UnSessions
But wait… there’s more! PDC2008 features technical learning opps galore,
with Hands-on Labs, MSR@PDC (keep reading), and more. Check back soon
for details on the many opportunities to gain new knowledge and experience at the
PDC—outside of the breakout sessions.
Ask-the-Experts
Wednesday, October 29
6:00pm–9:00pm
Hall G
Grab something to eat, and talk one-on-one with Microsoft experts representing all
areas of the platform. Ask questions to satisfy your curiosity, get help with a
challenging aspect of your current project, or give feedback and suggestions regarding
the next generation of the Microsoft platform.
Hands-on Lab Sessions
Drill down on the latest platform technologies at your own pace in the Hands-on
Labs area, staffed with program managers and developers from the product teams that
have designed and developed these technologies. Each of the PDC2008
Hands-on Labs give you an opportunity to step through the process of implementing
a solution on new technologies, many of which will radically change the way you
implement future solutions.
Microsoft Product Pavilion
Learn about existing Microsoft products or technologies, as well as new ones scheduled
to be released in the coming year. The Product Demo Stations, located throughout
the Big Room, are hosted by Microsoft product team members who know their products
inside and out. Come discuss strategies for architecting, deploying, managing, and
securing a connected IT infrastructure in your own business environment or your
client's.
MSR@PDC
Just when you thought the PDC couldn’t get any better - we’re excited to offer you
the rare opportunity to check out some cool stuff Microsoft Research (MSR) and their
partners are currently working on! MSR is dedicated to conducting both basic and
applied research in computer science and software engineering. Its goals are to
enhance the user experience on computing devices, reduce the cost of writing and
maintaining software, and invent novel computing technologies. See these cool technologies:
Open Space
Open Space is a way to bring together groups of people interested in a common topic
to have an interactive discussion. In an Open Space session, there may be an expert
who is passionate about a topic presenting to an audience or there may be a small
group of people discussing an idea.
Four principles of Open Space:
- Whoever comes are the right people to be there
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened
- Whenever it starts is the right time
- When it's over, it's over
All you need to do is suggest topics onsite that you wish to discuss and participate
in sessions that sound interesting to you. It’s the unconference with content by
attendees, for attendees.
PDC Lounges
After absorbing all of that new knowledge in the PDC technical sessions, you’ll
need a place to relax and talk with other inspired people—and the PDC Lounges
are just the ticket. Conveniently located in the Big Room, next to the Hands-on
Labs, Sponsor and Exhibitor areas, and the Microsoft Pavilion, you’ll be at the
center of all the action.
Microsoft Surface
Microsoft Surface ™ is a revolutionary surface computing platform that responds
to natural hand gestures and real world objects, helping customers interact with
technology in a way that is simple, intuitive—and unprecedented. Using this innovative
technology, multiple users can manipulate and maneuver digital content, drive specific
interactions with objects, and allow for devices to connect and engage with Microsoft
Surface. The 360-degree user interface invites individuals and groups to discover
and interact with technology in a way that helps inspire cutting-edge, engaging
experiences and transactions that differentiate your business.
Check out Microsoft Surface in the Big Room and in various Community Lounges located
throughout the convention center.
WHAT MAKES MICROSOFT SURFACE UNIQUE?
-
Direct Interaction. Customers will benefit from Microsoft Surface instantly. Interacting
with content is natural, simple, intuitive, and fun. Users can actually "grab" digital
information with their hands—interacting with content by touch and gesture.
- Multi-Touch. Microsoft Surface revolutionizes the idea of surface computing. Microsoft
Surface recognizes many points of contact simultaneously—not just from one finger
as with a typical touch-screen. Your customers can use both hands to reach and interact
with dozens of items at once.
- Multi-User Experience. The 30-inch diagonal display and horizontal Microsoft Surface
creates a unique, branded gathering place where multiple users can collaboratively
interact with data—and each other.
- Object Recognition. Microsoft Surface sees what touches it and can recognize real-world
objects, providing the potential for a multitude of applications and transfer of
information between devices.
Windows Application Compatibility and Quality Lab
While you’re at PDC2008, be sure to check out the Windows Application Compatibility
and Quality Lab in Rooms 504/505. This lab is set up to test your applications for
compatibility with current and future versions of Windows, and is offered free of
charge. Dedicated consultants are on hand to support participants in investigating
application failures and to give architectural guidance. Space is limited, so please
be sure to pre-register in Room 504.
Women in Technology Networking Reception
Wednesday, October 29
6:00pm–7:30pm
West Lobby
Come to the PDC2008 Women in Technology (WIT) Reception to meet and share stories
with the powerful, insightful, and intelligent women attending PDC2008. Enjoy drinks
and snacks—as well as have the chance to win great prizes—while celebrating and
learning from each other’s experiences and successes.
We’ve got so much more planned… check back for updates!
