Conferences are great opportunities to learn about the latest technologies, social networking, and get a first look at future opportunities. Oh wait, let’s not forget about great swag. Here is a list of deliverables and swag that was handed out during the event. If you are attending the conference, don’t forget to get them all before the conference ends.
Welcome Kit
The Welcome Kit includes an Event Guide, Attendee Badge, and the Attendee Party invite. The Event Guide has maps of the Anaheim Convention Center and the Marriott hotel as well as the event schedule (without the session names).
Windows 8 Tablet
The Samsung Windows 8 Developer Tablet is the highlight swag of the Microsoft BUILD 2011 Conference. All of the attendees got this beautiful tablet, a Bluetooth Keyboard, and a sleeve. The tablet has the latest Developer build of Windows 8 installed. The key word is “Developer”. The operating system works great with a few glitches. You can download the Windows Developer Preview at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/br229516. The tablet also has the tools for developing Windows 8 applications. This includes Visual Studio 11 Express for Windows Developer Preview and Expression Blend 5 Developer Preview.
One of my favorite features of Windows 8 is the fast boot time. The tablet took less than a few seconds to start up. The overall performance on the tablet is pretty decent. It took me less than a few minutes to get the tablet set up with my Windows Live account.
Visual Studio Team Foundation Service Invite
The Visual Studio Team Foundation Service invite was included in the Tablet package. My friend, Andy Yeckel (Content Master), designed and implemented this fun deliverable. The invite opens up to reveal a popup of the Visual Studio sign as well as an invitation code to sign up for the new Team Foundation Service.
Phone Dude
This fun swag can be obtained at the Windows Phone booth in the Expo Hall, which is usually opened during Session Hours.
Cisco Beanie
This beanie can be obtained at the Cisco booth in the Expo Hall.
AT&T Build T-Shirt
This is the only confirmed swag t-shirt at the Build Conference 2011. The shirt can be obtained at the AT&T booth in the Expo Hall.
