You're Invited to XamlFest Chicago - April 29 + 30
Description
Are you excited about the WPF but concerned about the learning curve? Have you seen Silverlight but don’t know where to get started? Or are you curious about how tools like Visual Studio and Expression Blend help designers and developers work together to deliver great user experiences? If so, join us at XamlFest!
XamlFest is a two day interactive event where you’ll learn about the platforms the tools and processes used to deliver differentiated user experiences. It’s also chance for you to mingle with UX minded Microsoft folks.
Each XamlFest day will start with interactive sessions by Microsoft, followed by a free lunch and a chance to network, have some fun. Each afternoon will be geared toward assisted development with instructor-led walkthroughs, or, better yet, come with your own project in mind and we’ll help kick start your very own proof of concept!
Please note that each attendee will need a laptop to take part in the assisted development sessions.
Agenda
Date |
Time |
Topic |
Wednesday, April 29th |
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Introduction to WPF, XAML, Expression Blend |
|
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM |
Break |
|
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM |
Building Visually Rich Applications: The role of the Integrator in building designable applications |
|
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
Lunch, Mingle, Prizes |
|
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
Instructor-led WPF walkthrough and assisted development |
|
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Assisted development |
Thursday, April 30th |
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM |
Introduction to Silverlight, Data Binding, LINQ |
|
10:30 AM – 10:45 AM |
Break |
|
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM |
Platform Centric Design Best Practices: Creating WPF and Silverlight XAML for Web and Local Client Solutions |
|
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM |
Lunch, Mingle, Prizes |
|
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
Instructor-led Silverlight walkthrough and assisted development |
|
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Assisted development |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What if I don’t have Visual Studio or Expression Blend?
A. You can download a trial version from microsoft.com, or use one of the free Visual Studio Express products. Download information will appear in confirmation you’ll be sent upon registering. Unfortunately, we can no longer provide a free copy of Visual Studio or Expression Studio to attendees of XamlFest – thank you for your understanding/consideration.
Q. What if I don’t have an idea for a starter project?
A. We’d like you to leave with something personal, but if nothing comes to mind that’s OK too. It’s the main reason we’re planning a few guided sessions where you can fallow along with us. These sessions should take no more than two hours, so if something sparks your interest you’ll still have time left for assisted development.
Q. What if I don’t have a laptop?
A. You can still participate in the training in the mornings and lunch, but assisted development in the afternoon is a harder problem to solve. We have no problem with people pairing up, so you might want to check with friends or co-workers to see if they’re interested.
Q. Can I just come for the training and skip assisted development?
A. XamlFest is about empowering designers and developers to deliver great user experiences and we believe a key component is hands-on assisted development. If you are unable to participate in the afternoon sessions please wait until the day before the event to register. This will give others the opportunity to sign up first, and if there’s still space available you’re welcome to join us.
XamlFest -- Come as you are, leave Xamlized.
Dates
Wednesday & Thursday April 29th and 30th
Attendees
We’re only allowing 80 attendees to this event. First come, first served.
Venue
Microsoft Midwest District: Chicago, IL
200 East Randolph Drive, Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 920-5600
Registration
To register, please send an e-mail with the names and e-mail addresses of your attendees to xamlfest-chicago@live.com.