If you're a Visual C++ developer headed to PDC05, there are a bunch of cool things for you to see and do...
 
Labs
The Visual C++ team is sponsoring two labs during PDC:
  • VC++ Upgrade Lab: There are a number of changes in Visual C++ 2005, such a more strict language standards compliance and new security features, that may require a little effort to work through as your port your projects.  Bring your laptop with representative code samples to the porting lab, and let the the Visual C++ team advise you on the best path to porting your code.  Kang Su blogged about this event last week.  Email porting@microsoft.com for further information or to reserve some lab time.
  • VC++ Hands-on Lab: Interested in learning first-hand how you can leverage .NET WinForms from an MFC application? Visit the hands-on lab to see it from the driver's seat.
Meetings
I'm organizing a series of VC++ customer meetings.  I have a few open slots, so if your company is interested in connecting with the VC++ team, drop me a line.
 
Sessions
Don't miss Herb Sutter's "C++: Future Directions in Language Innovation" (TLN209), Tarek Madkour's "Tips & Tricks: Productivity Tips for the Visual C++ 2005 IDE" (TLNL02), or Kang Su Gatlin's "Tips & Tricks: C++ Optimization Best Practices" (TLNL04).
 
If you want to see some cool Avalon... er, uh... Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) integration with VC++, be sure to check out Adam Nathan's "Windows Vista: Using Win32/WinFX Integration to Light-Up on Windows Vista: A Case Study" (FUN318) and Nick Kramer's "Windows Presentation Foundation ('Avalon'): Integrating with your Win32/MFC Application" (PRS313).
 
Pre-Conference Sessions
On Sunday, 9/11, Brandon Bray, Nikola Dudar, Stan Lippman, and Anson Tsao are collaborating on a session called "C++: Patterns and Practices." On Monday, 9/12, Brandon Bray, Bob Davidson, Jim Hogg, and Stan Lippman are getting together to deliver a session called "C++: Internals."