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! Microsoft HQ?
Visual Studio Live! Microsoft HQ takes place August 8-12, 2022.

Where is Visual Studio Live! Microsoft HQ?
Visual Studio Live! Microsoft HQ will be held at the Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33), in Redmond Washington. For more information about the conference location, please visit the Visual Studio 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! attendees, morning coffee/pastries 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! Microsoft HQ, please contact Brent Sutton, 415.518.1962, bsutton@converge360.com.

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 the Seattle area?
Visit https://www.visitseattle.org for information on places to visit and things to do in Redmond and the Seattle area.

Travel/Transportation

The Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33) at the main Microsoft Headquarters Campus in Redmond is located 22 miles from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Taxi
One way to and from the Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33) from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) fare averages $55-$70.

Parking at the Microsoft Conference Center
Complimentary parking is available in the parking garages below and adjacent to the Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33).

Parking at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue
Self-parking is $32.00 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 $42.00 per day (plus applicable taxes).

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 sross@converge360.com or 949.296.9840. All payment must be received on or before August 1, 2022 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 sross@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 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 sross@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 sross@converge360.com. Requests must be received by the cancellation deadline of July 15, 2022 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 15, 2022.

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! Conference Package when you registered and need to cancel your conference registration, Visual Studio Live! will also cancel your hotel reservation at Hyatt Regency Bellevue. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline of July 15, 2022, 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 8, 2022. Requests must be made in writing and may be emailed to sross@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 our Conference Registrar at sross@converge360.com 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 sross@converge360.com or 949.296.9840.

COVID Health and Safety Protocols

Will I need to provide proof of vaccination or test results and wear a mask to attend?
Yes, please review the Microsoft Covid Health Policy below:

All Visual Studio Live! attendees must follow the Microsoft Facility protocols to attend that include:

• Either submitting proof of vaccination in Microsoft’s HealthCheck at least 14 days prior to the event, OR
• Uploading a negative COVID test result in Microsoft’s HealthCheck within 7 days of the start of the event (August 8th). The test results must be from a PCR or Antigen test for COVID-19.

While these protocols "may" change prior to the first day of the event (August 8, 2022), all attendees need to confirm during the registration process that they will follow all posted protocols to gain access to the conference facility and event.

In addition, VSLive! expects attendees, speakers, and staff to adhere to the following safety protocols:

• You must stay home if you show any symptoms of illness, or you have tested positive for COVID-19 within 5 days of the event. Please contact the conference registrar at sross@converge360.com or 949-413-5582 if you must cancel due to illness.
• Everyone attending VSLive! should take a COVID-19 home test with a negative test result before attending the event.
• Consider wearing a mask if you are at increased risk for severe illness, or live with or spend time with someone at higher risk.
• VSLive! will have disposable masks and hand sanitizer available throughout the event.
• We encourage you to visit the CDC website for the latest COVID-19 guidance.

For questions, please contact the conference registrar at sross@converge360.com or 949-413-5582.