Well, Tech*Ed is over, and I have to say it’s been a great experience.  The networking opportunities were fabulous … not only with the awesome people I met who don’t work for Microsoft ... but also with the Microsofties who work down the street but I had never met in person.

Here are some highlights:

The Women in Technology Luncheon:  Usually, I’m skeptical of events that pull women together for the sake of being women, but this panel discussion was phenomenal ... no matter your gender.  The women on the panel were such super-heros.  They totally inspired me with their intellect, wit, fearlessness, and success in a time when I needed a supportive message.  It was so awesome.

The Career Counseling Couch:  By day 2, I figured out the best way to meet people was to set up shop on one of the Community Cabana couches … and it worked wonders.  I had a consistent line of people wanting career advice and tips on how to get into Microsoft.  It was awesome to meet so many people and hear about their career aspirations and try to offer guidance.  I also got a lot of funny looks from poor passers-by who saw my line. But it was way cool.

Michael Kaplan:  Nuff said.  I was just finally so happy to meet Michael in person because I avidly read his blog and he always cracks me up.  He now thinks I’m a stalker, but seriously, he’s the one who blogged about me no less than 4 times in the last few days.  Who’s the stalker now? :)

My Tech*Ed Puzzle Hunt: Totally fun.  Handing out the cards and promoting the contest felt a bit like I was being tested for The Apprentice, but in the end, the contest was a great way for me to meet even more people.  I know everyone who participated enjoyed the puzzles, and I’m pretty sure the winner will be happy with his Portable Media Center.  I hope to do more of these types of things.

I’m on vacation now until late next week.  (And boy, do I need it.)   I know many of you have emailed me, and as you might imagine, I have tons of items in my inbox.  I won’t have a chance to respond to you before my vacation, but I’ll give you a shout late next week. 

With all the attention to my blog (and another CNETarticle out there), I’ll need to turn on comment moderation while I am gone.  The bad news is I won't have an internet connection for the next few days so that means your comments won’t post until Wednesday afternoon.  But keep leavin’ them anyway!

gretchen