Blogging Microsoft TechEd 2006

Technical Learning Guides (TLGs) – Who are they?

2006-06-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

At TechEd 2006 we’ve got a great group of Technical Learning Guides (TLGs) ready to help you with any questions you may have with the Hands-on Labs in the TLC.

Just in case you don’t know, the TLGs are absolutely amazing! From a pool of over 400 applicants, 90 were selected. The selection process was a difficult one, as many, many talented and qualified applicants had to be turned away.

What does that mean for the TechEd attendee? Why, nothing but the best! The TLGs here at TechEd 2006 come from 27 countries and are all working the HOLs at TechEd because they’re passionate about technology and want to be here to help you with any questions you may have. These individuals have given up a week of their time (some more) and are on-site at TechEd.

These highly qualified Technical Learning Guides are just like all of us. They have a thirst for the latest and greatest technology and love sharing knowledge and educating/assisting others.

A brief sampling of the TLG qualifications:

All are Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCT) and have over 515 years of combined MCT experience!
Fluent in over 15 spoken languages as well as 6 computer languages.
Are certified in over 40 different areas.
More than 15 MVPs – Most Valuable Professional for a specific Microsoft technology.
Many are business owners, within in the real world with the technologies they support here.
The average years of teaching experience for a typical TLG is 7 years. Many have been working in their industry for 10-15 years or more.

An aerial view of the TLGs, spelling MCT TLG:

TechEd 2006: Day 1 Pictures

2006-06-12T14:34:00.000-07:00

If you’re not able to attend TechEd, or are just curious about how things are going, here’s a journey through TechEd 2006, in pictures.

Today is the first full day of the event and man, it is busy!

It’s standing room only here at this Technical Learning Center (TLC) Theater Session

Excited to do some demo stations

Checking out the mobile devices, chatting with experts and viewing some of the Mobility offerings.

What can the Messaging and Office System areas do for you? Chat with an expert, view a demo, engage yourself!

Attendees drill into some of the Hands-on Labs

The exhibitors were kept busy with a stream of excited and intrigued attendees

Another view of the expo floor

And another view of the exhibitors

Is it Connected Systems you’re interested in? Synch up with some of the folks at the demo stations in the Connected Systems area.

TechEd is here!

2006-06-12T11:58:00.000-07:00

It’s Monday and TechEd 2006 is in full swing!

We kicked off the event with last night’s Keynotes. Bob Muglia, Ray Ozzie, and Chris Capossela. The room set was impressive. The stage setup (as seen below) was highlighted with blue and violet tones and thanks to massive projection screens, there wasn’t a bad seat in the house! Like a concert (or a really bad TSA line) people were lined up and excited to get into and experience the keynotes. Unlike the long, slow lines at the airport, the mass of people were ushered into the keynote hall quickly and efficiently.

The combination of a good message (way to go speech writers!), engaging demos, and a cool space all combined to make it a great kickoff to TechEd 2006.

Here are some pictures from last night:

Filing into the keynote.

Getting seats.

Some cool videos, view from the very back of the keynote hall.

If you missed the keynote, you can check it out at the links below.

View at your preferred bit rate: 300 Kbps 100Kbps 56 Kbps

So you've seen the keynote hall with attendees in it, here's what the keynote hall looked like before it was ready for the public.

Lighting Rigs

Stage Setup

Sound

Huge projectors

Announcing: Windows Live Dev (Beta)

2006-06-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

The Windows Live Platform team has launched Windows Live Dev (http://dev.live.com/) as a portal for developers looking for information on the Windows Live Platform. The site includes information on developing with Live Services, including Custom Domains, Expo, Gadgets, Live ID, Messenger, Search, Spaces, and Virtual Earth. It also has sections with information for Hardware developers, business opportunities with Live, and an area where we will be highlighting interesting mashups, developed here at Microsoft or out in the community.

This initial offering is still in beta. It will grow with more content, as well as more services geared toward developers, including a cool new way to work with Windows Live Contacts (coming later this week), information on developing with more services as APIs come online, and a single appID provisioning experience.

Check it out!

Just one day until TechEd opens!

2006-06-10T13:02:00.000-07:00

We're putting the finishing touches on everything here at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center and I thought I'd share out another picture post.

Expo Area

Bookstore & Company Store

T-Shirt Distribution

Hands-on Labs

How to maximize your time at TechEd

2006-06-08T21:16:00.000-07:00

With TechEd 2006 just a few days away, you may be asking yourself, "How can I maximize my time and experience at TechEd?" Between the keynotes, strategic briefings, breakout sessions, TLC Theater sessions, product demos, Hands-on labs, visiting the exhibitor hall, chatting with experts and connecting with others in your field, there are thousands of sessions/demos/labs/networking opportunities that you could do while at TechEd! Exhausting, isn't it?

I've got a way to make some sort of sense out of all of the opportunity at TechEd. It's a rather simple solution (that many of you may already use) but one that will help you navigate through the sea of options and opportunity at TechEd. Use CommNet to review session titles, abstracts, and listen to an audio preview of certain Hands-on Labs.

Curious how to do this? Check out this how-to video, courtesy of Dick Carlson.

Get packing, get excited and we'll see you on Sunday!

On Site in Boston

2006-06-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

We've arrived in Boston for TechEd and I wanted to share a picture post, showcasing how the various TechEd areas are progressing. Things are looking great and we're excited for everyone to get here for Sunday's keynote!

Microsoft New England Welcomes you to Boston!

TechEd Registration
FYI: There are a total of 55 registration kiosks to help you get checked in and on your way at TechEd!

Expo Hall Signage

The Expo Hall is really coming together!

Technical Learning Center
The Technical Learning Center (TLC) is looking great! Divided into three color-coded areas, it groups together all the Hands-on Lab area, Theaters, demo stations, and information booths. It'll be your one-stop-shop to connect with an expert, try out some of the new features and dive deeper into current ones, and see what's new with Microsoft.

Hands-on Labs

TLC Theaters

Demo Stations

CommNet Computers
Dispersed around the Convention Center are thousands of CommNet Computers. Session information at your fingertips, you'll want to stop by a CommNet Computer station to check out the latest TechEd info. (You can also check out this blog or Brian's Blog for breaking blogging posts too! :) )

TechEd 2006 Bag!

2006-06-08T19:06:00.000-07:00

What does the bag look like?
Can we see the bag?

Yes, readers. You can. :)

Here's a preview of the TechEd 2006 bag!

As you can see, this year's TechEd attendee bag is a really cool one. A messenger type bag, it is navy blue and black with a nicely padded shoulder strap. It has lots of cool pockets and comes with a rubber nametag. Inside, you'll find a plethora of information: DVDs with the beta builds of some hot Microsoft software, magazines, and a whole lot more!

Check out this post on Brian's blog for a complete run down on the bag and its bits!

OFC HOL Interviews Posted

2006-06-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

Today I posted four interviews with Karen Henderson, the HOL Technical Learning Guide Lead for the OFC track.

OFC001 – Building InfoPath Forms that Run As Both Rich Client and Browser Applications
OFC002 – Designing Content Driven Websites with Office SharePoint Server 2007
OFC004 – What’s New in SharePoint Services Version Three: Feature Walkthrough
OFC005 – Connecting Groove Workspaces to Enterprise Systems

With Office 2007 in Beta 2 and scheduled to be launched in January 2007, these Office HOLs will be a great way to get some hands-on experience with the new version of the Office System!

Win an Official TechEd 2006 Content Team sweater!

2006-06-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard, Brian Marble, the TechEd US Content Owner, is holding a contest on his blog to guess the projected attendance for the session with the highest demand at TechEd.

What is this session?

SVR333 - Advanced Windows Troubleshooting with Sysinternals Filemon and Regmon

Whomever can guess the projected attendance of Mark and Davids' session SVR333 (by posting a comment in Brian's blog) will receive one of the official TechEd Content Team Cutter & Buck sweaters (TechEd 2006 Content Team is embroidered on the left sleeve) given to just the TechEd track owners. Brian will identify the person that guessed closest on the evening of June 11 and list the winner on this blog June 12.

Good luck, everyone!

Attendee Bag Build

2006-06-06T16:21:00.000-07:00

This picture goes out to Eric Shurts, who asked, "So, what's the chance of getting a sneak peak at the bags that will be given to all attendees at registration?"

As we all know, attendees are given a lot of great goodies when they check in at registration. Contained within these bags are all sorts of different collateral, CDs and other fun stuff to peruse. I know this probably isn't quite what you wanted, Eric, but here's a sneak peek of the attendee bag build!

Check out VirtualTechEd.com

2006-06-06T15:51:00.000-07:00

New to this year's TechEd line up is VirtualTechEd.com. VirtualTechEd.com's team of editors and vloggers will be looking for the best breakout sessions, most interesting demos and compelling executive interviews throughout the week.

Whether you're at TechEd and can't see everything, or want to see what you are missing, visit http://www.virtualteched.com/ for the latest news and on-site video logs.

Things are coming together in Boston!

2006-06-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

With less than five days until the start of TechEd06, things are shaping up nicely at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.

We’ve got signs at the airport:

The expo hall is being assembled:

As is the TLC:

And the Registration area:

And there's still many boxes to unpack!

More pictures to come as we get onsite and TechEd06 begins!

Two SQL Server 2005 HOL Interviews Posted

2006-06-05T10:50:00.000-07:00

It’s Monday morning and I’ve posted two new HOL interviews for registered attendees to preview.

These interviews are with noted SQL expert, Kimberly Tripp and cover the two HOLs that she designed for TechEd 2006:

DAT007 – SQL Server 2005 Database Mirroring
DAT010 – SQL Server 2005 Table and Index Partitioning

To be honest, my knowledge of SQL Server is very basic. I’ve read the “Dummies” edition of SQL Server 2005, but other than that introduction to relational database design, I don’t have any real depth of knowledge into the topic. I must say, however, that after chatting with Kimberly Tripp, I am very excited about her two SQL Server 2005 HOLs and I plan to sit down and go through at least one, if not both of them at TechEd. I’d encourage anyone interested in SQL Server 2005 to sit down at the Database Development and Administration section in the TLC and go through Kimberly’s HOLs. They will prove to be engaging, informative, and educational; isn’t that why you’re coming to TechEd after all? :)

HOL Interviews Available

2006-06-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

Hey there all you TechEd 2006 Attendees!

It's a little over a week until the start of TechEd 2006 in Boston, can you feel the excitement?!

For all of the registered attendees, I have a treat for you. I have begun uploading selected audio interviews with HOL developers. Now you'll be able to hear, from the lab developers or experts themselves, what some of the Hands-on Labs at TechEd are all about.

There are just a few of these interviews uploaded now, but more are coming!

Perhaps you're asking yourself, "How do I listen to these interviews?"

Good question! Simply log into the Tech·Ed 2006 Communications Network and click on the "Session Scheduler" option in the left and navigation bar. You'll not only be able to create a personalized schedule for TechEd here, but you can listen to the HOL audio interviews as well! Just choose Hands-on Lab as the "session type" and track that you're interested and it'll pull up the title and abstract for the HOLs. If there are audio interviews available, you can click on the audio file link and listen to them on your computer.

Right now, there are five interviews posted:

ARC003 - Explore Team Foundation Server for Architects
ARC004 - Using the System Designer in Visual Studio
BAP004 - Microsoft Retail Management System
CLI002 - New Windows Vista Management Technologies
CLI008 - Managing Windows Vista and Windows Server Code Name "Longhorn" Network Bandwidth with Policy-Based Quality of Service

This is just another way we're giving you more information so your experience at TechEd 2006 is an exciting and informative one.

Make sure to check back here to get the first word on which Hands-on Lab Interviews are available.

See you all in Boston!

Keynote Staging Sneak Peak

2006-06-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, so today may be my last day at Microsoft since I’m leaking this out but it’s way too cool not too! I was able to snag a draft of the keynote staging that will be used for the TechEd Sunday Night keynote. Typically this is held under tight wraps in order to ensure the highest impact and surprise when attendees arrive onsite but I won’t tell if you won’t.

If you haven’t seen what happens backstage I would check out the drawing, it’s pretty darn cool all that happens there. There are islands of demo machines, presentation machines, nervous demo-ers and everyone in between. It’s overwhelming what it takes to pull off a production like this (a veritable mass of support staffing, lighting and technology) and if all is done right it appears seamless to the viewer!

I can’t wait to see it in person Sunday, June 11 at 7 PM. With Ray Ozzie, Chris Capossela and Bob Muglia kicking off TechEd 2006, it’ll surely be a great kickoff!

Here’s what it’ll look like from the attendee perspective. Pretty impressive!

TechEd Worldwide - TechEd Israel

2006-05-30T15:50:00.000-07:00

While this blog is primarily focused on the Microsoft U.S. TechEd Event, from time to time, I'll also feature other TechEd events around the world.

This week, let's look at TechEd Israel.

TechEd Israel (linked pages are in Hebrew) took place May 9-11, 2006 in Eilat, Israel.

A sold-out event, TechEd Israel was enjoyed by over 3,000 attendees. Themed "Feel the Beat", TechEd Israel exposed attendees to an innovative, dynamic, and energetic time: great technical learning, networking with peers, and a fantastic beach party were all part of the event.

Congratulations to the TechEd Israel team for such an amazing and successful event!

Feel free to check out the TechEd Israel blog (in Hebrew).

Some pictures from the event:

The Beach Party

The Event:

More photos are available here.

TechEd Factoids

2006-05-26T12:55:00.002-07:00

Curious about TechEd and the numbers behind it? Here are some fun facts about TechEd 2006. It really puts into perspective the sheer size of the event and all it takes to bring a successful event like TechEd together.

Expected number of attendees – Over 11,000

Number of sessions:

480 breakouts
300 Chalk Talks
8 Strategic Briefings
115 Hands on Labs
40 Birds of a Feather
450 Speakers
20,000 live webcast viewings expected
Number of exhibitors: Over 230

What does it takes to put on a show of this size?

Planning team of 30+
Working crew of 200
10 months of planning
Number of hours required to edit final PPTs – 250 hours
Number of total content opportunities (sessions, labs, etc.) – 720
Number of PCs deployed throughout TechEd – Close to 2,500
Number of HOL machines – 800
Number Microsoft Certified Trainers supporting labs – 90
Amount of storage used for HOL content – 1TB+
Number of Aussies on HOL core team – 4
Correct pronunciation of city where labs are tested – “Wall-tham”

Food and edibles:

1,250,000 pieces of "Mikes & Ikes" will be consumed over the course of a week at TechEd 2006
18,750 pounds of salad will be prepared and offered at meals
83,700 ice cream novelty/ fruit and yogurt bars have been ordered for this function
60,000 eggs will be eaten by attendees at breakfast (this is equal to 4,800 dozen cartons of eggs)
It will take 4 semis to transport the 150,000 bottles of water consumed at this show
The total amount of fruit ordered will fill 3/4 of full size tractor-trailer
1.6 million ounces of coffee will be poured and consumed (conservative estimate)
More than 50,000 pounds of carbohydrates will be consumed at TechEd (Atkins who?)
1,500 table cloths will be used and re-set on a daily basis: (7,500 for the week)

Interviewing TechEd HOL Developers

2006-05-21T12:00:00.000-07:00

I'm involved in an exciting project that's debuting in the TLC (Technical Learning Center) at TechEd06. It's a pilot program, designed to give attendees a glimpse into the Hands On Labs before they go through the lab. As an attendee sits down at the HOL area in a particular track, many of the HOLs will have short audio interviews available for attendees to listen to. These will allow the lab developers, in their own words, to communicate what their particular lab is all about.

This has been a great on going process. I've gotten the chance to interview many developers and share in their excitement about the labs they've developed. The time that they've spent on developing quality labs that engage, educate, and excite the user is incredible.

As I continue to interview more lab developers, my excitement over the HOLs and vast amount of technical knowledge that will be communicated at TechEd06 grows. It's really amazing to think that this event gathers the brightest technical minds together, so that they can all connect and discuss current and up-coming Microsoft technology.

If you're coming to TechEd this year, you're in for a real treat. A solid week where you'll get to immerse yourself in people that share your common interests and passion. It'll be a time where you'll learn, connect, and grow, while also enjoying yourself and peers!

TechEd is just two weeks away, see you there!

What’s in the Technical Learning Center? Almost Everything!

2006-05-21T01:18:00.000-07:00

One of the big changes at TechEd 2006 is what we’re calling the Technical Learning Center (TLC).

Just what is the TLC? Take a look at the TLC in action.

Or check it out on YouTube

TechEd 2006 Attendee Party – Concert by Train at Fenway Park!

2006-05-21T01:10:00.000-07:00

Thursday, June 15
6:30pm – 10:30pm
Fenway Park

This year’s attendee party will feature a live concert by the band, Train, performing just for TechEd 2006 attendees into the stands of historic Fenway Park! Fenway is perhaps the most storied ballpark in the country and is home to the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox! From its opening day on April 9, 1912 to the legendary 2004 postseason games, culminating with an extraordinary World Series win, Fenway has played host to some of Major League Baseball’s most memorable moments for over 90 years.

Throughout the night you can enjoy traditional ballpark food and beverages as you tour the historic park learning facts and trivia from Fenway Tour Guides. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Top tier Red Sox alumni will be on hand to sign autographs, you can take a close-up look at the World Series Trophy and other memorabilia collected through the ages. Batting cages and speed pitch cages will be open if you want to test your skills (all gear provided), you can take a walk up to the top of the famous “Green Monster” or simply sit back and enjoy the beautiful view from one of the upper decks, bars or club lounges - all seating areas will be open for you to enjoy. The highlight of the night will be Train’s private TechEd 2006 concert! Their string of hits includes; “Drops of Jupiter,” “Free,” “Meet Virginia,” “I Am,” “Something More,” “Calling All Angels” and “Ordinary.” For more information on Train, please see their Web site: www.trainline.com.

Shuttle service will be provided between the Conference Center and Fenway Park. Hotels in the Copley Plaza area are within easy walking distance of Fenway, and the T (Transit Subway System) Green Line travels directly to Fenway Station.

Attendee Party Shuttle Schedule
6:00pm – 7:30pm Shuttles from Conference Center and Fenway Park
8:00pm – 10:30pm Shuttles from Fenway Park to the TechEd Hotels

Although TechEd is sold out...

2006-05-21T01:06:00.000-07:00

Even if you can’t attend Tech·Ed 2006, there are several other ways to access the content:

• Sign up for the Tech·Ed 2007 Guestbook. Put your name on the mailing list for news and information about Tech·Ed 2007 - June 3–8, 2007, in New Orleans – as soon as it is available.

• Attend a Pre Conference Seminar. Pre-con Seminars are still available for non-Tech·Ed 2006 attendees. These in-depth seminars are led by industry experts and designed to enhance your Tech·Ed learning experience. Seminars have been carefully chosen to address the most relevant needs that IT Pros and Developers face today.

• View sessions by webcast. Tune in June 12-16 as we simulcast live more than 40 of the top sessions and speakers from Tech·Ed 2006 -- free. Also, view our library of more than 100 other live and on-demand webcasts in the Tech·Ed 2006 Webcast Series.

• Order the DVD Set. Because Tech·Ed 2006 sold out so early, we've reduced the DVD set price from $495 to $195. The DVD set will include streaming media files of the Tech·Ed 2006 Breakout Sessions, Strategic Briefings and Keynote. You will find additional bonus content, including Hands-on Lab Manuals and related breakout session material.

• Attend Tech·Ed 2006 Worldwide. If you're located outside the United States, check here to find the Tech·Ed nearest you. Many international locations still have space open, and U.S. residents are welcome to attend.

What's new at TechEd 2006?

2006-05-21T00:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday Night Keynote (7:00 P.M-9:30 P.M.)

Ray Ozzie, Cheif Technical Officer
Bob Muglia, Senior Vice President, Server and Tools Business
Chris Capossela, Corporate Vice President, Information Worker Product Management Group

Technical Learning Centers

Integrated learning areas organized by track

13 Core Tracks, 3 Virtual Tracks, 40 BOs

TechEd Connect

Online attendee networking tool

Attendee party at Fenway Park!

What is TechEd?

2006-05-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

Comprehensive technical training.
Community resources.
A chance to connect with Microsoft partners, industry gurus, and Microsoft experts.
An opportunity to evaluate products.
Focus on current and near-term technology.

That’s TechEd.

Learn how to build, deploy, secure, and manage solutions using the full range of current and soon-to-be-released Microsoft products.

TechEd 2006 is now SOLD OUT

2006-05-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Due to overwhelming interest, Tech·Ed 2006 is now sold out.

If you would like to be added to the WAITLIST for Tech·Ed 2006, please click here. If space becomes available, the Registration Team will contact you with instructions on how to complete your registration.

PLEASE NOTE: submitting your information on this waitlist website does not constitute a conference registration or guarantee that you will be able to register.