Frequently Asked Questions

General Conference Information

What is TechMentor?

TechMentor was created for IT Managers and Professionals seeking real-world, in-depth technical training. During TechMentor conferences, expert instructors, leading analysts and Microsoft technology leaders conduct tactical and strategic how-to sessions and provide technical information on deploying, managing and supporting Microsoft products and technologies.

Who is TechMentor for?

TechMentor conferences are for Systems Administrators, IS/IT Management, Senior Systems Administrators, Network Administrators, Help Desk/Technical Support, Systems Engineers, Consultants, Systems Analysts, Business Analyst, and anyone in the IT industry looking to build their expertise.

When is TechMentor @ Microsoft HQ?

TechMentor @ Microsoft HQ takes place August 10-14, 2026.

Where is TechMentor @ Microsoft HQ?

TechMentor @ Microsoft HQ will be held at the Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33) in Redmond, WA. The Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel in Bellevue, WA is the host hotel. For more information about the conference location, please visit the TechMentor @ Microsoft HQ Venue Page.

Who can attend?

The conference is open to the public.

What meals are included with registration?

For all paid TechMentor 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 TechMentor, 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 Conference Center (Building 33) at the main Microsoft Headquarters Campus in Redmond is located 22 miles from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and 25 miles from Seattle Paine Field International Airport (PAE).

Taxi

Taxi Service one way fare from SEA Airport to the Hyatt Regency Bellevue is ~$55.00 - $75.00.

Taxi Service one way fare from PAE Airport to the Hyatt Regency Bellevue is ~$70.00 - $77.00.

Taxi Service one way fare from SEA Airport to the Microsoft Campus (Building 33) is ~$55.00 - $65.00.

Taxi Service one way fare from PAE Airport to the Microsoft Campus (Building 33) is ~$70.00 - $75.00.

What Should I wear for TechMentor @ Microsoft HQ?

Dress for TechMentor @ 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 Commons Mixer (Building 98)

Complimentary parking is available under the Microsoft Commons Mixer (Building 98).

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 TechMentor 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 July 17, 2026 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. TechMentor'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 July 17, 2026 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 17, 2026.

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 TechMentor Conference Package when you registered and need to cancel your conference registration, TechMentor will also cancel your hotel reservation at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline of July 17, 2026, 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 10, 2026. 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 off of 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.