As you might’ve guessed by now, I’m one of the lucky guys who gets to attend the Microsoft Exchange Conference in Orlando, FL.
Over the past few days, I have seen lots of people post their agendas online, which made me think that I perhaps should also start building one. Although, that was the plan. I didn’t take long before I figured out that building an agenda wasn’t really going to work out for me… I mean, have you seen the session list? It’s huge! And there’s really lots and lots of great content. So instead of trying to fit everything in, I’ll just take the sessions as they come. I’ll definitely let you know how that worked out… 
Anyway, I arrived yesterday and was lucky enough to bump into a whole bunch of Exchange-people heading to MEC. Throughout the conversations I had, it was getting pretty clear that getting value from MEC isn’t really about the sessions or content, it’s mostly about the community and the contacts itself.
Not only I have been able to talk to some of the veterans like Tony Redmond, Jeff Guillet but also got to meet lots of new people. It doesn’t need any explanation that I’ve already had lots of interesting conversations about Exchange and other stuff.
It’s a pity to realize that some people, who definitely should’ve been here, weren’t able to make it or even worse, couldn’t get their employers convinced to send them. My thoughts especially go out to some fellow UCArchitects like Steve, Michel, Mahmoud and Johan! I hope that MEC will stay for the next few years and that employers who refused to send some of those guys start realizing the real value in the conference: socializing.
As a matter of fact, you should read the following blog by Tony Redmond; some rather interesting thoughts about the conference…
Anyway, I’m pretty sure that those who weren’t able to make it will at least be able to virtually attend the conference. If you’re not already following me (and other members of the community), start doing so today! I’m pretty sure you’ll get loads of info through blogs/twitter/…
Cheers,
Michael
