COMMUNITY & LEARNING CENTER

Considered the hub of Convergence, this area is designed to be a one-stop shop for networking and learning outside of conference sessions! The Community & Learning Center is located in Hall H on Level I at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center and will be open the following schedule during Convergence:

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 areas 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.
• Microsoft Dynamics Communities Lounge - visit this area to learn how you can Connect with Peers, Share Best Practices, and Grow Your Business! No matter your role– finance, IT, customer service or sales and marketing – Communities offers you RoleTailored information, best practices, training, support, and the ability to connect with other professionals like you to help keep you, your solution and your people working at top speed. Check out the Communities website or CustomerSource for more information.
• Convergence Connect – Convergence Connect is a structured networking tool that makes it easy to connect and network with your fellow colleagues at Convergence 2009.  With Convergence Connect you can share information about yourself and your background, identify others with whom you’d like to meet, communicate and collaborate with other attendees in a secure and private environment, and schedule meetings that will take place during the conference. You can access Convergence Connect on any CommNet machine within the Convention Center, or directly on the event website starting in early February. Tables will be available within the Community & Learning Center for scheduled meetings.
• Meeting Point – Need an informal place to meet? Each Meeting Point location is simply marked with a “Meeting Point” sign and has a number of tables, chairs and wireless access for your use. These areas show up throughout the entire conference center for your convenience, and one is located in the Community & Learning Center.
• Communications Network (CommNet) – The computers in this area feature high speed internet connectivity and printers, available for your use during the conference.  With direct access to the event website, these machines provide links to agenda and session information, event materials, online evaluations and more. This area also includes a ‘Get Connected’ center where you can access wired connectivity and power for your laptop.
  
  Wireless Zone - A wireless network is available within the Community & Learning Center for your convenience. (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.)
• Gaming Area – Try out Xbox 360 games, ping pong and other games to have a little fun in between sessions.
• Product Communities Information Desk – This area is a resource to assist with general questions around the product communities and to serve as a connection point for attendees and team members who are looking for subject matter experts.

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, such as:

• 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!
• 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.
• 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 forms, this booth uses video technology for you to make suggestions and recommendations directly to Microsoft in a quick and effortless manner.