How can I go back and change my registration?
You may review your registration and make changes or updates by accessing the
registration website and entering your Windows Live™ ID or username and password. You may do any of the following via the update your registration link:
- Make a change to your registration information
- View and print your current confirmation information
- Create or edit hotel reservations
- Cancel your registration
- View and print a copy of your current invoice or receipt
What does my registration include?
Full conference registration includes access to all keynotes, sessions, meals, Convergence Experience Center (which includes the Expo Experience, Microsoft Solutions Experience, and Community Experience areas), exclusive attendee tools & resources such as Schedule Builder and Convergence Connect, evening events, and Virtual Convergence content. For specific access for Day Passes, Convergence Experience Center Only passes and Convergence Reception Only passes, please visit the
registration information page.
Are spouses and/or kids allowed to attend conference activities?
The event and all related conference activities are for registered attendees only. Convergence Reception Guest passes are available for purchase for guests that are 21 years old and older (the Convergence Reception takes place Sunday, March 18 from 6:00-10:00pm at Minute Maid Park). No children or infants are allowed at any conference-sponsored activities or receptions. If child care is needed, please check with your hotel.
What hours will registration be open onsite?
Registration will be located at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC). Registration will open Sunday, March 18 at 11:30am. Full registration hours will be posted prior to the event.
How can I find specific session information?
The
Session catalog includes a listing of Keynote Sessions, General Sessions, Concurrent Sessions, Deep Dive Sessions, Interactive Discussions, User Group Sessions, and Birds of a Feather Sessions, and allows attendees to search on sessions by a variety of different tags (such as track, level, audience, etc.). PLEASE NOTE: The Session Catalog is a work in progress and many more sessions will be posted over the next few months. Specific dates/times will be assigned to sessions in early February, and a Schedule Builder will be available at that time where attendees can build their own personal session schedule prior to arriving onsite.
Where in Houston will the event be held?
The primary location for Convergence 2012 will be the
George R. Brown Convention Center, located at 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX. The
Hilton Americas, 1600 Lamar Street, Houston, TX, which is adjacent to the Convention Center, will also host several breakout sessions, activities and meetings. The Convergence Reception on Sunday evening will be hosted at
Minute Maid Park, 501 Crawford Street, Houston, TX.
Is there an opportunity to earn CPE credits for my attendance?
A CPE Tracking Form, which allows attendees to track their session attendance and hours, is now available for download; however, award of official CPE credits will be determined by the requirements of each local State Board of Accountancy. Please note: Microsoft cannot guarantee compliance with the official requirements of the NASBA or individual State Accountancy Boards and cannot be held responsible for any CPE credits that are not awarded due to our inactive sponsorship with the NASBA (National Association of State Boards of Accountancy). Please contact the
MBS Events team if you have any questions.
What meals will be provided at Convergence?
Conference meals include breakfast and lunch and will be served in the Attendee Meal Hall located in Exhibit Hall A at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC), over the dates of March 19 -21, 2012. Lunch will also be provided on March 18. If you have pre-ordered a Kosher, Halal or other specific meal, you may pick it up at the designated Special Meal Buffet which is located in the center of the Hall. Food and beverage will also be provided at the Convergence Reception and the Expo Reception.
Will there be airport transportation available?
Airport transportation is the responsibility of each attendee. However, please note that Convergence will be offering special non-stop airport service from the GRBCC to George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport on Wednesday, March 21 between 12:00-6:00pm. Cost is $20 and attendees can make reservations with the Airport Transportation Kiosk at the Registration Desk starting Tuesday, March 20.
Will there be shuttle transportation available?
Complimentary conference shuttle transportation will run in the morning and in the afternoon between Convergence hotels and the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC). Shuttle transportation will also be provided from Convergence hotels to Minute Maid Park for the Convergence Reception. The following hotels in the Convergence hotel block are within walking distance of GRBCC and Minute Maid Park and no shuttle service will be provided: Embassy Suites and Hilton Americas Houston. Shuttle hours will be posted prior to the event. All other transportation (including airport transportation) will be the responsibility of each attendee.
Will wireless connectivity be available?
Wireless internet connectivity will be available in all conference areas at Convergence and is an open, shared network, designed to require minimal configuration by attendees. Convergence asks you to ensure your machine is updated with all appropriate patches, antivirus software, and that an internet connection firewall is enabled. Machines that are not up to date may lose access to the network. A Windows update can be run at
update.microsoft.com. The wireless network provided at the show is an 802.11a/b network. As we continually evolve the WI-FI technologies to provide the most stable and robust experience for the attendees, we hope that you take advantage of the increased 802.11a radio network while onsite.
Configuration Details:
- Windows 7, Vista and XP should detect the MSFTINET wireless network automatically.
- Make sure you ARE NOT connected to an AD-HOC/Peer to Peer network.
- Make sure you are in an area that is supporting WI-FI.
If you need assistance configuring your laptop or mobile devices for use with the wireless network, visit the wireless helpdesk located in the Community Experience. You can also utilize the ‘Get Connected’ area within the Community Experience to access wired connectivity and power for your laptop.
Will business services be available?
There is a FedEx Office in the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC), located on Level 2. Phone, fax, shipping and other services are available.
Will luggage check be available?
Although Convergence recommends leaving personal belongings at your hotel, Convergence will offer limited luggage check at the GRBCC during the event within posted conference hours. Laptops and coats/jackets will not be accepted. Convergence luggage check is free to attendees. Hours will be posted prior to the event.
Can I use my cell phone or camera?
Yes, but we do ask that you be considerate of other attendees. Please turn your cell phone and pager to the silent mode while you are in sessions and do not use cell phones in the session rooms. Out of respect for our presenters, we ask that no flash photography, video and/or audio recorders, or laser pointers be used during any session.
Will there be a first aid station?
For routine medical assistance, there is a first aid station at the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRBCC). This station is open during conference hours only. It is located by the escalators at the entrances of Exhibit Hall E. A map with reference to this station will be available in the pocket guide for your onsite needs.
Will there be a private location available for nursing mothers?
Convergence recommends utilizing the First Aid station for nursing mothers. The First Aid station is open during conference hours only. It is located inside of Exhibit Hall E by the exit doors. A map with reference to this station will be available in the pocket guide for your onsite needs.
Is smoking permitted in the facilities?
Smoking is not allowed throughout the Convention Center, the Hilton or the Minute Maid Stadium. Please utilize designated smoking areas outside the facilities.
Is there recommended dress attire while attending Convergence?
Business casual is appropriate attire while attending sessions at Convergence. Please note that inside the convention center it can be cool in the meeting rooms; please plan to bring a sweater or jacket for your personal comfort level. Casual evening attire is appropriate for the Convergence Reception (note that this evening event is partially outside, with limited indoor options, so it is recommended to dress accordingly as temperatures can be cool).