Welcome – first things first – to me, this image embodies what the conference is all about:

Hugh's Blue Monster

http://www.gapingvoid.com/microsoftbizcard219border.jpg -

ODC 2008 is all about change, revolution – challenging ourselves to look at things differently. Stepping outside of the box, some may say I'm soaring outside of the box, which is cool with me. In fact if people aren't saying that enough about me then I'm not trying hard enough - that's why I love the Blue Monster picture and message so much.

This track is one that I'm excited to be a part of, one that is led by partners and customers telling their 'Real World' stories. It's not Microsoft getting up and presenting on all the great things our partners and customers can do with our products and solutions, rather it extends, buttresses and bridges those presentations making it real. Our Real World presenters - partners and customers – are the bridge to validate and show real examples, share their stories IN THEIR OWN WORDS, without a sales pitch.

A brief history on the Real World moniker - the name 'Real World' threw me off at first - actually it kept reminding me of MTV's 'The Real World' which was anything but.

'Real World' started off as a code name (or actually, lack of one) – it was a placeholder – as we moved forward with our planning the name stuck. I think this is awesome. We spent time focusing on content, not clever code names. You'll see my other colleague's ODC 2008 blogs and their names associated with their tracks. The result: a true sense of ownership, responsibility, accountability to you. The track owners are by design, transparent. I think that's cool.

A brief background on me: I'm a former Microsoftie, and have worked as a Microsoft partner for the past seven years at various organizations. I recently had the opportunity to return back to Microsoft working with partners and am stoked – because I do believe I can make a difference. I have tremendous passion for partners and customers who truly are the 'Real World' –you are the ones out there working day in and day out with our products. Finally, I have ADHD – seriously – have had it since I was about 2 years old so if I end up accidently calling ODC 2008, OCD 2008 – you'll know why. As Mark Twain said: I don't give a damn for a man that can only spell a word one way.

I look forward to an awesome ODC 2008 – and being a part of a revolution, the revolution starts now I'm ready how about you?