Tech·Ed Pro Tip: Travel Advice
Last year, I wrote (finding the best talks at Tech·Ed which really aimed to help improve your Tech·Ed Africa experience. It is still relevant this year, but I thought of one new tip to share—and it’s related to travel.
Short version:
Book your inbound flight early, your outbound flight late, and stay at the Hilton.
Why inbound early?
Day 1 is a busy day for you—after you land, you need to find the shuttle from the airport to the conference venue. Last year, I got separated from the group and got lost in the airport 😵💫. Once you’re at the conference venue, register and get your swag (do this before heading to your hotel), then find the bus to reach your hotel. If you follow the tip below about the Hilton, this is easy; otherwise, you may have a small wait. Once at your hotel, check in, sort out your stuff, see what the swag is—and finally, find the bus (wait) and get back to the venue for the keynote and opening party. In short—it’s a very busy day, so having an extra hour or two helps.
For speakers, there’s also the advantage of using that extra hour or two to do a quick tech check the day before and help calm those nerves.
Why outbound late?
The last day ends with the closing keynote, and those can run long—I’ve seen people run for the buses and have to drag their luggage because of time constraints. Plus, when you reach the first few buses, there’s a fight for space! It really messes with your last day, so take a later flight—this means you won’t need to fight for seats or rush around.
Why the Hilton?
The Hilton in Durban is the best place to stay, as it’s right next door to the ICC where Tech·Ed is held. In fact, the picture to the left—its bottom-left corner—is the ICC. You don’t even need to cross a road!
This means:
- Getting up later
- Staying out later (Hilton’s bar is famous for after-parties)
- Being where all the Microsoft staff, media, and presenters are (great for informal discussions in the elevator)
- A top-end experience overall
Big issue: It sells out fast, so book now!
Follow these travel tips, and you’ll be on your way to a great Tech·Ed!