Introduction
Welcome! If you’re reading this, your either interested in attending the Summit or curious about its details. Thank you for taking the time to consider attending our conference. The PowerShell Summit, or “Summit” as we call it, is a conference unlike any other.
You need to understand, 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 the most brilliant minds in the PowerShell community. Summit is not simply a conference, it’s an opportunity to join a community. A community that values success and embraces opportunities for learning and growth.
We’ve designed this conference to be immersive. What the heck does that mean? You’ll find out more as you read through this manual. But essentially, it means that you’re not just showing up and watching things from afar. This conference provides you with ample opportunities to meet people and learn a wealth of new information. You will interact with fellow community members, speakers, and the PowerShell team.
We understand if this seems overwhelming for introverts. Don’t despair, we’re just like you! We work very hard to make sure you’ll seamlessly fit in and discover your comfort spot. This conference allows our attendees to connect with people who share similar interests. But this is not some “in your face”, over-hyped or high pressure kind of event. We have organized a range of events for attendees to have a great time, including meals, demos, and socializing. We understand everyone has different preferences, so we provide a variety of options for people to find their comfort level.
If you’re seeking a conference with late-night vendor-sponsored parties, look elsewhere. This isn’t that. (I mean, I know a guy who makes a mean mojito, but that’s about it). If you’re a big shot, IT manager who’s looking for the latest trend to force on your army of technicians, then definitely go home.
If you wake up in the middle of the night with the solution to that code problem you have been fighting, then this is the right place. If PowerShell is your passion and you enjoy creating solutions for challenging problems, this is the perfect fit for you. If you love to automate the boring stuff, then you’ve found your home!
To put it simply, erase all your existing ideas and experiences with conferences. We promise you that the Summit will be like no other conference you have been to. Expect the unexpected! Be prepared to have your mind blown by the sheer volume of content and a list of new people who can inspire you and help you develop your ideas. If you live and breathe PowerShell, then you have found your home and your people!
First Things First
Navigating Summit can pose difficulties because it stands out from the rest. If you only plan on going to sessions and returning to your hotel room, you’ll miss out on the best parts of Summit. The aim of this book is to offer you a glimpse into what you can expect, enabling you to bypass “analysis paralysis”. We’ll cover where to go, what to do, what to look out for, and what to avoid. By the time we finish, you’ll have such a clear picture of Summit that you’ll feel you’ve already visited!
If you’re going to Summit or considering registration, there are a few tasks that you absolutely must complete ((Parameter(Mandatory=True)). There is always a high demand for summit tickets every year. The number of people wanting to attend surpasses the number of available slots every year. We deliberately maintain a small conference size to optimize the experience for participants.
Depending on when you read 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! We know you’re going to have an amazing time at Summit, but you need to make sure you get a spot at the conference!
Key Bits
You’ll find the main Summit website, with links to everything, at PowerShellSummit.org/summit. The Official Agenda is crucial to your success and survival. We update it continually, adding Side Sessions as Summit progresses. Review it early and often, so you know what is in store for you.
From this point forward, you’re one of us! Read on to learn about all the awesome opportunities and events associated with Summit!