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Last November, I was fortunate to be selected as a TLG (Technical Learning Guide) for Microsoft TechEd Europe 2010. It was held at the Messe in Berlin, Germany. Ever since I learnt German at school, I always wanted to visit Germany; however, I never had the opportunity. So, with a spirit of finally using my GCSE and A’ Level German, I was all set…or was I?

One slight problem had emerged over the years. My German vocabulary and grammar had slowly and unconsciously been replaced by Japanese. I never realised that it was such a big problem until I opened my mouth to say “Danke” (Thanks), and would automatically say “Arigato”. Fortunately, by the end of the week the “problem” had subsided somewhat. I think the coolest thing that happened as part of this linguistic nightmare was calling up a Japanese restaurant (Sa-Sa-Ya) in order to make a reservation (unfortunately they were full).  This amused my friend from Microsoft whose next question was “How many languages can you speak?!”

Anyway, this is supposed to be a technology blog, so what did I learn from TechEd:

• The Cloud – it’s here to stay! So time to get familiar with Windows Azure
• Office 365 is here – Office for the cloud!
• Microsoft Learning’s current focus is on using IT certification to improve career prospects
• Windows Intune is quite possibly the best thing for any business – It includes a licence to upgrade each PC to Windows 7 Enterprise AND you get access to MDOP!
• Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 RC headline grabbers are Dynamic Memory and RemoteFX
• The Windows Deployment Gameshow showed me that I still need to learn a LOT about deployment
• Lync Server is already HUGE – and the hands on labs for it were pretty cool
• PowerShell – time to learn it!
• Get yourself the Works with Windows Server 2008 Logo
• MCTs ROCK! Especially if you find yourself invited to parties where everyone talks Swedish, you can be sure to bump into Jeremy Moskowitz (GPO guru) while waiting for the lift.

All in all, it was a very productive week.

I’m off to Germany to attend TechEd Europe 2010! If you’re there come and say “Hi” at either the Hands-On Labs or at the Readiness Booth!

It’s going to be a fun week!

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!

The “Get on the Bus” team are touring the East Coat on the way to NOLA. The IT Grand Prix ground challenges are in full swing and the four teams are RACING their way down in full speed!

New Orleans…I’m coming for the gumbo!!

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!