The MacTech Conference for IT Pros and Mac developers, November 3-5, 2010 in Los Angeles, has announced two new additions this week: Macworld VP & Editorial Director Jason Snell will moderate a panel on virtualization, and Apple Authorized Training Center v.2 Consulting is offering a study hour and exam session for all Apple Certifications.

The three-day, information-packed event has expert speakers from a variety of backgrounds covering a broad array of topics. Evenings are full of activities, including an exclusive visit the Griffith Observatory (one of Los Angeles’ greatest landmarks). On the final evening, the MacTech Conference Party will include dinner, billiards, video games, and more. The first ever MacTech Bowl will take place to raise money for the “School Field Trip” program at the Griffith Observatory.

Macworld VP & Editorial Director Jason Snell will be moderating a panel entitled “Trends in Virtualization” at MacTech Conference 2010. The panel will explore and discuss virtualization trends in the industry for both desktop and server virtualization related to Apple technologies. VMware and Parallels have already agreed to take part, and panel organizers have invited the VirtualBox team as well.

“As with any major Mac event that serves the community, we’re happy to participate and keep Macworld readers informed,” Snell says. “It’s always enjoyable when members of the Mac community get together to discuss our shared interests, and the MacTech Conference is another great opportunity to do that.”

Immediately following the last session of the MacTech Conference, Apple Authorized Training Center v.2 Consulting is offering a study hour and exam session: Nov. 5, 12:30-4 pm, on site at the conference. Conference attendees can take any Apple Certification Exam that is currently available at the time of testing.

“v.2 Consulting, Inc. is excited to be a part of the upcoming MacTech Conference 2010 and we look forward to hosting the Apple Certification exams and study session,” says Kari Bellah, operations manager, v.2 Consulting, Inc. “Without a doubt, MacTech will be keeping to their high standards of representing the best in IT and development at this must-attend event.”

The conference starts off with an entertaining keynote by Andy Ihnatko, internationally beloved tech journalist (currently a columnist for the Chicago Sun Times). The keynote kicks off sessions and activities throughout the day and evening. This immersion conference is hotel-based, giving attendees the opportunity to not only learn from the best, but get to meet new people and spend time with their peers. The addition of testing and the virtualization panel completes the picture.

“Having an Apple Certification is the clearest way to prove to your clients or employer that you possess the knowledge & know-how to be considered a ‘guru’. v.2 has the experience and the expertise to serve the testing needs of our attendees,” says Neil Ticktin, editor-in-chief/publisher, MacTech Magazine. “It’s a pleasure to have our friends at Macworld take part in the conference. ‘Trends in Virtualization’ will help our attendees, and the extended community to see and plan for the future, learn how virtualization can help with development and testing, as well as how it impacts the run-time environment.”

The MacTech Conference will have two separate tracks: one focused on IT, and one focused on programming/development. Sessions will focus on both desktop and mobile, with appropriate levels of attention paid to the Mac, iPhone, iPad and iPod. MacTech Conference’s schedule is jam packed with some of the biggest names in the industry from some of the most recognized companies. Full descriptions of sessions, speakers, and more are available to peruse on the new sessions web page at https://www.mactech.com/conference/sessions .

“This page contains a list of some of the amazing people that will present and be in attendance at MacTech Conference 2010,” says Ed Marczak, sessions chair and executive editor, MacTech Magazine. Information on the topics that will be covered are listed on the conference sessions page.

MacTech Conference is priced at US$899 including all meals, a MacTech Magazine subscription, a schedule packed full of sessions, exclusive entertainment, and more. Space is limited. You can register today at https://www.mactech.com/conference/registration .

The Sheraton Universal is a venue with rooms that typically run $229.00 or more per night, plus tax, and with Internet for an additional fee. Available on a first-come, first-served basis, MacTech Conference attendees get a special rate of just $169 per night (which includes Internet). Taxes and service charges are extra. Room quantity is limited.