Countdown to Ignite: The One with Q&A from the Ignite Forum + Cool Things to do in Chicago!

This week's Countdown to Microsoft Ignite is all about answers to your top questions, how to join the conversation on the Forums and social media, and how to make connections—with your peers in the industry, and with Ignite speakers! Watch the video, and read on, as Joey and Rick shed light on the latest questions and concerns from the Ignite community (that's you!)
Top questions this week from the Microsoft Ignite Forums
Question #1: How can I meet people from my geographic area or industry?
Answer: First, you can always join the conversation on Twitter using #MSIgnite in your tweets. See what everyone is talking about, make connections, and find like-minded attendees. Even better, get on the Microsoft Ignite Forums! The Forums are open to anyone—you don't have to be registered to participate. Go to https://channel9.msdn.com/Forums/MicrosoftIgnite to get started. Join existing threads, or start your own. Ask questions, share your opinions, discuss your plans, and connect with peers. It's a great way to find other attendees from your area or industry and plan time to meet in person at Ignite!
Question #2: How can I learn who'll be presenting, and get in touch with speakers?
Answer: Check the Session Catalog for new speaker assignments, which have now been added to sessions. Click on the speaker's name to see their bio, photo, and a list of other sessions they'll be delivering at Ignite, as well as how to connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, etc. New filters have been added to help you search for sessions by speaker, industry, product, theme... you name it. You'll also get recommendations of other speakers and sessions to consider adding to your personal session schedule.
Question #3: I've already registered. Can I still add a Pre-Day Session?
Answer: Of course! Just go to https://ignite.microsoft.com/register, sign in to your registration record, click on Pre-Day Sessions, Edit, and select the session you would like to attend. There are 17 Pre-Day Sessions to choose from, all are a full-day of focused discussion. Lunch is provided for Pre-Day attendees. Explore the full Pre-Day lineup, and consider adding one to your registration.
Ask your questions on the Microsoft Ignite Forums, via Twitter, or in the Comments section below the video. We'll get to all questions as we have answers, so keep watching the Countdown Show!
Have you registered? Hotels are filling fast, so don't wait! Microsoft Ignite is May 4–8 in Chicago at McCormick Place. Register today.
Will the hands-on-labs (HOLs) be available on Sunday (3 May) for the early arrivers who don't attend a pre-day session?
It appears that as of today (3 March) all of the hotel rooms with the Microsoft rates are full. Will more hotels/rooms be added so we can take advantage of the MS rate?
When will the Session schedule builder be available?
@ltoddnelson: The HOLs are not available on Sunday.
Hey Todd, Availability is constantly changing for hotel blocks and we are doing our best to add rooms so please check back periodically. If you are unable to find a reservation for your entire length of stay, you may also check availability within the Chicago area via Advanced Reservations Systems, Inc.* (ARES). Space and rates are subject to availability.
* Advanced Reservations Systems, Inc. website booking engine is not hosted by the Microsoft Ignite Event Planning Team, Microsoft or CRG Events. The Microsoft Ignite Event Planning Team, Microsoft and CRG Events are not responsible for collecting any fees associated with higher rates, no show fees or any agreements made between you and ARES. Nightly rate and fees are established by ARES and cannot be modified by members of the Microsoft Ignite Team.
Finally - my good friend Scott Ladewig has written up a blog post about some ideas for accommodation - you might want to check out his suggestions.
@Bindertech:ahhhh... nice question. You have noticed that the content catalogue shows you all the content and speakers, but no functionality to create a schedule... That capability is on track to be made available by the end of March.
@RicksterCDN: Re HOLs 8(
Got it. Thanks. Just frustrating to see the event is still 60 days out and we now get to pay the prevailing rate. However, we haven't let this hiccup stop us. Full speed ahead!
Hey Rickster...Nice Revolution Brewery tshirt in episode #5. Already registered...but havent seen anything yet on bus schedule to/from hotel. Thanks!
Need to download the catalog in excel format. How do I do that?