I started my Tech Ed experience on Sunday to take part in an exam cram for 70-649, the MCSE 2003 Upgrade test for Server 2008. The training was led by Zach Nieman who is the president of Training Experts. Zach is a great presenter. I have to give credit to anyone who can keep my attention for the entire day the way Zach was able. From 8:00 to 4:30 pm, Zach covered the material from exams 70-640, 70-642, and 70-643 (which is what 70-649 covers). I am scheduled to take the exam tomorrow at 1:00.
It was interesting seeing how empty the Orange County Convention Center was on this “tweener” weekend.

Since the Tech Ed developers and it pros were separated into two conferences this year, the covention center was opened up to user groups. Training events were held over the weekend covering topics for both developers and it pros. The Certification Testing center was open over the weekend and will be open on Monday for Tech Ed attendees only.
I was also able to talk with William Sabo, a consultant from the Tallahasse, Fl area. He was there for a pre-conference on SharePoint.
Ken Rosen was at the Testing Center for Microsoft. Although he has changed positions within Microsoft, I still think of him as a MCT Celebrity.
Speaking of MCT Celebrities, I got to meet Bill Chapman of Microsoft.
Good times today - except that I did not get to see my blogging Microsoft friend, Trika.