So it is all over
So what are my final thoughts on TechEd developer 2006? Well I think the split of Developers from IT Pros works. In my opinion this is the best TechEd I have been to from a content quality and relevance point of view, in the past there have been too many sessions on IT Support issues.
Also it is good to be back in Barcelona, a nice bit of late season sun. I surprise myself saying that as I hated the old venue used for past Barcelona TechEds; out towards the airport, but I have to say the CCIB is great. All session rooms are close to each other, everything ran smoothly, there are shops nearby and easy metro link to hotels and other civilization - what more can you ask for a conference?
The only downside for me, and is not a real issue, is the social side seems quieter. At past TechEds and PDCs there has been a big Thursday night do, but nothing this week (or next week it seems for the IT pros). Now you (or at least I) don't come conferences to party and to be honest I did not actually miss the big party (a quiet meal and beer was more what I needed after 3 days of sessions) but the lack of the big party, when there has been one in the past, make it seem like the event has scaled back. However, in pure numbers it is the biggest TechEd Europe ever. It is a perception thing, if there had never been big parties they would not be missed.
I noticed Robert blogged on the lack of a theme for the conference. Maybe this is due to the lack of Vista RTM announcement? I would agree the event for me has been buzz free, no single topic every has said 'you must see this'. However this could just be a product of so many products that we have seen so long in Beta being released at the the moment. No so much a buzz but a sigh of relief.
So would I recommend TechEd to others? on the past week yes the content has been great and what else is a conference really for?
Richard