Frequently Asked Questions

The Experts Conference FAQs

Q: Who is Quest Software and why are they hosting The Experts Conference for Directory   Identity, The Experts Conference for Exchange, The Experts Conference for SharePoint, The Experts Conference for Virtualization and The PowerShell Deep Dive?

A: Now more than ever, organizations need to work smart and improve efficiency. Quest Software creates and supports smart systems management products—helping our customers solve everyday IT challenges faster and easier.

At Quest, we focus on our customers first. Our products and people are dedicated to helping customers manage their critical applications, databases, Windows infrastructure and virtual environments. The combination of our proven, award-winning software and strong customer relationships makes Quest a smart, reliable technology partner.

Since 1987, more than 100,000 customers worldwide have partnered with Quest to improve their IT efficiency. With more than 60 offices around the world, Quest serves customers in just about every industry and of every size. Quest is a stable, global company that has been in the systems management market for more than 20 years.


Q: Why are there five conferences?

A: The Experts Conference has evolved to include additional Microsoft technologies. The five training options open the conference to additional educational tracks and more accurately reflects the expanded focus of many delegates.


Q: When is the Conference being held?

A: April 29 – May 2, 2012


Q: Where is the Conference being held?

A: Marriott Marquis and Marina, 333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Quest is in the process of negotiating has negotiated a group rate. More information to come.


Q: Is there a government rate at the Marriott?

A: Yes. There will be a government rate available for a limited number of rooms. More information to come.


Q: What training is offered in the 11th annual Experts Conference?

A: TEC 2012 will deliver expert-led, 400-level training on vital Microsoft technologies. In addition to its highly-acclaimed training on Microsoft Directory & Identity technologies, TEC 2012 offers TEC for Exchange, TEC for SharePoint and TEC for Virtualization & Workspace Management. And this year, we are pleased to bring back the popular PowerShell Deep Dive training conference.


Q: Who should attend the Conference?

A: Administrators and users with a minimum of six months of experience. This Conference is not for users with little or no experience. The Conference was created to fill the needs of the most experienced users, and it will address and answer the toughest questions. For this reason, it is critical that the audience have enough experience to not only benefit from the content but also share their own valuable insights with the speakers and other attendees. Highly focused presentations and interactive breakout sessions make the conference a must for the most experienced delegates!


Q: When does registration open for San Diego?

A: Registration for The Experts Conference for Directory & Identity, The Experts Conference for Exchange, The Experts Conference for SharePoint, The Experts Conference for Virtualization and for PowerShell will open Nov. 16, 2011.


Q: How much does the conference cost to attend?

A: The Experts Conference for Directory & Identity, The Experts Conference for Exchange, The Experts Conference for SharePoint, The Experts Conference for Virtualization & Cloud and PowerShell Deep Dive are presented by Quest and Microsoft. The conference is offered on a tiered pricing schedule that includes all food, beverages and conference materials.

  • The early bird registration fee for delegates who register by January 31, 2012 is $1575 USD.
  • Delegates who register February 1 to March 31, 2012, will pay $1675 USD.
  • The late registration fee for those delegates who register on or after April 1, 2012, will pay $1875 USD.
  • Pre-conference workshops are $425 per workshop.
  • Transportation, hotel, recreation and miscellaneous fees are the responsibility of each attendee.

Please note: Registrations will be processed upon receipt of payment. Prepayment is required to attend the conference. Delegates who have not paid will be required to pay on site or will not be admitted to the Conference.


Q: Is there a group rate?

A: For groups of three or more, please send an email to TEC2012@quest.com.


Q: May I attend sessions in TEC for Directory & Identity, TEC for Exchange, TEC for SharePoint, TEC for Virtualization and TEC for SharePoint and PowerShell Deep Dive?

A: Delegates should plan to attend the conference that most closely fits their interests and career path. Delegates may attend sessions in any of the conferences. We request that you choose your preferred conference when you register to help us better organize session rooms.


Q: What topics can I count on learning about?

A: There are multiple conferences and training opportunities to choose among:

  • TEC for Directory & Identity
  • TEC for Exchange
  • TEC for SharePoint
  • TEC for Virtualization
  • PowerShell Deep Dive


Q: How should I register?

A: Registration for TEC 2012 will open Nov. 16, 2011: TEC2012@quest.com


Q: What payment forms are accepted?

A: Registrations will be processed upon receipt of payment. Prepayment is required to attend the conference. Delegates who have not paid will be required to pay on site or will not be admitted to the conference.

Registration must be completed online, and TEC accepts the following payment options: Visa, MasterCard and American Express; company check; or wire payment. All fees must be paid prior to the conference.


Q: What is the cancellation policy?

A: All cancellations must be requested in writing. If you registered and paid to attend TEC through the TEC registration system, you may cancel your registration provided you send written notice to TEC2012@crgevents.com before 5 p.m. Pacific time April 13, 2012.

Prior to April 13, 2012, we will refund your registration fee, minus a $300 USD processing fee. If you do not attend the conference or if you cancel after April 13, 2012, for any reason, you will be responsible for the full payment of the conference registration fees.

If you purchased your TEC conference pass through Quest, standard Quest cancellation policy applies, and no refunds are issued.


Q: What is the substitution policy?

A: You may designate another person to attend in your place. Simply send an email to TEC2012@crgevents.com requesting the substitution.


Q: How are the hotel reservations being handled?

A: All reservations can be made directly with the Marriott Marquis & Marina.

333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:  +1 619.234.1500

Quest has negotiated a rate of $215 USD per night single or double, not including taxes. To receive this negotiated conference rate, you must reserve your room when you register for TEC. If you are a government delegate, please see the Question specific to a government rate.


Q: Is it possible to buy a guest pass?

A: Yes. If you are planning to bring a guest who would like to participate in the evening events and meals only, you may purchase a guest pass for $400 USD. To do so, simply check the guest option of the registration and your credit card will be charged. If you are paying by check or money order, please include the $400 USD payment with your registration fee. Please be sure to include the name of your guest.


Q: What is Microsoft’s involvement in the Conference?

A: While Quest is the presenting sponsor of the conference, Microsoft is supporting the event as a key sponsor.


Q: What are people saying about The Experts Conference?

A: Industry leaders are supporting The Experts Conference, calling it a much-needed event for Microsoft early adopters and advanced administrators.


Q: How do I contact The Experts Conference?

A: You can use the following contact information to contact the TEC team:

The Experts Conference Quest Software, Inc., 4747 North 22nd Street, Suite 400 Phoenix, AZ USA 85016

Telephone: +1 (602) 346-3650 Website: www.theexpertsconference.com Email: TEC2012@quest.com


Q: How do I contact Quest Software?

A: You can use the following contact information to contact Quest Software:

Quest Software Corporate Headquarters 5 Polaris Way, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 Phone: +1 (949) 754-8000 Website: www.quest.com E-mail: info@quest.com