"Ultimate SharePoint Weekend" in New York City, September 7-9
Since the SharePoint 2007 products RTM'd about 9 months ago, many SharePoint focused community gatherings, primarily in the form of user group meetings or code camps and totally free, have occurred all over the world. On the other hand, several SharePoint focused training companies have put on fee-based educational summits, which provide a combination of intensive training, product expo, and professional networking.
So, I was especially intrigued when Infusion, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, invited me to participate as a judge in their "Ultimate SharePoint Weekend" event, which they've described as two days and nights of SharePoint and Silverlight developer training, collaboration, and competition. Moreover, they'll even pay for attendees' travel and lodging expenses! What's the catch? Well, first, space will be very limited, and you must apply by August 14. Second, just like how Burning Man used to be -- yeah, I really miss those good old days :-), this will be a "no spectators" event in that all attendees are expected to actively participate in the training and to creatively engage in competition for the best SharePoint-based prototype, mashup, or application.
On behalf of the SharePoint product group, I have contributed a Zune (black color) to the prize pool. Also, for the grand prize winner, Infusion will cover the cost of traveling to Redmond, WA for a meeting and potential Spock-like mind meld with a few key members of the product group, which I will coordinate.
I look forward to seeing as well as helping to organize other fun yet intense SharePoint focused community events during the next 12 months. If you are planning or have a novel idea for such an event, please e-mail me with details for consideration to be added to the SharePoint Community Events calendar at http://sharepoint.microsoft.com/sharepoint/events and to receive direct support in the form of swag, prizes, and/or partipation from the SharePoint product group.
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