General Conference Information

What is Visual Studio Live?
As the development world's trusted educational provider of developer-focused technical 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 Microsoft Platform. 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?
Visual Studio Live! is for those involved or interested in expanding their knowledge and skills on Microsoft's developer tools and platforms including Software Architects, Systems Analysts, Developers, designers, and anyone in the development industry looking to build their expertise.

When is Visual Studio Live! New Orleans?
Visual Studio Live! New Orleans takes place April 22-26, 2019.

Where is Visual Studio Live! New Orleans?
Visual Studio Live! New Orleans will be held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, LA. For more information about the conference location, please visit the Visual Studio Live! New Orleans 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/pastries and lunch are provided on all days that you attend sessions or workshops 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.

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 or exhibiting at Visual Studio Live! New Orleans, please contact Navid Davani, 949.265.1512, ndavani@converge360.com.

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 New Orleans area. Thank you for your understanding.

Where can I find things to do in New Orleans?
Visit the Official New Orleans Tourism site for information on places to visit and things to do in New Orleans.

Travel/Transportation

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is just over 14 miles from the Louis Armstrong International Airport (Airport Code: MSY).

Taxi
One way fare from the Louis Armstrong International Airport to the Hyatt Regency New Orleans is ~$36.00.

How can I get from the airport to Hyatt Regency New Orleans?
Several companies offer shuttle service to and from the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Signs are posted on the transportation level at the airport outside baggage claim which will direct you to the shuttle area. Shuttle service to the Hyatt Regency New Orleans is ~$24.00 (per person, one-way) or ~$44.00 (per person, round-trip).

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans Bell Desk can assist you with the arrangements for airport returns.

Is Parking available at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans?
For your convenience, Hyatt Regency New Orleans offers premium valet services. In addition to the hotel’s valet, there are also several nearby parking lots (fees apply), including the 1301 Girod Parking Garage that connects directly to the hotel. (Subject to Price Change and Special Events – Contact Merit Parking at 504-561-0575 for confirmed pricing.)

Self-parking at the Hyatt Regency:

• 0-1 hour - $4.00
• 1-2 hours - $6.00
• 2-3 hours - $8.00
• 3-9 hours - $12.00
• 9-12 hours - $20.00
• 12-24 hours - $25

Valet parking at the Hyatt Regency:

• 0-1 hour - $10.00
• 1-2 Hours - $15.00
• 2-4 Hours - $22.00
• 4+ Hours - $30.00 + tax
• Overnight - $30 + tax
• Oversized Vehicles - $36.00 + tax /Overnight

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! 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 949.296.9840. All payments must be received on or before March 22, 2019 or the registration will be canceled.

Where may I obtain your federal tax ID information for my accounting department?
Please contact the registration office at csegerson@converge360.com 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 csegerson@converge360.com or by calling the registration office at 949.296.9840. Receipts are processed weekly.

How may I make changes to my registration?
You may request changes to your registration by writing csegerson@converge360.com 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 csegerson@converge360.com. Requests must be received by the cancellation deadline of March 22, 2019 to qualify for a refund. A cancellation-processing fee of $250 will be charged for each cancellation request. No refunds will be given after March 22, 2019.

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 added the Hotel Package to your Visual Studio Live! Conference Package when you registered and need to cancel your conference registration, Visual Studio Live! will also cancel your hotel reservation at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline of March 22, 2019, 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 22, 2019. Requests must be made in writing and may be emailed to csegerson@converge360.com, by calling 949.296.9840, 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 csegerson@converge360.com or by calling 949.296.9840 and be prepared to provide a copy of your student identification card.

Do you offer government discounts?
We offer employees of a national/federal, state, provincial, or local government entity, including public higher education institutions employees with a valid government photo ID or .mil / .gov email address are eligible for a discount off of the full priced conference registration fees. To qualify for this discount, please contact the registration office at csegerson@converge360.com or 949.296.9840.

Technical

Will there be a computer with Internet access and printer at the conference?
Yes, a Print Station is available onsite for all attendees and complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the conference floor.

Where do I get the notes for each conference session?
All conference attendees will receive access to Visual Studio Live! New Orleans session proceedings in advance of the event.

Do you record conference sessions?
Yes, new to VSLive! in 2019, you can now extend your learning with on-demand access to all of the recorded content from the VSLive! New Orleans sessions (does not include workshops or hands-on labs) taking place Tuesday, April 24 – Thursday, April 26. The VSLive! On-Demand Content Package gives you access to all sessions, keynotes and panel discussions shortly after the conference ends for one full year. For more information, visit the VSLive! On-Demand page.