If you're immersed in Microsoft Project and Project Server for your work, you'll definitely want to head to Microsoft's Phoenix bash, the Microsoft Project Conference 2009 September 14-17. Here are 11 reasons to attend:
1. If Microsoft gets the timing right, you'll be among the first to see the new versions of Microsoft Project and Project Server in action. This event is bound to be packed with sessions given by experts who have been testing the new releases since the earliest editions.
2. This is your chance to take your career to the next level. Refine your project management skills, add to your LinkedIn list, get answers to those gnarly Project questions, and invest in your future as a project manager.
3. Build your professional reputation as a presenter. Speakers at this global event are viewed as thought leaders and technical gurus. The first close for presentation proposals is April 15; the final close is May 22.
4. If you're one of the first 500 registrants, you can get a 15 percent early bird discount. That puts the price of registering at $699, a true bargain in the world of technical conferences. (Compare that to TechEd's early bird reg fee of $2,045!)
5. This event takes place post-Labor Day. Get the kids back in school and then exploit this opportunity to recharge your work groove with classes and networking.
6. If you love trains like we love trains (or you just like saving money), then you can take advantage of Phoenix's brand new light rail system that will take you from the airport to downtown hotels for $1.25. (Yes, there's a quick bus ride between the airport and the light rail system, but don't worry -- there's plenty of room on the bus for your luggage.)
7. On Tuesday night, Microsoft's taking all of us off to the Corona Ranch for a rodeo and BBQ. Think you can stay on a bucking bronco until the buzzer sounds? Here's your chance to prove it in front of all of us!
8. The exhibit hall will be packed with vendors demonstrating their latest products. If you're looking for a specific tool to help you in some aspect of your project portfolio, we guarantee you'll find leads here.
9. The MPUG global team will be there -- and we'd love to meet you. We'd also like to Flip you (with our Flip digital recorder, of course). Share a new tip you've just learned with the MPUG community on the MPUG YouTube channel to earn a way cool MPUG t-shirt -- while they last.
10. You can win prizes! MPUG is hosting a Stump-the-Experts panel for MPUG members on the afternoon of Day 1. Ask a Project question our experts can't answer, and you can walk away with t-shirts, ballcaps, books, software, and more!
11. Finally, there's no place more beautiful than Phoenix in mid-September. It'll still be nice enough in this desert oasis to sip margaritas by the pool. Waiter!
What are you waiting for? Sign up now on the Microsoft Project Conference 2009 site.
We'll see you there!