Introduction
Welcome! If you’re reading this, you’re either interested in attending Summit or curious about what it’s all about. Thank you for taking the time — we think you’re going to like what you find. The PowerShell Summit, or “Summit” as we call it, is a conference unlike any other.
This is not your typical conference. We don’t just call it Summit because it sounds cool. We call it Summit because it represents the peak of the PowerShell community. You’re about to spend almost a solid week with some of the most brilliant minds in the PowerShell and DevOps space. Summit is not simply a conference — it’s an opportunity to join a community. A community that values success and embraces learning, growth, and genuine human connection.
We’ve designed this conference to be immersive. What does that mean exactly? You’ll find out more as you read through this manual. But essentially, it means you’re not just showing up and watching things from afar. This conference gives you ample opportunities to meet people, learn a wealth of new information, and interact with fellow community members, speakers, and the PowerShell team directly.
We understand if that sounds a little overwhelming, especially for introverts. Don’t worry — we’re just like you. We work hard to make sure everyone finds their comfort zone. Summit connects attendees with people who share the same interests and passions, but it’s never “in your face,” over-hyped, or high pressure. We’ve organized a range of events so everyone can find their footing, whether that’s meals, demos, casual socializing, or just a quiet corner to recharge.
If you’re looking for a conference with late-night vendor-sponsored parties, this isn’t that. If you’re an IT manager looking for the latest trend to hand down to your team, this probably isn’t for you either.
But if you’ve ever woken up in the middle of the night with the solution to a problem you’ve been wrestling with? You’re in the right place. If PowerShell is your passion, if you love automating the boring stuff, if you enjoy solving hard problems — you’ve found your people.
Erase everything you think you know about conferences. Summit will be unlike anything you’ve attended before. Expect your mind to be blown by the volume of content and the quality of the people around you. If you live and breathe PowerShell, you are home.
First Things First
Navigating Summit can be tricky precisely because it’s so different. If you only plan on attending sessions and retreating to your hotel room, you’ll miss the best parts.
This manual gives you a clear picture of what to expect — where to go, what to do, what to look out for, and what to skip. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel like you’ve already been here.
If you’re going to Summit or considering registration, there are a few things you absolutely must do ([Parameter(Mandatory=$true)]). Demand for Summit tickets is high every year — the number of people who want to attend consistently outpaces the available spots. We deliberately keep the conference small to protect the quality of the experience.
Depending on when you’re reading this, time may or may not be on your side. Read the following sections thoroughly and get the required bits done before time runs out!
Key Bits
You’ll find the main Summit website, with links to everything, at PowerShellSummit.org. The Official Schedule is essential — review it early and often, as we update it continuously throughout Summit as Side Sessions are added.
From this point forward, you’re one of us. Read on to learn about all the opportunities and events that make Summit what it is.