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I visited the premier Microsoft conference last month and now with a few weeks of reflection, I can finally put something together. The TechEd buzz started early for me as I was selected as a Technical Learning Guide (TLG). This role meant that I had to assist attendees using the Hands on Labs. As well as helping to troubleshoot any lab issues; I also gave advice and guidance on how they could use the technology in their environments. I was responsible for the Windows Client section.

When I wasn’t working, I had the opportunity to attend sessions where I saw some of the most influential speakers within the Microsoft community. You can actually see all the sessions online for free at: http://www.microsoft.com/techedonline/

The evenings were fantastic, too!  In addition to the Partner Expo party; different components of Microsoft organised and held their own party including the MCT community, the Springboard series, Virtualization and so on.  TechEd ended with a bang with a HUGE party at Mardi Gras world where you could enjoy food, music and entertainment while surrounded by the huge floats that are used at the annual festival.

In essence, the week was a complete technology fest with ample opportunity to network with the global IT community.

Next stop…..MCT Summit in York!

It’s just been 48 hours since I’ve managed to relax…I’ve handed in my CTLLS (Certificate to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) portfolio. I’ve done it! At one point it didn’t seem that I would be able to do it…but it’s done.

Now time for a bit of reflection…

TechEd in New Orleans  – amazing, but I’ll leave the details for another post later on in the week.

I’m now looking ahead to August – especially the MCT Summit. It’s 3 days of total technology readiness with some of the top speakers within the community.

It also has quite a high level guest list including Lutz Ziob (MS Learning General Manager), Tjeerd Veninga (Community Lead)  and Matthew Roche (Courseware Guru). I had the pleasure of meeting some of the speakers at TechEd and they were amazing so I am looking forward to see what they will bring to York.

So if you’re a MCT (OR want to be a MCT*) and you want to experience a slice of TechEd in York then sign up ASAP  – the early bird discount ends on 30 June!

See you there!

*Educators and instructors (from schools, colleges and universities) are most welcome to join us and become part of the MCT community.

If you’re a MCP/MCDST/MCSA/MCSE/MCTS/MCITP/MCT, then you need to head on over to the IT Grand Prix and join the BLUE TEAM now!!!! (http://borntolearn.mslearn.net/prix/p/registration.aspx)

Once you’ve done that, go into the BLUE TEAM forum and find out how you can WIN a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate or a really cool “E=MCT” T-Shirt.

If you want the reason why…well we’re trying to win the IT Grand Prix so that we can donate a $10,000 cheque to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. So that in itself is a really good reason to sign up.

Time is running out…you’ve got until Thursday evening to be in the chance to win!

Good luck and THANK YOU for your support!

As part of the IT Grand Prix initiative to win money for charity, here is my VBC.

View my MCP Certifications

Please click on the above link so that we can win the money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!

Last year we “Got on the Bus” to TechEd US and TechEd Europe. Now it’s back! Touring the East Coast – starting from Montreal (Canada) and making several stops on the way en route to New Orleans. For us UK folks,  it means that now there is a very realistic chance that the bus will find its way back to TechEd Europe in November.

I was fortunate to meet the bus at the IT Academy at the University of York where I finally met Tjeerd Veninga (MCT Community Lead), Liberty Munson (Exam Psychometrician), and Andrew Bettany (MCT and UoY IT Academy Manager).

If you’re lucky enough to live in the US or will be in the area during May 21 to June 4, then visit http://microsoftbustour.com/tour-dates/ for more details!