Can’t make it to London for Microsoft TechDays?  Microsoft is running Connected Development in the heart of Yorkshire, with the top industry speakers from Microsoft and Gold ALM partners Black Marble and nFocus.

Highlights include Microsoft Developer Evangelist Mike Taulty on the latest news from MIX, TFS Product Manager Martin Woodward on TFS for Everyone and Black Marble discussing their Award-winning Windows Phone 7 application – TFS Phone Explorer.

This event takes place at our usual venue: The Holiday Inn Leeds/Bradford.

Visit the TechDays site for more details including how to register.

Date: 26 May, 9:30am – 4:30pm

This is a great time of  year for events – as well as our own (see previous post: A Series of Fortunate Events), there are the following great community events to look forward to:

First up is SQL Bits in York – taking place from 30th September to 2nd October at York University – a three day event, with a community focus on the Saturday. The largest SQL Server conference in Europe, and must-attend event for DBAs.

Next is a a free one-day event in Manchester focusing on Windows Phone 7 from the DDD community – a day of demo-rich presentations for developers – learning, sharing and interacting in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.  It takes place at the Odeon Cinema, Printworks on 7th October, from 9:00-17:00.  There are still places available so book now!

Finally, another DDD event, this time in Ireland!  On Saturday 9th October at the NDRC in Dublin – registration is now open.

The latest selection of Black Marble Xmas cards have a distinctly sci fi theme … We are particularly fond of the snowman below inspired by our devs regular game playing!

Have a very Halo Xmas.

We are always pushing automation of our processes at Black Marble … and here’s one that gadget that would only require minor tweaking to make my life easier …

… now I just need to replace that little animal with a developer …

(my thanks to Engadget for inspiration)