The ongoing Tech·Ed community

One of the goals of Tech·Ed is to help create a community that lives long beyond the event.

While at Tech·Ed 2009, you’ll be invited to meet and chat with participants in ongoing Microsoft community programs. These people are the 'influencers,' experts on Microsoft products and technologies who love to share what they know with others, and there are many ways to keep in touch with them when you need it throughout the year.

Tech·Ed 2009 is a great time to find out more about becoming a member of one of the Microsoft community programs. You can visit the Microsoft Community Lounges around the convention centre at any time:

  • User Groups

    There are over 100 User Groups around Australia. User groups are a 'meeting of minds' for people who share a common interest in and passion for a particular technology as a business enabler. From .NET User Groups, to Sharepoint to Small Business user groups and many more, user groups generally take place monthly across the country in both big cities and small towns! You can find a place to connect with and learn from your peers and even share what you know for the good of the community.

  • Microsoft Certified Trainers

    Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) share a passion and talent for helping Microsoft customers and partners realise their full learning potential; At Tech·Ed 2009 they’ll assist as Technical Learning Guides in the Hands-on Labs and host the Certification Testing Centre; MCTs are technical and instructional experts in Microsoft products, technologies, and solutions; The MCT community spans more than 130 countries/regions and includes classroom and distance-learning instructors, learning consultants, authors, conference presenters, user group leaders and more.

    MCTs are the only individuals whom Microsoft authorises to deliver training based on Official Microsoft Learning Products or Microsoft Dynamics courses: Before you apply to become an MCT, you must acquire one of the Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) certifications or become a Microsoft Dynamics qualifier for the MCT program. Find out more about becoming an MCT by visiting www.microsoft.com/mct

  • Most Valuable Professionals

    Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) can primarily be found in the Technical Learning Centre (TLC) under the signs that say, "Ask the Expert".

    MVPs are outstanding community leaders who foster the free and objective exchange of knowledge by actively sharing their real-world expertise in technical communities worldwide.

    MVPs possess expertise in one or more Microsoft products or technologies and are awarded for their exceptional contributions to traditional communities, including newsgroups, third-party Web sites, user groups, and emerging community venues such as blogs and Wikis. Additionally, MVPs represent the customer community by providing feedback to Microsoft product development and Research and Development.

    Find out more at mvp.support.microsoft.com

  • Regional Directors

    Regional Directors (RDs) are noted speakers. Recognised as some of the most prominent members of the Microsoft technical community, their technical savvy, business awareness, and close industry connections keep them abreast of the latest technical trends.

    There are only 140 Regional Directors worldwide, and nearly half are involved with Tech·Ed 2009 – some as speakers or advisors for the conference's Technical Tracks. RDs are ready and willing to help you fully understand why Microsoft developer and platform technologies are the future of computing; At Tech·Ed 2009 they can be found in the TLC and around the conference floor sharing their expertise.

    You can learn more about the RDs by visiting www.TheRegion.com