I am back from TechEd 04 in San Diego and it was a great event.  Please feel free to continue to blog feedback as we are always interested.  I am still new to the game and trying to figure all of this blog stuff out.  My son thinks it sounds cool, and wants to know if Spiderman blogs too (he is   3½).  I did not get time to actually sit and blog at the event like I thought I would.  I spend most of my time working the concierge desk for my tracks.  We code named ours Copacabana.  I really enjoyed meeting attendees and helping everyone get connected with the experts.  There were only a few that we could not actually meet up and it was mostly a timing and logistics thing.  If I wasn’t in the cabana I was in a meeting discussing improvements or adjustments that needed to happen on site as we are always trying to ensure the best attendee experience.  There were a lot of new elements this year that needed extra attention.   The cabana thing worked out although I was hoping it the “branding” of it cabana would not stick and apparently it is.  I truly appreciated all of the support from the attendees and staff on all of the new things and rest assured that next year will be improved – it only ever gets better J

For me, I am also glad that the party I helped throw is over.  Yes we had Jessica Simpson (I don’t even listen to pop) so she was not my first choice, hell she did not even make my list.  She was however very nice and her “camp” was easy and awesome to work with.  Don’t let the Omorasa thing fool you J  She is very tiny and can actually sing.  She literally stepped off a plane for our for our event and then flew right back out to attend the party that Prince was throwing – rough life.  That weekend she not only launched her world tour, but sang the national anthem at the Indy 500.  I tell you that the girl is busy and very rich.  I do hope that if you did come to the party that you did experience some of the other games and activities and animal presentations.  I had to have the oxygen bar after trying it in Europe last year.  Apparently I was pretty good at the surfing simulator.  I am sorry that the entire zoo could not stay open and more animals for viewing – they have routines and schedules and apparently the party was past their bed time.  They did however server good drinks with premium liquor.

Anyway, I just finished the post mortem meeting today for TechEd US and we are already planning 2005!  It is really going to be a great event next year and I can’t wait.  In the next couple of weeks – I am going to get better at this blog stuff and actually add some pictures.  I get so many cool feeds that I like to read that writing them just takes away from reading them.   

I am going to TechEd Europe and will take time to truly blog the event and it’s experience since I won’t be working the “concierge” desk and should have more time to contribute. 

 Hi All-

Sorry, I did not log the last couple of days.  My luck I got sick on Friday, traveled sick yesterday and have been too sick until today sit at my computer J  I am feeling better today and will be at the Community Lounge for most of the day.  I hope that you have all traveled safe and are ready to have an awesome week! 

So I wanted to make sure everyone knows how to get a ticket.  You can only get tickets in the “MS Pavilion” at the MOM, SMS and SystemCenter stations as well as the NetIQ station in the “Management Pavilion”.  Unless I give you a clue as a special spot or time to get them – you can only get tickets at the booths I listed above.  Monday at noon is your first opportunity for you to get them.

Clue today:  She has a sibling in the business

I am getting very excited about TechEd and San Diego!  I thought the mail in my in-box would be slowing down by now, but it’s not J, so in case I don’t get more time to post later I wanted to give you the clue I promised about the talent for the “Rumble in the Jungle”.   

Talent Clues Known so far:

1. Billboard Recording Artist

New Clues:The talent is often seen in publications like US Weekly and People and they live in LA  (don’t you hate when the clue is so vague) – how about a better one that is more reveling tomorrow J

So I am new to the blog game and am still figuring out who to participate.  I will learn to post pictures and videos soon, so hopefully this will get more interesting. 

Now that the event is getting closer, I will try to post something at least every other day.. Although it might be more as this blog stuff is addicting. 

Today is a beautiful day in Seattle, and I am going to just tell you about me and no special event related info J.  Check back next week as I will give insight into demos that you can see in sessions and special chances to win prizes within my tracks.  To be honest I have been so heads down on the TechEd – that I could use a non TechEd breather – so here it goes

I am the mom of 2 great kids – my son is 3.5 and my daughter is 1.5 so they keep me busy.   I am a sincere, high energy person who is passionate about many things.  I am always smiling and love to meet people.  I have played soccer for most of my life and enjoy outdoor activities.   Last Saturday 5/8/04 I  accomplished a lifelong personal goal and jumped out of a plane from 12K feet. (stay tuned as I figure out how to link and post to video – I will share it with you).   My son now thinks I am cooler than Spiderman – and I never imagined I could beat out a  Superhero!

I can not sing although you will find me at a Jam Session or 2 as I did take bongo lessons as a college course and play some mean percussion instruments.   I love music, dancing and having a good time.  I often will grab someone with their head bobbing watching the music and ask them to dance with me. 

In closing for today -- Words that would never be used to describe me are:  Single, Blond, Quiet, Boring, or Ordinary

I am the Windows and Management track owner for TechEd.  What does that mean to you?  It means that it is my job to ensure you get the high quality, deep technical content you want and need.  It means I have been spending the last 7 months planning and working on making sure this happens.  I negotiate for sessions spots.  I work with product teams on exactly what sessions you want to see per the surveys and feedback you provide.  I make sure the content you are going to see is reviewed by the appropriate teams and our even our executives.  I am personally proud of the session choices we have available for you.  My job on site will be to help ensure you are getting what you need.   I will be working at the “concierge desk” in the Community Lounge Area.  If you want to meet and expert in my area, be sure to stop by and let me know and either I or someone at the desk will help you out.  I have tons of experts scheduled all down long in all technologies.  There will be a master schedule there so we can tell you exactly when you can find the experts you want to find.  Feel free to provide me your feedback as I will do my best to make it useful and implement improvements for you next year. 

See you there!  I can’t wait!

Random fact about me:  San Diego is one of my top 10 places!!