Info Links for Microsoft Ignite in Chicago

Updated on 28 April 2015

Ticket punched! Lodging booked! Who’s with me!

While prepping for Microsoft Ignite in Chicago, I kept losing links that I frequented containing some really useful information. The list below is really for my benefit but hopefully you find it helpful too. If you have anything you want added, send me a comment. Thanks.

Microsoft Ignite Official Links

• Microsoft Ignite in Chicago Official Site | Twitter | Facebook | Yammer
• Microsoft Ignite MyIgnite and Schedule Builder
• Microsoft Ignite Forum (via Channel 9)
• Microsoft Ignite Countdown Show (via Channel 9; Hosted by Rick Claus and Joey Snow)
• Microsoft Ignite FAQ (Relevant answers for your questions about the event)
• Microsoft Ignite YouTube Channel
• Microsoft Ignite Attendee Celebration | Yammer Conversation (with Fall Out Boy in concert)
• Microsoft Ignite Event Sweepstakes | Yammer Conversation
• Microsoft Ignite Apps* (Since the OneNote is not available yet check the app for conference details including shuttle routes)
• Microsoft Ignite Guidebook via OneNote (Available 28 April)*

Activities and Networking

• Chicago White Sox Microsoft Ignite Ticket Offer (Hosted by the Chicago White Sox)
• Scheduled Maintenance at Microsoft Ignite (Sponsored by ENow)
• Event Zero Ignite 2015 Party (Meet The UC Architects)
• The 8th Annual UC Roundtable at Microsoft Ignite, Chicago! (Hosted by Jeff Guillet)
• Microsoft Ignite 2015: MCP Community Party Details*
• The Ultimate Microsoft Ignite Party List (via Vlad Catrinescu)
• 2nd Annual Petri.com / Thurrott.com Happy Hour at Microsoft Ignite
• Ignite After Hours (view list of hotels in this Ignite Yammer conversation–interactive map here and below. Also, Denise Begley provides details on specific offers at a few of the hotels)

Things To Do (Eat, Drink and Be Merry!)

• Things to Do in Chicago When At (Microsoft) Ignite (by John Cook)
• Attending Microsoft Ignite? A Local’s Guide to Chicago (by Mark Morowczynski)
• 6 places to eat and drink like a Local during Microsoft Ignite (by Andrew Clark)
• 23 Delicious Chicago Eats That Are Worth Every Penny (Eating on the Cheap)
• Choose Chicago and Microsoft Ignite (Show Your Badge to Score Big Deals)
• The Best Fried Chicken In Chicago (via Chicagoist)
• Chicago’s First Lady Cruises (The Official Chicago Architecture Foundation River Cruise)
• The 14 Best Hot Dogs In Chicago
• The Loop (via Choose Chicago)
• 23 Hidden Gems You Must Visit In Chicago
• Museums on Us (have to show Bank of America or Merrill Lynch card)

Lodging

• Need a Hotel for Ignite? Don’t Worry (by Scott Ladewig)
• Downtown Chicago area apartments (for $200 and less per night) during week of Microsoft Ignite (Airbnb)

First Time Attendees and Other Tips

• Great Tips for First-Time Attendees (Excellent info from the TechEd Countdown Show)
• Tips for Microsoft TechEd First Time Attendees (by Mike F Robbins)
• TechEd Tips for New Attendees (by Shane Werlinger)
• The One About Newbies (via TechEd Countdown Show)
• Tips for TechEd 2014 (or any tech conference)
• Getting the Most Out of Ignite the First Time and Every Time (via Channel 9)
• Tips for planning your Ignite experience from speaker Fabian Williams
• Check out some Ignite schedule building tricks
• My #MSIgnite 2015 (An example of taking conference notes on steroids by Webster)

Transportation

• Check the official Microsoft Ignite App for shuttle schedules (App available on 28 April)*
• Event Transportation (Shuttle service to/from McCormick Place via Ignite FAQ; Check back often)
• GO Airport Express (Shuttle service via airports); Most shuttles will cost over $25 for one-way service; and you may have to deal with traffic
• McCormick Place (Parking at conference center); Daily parking rates begins at $14 a day
• Chicago Transit Authority (via Subway, Bus, Train)
  • CTA train fare from MDW and ORD to/from most downtown locations is about $2.25 each way
  • 7-day CTA pass = $28; In my opinion, this is the best value for getting around Chicago if you are coming in early or staying late
• Infront Consulting is offering free bus rides fro Ignite attendees from O’Hare to McCormick Place on May 3, 4 (Yammer announcement | Follow on Twitter for info); SATURDAY SHUTTLE SERVICE IS NOT AVAILABLE FROM INFRONT!

 

Be safe and have fun!  I look forward to seeing you there!

P.S. Check back weekly as I will update as I can with new events and activities until 1 May 2015.

* Added on week of 27 April