Your attendance at Visual Studio Live! (VSLive!™) Redmond 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!

Activities:

Access to the Microsoft Company Store
You bring the money, we get you special access!*
Monday, August 14 & Thursday, August 17

Visual Studio Live! Redmond event attendees will have the opportunity to visit the Microsoft Company Store during their time at the conference and have access to the employee-only discount area. The company store's discount area is typically only open for Microsoft employees to purchase select Microsoft products at discounted prices, so you won't want to miss out on this great opportunity!

Popular home-use software titles such as Windows, Office, Office for Mac, and Streets and Trips are available. XBOX accessories and a selection of XBOX games are offered at significant savings. At the Redmond campus location, you will find one of the largest selections of Microsoft-branded PC hardware in any retail store. PC Hardware offered includes Keyboards and desktop sets, Mice, Webcams and more.

Visual Studio Live! Redmond event attendees will qualify for a 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.  **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 select Microsoft products.
**All attendees must have a valid driver's license that matches the name on the voucher.
**If using a credit card for payment, the name on the card must match the name on your voucher and identification.
**If you are employed by a government agency or a school or university, you are not eligible for the discount pass due to Microsoft policy.

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 Visual Studio Live! 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 in Redmond? Kick back with the people who love sharing their knowledge and experience to help you get where you want to be.

Events:

Dine-A-Round Dinner
Monday, August 14

Join other conference attendees and speakers for a casual, no-host dinner and make a few new friends while enjoying the fun and delicious restaurants in the Bellevue area. This is your opportunity to meet fellow attendees and start friendships that can last for the week or even longer. Groups can break into smaller groups based on where everyone wants to dine and head off to dinner. Everyone is responsible for their own dinner.

Lunch with the Blue Badges
Monday, August 14 & Thursday, August 17

On Monday and Thursday, Visual Studio Live! attendees will have the opportunity to have lunch with the Blue Badges at The Mixer, the Microsoft employee lunch area with over 10 different restaurant options to choose from. These two extended lunch periods are also the perfect time to visit the Microsoft Visitor Center and the Microsoft Company Store. Shuttle service to and from the Commons, as well as Microsoft food coupons will be provided as part of your Visual Studio Live! registration.

Microsoft Ask the Experts & Exhibitor Reception
Tuesday, August 15

Visual Studio Live! Redmond's Exhibitor Reception will be combined with a two-hour Microsoft Ask the Experts session, where you'll get a chance to talk with Microsoft product team members and speakers. Enjoy drinks and snacks while you explore the Visual Studio Live! exhibits, network with fellow attendees and get answers to your questions for the experts and the exhibitors.

Birds of a Feather Lunch
Wednesday, August 16

Enjoy lively lunchtime discussions by joining one of our table topic conversations.  Tables will have a designated topic to help start discussions and interact with your fellow attendees.  You may even learn a new trick or two or some great tips to take back to the office.

We will also have designated speaker tables - noted with the speaker's name.  Join your favorite speaker for a lunchtime discussion or just to ask questions or clarify anything from their sessions.

Set Sail! VSLive's Seattle Sunset Cruise
Wednesday, August 16
6:15pm – 9:00pm
Pre-registration & $20 Confirmation Fee Required

Experience Seattle from the Eastside on this 90-minute narrated cruise of Lake Washington! Learn the history of the Eastside and Seattle neighborhoods bordering Lake Washington, take a swing by the Bill and Melinda Gates estate, and pass under the new Evergreen Point Floating Bridge (SR 520). Weather permitting, you'll take in breath-taking, panoramic views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic mountain range to the west, and the majesty of Mount Rainier and the Cascade mountain range to the south and east. Complimentary light snacks and beverages will be available.

The tour will depart from the Kirkland City Dock at 7pm. Shuttles will be available from the Hyatt Regency Bellevue to the Kirkland City Dock between 6:15pm and 6:45pm. The tour will depart from the Kirkland City Dock at 7pm. Return shuttles to the Hyatt Regency Bellevue will be available from 8:30pm – 9:00pm.