As we get closer to #SPC14, 12 days to be exact, I thought I would send you a survival guide to help you make the most of your trip to the Microsoft SharePoint Conference in Las Vegas.
A little bit of background. I grew up in Las Vegas. Yes, believe it or not, there are people who are born and raised in Las Vegas. After 20 years, I decided to move to California and for those who know me, I will soon be relocating to Chicago this summer.
So, where should we begin…
Flying in to McCarren International Airport. This is a major airport and lots of ways to get lost. If you are being picked up by another person, then you will migrate to the baggage claim and then you will need to walk across the sky bridge to get to the pick-up area. If you are flying in on the smaller terminal – United Airlines then you will want to make sure you check the terminal before arrival to make it easier on the person picking you up. If you aren’t as fortunate to have someone picking you up, then you have the option of both shuttles and taxis. DO NOT let the taxi driver take you down Las Vegas Blvd. It will increase your fare by a lot of money. Ask the to take Koval. It is a side street that passes just behind the Venetian.
The Venetian is one of the premier hotels on the Las Vegas strip. You will have plenty of space to walk to the nearby hotels. There is a bridge that connects the TI (Treasure Island) across the street and also a moving walkway that heads next door to Harrah’s. Be warned that the casinos look like they are close, but a Vegas block really is almost a mile or more. This will look even farther or closer depending on how much alcohol you have consumed.
Alcohol warning: When I grew up in Las Vegas, my friends and I would take bets on which tourist was going to drink too much and either 1) get heat sickness on the pavement or 2) get picked up by Metro for drunk and disorderly. My mother works in surveillance for one of the casinos on the strip. No, I’m not telling which one. Please don’t let me see you on her next bloopers tape!
Here is my short top 10:
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Drink Water
You will become dehydrated, especially if you are helping work a booth. Remember, alcohol doesn’t count as water
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Take a picture of your room number and what tower you are in
After a long day of walking around, drinking and SharePoint, there is a good chance you will easily forget what room number you are in, what tower that room is in and possibly even where to find the correct elevator to get to your room.
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What happens in Las Vegas, ends up on Twitter
You are choosing to surround yourself with 10,000+ of peers and technology geeks from SharePoint. All of us have phones and a mix of every new gadget on the face of the planet. Don’t be stupid! The whole world will find out within a few minutes.
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Wear comfortable shoes
Lesson learned from previous events. The Venetian has a ton of marble floors and concrete is everywhere. Your feet will start to hurt after a day or so, but you can help prepare for this ahead of time. Remember to sit down every once in a while. Perhaps in the community area…hint…hint
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Sleep
This may seem obvious, but chances are, like many of us, you will be up early in the morning to get to breakfast and those early sessions. You will then be up all day running around and probably end up at some social event till the cows come home at night. You will need to make time to sleep. The casinos do no keep clocks and sunlight pouring in. It will be easy for you to forget. Do not try to use alcohol as a sleep aid. This will backfire as I am sure some will attest to.
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Do NOT distract or interfere with the Venetian performers
When I started college, I was a gondolier and opera singer for the Venetian in Las Vegas. These performers are contracted through a local agency and work long hours as well as continually re-audition to keep their jobs. Therefore, they take it pretty seriously. All of the performances from the gondoliers to the stilt walkers and the statues in the Grand Canal Shops are monitored for quality and if you cause an issue, the performers can lose their positions. Please play nice. If you do, they will be great to you as well. NO standing up or moving around in the gondolas, just in case you thought of having some fun
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Get involved with the Community
SharePoint has built a reputation of community. After all, we are all coming to Vegas, right? Take a chance to meet someone new or attend the sessions that may be outside your comfort zone. There is so much to be shared and in some cases, too much to be shared. Take your pick.
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Swag
Let’s face it, paying for luggage sucks. However, be prepared that you WILL be going home with more than you came with. All of the vendors will have different forms of swag available and the conference has also given away attendee backpacks in the past. Be prepared that you might need the extra room on the way home.
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Bring extra wireless and battery devices
In previous years, the internet connection has been poor. You will want to bring your mi-fi with you and remember to keep it charged. After a full day of being on the phone, taking pictures, tweeting what you had for lunch…..your phone battery will die right as you need to call someone important or look up how to get back to the hotel. I carry two extra battery packs with me at all times. They have saved me on several occasions.
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MY SPC
The sessions will all be available after the conference to download, but remember to keep track of your schedule and events during the conference through the app. It will be a life saver in the end.
All in all, remember to have fun and continue learning. This conference is an amazing experience for all. Take it all in and you will take home some great memories to share.