As we count down the final days to Orlando, the Microsoft Ignite Team is busy checking items off our to-do lists and taking care of the final details. We’re sure you can relate. Whether this is your first big conference or you’ve been attending them for years, the more prepped you are the better. So, here are some great tips and tricks for boosting your itinerary, packing your bags, and streaming sessions live.
How to boost your itinerary
- Add a Sunday Pre-Day Workshop to your schedule. These all-day deep dives cover topics across the spectrum of tech professionals. Check out what’s available, and add one to your schedule while they’re still open.
- Immerse yourself in the spirit of diversity and tech. Monday’s Empower Lunch Panel: “Voices from the Top: Leaders Get Real on Building Inclusive Work Cultures” features top executives and engineering leaders including Rokeya Jones and Scott Hanselman discussing the way forward toward real inclusivity.
- Check out new tools and connect with the experts who build them with our Technology Workshops and Immersion Workshops. You can RSVP for them starting September 11. Don’t worry if they look full—waitlisted folks have a good shot at attending.
- Take the AI Robot Challenge! Learn more about enabling robots to collaborate, assist, and adapt to dynamic situations. You could win a robot kit and some serious attention.
How to pack like a pro
- Wear comfortable, broken in shoes. We know it’s tempting to put your shiniest foot forward—and we have the memories of convention blisters to prove it.
- Bring charging cables and spare power packs. You will need them—and can score major points (and make new contacts) with others who are running low on juice.
- Plan around the new Microsoft Ignite backpack and assorted swag all attendees receive—and be sure your baggage can accommodate it all on your return trip.
- Stay hydrated. (Sorry, coffee doesn’t count.) You’ll get a water bottle in your new backpack, but you may want to bring a spare.
- Dress in layers. It’s likely to be warm outside in beautiful Orlando, but chilly inside the super-air-conditioned convention center.
- Bring plenty of business cards and consider updating your LinkedIn profile. You’re going to connect with lots of new people.
How to stream the stuff you’re missing
Can’t attend Microsoft Ignite in person this year—or attending but feeling torn between two sessions? No problem. Almost all keynotes and sessions will be available for live streaming, starting September 24. Simply sign into or register for MyIgnite to enjoy the live experience virtually.
- Registered for Microsoft Ignite 2018: Sign into MyIgnite using your Microsoft Ignite registration account.
- Not registered for Microsoft Ignite 2018: If you’re already a member of the Microsoft Tech Community, use that login. If you’re not a member yet, you can register through the MyIgnite sign-in dialog box.
How to share tips of your own
Got tips? We’d love to hear them—post them on Twitter using the #MSIgnite hashtag.
See you in Orlando!
The Microsoft Ignite Team