So TechEd 2006 has wrapped up. I haven’t blogged as much as I had originally planned, but that’s because I’ve been busy attending sessions and talking to cool people. It’s been a pleasure and an honour to talk to some of the biggest names in the industry. (No, I didn’t get a chance to talk to Mr. Gates or Mr. Ozzie. Maybe next time.) :^) Being in Boston again has been a blast, but I’m looking forward to heading home to Calgary. Coming with me is a bag o’ swag, much of which you can see pictured below. (After snapping the pics, I noticed another pile that I’d forgotten to include.)

Of particular note is the Office System “chalk duster” – behind the action figures. It’s actually a T-shirt. I’m told the wrinkles iron out easily. You can also see the Source Fource action figures, a SQL Server magic 8-ball, loads of flashlights, magazines, and book samples. I got the backpack for trying out Windows Vista and won Halo 2 at the CodeZone.com booth. (Now I just need an XBox to play it on.) Of special note, Compuware – the makers of some truly awesome developer tools – allowed attendees to spin a wheel for the chance to win a USB key! I won the chapstick with the freaky-looking purple hair – you can see it to the left of the Source Fource. Definitely the lamest prize I saw at the show. I also managed to replace my entire wardrobe with the number of free T-shirts I received.

I did snap a few amusing pictures while at the show. I think the “InfoCard” team really liked the name change to “Cardspace”.

And is Business Objects trying to make a statement about the ease of use of their Crystal Reports product?

Overall I had a blast at TechEd 2006 in Boston. TechEd 2007 will be in New Orleans again. Hopefully I’ll be there!!!