If you attended the Microsoft Management Summit in the past, you understand the value of the deep technical sessions on System Center Products. MMS has over 100 sessions focused on System Center, Cloud, PowerShell, and SQL Server, featuring world-class presenters from around the world. In addition to sessions, you will also have the opportunity to have in-depth Q&A sessions with presenters. And probably more important than everything else is the opportunity to network with your peers—this is something that is nearly impossible at large conferences. Network with peers, share war stories, brain storm, and share best practices.

This is an annual award by Microsoft to recognize industry leaders – check out the MVP site.

MOC courses are great for someone new to a technology. Consider the MOC course a level 200 session. MMS will be level 300, 400, and 500 sessions, and dive into the products in ways you won’t find in a course. Honestly, the value of attending MMS is epic—learning one useful tip (whether in a formal session or brainstorming with peers) in four days is well worth the price of admission.

…And you won’t see a keynote session here. Catch the Microsoft keynotes for Ignite and other conferences on http://channel9.msdn.com/. MMS is at the 10 foot view, not that 1,000-foot view.

No labs at MMS—Attend sessions and do labs on your own time – visit the Microsoft Virtual Academy for some nice System Center labs.

No. Attend the sessions and engage with presenters and attendees during the summit to maximize your summit experience.  We encourage you to not sit with your laptop open to work (sure if you get some emergency go ahead), but instead want you engaged with the speaker.  We’re small enough that you can often call out for a quick clarification.  Please no recording of any sessions with your phones (or any other recording device)!

No. As mentioned previously, a significant value from MMS can be obtained just by being here and engaging with your peers. There is no online alternative to the opportunity to discuss your challenges, as well as meet people face to face.

The Midwest Management Summit was created to help foster the community that is lost in larger conferences. We want you to get to know people, share ideas, and not get lost in the crowd. No wallflowers! We want you to have time to ask questions at the end of a session, as well as participate in several Nerds of a Feather sessions.

NoF sessions are more of a two-way communication session, as compared to traditional presentations. It’s more about having a leader to moderate discussion, and enable you to share ideas among a group of people with a common interest. You will find that many sessions at MMS will end will a brief NoF experience to help you engage and share knowledge. You will also be able to attend NoF sessions each day. We all have something to share, and we can all learn from each other.

There is no formal closing party hosted by MMS (but there is a welcome reception Sunday evening). Keep an eye on twitter (#MMSMOA), as well as converse with attendees to find out where attendees (and staff) are congregating.  Many sponsors throw some great parties too so talk to them!

Yes, but it can get saturated quickly if everyone opens their laptop and starts working.  Try to limit your use for this reason alone-you or your company is paying you to come learn, not logon and work!

No. Be sure to charge your devices before the day starts.

Room size varies from 35 – 200 attendees, ensuring a community-feel for all.

No. The Mall of America has more than 50 restaurant options to choose from, as well as a restaurant at Radisson Blu. (In fact, dinner is on your own too). This helps keep our costs down, gives you more variety, and the opportunity to have side discussions with vendors, teammates, new friends, etc.  You’ll find a food court if you’re thrifty or in the need for something quick. The hotel restaurant has excellent food (really!) and serves breakfast.

Unfortunately, we cannot refund your registration cost less than 30 days out. If you would like to send someone to fill your seat, contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Like many technical answers, “it depends.” You can choose the package with hotel and/or take advantage of the early bird special. Registration will include access the welcome reception, to all sessions, to the vendor expo, and to a limitless amount of conversations with your peers - this one is priceless.

That’s a great question! Let’s start by saying that the info you learn in sessions at MMS, is probably not in a book, in the Microsoft Official Curriculum, or in TechNet documentation. The intent of MMS is to provide training and knowledge share for IT pros who have already mastered the standard training channels. MMS will help take your skills to the next level.

If this conference is relevant to what you do for a living, then there is no reason you can't pay for this out of pocket. Registration with hotel, your meals, and your travel expenses can all be written off your taxes. Talk to your tax preparer or CPA for more information. Don't let that stop you from joining us!.

• Radisson Blu offers a free shuttle from the airport (runs from 5am-11pm daily), just call +1 (952) 881-5258
• After 11pm there is a light rail train you can take to the mall - and after 2am, well just take a cab!

Complimentary self-parking is available based upon availability at time of arrival in the East and West Mall of America lots. If you are a registered hotel guest and are parking overnight in either of these lots, please bring the make & model of your vehicle as well as your license plate number to our front desk upon check-in. Hotel team will inform Mall team of your information.

Valet parking is available based upon availability at time of arrival for $22 for overnight.

Wi-Fi is free in the conference area for attendees. Wi-Fi is also free in the hotel for hotel guests. It would help everyone if you set your Win10 updates to pause for the week.

Of course! We want to you extend and enjoy your stay in Minnesoootah! Our special deal for the Radisson Blu is $174 per night. Please book your hotel through registration, or if you decide to book it separately, give them promo code "MMSUMM" for extra nights so you get the discount and we get credit for helping fill a room.

It will be on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors of the Radisson Blu hotel.  Registration will be in the foyer in front of the Lakes ballrooms.

Yes! Please contact Radisson Blu for specific questions.

This isn’t Vegas-style—you’ll get there in a minute or two walk from the elevator bank.

Currently, there is no plan to have a coat/bag check. Check with your hotel to see if it can hold your bags on the day of checkout (if needed).

The Radisson Blu has a nice restaurant, and there are more than 50 options to choose from at the Mall of Americas – it’s just a short walk from the conference center to the mall via the enclosed sky bridge.

Just walk across the sky bridge to the mall (and by the way, stop and visit our sponsors, as the expo will be on the sky bridge).

Of course! The Radisson Blu and the Mall of America are very family friendly (check out the attractions at the Mall of America). However, only attendees with a badge will be permitted in the conference center.

Everyone involved with the Midwest Management Summit wants to ensure this is a successful event. You will receive a survey to complete at the end of the summit. If you have something urgent, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

No PayPal. Please view the registration page to pay by credit card. If you need an alternative method to pay, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Unlike many other conferences, MMS will begin early on the first day, Monday May 6^th. Please try to arrive on Sunday, May 5^th so you can make the welcome reception at 5pm. Check twitter (#MMSMOA) to find colleagues and connect the evening before the conference begins (you'll find many of us at FireLake). Also, sessions will run until 7PM on Thursday, May 9^th. The airport is only 5 miles from the conference center. The MMS staff and volunteers will more-than-likely have some impromptu social gatherings on Thursday, May 9^th— stay till Friday and enjoy more geek-speak!

View our sponsors from our web site (http://mmsmoa.org/), as well as visit them on the sky bridge from lunch time on Monday through Thursday. If you would like to sponsor, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Yes, email us for a link to our sponsor portal.

Probably. Send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with information on how you would like to help.

Great question, and if you find the answer, please be sure to share it at the summit.