Since getting back from TechEd things have been a bit crazy.  The rest of the week there was a blast.  I got to meet many more community members and catch some really interesting presentations.  I am currently fascinated with the SQL Server 2008 Data Mining tools and am in search of a good problem.   I'd like to turn this into a presentation for the local User Group. 

One of the other highlights was using the Certification Testing at the conference.  After sorting out some issues with the name on my certification, I was able to finally get this logo:

That was not a pleasant test.  The tool just has so many facets to it and it's really impossible to have used all of them.  But the test prep senter at the conference and some reading got me a pass on the first try.

The day started out with the key note by Bill Gates.  Very nice speech on the focus of their development efforts for the years to come.  We were also treated to the director's cut of the Bill Gates' Last Day video.

I've made some new friends.

Drank my MSDN Subscription's worht of Beer at Howl at The Moon for Geekfest 2008.  It was a nice time and I got to meet many more of the folks from the Florida .Net Communities. 

I arrived on Monday afternoon at the convention center.   I always forget how incredibly large the facility is.  The first glimpse of the floow was empty but beautiful.  The booths were very well put togeather.

The afternoon was spent at the INETA Community Summit with the Florida Delegation led by Joe Healy (Only half of us could vote).  It was a great discussion on the challenges, successes, tips and more of building a community.  I got some good ideas to bring back to the Space Coast .Net User Group.

After the summit was hotel check-in followed by Party with Palermo at the Glow Lounge.  Ran into a former co-worker who was staying at the same hotel and we got to catch-up over copious servings of beer.

I put a couple of collections on Live Maps to help everyone find the where & when of the after hours events at TechEd 2008 Dev.

• TechEd 2008 Dev Evenings - Monday
• TechEd 2008 Dev Evenings - Tuesday
• TechEd 2008 Dev Evenings - Thursday

I was comparing the list of evening events from the IT Pro week to the Developer's week and I have come to the conclusion - we're boring.  The IT Pro week is booked with evening events all over the place on every night.  It really doesn't matter, I'll be in my room in the evenings studying for certs (cough... not...).

Andrew Connel & Bob Fox kick-off TechEd right with SharePoint by Day and SharePint at Night.

• SharePoint by Day, SharePint by Night @ TechEd North America 2008 Developer
  Monday, June 2, 7p ->? @ BB Kings Orlando (9101 International Drive #2230; Orlando, FL)
• SharePoint by Day, SharePint by Night @ TechEd North America 2008 IT Pro
  Monday, June 9, 7p ->? @ BB Kings Orlando (9101 International Drive #2230; Orlando, FL)

The onslaught of things to in the evening continues (You don't have to be going to TechEd to come to this one!):

I am looking forward to TechEd but am also a little overwhelmed.  I am working up my shcedule with the Schedule Builder and am frankly in awe of the number and variety of sessions.  I want to attend sessions, meet with folks, do labs and even take a cert or two.  How to do all of this and stay sane?

GeekFest 2008 TechEd Edition

Doug Seven & Company (MSFT) are throwing this event at Howl at the Moon.  I haven't been to a Howl at The Moon since the one at Church Street closed.  I am looking forward to getting reaquainted in Geek style.  Hope to see some familiar faces there.