Azure and the Modern Datacenter Attendee FAQ

Q: What is “Azure and the Modern Datacenter”?
A: “Azure and the Modern Datacenter” is a one day conference on a variety of Microsoft Azure technology topics for IT implementers and IT influencers.  The agenda is here.
Q: When and where is it?
A: It is 8:30am to 5pm on April 7, 2016 at the Arlington Lakes Golf Course, in the Clubhouse, on the second floor.  The address is 1211 New Wilke Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60005.
Q: How do I register for it?
A: Register for it on Eventbrite at http://bit.ly/AnMDReg.  If you have registered on Meetup.com because you are a member of the Software Development Community user group, you MUST also register on Eventbrite.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: Business casual.  This is a business technology conference.
Q: Is food provided?

A: Of course! You can’t learn on an empty stomach! Breakfast, lunch, and snack times are listed in the agenda.

  • Breakfast:
    • Assorted Bagels with Cream Cheese and Jellies
    • Assorted Danish
    • Assorted Muffins
    • Fresh Cut Fruit
    • Water and Coffee
  • Lunch
    • Box Lunch Sandwiches serve with Chips and Fruit
      • Corned Beef Sandwich On Rye Bread
      • Tuna Sandwich On Wheat Bread
      • Turkey Sandwich On onion rolls with Swiss cheese
      • Ham Sandwich On White Bread American cheese
      • Veggie Wraps
      • Roast Beef Sandwich On Kaiser roll with cheddar cheese
    • Assorted Canned Soda
      • Diet Pepsi
      • Pepsi
      • Sierra Mist
    • Water.  Powdered water flavors will be available to add in.
  • Morning Snack:
    • Quaker Granola bars
    • Nutrigrain bars
    • Water. Powdered water flavors will be available to add in.
  • Afternoon Snack
    • A selection of individually bagged chips and popcorn
    • Water.  Powdered water flavors may be available to add in.
    • Any soda left over from lunch.
Q: What do I do if I have special dietary needs that are not met by the food provided?
A: You may bring your own food, but there is no refrigeration nor microwave.
Q: What do I need to do to prepare for the event?
A: Bring your questions for our experts! Also, if you don’t have an Azure subscription already, you can sign up for one here: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/. If you bring your laptop, you might want to bring a power strip, as the number of outlets in the room is limited. We’ll provide pen and paper for taking notes.
Q: Will there be networking?
A: If you mean getting to meet other people in your profession, YES.  If you mean you want your devices to access the internet, there is only wifi, see below.  During breakfast, lunch, and snack breaks, you are encouraged to talk to your fellow attendees and the speakers and sponsors. Please BRING YOUR BUSINESS CARDS.
Q: Will there be wifi?
A: Yes.  The wifi network is named ALGCWireless.  However, conference attendees have a knack for overwhelming venue wifi, so you probably want to have a backup plan of using your phone as a hotspot.
Q: Will there be a raffle?
A: Of course! What would a technology conference be without an end of day raffle?  Thanks to our sponsors, we have a number of raffle items!
Prizes include:
  • A $25 Gift Card
  • Courtesy of Microsoft:
    • Two licenses for Office 365 home edition
    • An Arc Mouse
    • A Windows 10 shirt
    • A Windows 10 four port USB Hub
    • A Groove Music Pass (free 30 day trial)
  • Courtesy of Microsoft Press
    • 3 copies of the “Azure Fundamentals” book
  • Courtesy of Manning Press:
    • “Azure in Action” book
  • Courtesy of PSC:
    • An APC mobile power pack (battery for charging mobile devices). 1A output.
  • 5 t-shirts that I picked up at the expo hall at Ignite 2015.
Q: What hashtag should I use when I tweet about this event?
A: #AzureModernDatacenterChicago
Q: What do I do if I have other questions?

A: Use the contact button on the Eventbrite Page.

Contact Button