Microsoft Ignite Conference 2017 Survival Guide

Microsoft Ignite is the largest conference of the year. It truly is the place where Microsoft can shine by showing off the latest and greatest throughout all of the suites of products, services and bringing the vast community together for a week of learning, collaboration and parties.

This year is expected to have over 20,000+ attendees plus sponsors and staff. It is sure to be one of the largest opportunities this year. If you have ever attended SPC or Ignite, you will know that it is a marathon to prepare for and you will want to be prepared.

Here are some tips to help you survive:

Drink Lots of Water

This conference is spread across three buildings A, B and C. You will be booking it across the different halls to try to get to sessions. On average, you will be getting more exercise throughout the day than we do at our desk. You will get dehydrated. The Sunday arrival day is expected to be 92 degrees F. This means hot and humid.  Do not be the one that has to get helped to the water hole.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Where our usual goal is to try to reach 10,000 steps in a day, this conference will put this number to shame with the average person reaching 15,000 – 20,000 steps easily throughout the day.  With the humid and hot weather, plan on also brining a pair of slightly larger shoes. The conference and expo hall floors are often just carpet laid on top of concrete. Your feet are going to hurt, so take care of them early on.

Party Badges

If you are planning on attending any of the multiple parties that are happening this year, make sure to stop by the sponsor booths early to pick up your badges as they will often run out.

I work for one of the companies sponsoring a large party, please do not ask me to get you wristband. I hope that everyone can attend, but I am not able to give special treatment out to anyone. Please be responsible and come visit our booth if you would like to attend.

Come and have a great time. This year is going to be amazing! See you there.

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. If you forget your hotel entirely, there may be a bigger issue at foot.

What happens in Orlando, 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.

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. Do not try to use alcohol as a sleep aid. This will backfire as I am sure some will attest to.

Get involved with the Community

Microsoft has built a reputation of community.  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.

Ladies – Visit the “Women in Business and Technology reception” on Sunday after the pre-trainings and the Women in Business and Technology lunch on Monday.

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.

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.

Ignite Sessions App

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.

Visit MyIgnite to schedule your sessions today!

Looking to pick up that new certification?

Take part on the hands-on labs and certification testing areas.

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.

Pack the Extras

Weather this year has been a little crazy in Florida. Plan for the chance you might see the outdoors. Pack some of the following:

• Umbrella (do I really need to say something about Maria?)
• Sunblock
• Bug Spray (mosquitoes suck, literally)
• Band-aids – Feet swell after being on them and your shoes are going to hurt
• Advil or Pain meds – headaches, dehydration, that college football injury that keeps flaring back up. Take care of yourself.

Badge Pick Up

Badge pickup will be available at select locations. At past events, you could pick up your badge at baggage claim at the airport and also at the registration desk at the conference.

MICROSOFT IGNITE NAME BADGE PICK-UP LOCATIONS & HOURS