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Microsoft TechEd 2008
Developer Week
Break-Out Sessions:
Tech-Ed 2008 was all about information on new releases of programs. They did everything they could to fit every different learning style into a session. The largest of these were the Breakout Sessions. Breakout sessions had upwards of a hundred classmates with one expert instructor. There were no computers provided, so you had to bring your own if you wanted to interact with the program. Instructor Led Labs were a bit smaller, containing around forty people. In this setting, you were provided with a computer and were able to follow along with a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) to complete labs. Interactive theaters were the smallest sessions that were led by Microsoft Personnel. These sessions were small and more information based, leaning more on discussions than a planned itinerary. For those that attended a session, Windows Mobile was giving away three Blackjack II cell phones at random. The TechwareLabs staff was not fortunate enough to win one of these prizes, but congratulations to those who did.
"Breakout Sessions are where you take a deep technical dive and learn about the latest products based on Microsoft technology. This year, you can choose from more than 440 sessions."
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Interactive Theaters |
Interactive Theater In Session |
Hands-On Labs:
One of the most helpful parts of Tech-Ed is the Hands on Lab. There were literally hundreds of computers available (600 to be exact), divided into sections, on tables marked with colored skirts in the Hands on Learning Area. All computers had dual displays, so you could view the lab guide while participating. Upon registration for Tech-Ed, you were given a .NET username and password, if you didn’t already have one. This was the user name and password you used to log in during the conference. With more than 150 topics to choose from, attendees could sit down at their own computer and be guided step by step through a lab. If you were new to the whole thing, you could call the attention of an attendant and be guided through. The labs were self explanatory, listing detailed step by step instructions that anyone could follow. If you didn’t want to sit there and type lines of text, you could simply copy and paste - it was that simple.
"With more than 150 featured topics, Hands-on Labs (HOL) provide drill-down technical learning opportunities in a self-paced environment. Each HOL allows you to experience a Microsoft product or technology by working at your own computer station. Work at your own speed with the support of experienced Technical Learning Guides (TGLs). Labs take 30-60 minutes to complete and are available on 600 computers in the HOL area."
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Hands On Labs |
Hands On Labs Were Completely Solo, However, Assistants Were There to Help those That Requested |
Conclusion:
With Microsoft covering over 150 topics, you could easily find whatever you were looking for. If you are more on the mobility side of things, or maybe into server based databasing, then you could have easily found whatever you wanted. When you originally heard that there were a whopping six thousand people there, you must have thought it was crowded. Because it took place at the Orlando Convention Center, there was plenty of room and the place didn't seem to be that hectic. It wasnt too big to get confused or lost trying to get from one place to another either, it might have taken a maximum of five minutes to travel from one corner of the event to the other.
With a $110 registration fee to attend the conference, you definitely got your money's worth. For all four days of the event, they served you breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with unlimited drinks and snacks between meals. I figure food alone would cost more than $110 if you traveled to the event, like most people did. The food and snacks served were amazing, and I couldn't have asked for a better choice.
Overall, I would have to say that it was a rather enjoyable event and very informative as well. I would recommend that if you are either a Developer or an IT Professional to plan and try to go next year. Not only do you get to find out the latest and greatest of today's technology, but also tomorrows.
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