ATTENDEE INFO

Click here for a map of the venue, the New Orleans Morial Convention Center.

Click here for a map of the official Hotels for Convergence 2009.

FAQ

Where do I find the latest session and general Convergence updates?
Session updates and other important changes will be available right here on this website. Check the Agenda page on the top navigation bar, as well as the Session Catalog  under the ‘Content’ navigation for the latest on agenda and session information.

How do I get copies of the presentations?
Convergence presentations will be available online post event.

Will there be wireless connectivity at Convergence 2009?
Your laptop or mobile device, enabled with 802.11b wireless, will connect you to the internet in designated hot zones in the Convention Center.

When do I need my badge?
You must wear your name badge and badge holder at all times during conference sessions at the Convention Center. If you are not wearing your credentials, you will be stopped by security and asked to put them on. We need your help to comply with these security guidelines. Badge scanners will be located at each general session and concurrent session – please allow your badge to be scanned prior to entering the session. We are taking every reasonable and appropriate action to ensure the safety and security of our attendees at this event

Can I use my pager, 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 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.

Where do I leave messages for other attendees?
While onsite you may use Convergence Connect to send e-mail to other attendees. For your convenience, we will also place a message board at the Information Desk in the Hall E Lobby at the Convention Center.   While we cannot guarantee that your message will be viewed, we do encourage attendees to check the boards on a regular basis. If someone outside of Convergence wishes to contact you, they should leave a message at your hotel. If it is an emergency, they can contact the Convergence Information Desk at 504-670-6600 during show hours at the Convention Center. The message will be posted on the message board.

Is smoking permitted in the facilities?
Smoking is not allowed throughout the Convention Center and Aquarium. Please utilize designated smoking areas outside these facilities.

What should I wear to the Convergence Reception?
Casual evening attire is appropriate for this event. Please note – evening temperatures can be cool; please bring a jacket or sweater as there are both inside and outside activities.  The average temperate in New Orleans is a high of 71° F and an average low of 52° F.

What should I wear while attending sessions at Convergence?
Business casual is appropriate attire while attending 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.
Are business services available?
The New Orleans Morial Convention Center has a Business Center operated by Rhino with onsite services for all your business needs and is located in Lobby F.  The business center is both a self-service and full-service operation. A wide range of supplies and services including shipping, high volume copying, faxing and more is available.

What if I have a special need or request?
If you have a specific request or inquiry please contact the Convergence registration team at Convergence2009@microsoft.crgevents.com.

Will there be a first aid station?
For routine medical assistance, there will be two first aid stations at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. These stations will be open during conference hours only.

Are spouses and/or kids allowed to attend the conference activities?
The event and all related conference activities are for approved registered attendees only. Guest passes are available for purchase for guests that are 21 years old or older.  No children or infants are allowed at any activities or parties;  if child care is needed, please check with your hotel.

Is luggage check available?
Limited baggage check will available at the Convention Center during conference hours only.  No laptops or coats will be accepted.  Items left overnight or post-conference will be forwarded to the convention center’s lost and found.

Are there conference shuttles?
Conference shuttles will run in the morning and in the afternoon between Convergence hotels and the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. There is no airport transportation provided by Convergence.

Will a CPE form be made available?
 Yes, a CPE form will be available just prior to the event on this website for attendees to track sessions attended or you can pick up a printed version of the form onsite at the information desk.  You can file this document along with your other CPE documentation according to the requirements of your State Board of Public Accountancy.

DATE AND VENUE

March 10-13, 2009
Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130
http://www.mccno.com

REGISTRATION LINKS

If you need to review your registration information or print a receipt, please click on the link below:
Returning Services

CONVERGENCE 2009 NEW ORLEANS EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY

All registration cancellations must be received online or in writing via email to Convergence2009@microsoft.crgevents.com. In the event that Convergence 2009 New Orleans is cancelled by Microsoft, registrants will be reimbursed their registration fees only.

Event Pass: Full refund minus $100 USD processing fee when cancellation received by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Tuesday, February 17, 2009. No refund after Tuesday, February 17, 2009.

Day Passes: Non-refundable.

Guest Passes: A refund will be issued for cancelled guests, unless the registrant has checked into the conference and received their guest passes.

Substitutions: To perform a substitution, the original registrant should go to the Convergence 2009 New Orleans registration site, login using the original registrant's username and password, and select “Substitution” from the Returning Services Menu. A new person may substitute for an active registration for the same registration fee.

QUESTIONS

For Convergence 2009 New Orleans registration questions, please contact the registration team:

E-mail: Convergence2009@microsoft.crgevents.com
Toll-free Telephone: 866-812-1148
Worldwide Telephone: 206-812-1212
Worldwide Fax: 206-441-6369

* Official Convergence 2009 New Orleans registration services are provided by CRG Events, 2200 Alaskan Way, Suite 300, Seattle, WA USA 98121

Hotel Reservation Cancellations

Through February 17, 2009: Any changes/cancellations must be completed online at Registration Returning Services or by contacting the Registration Team via email at Convergence2009@microsoft.crgevents.com.
After February 17, 2009: Any changes/cancellations to your hotel reservation must be handled directly with the hotel.
Any changes/cancellations to your hotel reservations must be made no later than 72 hours prior to your scheduled arrival date.
Failure to arrive on your scheduled arrival date will result in the cancellation of the remainder of your hotel reservation and charges to your credit card for one night's room and tax. 
If you have any questions regarding your hotel reservations, please contact the Registration Team via email at Convergence2009@microsoft.crgevents.com.