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 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 Redmond?
TechMentor Redmond takes place August 20-24, 2012.
Where is TechMentor Redmond?
TechMentor Redmond will be held at the Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33), Microsoft Headquarters, Redmond, Washington. For more information about the conference location, please visit the TechMentor Redmond Venue Page.
Who can attend?
The conference is open to the public.
What meals are included with registration?
For all paid TechMentor attendees, morning Coffee and 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)?
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 exhibiting or sponsoring TechMentor Redmond 2012, please contact Brent Sutton at 415.518.19621 or [email protected].
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 Redmond area. Thank you for your understanding.
Where can I find things to do in Redmond?
Visit the www.visitseattle.org for information on places to visit and things to do in Redmond and the Seattle area.
Travel/Transportation
Airport Transportation
Area hotels do not provide airport transportation, but there are several options:
Shuttle Express
206.622.1424
From SeaTac Airport: guests can dial 48 at the information center in baggage claim to arrange for transportation. Two hours advance reservation is required.
1st Adult: $26.00; 2nd Adult: $4.00; Additional Adults: $5.00 (Credit cards accepted)
Taxi or Town Car
One way fare averages $50-$60.
Directions to the Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33):
The Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33) is at the main Microsoft Headquarters Campus in Redmond in the eastern suburbs of Seattle, across Lake Washington.
Directions from Sea-Tac Airport:
- Follow signs to Freeways; this will put you on SR 518 eastbound.
- Follow signs to Interstate-5 and Interstate-405.
- Take I-405 North-Renton (center lane).
- Continue on North I-405 through Renton and Bellevue, approximately 14 miles.
- Take SR-520 East exit toward Redmond.
- Exit SR-520 at NE 40th St exit.
- Turn Right at exit onto NE 40th St.
- Cross over 156th Avenue NE.
- Turn right onto 159th Avenue NE.
- The Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33) is located on your left.
Directions from I-405 in Bellevue:
- Exit onto SR-520 East, toward Redmond
- Go about three miles to the 40th Street Exit and you are almost there
- Turn RIGHT (East) onto NE 40th St
- Turn RIGHT (South) onto 159th Ave NE
- Bear LEFT (South) onto NE 36th Way
- You will see Executive Briefing Center – Round the corner to the left and arrive at the Conference Center at 16070 NE 36th Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Directions from I-5 in Seattle:
- Take I-5 Exit 168B, onto SR-520 East
- Take SR-520 about 10 miles across the Lake Washington floating bridge, through
- Bellevue, and past I-405
- Take the 40th Street Exit and you are almost there
- Turn RIGHT (East) onto NE 40th St
- Turn RIGHT (South) onto 159th Ave NE
- Bear LEFT (South) onto NE 36th Way
- You will see Executive Briefing Center – Round the corner to the left and arrive at the Conference Center at 16070 NE 36th Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Parking:
Parking is available in the parking garages below and adjacent to the Microsoft Conference Center (Building 33). You will need to know your license number for registration.
Networking
Will there be opportunities for small group discussions?
We have scheduled evening events 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?
Be a part of pre-conference networking with paid attendees by checking the "Attendee Networking" box when you register. Prior to the conference you have an opportunity to introduce yourself to other attendees and arrange to meet for lunch, dinner or during other break times to meet and network. You can also connect with other TechMentor attendees via:
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 1.541.346.3537.
Where may I obtain your federal tax ID information for my accounting department?
Please contact the registration office and they will fax or mail a completed W9 form to you. TechMentor'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 or by calling the registration office at 1.541.346.3537. Receipts are processed weekly.
How may I make changes to my registration?
You may request changes to your registration by writing or by calling 1.541.346.3537 or by faxing your request to 1.541.346.3545.
What if I need to cancel my registration?
All requests for cancellation must be sent in writing to the registration office. Requests must be received by the cancellation deadline of July 18, 2012 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 18, 2012.
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 purchased the TechMentor Complete Conference & Hotel Package and need to cancel your conference registration, TechMentor will also cancel your hotel reservation at the official conference hotel. If you cancel after the cancellation deadline of July 16, 2012, 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 20, 2012. Requests must be made in writing and may be emailed to [email protected], faxed to 1.541.346.3545, 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 1.541.346.3537 and be prepared to provide a copy of your student identification card.
Technical
Will there be computers with Internet access at the conference?
Yes, the Internet Café and Power Station is available onsite for all attendees.
Will printers be available for attendee use?
Yes, a printer will be available as a part of the Internet Café.
Will I have access to WiFi at the conference?
TechMentor attendees will have access to a wireless network available throughout the main conference area.
Where do I get the notes for each conference session?
All conference attendees will receive access to TechMentor Redmond session proceedings in advance of the event. Conference registrants will also receive a proceedings CD-ROM on-site.
A full TechMentor Redmond proceedings book is available for purchase at the time of registration for $45, and contains all of the session slides contained in the conference CD with plenty of extra space for taking notes.