Inside Convergence Orlando

The Community & Learning Center is an area new to Convergence, but its components are not. Considered the hub of Convergence, this area is designed to be a one-stop shop for networking and learning outside of conference sessions – while only having to visit one room! Arranged according to the main product lines represented at Convergence, each area will offer free technical support, research activities and opportunities to meet fellow users and product experts. Read on for more information about the Community & Learning Center and how it will add to your overall Convergence experience.

Community and Networking Opportunities

The Community & Learning Center offers many options for connecting with other attendees and Microsoft team members, such as:

• Product Communities – Each product area features seating where you can catch up with fellow customers and Microsoft product experts. More information about the inclusions within each Product Community is posted below in the Learning Opportunities section.
• Convergence Connect – This new and improved structured networking tool makes it easy to connect and network with your fellow colleagues at Convergence. Learn more specific information about Convergence Connect.
• Meeting Points – Need an informal place to meet? Meeting Points show up throughout the entire conference center for your convenience, and is simply marked with a "Meeting Point" sign. The Community and Learning Center’s Meeting Point features a number of tables, chairs and wireless access for your use.
• Communications Network (CommNet) – The computers in this area feature high speed internet connectivity and printers, available for your use during the conference. These machines also feature direct access to the attendee website. Learn specific information about CommNet.
• Product Communities Information Desk – This area is a resource to assist with general questions about the Product Communities and serve as a connection point for attendees and team members who are looking for subject matter experts.
• Gaming Area – Try out a Zune, Xbox 360 games, ping pong, and other games to have a little fun in between sessions.

Learning Opportunities

The Community & Learning Center also offers many opportunities for Convergence attendees to learn from Microsoft experts, and likewise, for Microsoft team members to learn from attendees:

• Technical Support – This area features Microsoft support engineers who bring technical support to life for Convergence attendees. Think of it this way – we’re offering FREE technical support during Convergence, allowing you to ask any question you may have about your current implementation. Past event attendees have said that this area alone is well worth the conference fee! Learn more about some of the support engineers who will be staffing the Technical Support area.
• Hands-on Labs – This is the place for you to explore Microsoft products and technologies in, literally, a “hands-on” environment, enabling you to experience product features and functionalities, while revealing tips and tricks you can apply to your daily work life. All of the labs are available throughout the event in a self-paced format, so you can stop by whenever the Community & Learning Center is open and take whichever labs you desire!
• Research Activities – Microsoft research activities give you the opportunity to talk to the people who designed your product and provide product feedback that may be translated directly into design improvements. This area will feature opportunities for all customers to provide their product feedback during Convergence. All you have to do is stop by your product’s area and you're on your way to making a difference in the future of the products!
• Speak Your Mind Booths – Microsoft wants to address your product and services needs and the Speak Your Mind booths are a way that you can provide your feedback directly to Microsoft. In addition to completing your Convergence evaluation form, this booth uses video technology for you to make suggestions and recommendations directly to Microsoft in a quick and effortless manner.
• Customer Reference Program – Love your product or service? Consider becoming a customer reference for Microsoft so that other organizations can have the same sort of experience by implementing a business management solution. The Customer Reference team will be on hand to ask you about your experiences and share information regarding the program throughout Convergence.
• User Groups – Learn more about additional opportunities available to Microsoft Dynamics customers via the User Groups area. User Groups are just one more way that customers can extend their networking and learning experiences outside of Convergence. These groups meet on a regular basis and feature session content product features and functionality, including tips and tricks.