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 @ Microsoft HQ?
TechMentor @ Microsoft HQ takes place August 8 - 12, 2022.

Where is TechMentor Microsoft HQ?
TechMentor @ 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 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, morning coffee/pastries and lunch are provided on all days that you attend sessions, workshops, and 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.

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 @ Microsoft HQ, 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 the Redmond / Seattle area?
Visit the 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
Parking is available on the South side of the Conference Center in the upper parking lot and is suggested for ADA accessibility. All attendees must enter the Microsoft Conference Center through the main entrance.

Limited parking is available in the parking garage under the building, but if you do park in the garage, you will need to take the stairs located to the left of the elevator bank to the main entrance (elevators will be locked to non-Microsoft personnel).

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 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 Conference Registrar Sara Ross at [email protected] at 949.296.9840. All payments must be received on or before July 15, 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 Sara Ross at [email protected] and she 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 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 our Conference Registrar Sara Ross at [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 our Conference Registrar Sara Ross at [email protected]. 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 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 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 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 our Conference Registrar Sara Ross at [email protected], by calling 949.296.9840, or by bringing 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 Sara Ross at [email protected] or by calling 949.296.9840. Subject to TechMentor verification.

Do you offer government discounts?
We offer employees of a national/federal, state, provincial, or local government entity, including public higher education institutions employees with a valid government photo ID or .mil / .gov email address are eligible for a discount off of the full priced conference registration fees. To qualify for this discount, please contact our Conference Registrar Sara Ross at [email protected] or 949.296.9840. Subject to TechMentor verification.

Covid Health Policy

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

All TechMentor 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, TechMentor 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 [email protected] or 949-413-5582 if you must cancel due to illness.
• Everyone attending TechMentor 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.
• TechMentor 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 [email protected] or 949-413-5582.