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 Orlando?
TechMentor Orlando takes place March 4-8, 2013.
Where is TechMentor Orlando?
TechMentor Orlando will be held at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel, Orlando, FL. For more information about the conference location, please visit the TechMentor Orlando Venue Page. [Link to 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 (Monday through Thursday). Morning Coffee and Pastries only will be served on Friday, March 8th.
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 Orlando 2013, please contact Navid Davani at 949.265.1512 or ndavani@1105media.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 Orlando area. Thank you for your understanding.
Where can I find things to do in Orlando?
Visit the http://orlando.citysearch.com/ for information on places to visit and things to do in the Orlando area.
Travel/Transportation
Travel/Transportation
The Buena Vista Palace is just 30 minutes from downtown Orlando and the Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Arranging transportation from the airport to The Buena Vista Palace:
The hotel does not have a free shuttle to and from the airport; however, Mears Transportation provides shuttle service to the hotel for a charge of $21.00 per person one way or $34.00 per person round trip. The shuttles run every 20-30 minutes. When you arrive at the airport, proceed to the baggage claim area to purchase your tickets.
Driving Directions to the Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
From Orlando International Airport: From the north end of the airport, take SR-528 (Beeline Expressway toll road) heading west. Merge onto I-4 West. From I-4, take Exit #68, then turn right onto SR-535. Turn left onto Hotel Plaza Boulevard, then right onto E. Buena Vista Drive. Hotel is on the right.
From Tampa: Take I-4 east to exit 68 for State highway 535 toward Lake Buena Vista. Turn left at S. Apopka Vineland Rd/Kissimmee Vineland Rd/ State Rd 535 and continue to follow S. Apopka Vineland Rd/State Rd 535.Turn left at Hotel Plaza Blvd/Preview Blvd and right at N. Buena Vista Drive. Hotel is on the right.
From Miami: Take 1-95 north to exit 12A on the left for Florida's Turnpike/State highway 826 west and keep left toward Florida Turnpike N/SR-91 (partial toll road). Take exit 254 for US-441 south/US-92 west and follow signs for 528 west (partial toll road) for four miles. Take the exit onto I-4 toward Tampa and take exit 68 toward Lake Buena Vista. Turn right at S. Apopka Vineland Rd/State Rd 535, turn left at Hotel Plaza Blvd/Preview Blvd, and right at N. Buena Vista Drive. Hotel is on the right.
Parking:
The Buena Vista Palace provides complimentary self-parking for hotel guests. Valet parking at the Buena Vista Palace is $16.00 per day.
The day rate for parking at the Buena Vista Palace is $10.00 per day.
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 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 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 February 6, 2013 to qualify for a refund. A cancellation-processing fee of $250 will be charged for each cancellation request. No refunds will be given after February 7, 2013.
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 February 6, 2013, 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, March 4, 2013. Requests must be made in writing and may be emailed to tmreg@ce.uoregon.edu, 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 Orlando session proceedings in advance of the event. Conference registrants will also receive a proceedings CD-ROM on-site.
A full TechMentor Orlando 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.