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This week's Countdown Show focuses on what's new and noteworthy at Microsoft Ignite. If you've attended Microsoft events in the past, you'll see some familiar elements at Ignite, as well as some new opportunities and experiences. Rick and Joey walk you through what's changed, what's new, and what you can look forward to in Episode 11 of the Countdown to Microsoft Ignite.
A quick reminder that Pre-Day Sessions are still available, and easily added to your existing registration. Choose one of 12 Pre-Day Sessions and spend a full day digging deep into a specific product or technology.
Now, on to what's new and noteworthy:
New! Remote Badge Pickup
Check in early and avoid the lines—you'll arrive at McCormick Place ready to dive straight into your agenda. Remote badge pickup is available at O'Hare International Airport in the baggage claim area for terminals 1 and 3, as well as at select conference hotels. Watch Episode 8 of the Countdown Show for details.
Ignite 101: Sunday, May 3 at 9:00am and 1:00p
Get an overview of everything happening at Ignite from the Countdown Show hosts, Rick Claus and Joey Snow. Join them for a "college orientation" and find out what you need to know about Ignite, and how to get the most out of your week! Visit MyIgnite to add it to your session schedule.
Hotel Shuttle Service
To minimize our carbon footprint—and our impact on the city, after all we're talking about thousands of us invading Chicago—conference shuttle service will run during specific hours at Ignite. Here's the schedule:
Sunday, May 3
7:00 A.M.–10:30 A.M. Shuttles from hotels to McCormick Place South Hall
2:30 P.M.–5:30 P.M. Shuttles from McCormick Place South Hall to hotels
Monday, May 4
6:30 A.M.–10:30 A.M. Shuttles from hotels to McCormick Place South Hall
6:00 P.M.–8:30 P.M. Shuttles from McCormick Place South Hall to hotels
Tuesday, May 5
7:00 A.M.–10:30 A.M. Shuttles from hotels to McCormick Place South Hall
3:45 P.M.–6:45 P.M. Shuttles from McCormick Place South Hall to hotels
Wednesday, May 6
7:00 A.M.–10:30 A.M. Shuttles from hotels to McCormick Place South Hall
3:45 P.M.–6:45 P.M. Shuttles from McCormick Place South Hall to hotels
Thursday, May 7
7:00 A.M.–10:30 A.M. Shuttles from hotels to McCormick Place South Hall
Evening shuttle service will be provided. Specific times to come soon
Friday, May 8
7:30 A.M.–2:00 P.M. Continuous shuttles between hotels and McCormick Place South Hall
For transportation between your hotel and the convention center outside of scheduled shuttle service times, we recommend the train! Service is fast and convenient. Check the CTA website for service information.
Baggage check service will be available on Friday only at McCormick Place.
We recommend the train for transportation to O'Hare International Airport or Chicago Midway International Airport—it's faster and cheaper than taxi service. Check the CTA website for service information.
New! After Hours:
Sunday
Tuesday
through Thursday, 8:00 P.M.–11:00 P.M.
Networking is one of the key benefits of attending Ignite. Select conference hotels will host After Hours gatherings offering a casual opportunity to meet and mingle, while enjoying food and drink specials (some created exclusively for Ignite) at these beautiful venues mapped here. Check your OneNote Guide for more details on locations and see pictures on our Facebook After Hours Album.
New! Mealtime Mashups: Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 A.M.–2:30 P.M.
Keep the conversation going over lunch! Grab your lunch and head to one of the assigned tables in the Meal Hall to join discussions with peers. Each day, tables will be assigned as follows:
Tuesday: Region
Wednesday: Industry
Thursday: Product
What's on the menu?
For the first time at a Microsoft conference, we're able to announce the menu for attendee meals throughout Ignite! With a conference of this size, there are some definite challenges around ensuring everyone gets enough to eat, and isn't late for their next session! Some new and very cool ideas are on the table (literally) for Ignite. You'll have a variety of dining experiences, from hot and cold buffets to Grab & Go lunches (more on these below). Here's the menu for the week:
Sunday, May 3
Continental Breakfast Buffet, featuring:
Assorted Freshly Baked Breakfast Breads, Muffins, Scones and Croissants with Sweet Butter and Preserves
Seasonal Whole Fruit
Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Hot Lunch Buffet, featuring:
Assortment of La Brea Breads with Sea Salt Butter
Classic Bibb Salad with Bibb Lettuce Mix, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Tomato, Avocado, Green Goddess Dressing
Caramelized Cauliflower Medallions with Roasted Red Peppers and Onions, Red Lentils, Baby Spinach, Sherry Vinegar, Olive Oil
Pan Seared Salmon Cakes with Dijon Mustard Aioli and Watercress
Roasted Chicken Breast with Lemon-Caper Beurre Blanc
Warm Orzo Pasta with Spring Pea and Mushroom
Chocolate Cupcakes and Lemon-Raspberry Bars
Sodas, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Monday, May 4
Hot Breakfast Buffet, featuring:
Blueberry Muffins, Glazed Cinnamon Roll and Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Whipped Butter and Fruit Preserves
Bananas, Apples and Oranges
Assorted Individual Greek and Regular Yogurts
Scrambled Eggs
Apple Wood Smoked Bacon
Roasted Breakfast Potatoes
Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Grab & Go Lunch, featuring:
-Pesto Pasta Salad with Diced Red Pepper
-Petite Wisconsin Cheddar and Roasted Tomato Pies
Choice of:
Lemon-Thyme Rubbed Chicken Breast Sandwich with Salsa Verde Aioli and Watercress on Grilled Focaccia
Rosemary Grilled Tri-Tip Steak with Horseradish Mayo and Red Onion Confit on a Tuscan Roll
Roasted Vegetable Wrap with Feta Cheese and Lemon-Oregano Aioli
And:
Sour Cream Pound Cake with Strawberry-Rhubarb Jam and Burnt Honey Crème Anglaise
Sodas, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot TeaHot Tip: Don't toss your napkin and serving-ware! A few lucky diners will find a golden ticket included in theirs, with great prizes! Grab your lunch, and look out for a golden ticket
Tuesday, May 5
Continental Breakfast Buffet with Hot Elements, featuring:
Mexican Chocolate-Banana Muffins, Cinnamon Streusel Scone, Roasted Pear Bread, Plain and Asiago Bagels with Whipped Butter, Peanut Butter, Fruit Preserves and Light and Regular Cream Cheese
Apples, Bananas and Oranges
Individual Greek and Regular Yogurts
Breakfast Burrito with Scrambled Eggs, Chorizo Sausage, Peppers, Spinach and Jack Cheese Cheese, or Scrambled Eggs, Peppers, Spinach and Jack Cheese
Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Hot Lunch Buffet, featuring:
Sweet Corn "Elote" Salad with Cucumber, Scallion and Chile-Lime Dressing
Tortilla Chips with Salsa
Jicama, Orange and Watercress Salad with Cotija Cheese and Tequila Lime Vinaigrette
Chicken and Tomatillo Enchiladas with Melted Chihuahua Cheese and Salsa Verde
Grilled Mahi Mahi with Mango Serrano Salsa
Roasted Sweet Potato, Black Bean and Chipotle Tamale
Cinnamon and Sugar Churros with Dulce De Leche Drizzle and Mexican Chocolate Brownies
Sodas, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Wednesday, May 6
Hot Breakfast Buffet, featuring:
Individual Greek and Regular Yogurts
Banana Bread, Blueberry Scone, Chocolate Chip Muffin with Whipped Butter and Fruit Preserves
Apples, Bananas and Oranges
Scrambled Eggs
Apple Wood Smoked Bacon
Breakfast Potato Casserole with Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese, Chives and Crème Fraiche
Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Cold Lunch Buffet, featuring:
Honey Corn Bread with Whipped Butter
Sweet and Spicy BBQ Cole Slaw
Creamy Loaded Baked Potato Salad with Bacon, Cheddar, Scallions, and Sour Cream Dressing
Buttermilk Fried Chicken (served at room temperature)
Herb Rubbed Flank Steak (served at room temperature) with Corn and Tomato Relish
Roasted Tomato, Asparagus and White Cheddar Strudel
Blueberry Pie Cheesecake and Watermelon Cubes with Agave Syrup
Sodas, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Thursday, May 7
Continental Breakfast Buffet, featuring:
Assorted Freshly Baked Breakfast Breads, Muffins, Scones and Maple Bacon Donuts with Sweet Butter and Preserves
Seasonal Whole Fruit
Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Hot Lunch Buffet, featuring:
Brioche Rolls with Whipped Butter
California Chopped Salad with Baby Kale, Red Quinoa, Blueberry, Sunflower Seeds, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Dried Cranberries, Mango, Carrot and Honey Orange Dressing
Antipasto Salad with Salami, Roasted Artichoke Hearts, Provolone, Garbanzo Beans and Red Wine Vinaigrette
Cali Style Braised Beef Bourguignon with Napa Pinot Noir Reduction, Pearl Onions and Parsley-Carrot Gremolata
Roasted Garlic Glazed Chicken Breast with Parsley-Lemon "Jus"
Grilled Corn Polenta Cakes with Wild Mushrooms, Fava Beans and Tomato and Crumbled Chevre
Red Velvet Cupcakes and Apple Strudel Squares
Sodas, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
Friday, May 8
Continental Breakfast Buffet, featuring:
Assorted Freshly Baked Breakfast Breads, Muffins, Scones and Croissants with Sweet Butter and Preserves
Seasonal Whole Fruit
Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee and Hot Tea
"Bag Your Own" Lunch, featuring:
Choice of:
Tuscan Roast Beef Sandwich with Caramelized Onion and Sweet Pepper Jam, Provolone Cheese, Romaine, Plum Tomato on Herbed Focaccia
Oven Roasted Turkey with Swiss Cheese, English Cucumber, Minted Green Goddess Mayo on Whole Grain Ciabatta
Eggplant, Zucchini, Yellow Squash, Red Pepper, Romaine, Pesto, Black Pepper & Balsamic Vinegar Summer Roll (vegan and gluten-free)
Choice of:
Sonoma Quinoa Salad with Edamame, Cranberries, Mango, Almonds, Coconut and Baby Spinach
Seasonal Fruit Salad with Agave Nectar
Rotini Pasta Salad with Julienne Vegetables and Herb Vinaigrette
Choice of: Assorted Potato Chips, Pretzels and Sun Chips
Choice of:
Gourmet Chocolate Chunk and Sea Salt Cookie
Chunky Oatmeal Raisin Cookie
And: Canned Beverages
Women in Technology Luncheon: Wednesday, May 6, 12:15 P.M.–1:30 P.M.
Change Opens Doors and Creates Opportunity
How can you make your mark on the changing world and take advantage of the new possibilities that are now opening up? Join us for lunch and hear how our panelists achieved their goals. Join the Yammer group for Women in Technology via MyIgnite—the conversation is already buzzing, with additional meetups in the works. Not just for women—everyone is welcome!
New! Women in Technology Breakfast: Thursday, May 7, 7:30 A.M.–8:30 A.M.
Keep the conversation going over breakfast. If you missed the WIT Luncheon, make time to meet and mingle on Thursday morning during this casual networking opportunity. Everyone is welcome!
New! Collect stickers to show your product and technology allegiance
Collect stickers throughout the week and display them on your Ignite badge. Show others what your interests are, at a glance, and use the stickers to identify people with similar interests and strike up conversations. Watch the video for a preview.
New! MyIgnite
Build your conference schedule via Schedule Builder on MyIgnite and opt-in to share your personal selections with others. Join the Yammer network and start networking with speakers and other attendees to maximize your Ignite experience! Watch Episode 10of the Countdown Show to hear more about MyIgnite, the Yammer network, and upcoming features.
Keep watching the Countdown Show!
Meanwhile, share your questions and suggestions on the Forums at http://channel9.msdn.com/Forums/MicrosoftIgnite.
See you at Microsoft Ignite, May 4–8 in Chicago at McCormick Place.
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