Microsoft Tech-Ed 2007

With over 1800 delegates attending, much was expected in terms of content in the sessions as well as from the after-hour celebrations.

Following on from the Sringboks' triumph in France, Tech-Ed opened in a very festive mood and the riveting opening keynote address by international speaker was Iain McDonald set the tone for what proceeded to be a memorable four days.

The first evening saw delegates invited to The Valley of the Waves to enjoy a stunningly styled “Lost” party - complete with a plane wreckage - based on the well known television series. Guests were entertained by dancers and the increasingly popular Voodoo Child. The evening culminated in a spectacular fireworks show followed by a dance inducing set by DJ Luis.

When the serious business started the following day delegates were exposed to the latest IT trends and solutions presented by some of the leading lights in the industry. Dozens of topics were covered and addressed in an extremely busy agenda, but the overall benefit derived by the attending delegates was unquestionably worthwhile.

On the second, "leisure” evening delegates were treated to the comedic talents of Trevor Noah and Mark Banks in a packed out Royal Ballroom, whilst smaller parties around the Sun City resort, hosted by various sponsors, ensured that there were numerous options for the revelers in attendance!

Not forgetting to promote healthier lifestyles, a Fun Run was organised by CLA and hosted by Bruce Fordyce. A full field set out on a gentle 5km run with the Comrades Marathon legend on the second morning of Tech-Ed, competing for some awesome prizes sponsored by one of the internal Microsoft divisions.

The work sessions continued to be well attended on day three, in spite of the late night and early morning exertions of some, but the undoubted highlight of the conference was the closing “CSI” themed party in the Superbowl. Exquisite décor, breathtaking staging and world class entertainment, in the form of Arno Carstens ensured that the conference closed on a very high note.

“The many comments made by delegates following the closing keynote address and feedback that we gathered from extensive surveys confirmed that the entire event was extremely well received and an unrivalled success,” says Liron Gilhar of CLA, Project Manager of Microsoft Tech-Ed 2007.