designed to help developers master new technologies, improve their craft, and solve real-world challenges.

Our conferences feature Microsoft engineers, product team members, MVPs, and industry leaders covering the technologies shaping modern development—including .NET, Azure, AI, cloud-native applications, DevOps, data, and software architecture. Every session is selected for its technical depth, practical value, and immediate applicability.

More than a conference, VSLive! is where developers come to learn what's next—and how to put it to work today.

What is Artificial Intelligence Live?

Artificial Intelligence Live! (AILive!™) is a technical conference designed for developers, engineers, and technology professionals who are ready to move beyond the AI hype and build real-world, production-ready AI solutions. AILive! delivers independent, expert-led education focused on the tools, technologies, and practices shaping the next generation of software development.

Our sessions feature Microsoft experts, MVPs, and industry leaders covering the full spectrum of modern AI development—including GitHub Copilot and AI-powered developer workflows, agents and AI engineering, AI application patterns, grounding and context, models and evaluation, and hands-on implementation. Every session is designed to provide practical techniques and actionable insights you can put to work immediately.

More than learning about AI, AILive! is where developers learn how to build with it—turning today's rapidly evolving AI technologies into smarter applications and real business solutions.

Who is Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! for?

Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! are for developers and technology professionals looking to expand their skills across Microsoft development technologies and the rapidly evolving world of AI.

Whether you're a Software Architect, Developer, Engineer, Systems Analyst, Technical Lead, Designer, or other technology professional, you'll find practical, expert-led education designed to help you build better software, modernize applications, integrate AI into your solutions, and stay current with the tools and technologies shaping development today.

With two events in one location for one price, you can explore the topics most relevant to your work—from .NET, Azure, cloud, DevOps, data, and software architecture to GitHub Copilot, AI agents, AI engineering, models, evaluation, and real-world AI application development.

When is Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! @ Microsoft HQ?

Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! @ Microsoft HQ takes place August 2-6, 2027.

Where is Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! @ Microsoft HQ

Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! @ Microsoft HQ will be held at the Microsoft Commons Mixer (Building 98) & Microsoft Building 92. The Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel in Bellevue, WA is the host hotel. For more information about the conference location, please visit the Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! @ Microsoft HQ Venue Page.

Who can attend?

The conference is open to the public.

What meals are included with registration?

For all paid Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! attendees, breakfast and lunch are provided on all days that you attend sessions, workshops, hands-on labs at the conference.

Will I be able to request special meals (i.e. kosher, vegetarian, gluten free)?

Yes, you will be prompted for special meal requirements during the registration process. All special meal requests must be submitted at least 7 days prior to the conference start date.

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 and we will make every effort to accommodate your request.

Where can I find information about Sponsorship Opportunities?

If you are interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! @ Microsoft HQ, please contact Brent Sutton, 415.518.1962, [email protected].

Can I bring a guest or companion to conference sessions and meals?

Only paid attendees are allowed in conference sessions and meals. Thank you for your understanding.

Where can I find things to do in Redmond, Bellevue, and Seattle, WA?

Exploring a city can be an exciting adventure. Explore and find your Pacific Northwest inspiration to start planning your trip today!

Travel/Transportation

Airport

The Microsoft Commons Mixer (Building 98) at the main Microsoft Headquarters Campus in Redmond is located 22 miles from the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and 25 miles from the Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE).

Taxi

One way to and from the Microsoft Commons Mixer (Building 98) from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) fare averages $55-$70.

One way to and from the Microsoft Commons Mixer (Building 98) from Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE) fare averages $70-$75.

Taxi Service one way fare from SEA Airport to the Microsoft Commons Mixer (Building 98) is ~$55.00 - $65.00.

Taxi Service one way fare from PAE Airport to the Microsoft Commons Mixer (Building 98) is ~$70.00 - $75.00.

What Should I wear for VSLive! & AILive! @ Microsoft HQ?

Dress for Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! @ Microsoft HQ is casual. Redmond, WA enjoys moderate to warm weather in August, with daytime temperatures that typically average 77 degrees Fahrenheit and evenings that average in the 50s. Temperatures inside the meeting rooms can vary greatly, so please plan your attire accordingly.

Parking at the Microsoft

Complimentary parking is available under the Microsoft Commons Mixer (Building 98). All attendees must enter the Microsoft Commons Mixer (Building 98) & Microsoft Building 92 through the marked attendee entrance.

Parking at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue

Self-parking is $37.00 per day for Sunday night through Thursday night stays (plus applicable taxes) Friday and Saturday night stays are complimentary (8pm Friday until 12am Sunday).

Valet Parking at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue is $47.00 per day (plus applicable taxes).

*Parking prices subject to change without 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?

Connect with other Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence 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 [email protected] or 949.296.9840. All payments must be received on or before June 25, 2027 or the registration will be canceled.

Where may I obtain your federal tax ID information for my accounting department?

Please contact our Conference Registrar at [email protected] and they will email a completed W9 form to you. Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live!'s Federal Tax I.D. Number is 20-4583700.

Where can I request a receipt?

You received a link to your receipt in your confirmation email. You may access your registration at any time with the email address you registered with and your reference number, found in your confirmation email. Click here to log back into your registration.

How may I make changes to my registration?

You may request changes to your registration by writing [email protected] or by calling 949.296.9840.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

All requests for cancellation must be sent in writing to the registration office at [email protected]. Requests must be received by the cancellation deadline of May 21, 2027 to qualify for a refund. A cancellation-processing fee of $250 will be charged for each cancellation request. No refunds will be given after May 21, 2027.

If I cancel my conference registration, will my hotel room be cancelled as well?

No, these are handled separately. Please contact your hotel directly to cancel your room reservation.

If you have added the Hotel Package to your Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! Conference Package when you registered and need to cancel your conference registration, Visual Studio Live! & Artificial Intelligence Live! will also cancel your hotel reservation at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel. If you cancel after the hotel cancellation deadline of July 9, 2027, 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, August 2, 2027. Requests must be made in writing and may be emailed to [email protected], by calling 949.296.9840, or bring the request with you onsite.

Will I receive confirmation of my registration?

Yes, you will receive a confirmation email sent to the address provided during the registration process.

Do you offer any student discounts?

We offer full-time college students from accredited universities a discount on the full-priced conference registration fees. To qualify for this discount, please contact our Conference Registrar at [email protected] or by calling 949.296.9840 and be prepared to provide a copy of your student identification card.

Do you offer government / non-profit discounts?

We offer Employees of a national, federal, state, or local government entity or a nonprofit with 501(c) status discounts on all packages. To qualify for this discount, please contact the registration office at [email protected] or 949.296.9840.

Do you offer discounts for international attendees?

Yes. To support and encourage participation from our international community, we offer a special discount for attendees traveling from outside the United States. To qualify for this discount, please contact the registration office at [email protected] or 949.296.9840.